Yahoo Finance 5 Most Affordable Labor Day Party Foods at Target
If you’re planning to celebrate the last bash of summer — aka Labor Day weekend — but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen and spend a ton of money, party-ready foods are the perfect solution.
And while already-prepared foods are notoriously more expensive than doing it yourself, opting for Target’s store brands will put less of a dent in your bank account.
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“The in-house brands like Good & Gather and Market Pantry offer excellent value, allowing consumers to enjoy high-quality products without breaking the bank,” said Eric Sornoso, co-founder of MealFan. “Additionally, Target frequently runs promotions and discounts, especially around holiday weekends, further enhancing the value for shoppers.”
Here are five of the most cost-effective, ready-to-eat Labor Day party foods at Target.
Market Pantry Chips and Snacks
“These items are ideal for large gatherings, providing a cost-effective way to satisfy guests without compromising flavor,” Sornoso said. He suggested checking out deals on potato chips, tortilla chips and pretzels.
Although Market Pantry may not have the expanded flavor variety that Lays has when it comes to potato chips, you can still find a solid selection, including Ripple, Cheddar and Sour Cream, Barbecue, Classic and Sour Cream and Onion. The best part is that Target’s brand of potato chips retail for $0.25-$0.27 per ounce, while Lays retail for a more expensive $0.42-$0.51 per ounce.
And if you want dip for your chips, check out Good & Gather’s Spinach Artichoke dip, which is $0.49 per ounce compared to Good Foods’ version at $0.66 per ounce.
Good & Gather Deli Platters
“Good & Gather, Target’s in-house brand, features a range of deli platters, including cheese and meat trays, which are perfect for a Labor Day party,” suggested Sornoso. “These platters are not only affordable but also offer convenience and variety, making them a popular choice for hosts.”
The 40-ounce Good & Gather Vegetable Tray With Ranch Dip retails for $13.99 and serves 11. The Good & Gather 16-ounce Assorted Cheese Tray featuring swiss, colby, cheddar and pepper jack cheeses is $5.29 and offers 14 servings. The brand’s 6-ounce Uncured Calabrese Salami Prosciutto Capocollo Tray, which has about six servings, is $6.49. For a cheaper alternative, consider comparing prices between Good & Gather’s premade deli tray and freshly sliced meat from the deli.
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Good & Gather Ready-to-Serve Salads
“For those seeking healthier options, Target offers a selection of ready-to-serve salads at reasonable prices,” Sornoso. “These salads are fresh, flavorful and easy to serve, making them a great addition to any party menu.”
Target offers over a dozen Good & Gather chopped salads priced between $0.29-$0.39 per ounce, including Thai-style chili Mango, Mexican Caesar, Asian Style and Avocado Ranch.
Good & Gather Fresh Produce
Target’s Good & Gather line also includes a wide selection of fresh produce, according to Sornoso. He suggests looking for watermelon and corn on the cob. A four-count pack of Good & Gather fresh sweet corn is $3.79 or $0.21 per ounce. Target also now carries seedless watermelon, which tends to have more of the antioxidant lycopene than seeded varieties, according to WebMD.
Simply Balanced Beverages
Sornoso said that Good & Gather also offers sparkling water. “These drinks are budget-friendly and provide a refreshing alternative to soda, making them perfect for outdoor celebrations,” he suggested.
Good & Gather sparkling water comes in eight packs and retails for $3.29. Flavors include Strawberry Mango, Tropical Cherry, Yuzu Mandarin and Watermelon Lime. You can even find caffeinated sparkling waters from the brand, including Blackberry Mandarin and Cherry Cola.
If you’d rather spring for soda, check to see if Target has any special deals. For example, in mid-July, if you bought three or more 12-packs of Coca-Cola brand products, you’d save almost $6 off the regular retail price.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Most Affordable Labor Day Party Foods at Target
