I shop at Target on a $40 budget, favorite things to buy

It’s more budget-friendly for me to make decadent, layered acai bowls and smoothies at home. I like to grab a $6 four-pack of Sambazon acai a couple of times a month for nutrient-dense breakfasts and lunches.

Or if I’m rushing out the door, I throw it into a cup to thaw and forego the chunkier toppings.

The quality of bananas can be hit or miss at most stores on any given day. But Target has been impressing me lately.

I prefer bananas as a base in my acai bowls, so I tend to stock up when they look good. Plus, they’re such a great snack or breakfast side.

The Good & Gather bananas cost about $0.29 on average, so they’re a pretty good deal.

Keeping fresh fruit and vegetables on hand for snacks and last-minute meals makes it easier for me to get my recommended servings.

I usually peruse the produce section for any peak-season goodies. This week, Driscoll’s blackberries looked ripe for the picking, and they were on sale for $1.60.

Orange juice can feel like a luxury these days — inflation has hit hard. But it’s my go-to drink choice when I’m dehydrated after a night out with friends or need a little energy boost in the morning.

I also add it to my smoothies.

Target’s Good & Gather orange juice costs $4.

If you’re looking for a quick snack, meal, or appetizer to entertain, look no further than frozen taquitos. They’re out of the oven, air fryer, or microwave in mere minutes.

I’ve tried a lot of different brands, and El Monterey is my favorite. At Target, I got a pack of 20 taquitos for $8.

The brand’s chicken and cheese flavor is a great option, but the steak and cheese and Southwest varieties are also really tasty.

When you’re only shopping for one person, it’s harder to use a gallon of milk in a week. Instead, I alternate weeks when I purchase milk and creamer.

This week, I was due for creamer.

My favorite of all time is Silk’s dairy-free oat-cookie oat creamer. But I settled for maple brown sugar this time since it was on sale for $4.50.

While I’m in the dairy section, I like to grab some extra protein options.

Siggi’s yogurt is creamy and delicious. When I add berries, it almost feels like dessert.

Each cup has 16 grams of protein, so I don’t mind paying $6 for a four-pack.

I try to make my own stock and broth, but Target has budget-friendly — and tasty — options when I’m in a pinch.

I pick up the store’s family-sized chicken broth a couple of times a month because it’s only $2.20 for 48 ounces.

I can drink it by itself or add it as a base to soups, noodles, curries, rice dishes, and more.

I can never leave Target without getting myself a little sweet treat.

Some weeks, I am all about chocolate, but this time, I wanted to try a fruity mochi-ice-cream flavor.

I try to make the $5 box last a few nights, but I could definitely eat the whole thing.