I brought the same shopping list to Target vs Trader Joe's - here's who was the clear winner

Target and Trader Joe's both make it easy to save money on groceries. But these two retailers aren't exactly identical. One is a superstore that offers e-coupons and customer loyalty discounts through an app, while the other relies on cult favorites, bespoke bargains on gourmet-ish private-label lines, and a ride-or-die fan base.

I took the same shopping list to Target and Trader Joe's to find the best deals on everything from prepared meals to baking basics. While both stores offered significant savings compared to local grocers, I did find one winner.

Which store took first place in my Target versus Trader Joe's showdown? Keep reading to see where I scored the lowest prices.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

1. Frozen desserts

Winner: Trader Joe's

Indulgence without overspending? Yes, please. Both Target and Trader Joe's have freezer sections stocked with desserts. And while I'm partial to Trader Joe's Hold the Cone Minis and the sinfully sumptuous Salted Caramel Mochi, price is a sticking point. So which store has the best deals?

My top pick (Salted Caramel Mochi six-pack) is $4.99. Target sells a six-count of My Mochi Strawberry for $5.29.

2. Bakery items

Winner: Target

Between the crave-worthy cookies, soft-baked bread, gourmet goodies, and other sweet treats, both retailers have extensive bakery sections I absolutely adore. While neither has an on-site baker, the quality is top-notch.

I checked the prices of lemon poppy seed muffins at each store. Trader Joe's sells a four-pack for $5.49. In comparison, Target's Favorite Day version is only $4.99.

3. Canned and bottled beverages

Winner: Target

You won't catch me buying iced tea, seltzer, or juice at a pricey specialty store. Trader Joe's Lime Sparkling Water (eight-count of 12-ounce cans) is a steal for $3.99. But Target has an even better deal — $3.69 for the same size pack from the store's Good & Gather private-label brand.

I also checked the prices on bottled sparkling water. Trader Joe's store brand sells for $0.99, while Target's Market Pantry generic is only $0.89.

4. Meat and poultry

Winner: Trader Joe's

The cost of meat is on the rise. The USDA predicts a 7.5% increase in 2026, making it crucial to find the best deals. Trader Joe's raw, ready-made ground beef 80/20 patties sell for $7.47 per pound. Target charges more ($8.49 per pound for 85/15 Good & Gather burgers).

Chicken was also on my shopping list. Organic free-range boneless skinless thighs from Trader Joe's were priced decently at $6.99 per pound. The same item from Smart Chicken costs $7.99 per pound at Target.

5. Pantry essentials

Winner: Target

Baking basics like flour, sugar, and oil are staples on my shopping list. How did Target and Trader Joe's fare? Five pounds of unbleached all-purpose flour costs $2.99 at Trader Joe's and $2.49 at Target.

Spanish extra virgin olive oil also costs less at Target. Compare $7.79 at the big red bullseye retailer to $8.49 at Trader Joe's.

6. Prepared meals

Winner: Target

I'm not the best chef. That means prepared products always get a spot in my cart. Trader Joe's is known for a bounty of bargains on mouthwatering meals with flavors from around the globe. I started my search with frozen mac and cheese. Target barely wins at $0.20 per ounce versus $0.21 per ounce at Trader Joe's.

Like mac and cheese, Target's frozen lasagna just beat Trader Joe's ($0.22 per ounce compared to $0.23 per ounce).

7. Frozen produce

Winner: Trader Joe's

At Trader Joe's, a 24-ounce bag of frozen Extra Fine French Green Beans costs $2.49. A 12-ounce bag of Good & Gather's Frozen Petite Whole Green Beans costs $2.29 at Target. That makes Trader Joe's the winner.

8. Seafood

Winner: Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's has a sizable selection of seafood, including smoked salmon, Alaskan salmon, scallops, cod, shrimp, and more. For this shopping challenge, I started with fresh salmon.

One pound of boneless Fresh Atlantic Salmon costs $9.99 at Trader Joe's. How did Target compare? The other retailer sells 10 ounces from its Good & Gather brand for the same price.

9. Sweets and snacks

Winner: Target

Sweet and salty snacks certainly aren't essentials. But I do like to indulge. That's why I checked the prices of gummies at both stores. Trader Joe's charges $3.99 for a five-ounce bag of Sweet and Sour Gummy Worms. A 7.5-ounce bag of Favorite Day Sour Mini Peach Gummy Rings costs $4 at Target.

Target also has a better price on potato chips. I found an eight-ounce bag of Good & Gather Traditional Kettle Cooked Potato Chips for $2.59. Trader Joe's six-ounce size of Patio Potato Chips costs $2.99.

10. Pasta

Winner: Trader Joe's

This pantry pick is a bargain at both stores, but at $0.99 for a one-pound pack of spaghetti, Trader Joe's was the winner. The same size from Target's Good & Gather store-brand costs $1.29.

11. Cereal

Winner: Target

I always shop for generic (store-brand) cereal. Instead of Quaker instant oatmeal, I scouted prices on comparable copycats.

An eight-count box of Trader Joe's Unsweetened Instant Oatmeal costs $3.79. Eight packets of Target's Good & Gather Plain Instant Oatmeal cost $2.69.

Bottom line

There you have it. The winner is Target. Even though Target took first place for the best prices, I still stand by both retailers as top shops for high-quality, low-priced groceries and more.

Looking for a way to save more at Trader Joe's? Even though the retailer doesn't accept coupons or have a loyalty club (like Target's Circle), here's one easy way I cut costs: Use the best cash back credit cards on eligible items to earn rewards that could pay for your next purchase.