When we go grocery shopping, we have one purpose in mind – to save money. Our quest for quality goods at the most affordable prices is never-ending. With Amazon acquiring Whole Foods and selling things are a reduced price, our grocery lists were ready to take advantage of the cheaper costs.
Shortly after, Target followed suit with a plan to reduce food expenses competitively.
With Target’s promising price cuts, we couldn’t decide whether to go to Trader Joe’s or Target. The only way to find out was to conduct a thorough investigation and research. We’ve price-compared two grocery stores that focus more on healthy eating – Trader Joe’s vs. Target.
Trader Joe’s vs. Target – Which is Better and Cheaper in 2023?
Trader Joe’s pricing was 16 percent lower than the average costs reported among the grocery retailers studied by Checkbook.org. It was 12% less expensive than Target and 7% less costly than Ralphs.
On the other hand, Target offers more discounts than Trader Joe’s, such as Redcard and Cartwheel, which might help lower prices. Target also has more coupons and greater variety than Trader Joe’s – look at the yogurt section.
Trader Joe’s constantly introduces new, unusual, and seasonal items that you won’t find anywhere else, like cookie butter and uncured bacon jam. Nonetheless, there appear to be some products that we will always enjoy at Target and Trader Joe’s.
How Cheaper Is Trader Joe’s vs. Target?
Here’s a breakdown of overall expenditures from a Trader Joe’s vs. Target food shopping comparison.
Trader Joe’s Shopping List
- Dozen large brown eggs – $2.99
- Fresh Chicken Breast – $6.55
- Hass Avocado – $2.29
- Gala Apples – $0.98
- Blue Diamond Vanilla Almond Milk – $1.99
Total Spend: $14.80
Biggest Expense Items: Avocadoes (pricier than Target)
Comparably Priced Items:
- Eggs – same price
- Almond milk – same price
Savings Items: Chicken (cheaper than Target)
Target Shopping List
- Dozen large brown eggs – $2.99
- Fresh Chicken Breast – $6.99
- Hass Avocado – $1.00
- Gala Apples – $3.14
- Blue Diamond Vanilla Almond Milk – $1.99
Total Spend: $16.11
Biggest Expense Item: Apples (pricier than Trader Joe’s)
Comparably Priced Items:
- Eggs – same price
- Almond milk – same price
Savings Items: Avocados (cheaper than Trader Joe’s)
Who Is Trader Joe’s Target Market?
Trader Joe’s is a retailer that caters to singles, couples, and small families. According to Simmons National Consumer Surveys, more than 22% of Trader Joe’s buyers have a graduate school diploma (compared to less than 10% of all US adults).
Another 28% are college graduates (compared to 16% in the overall population).
Who Is Target’s Target Market?
Target’s marketing techniques are predominantly directed at younger clients, specifically those aged 18 to 44. Because this age group accounts for over 60% of Target’s customers, the retailer focuses on providing things that appeal to them.
Target’s consumer base, on the other hand, is not entirely made up of teenagers. Approximately 12% of Target customers are 65 or older. Target has a higher proportion of younger customers than similar stores.
What To Buy At Trader Joe’s vs. Target?
There are so many Trader Joe’s goods that we enjoy, and our list is continually changing, but here are a few of our favorites:
- Trader Joe’s Vegetables and Produce Riced Broccoli
- Organic Riced Cauliflower
- Zucchini Fries
- Carrot Spirals
- Vegetable Patties
- Trader Joe’s Healthy Grains, Bread, & Cereal Frozen Organic Brown Rice
- Organic TriColor Quinoa
- Sprouted 7-Grain Bread
- Blueberry Muesli
- Hemp Seed
- Refrigerated Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
- Red Lentils
What To Buy At Target vs. Trader Joe’s?
Simply Balanced Creamy Peanut Butter
Though Trader Joe’s comes out on top in terms of pricing, you will like the texture and flavor of Target’s version. Just be sure to thoroughly mix it when you first open it to combine everything, and then chill it fully.
Tortillas
Target returned with the best tasting and longest-lasting tortillas after visiting several grocery stores searching for trans-fat-free tortillas. Trader Joe’s tortillas are also free of trans fat, but they spoil faster.
Grass-Fed Ground Beef
Most consumers prefer Target’s grass-fed beef because it is slightly cheaper than Trader Joe’s. Also, Target has more options for fat content (90% lean, 85% lean, 80% lean, and so on).
Simply Balanced Quinoa
Though the price per unit is the same at Trader Joe’s and Target, a lot may still prefer Target because they get a more significant piece, and therefore, they don’t have to buy it as often.
What Is Trader Joe’s Brand Statement?
Trader Joe’s live by its brand statement that says,
“Trader Joe’s private label products promise great quality fare for exceptional, everyday prices. We taste everything before we put our name on it and offer only what we feel is extraordinary.”
This includes:
- No artificial ingredients
- No artificial preservatives
- No MSG
- No GMOs
- No trans fat
- No added hormones to any pork or poultry
- Grass-fed, no antibiotic, nitrate-free meat offerings
- Color derivatives from only naturally available products
- Quality ingredients
Trader Joe’s vs. Target Comparison Breakdown
Meat and Seafood
| Food Item | Trader Joe’s | Target |
| Organic Rib Eye Steak | $13.99/lb | $17.99/lb |
| Organic Ground Beef | $7.79/lb | $6.99/lb |
| Organic Free Range Chicken Breast | $9.09/1.3lbs | $6.99/14oz |
| Organic Chicken Thighs | $4.99/lb | $5.49/oz |
| Organic Free Range Drumsticks | $1.99/lb | $2.99/20oz |
| Applegate Deli Ham | $4.49/7oz | $5.09/7oz |
| Applegate Beef Hotdogs | $5.99/16oz | $5.49/12oz |
| Jumbo Sea Scallops | $17.99/16oz | $19.79/1lb |
| Tilapia Fillets | $6.99/lb | $8.29/24oz |
| Wild Caught Salmon Fillets | $8.99/lb | $14.99/24oz |
Pantry Items
| Food Item | Trader Joe’s | Target |
| Whole Grain Gluten-Free Bread | $4.49/12oz | $5.29/16oz |
| Whole Wheat Bread | $3.78/24oz | $4.99/lb |
| Canned Beans | $0.99/15oz | $1.49/13.4oz |
| Organic Peanut Butter/Cashew Peanut Butter | $3.49/16oz | $5.99/16oz |
| Cashew Butter | $7.99/16oz | $7.99/16oz |
| Almond Butter | $7.99/16oz | $7.99/12oz |
| Organic Maple Syrup | $7.99/12oz | $7.99/12oz |
| Mac & Cheese | $0.996oz | $1.79/6oz |
| Pasta | $2.29/16oz | $2.99/16oz |
| Organic Marinara/Pasta Sauce | $2.49/25oz | $3.24/24oz |
Produce
| Food Item | Trader Joe’s | Target |
| Organic Blueberries | $3.99/4.4oz | $4.99/4.4oz |
| Organic Strawberries | $6.49/2lbs | $3.99/lb |
| Organic Raspberries | $4.99/6oz | $3.99/6oz |
| Organic Greens | $2.49/5oz | $3.49/5oz |
| Organic Baby Spinach | $2.29/6oz | $3.49/5oz |
| Bananas | $0.19/banana | $0.79/bunch |
Why Is Target Better Than Trader Joe’s?
Yes, the lack of branded products at Trader Joe’s means lower costs and a more straightforward inventory, but we all want to buy some Jell-O or Progresso soup now and then. And, as cleaner, healthier brands become more widespread and accessible at giant retailers like Target, there is still a large selection of good-for-me options among the “junk” food sold there.
Why Is Trader Joe’s Better Than Target?
With its affordable prices, unusual items, and pleasant store elements, the store has established a large customer base. Trader Joe’s has a wide variety of natural and organic products for the health-conscious. The store’s inexpensive pricing is incredibly tempting to bargain hunters.
Can You Buy All Your Groceries At Target?
Yes. As long as you don’t need any specialty items or a lot of selections, you can acquire all of your groceries at Target. They have all of the major categories you’d find in a supermarket.
Target features a tiny fruit section, some meat, and most essentials.
Overall, their grocery department is modest and limited in selection. This is especially true when comparing it to other supermarkets. Kroger is a better pick if you want variety, good meat, and a vast assortment of fruit.
Conclusion
We wish we could tell you that if you only went to one grocery store, everything would be cheaper, higher quality, and taste delicious. That, however, is not the case. Each store has something different to offer, and we adore them both for it!
Go to Target if you know precisely what you will make this week and need more staple ingredients than “meal ideas” (or Hy-Vee, Cub, etc.).
Trader Joe’s is where to go if you’re looking for new, distinctive products, “ready-to-serve” selections, and meal ideas. Have fun shopping!
