Target Archer Farms Steamable Frozen Green Beans

CookingLight.com: The Best-Store Brand Products

Your standard steam-in-the-bag bean goes upscale with these haricots verts--like beauties. They maintained their flavor and texture, despite being frozen. Grassy, crunchy, and crisp, they're the perfect go-to for the time-strapped cook.

Shop: Archer Farms Extra-Fine Green Beans

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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The Best Store-B...

Deciding when to buy budget-friendly store-brand products and when to pass and go for the gusto can be a tricky task. Luckily, we've done the dirty work so you don't have to. Cooking Light staffers weeded through countless products to bring you the best that the store-brands have to offer.

We'll start with Whole Foods Organic 100% Whole-Wheat Bread. A hearty, dense texture makes this ideal for toast, slathered with a tart fruit preserves.

Shop: Organic 100% Whole-Wheat Bread

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Whole Foods 365 ...

What you want from canned tuna are distinct, meaty flakes, and that’s exactly what you get here—plus clean, pure tuna taste.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Albacore Tuna

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Target Market Pa...

Superior creamy texture at a great price—about $2 a pound. This is the butter to stock up on.

Shop: Market Pantry Unsalted Butter

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Walmart Great Va...

Its neutral flavor puts focus on the filling. Straight out of the box, its thickness is ideal for heavy custards or quiches.

Shop: Great Value Pie Crust

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Target Archer Fa...

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Whole Foods 365 ...

A nutty, nuanced oil that's bold but not bitter. Intensely roasty, toasty flavor with a clean finish.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Toasted Sesame Oil

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Walmart Great Va...

Clean, clear butter flavor.

Shop: Great Value Unsalted Butter

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Whole Foods 365 ...

Light, silky texture, balanced vinegar-lemon tang, and a nice salty kick.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Canola Mayonnaise

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Target Market Pa...

Dark, strong, with an intense smoky character.

Shop: Target Market Pantry Lower-Sodium Soy Sauce

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Whole Foods 365 ...

Flecks of spices set this ketchup apart from other brands. We loved the sweet and naturally clean flavor and applaud Whole Foods for making a great product with only 160 milligrams of sodium per tablespoon. Less salt but lots of flavor.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Ketchup

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Target Archer Fa...

Lemony and full of heat, with a backbone of cumin, coriander, and cardamom. Coconut milk and butter provide creaminess (and 4g sat fat). Traditional with pork, but try with potatoes.

Shop: Archer Farms Vindaloo

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Whole Foods 365 ...

Thinner (without being watery) with a milder hit of coconut flavor. Not overly sweet. Does not have the oaky taste found in some light coconut milks—best in a dessert recipe.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Light Coconut Milk

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Walmart World Ta...

This is a chip clinger with cumin, salt, and heat all getting their turn on the palate. Tangy with a smoky endnote—you can tell the jalapeños were roasted properly.

Shop: World Table Salsa Verde

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Target Archer Fa...

They’re corn-yellow-pretty, delectably crunchy, nicely salted, and loaded with hearty flavor. Plus, a zip-top bag closure staves off staleness (if they last long enough for a third or fourth session).

Shop: Archer Farms Tortilla Chips

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Whole Foods 365 ...

Whole Foods’ house brand offered a buttery flavor balanced with just the right amount of salt and crunch (again, not tooth-breakingly hard, but not airy or floury, as several samples were).

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Organic Crunchy Mini Twists

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Target Market Pa...

So thick and luscious that one tester thought it might be mascarpone cheese.

Shop: Market Pantry Light Sour Cream

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Whole Foods 365 ...

These hearty beans hold up well during the canning process—firm, yet still tender.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value No Salt Added Black Beans

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Target Market Pa...

The intensity of the apple flavor really hits in every bite—with just the right sweetness to balance the tart notes.

Shop: Market Pantry Applesauce Natural

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

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Whole Foods 365 ...

Crisp on the outside with a tenderly chewy middle. Not overly sweet, so they're the perfect accompaniment for maple syrup.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Organic Homestyle Waffles

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

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Walmart Great Va...

This oil's clean, fresh taste is the perfect backdrop for sautéing veggies like mushrooms and onions, but its grassy finish was something we savored with a simple slice of crusty bread.

Shop: Great Value Pure Olive Oil

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Target Archer Fa...

Stands out for its nice, thick, creamy texture and light sweetness.

Shop: Archer Farms Plain Soy Milk

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Whole Foods 365 ...

For a budget balsamic, this one packs a thick, rich punch. Ready to drizzle or glaze grilled chicken or salmon.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Balsamic Vinegar

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Whole Foods 365 ...

Slightly puffed brown rice gives this not-too-sweet granola a nice, light crunch.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Oat and Honey Granola

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Target Market Pa...

Its toasted whole-wheat notes are complemented—rather than obscured—by the sweet frosting. Tall, fluffy biscuits don't lose their crunchy mojo in milk.

Shop: Market Pantry Frosted Bite-Sized Shredded Wheat

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Whole Foods 365 ...

A midsummer-fresh tomato taste and a nice, thick texture make this a great option for any soup, stew, or sauce that needs body.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Diced, No-Salt-Added Tomatoes

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Target Archer Fa...

Great for those just starting down the whole-wheat pasta path. A subtler flavor for subtler sauces—basic marinara would be perfect.

Shop: Archer Farms Whole-Wheat Spaghetti

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Walmart Great Va...

Walmart's house brand is thick and clingy, has a robust vinegar flavor, and the standard 190 milligrams sodium. Its brightness is balanced by a smooth, sweet finish.

Shop: Great Value Tomato Ketchup

(Photo: Randy Mayor)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Whole Foods 365 ...

A good basic-butter choice if you’re looking for organic.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Unsalted Butter

(Photo: Manfred Koh)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Best Healthy Lun... Click here to see a definitive guide to a healthy lunch on the go—complete with nutrition-boosting tips, make-ahead strategies, and tasty pack-and-go recipes.