Best things to buy (and skip) at Target

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Target can be one-stop shopping. You go in for toilet paper and end up with a cute sweater, a bunch of condiments, and some snacks.

They sell everything from ketchup to coffeemakers in nearly 2,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. But is everything worth buying?

Consumer Reports' testing shows the store brands are often backed by quality, but some Target products miss the mark.

You can often do very well in the pharmacy department. Over the years, Consumer Reports has found Target's prices are lower than drugstore chains like CVS and Walgreens.

Prices can be particularly good for its store brands, like Up and Up naproxen - the generic version of Aleve - and Up and Up ibuprofen - the generic version of Advil.

"Up and Up is one of Target's private labels that promises quality for less. There's also the more upscale Archer Farms brand, and there's Market Pantry, which is a bit more basic," said Dan DiClerico with Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports judged Market Pantry ketchup just as good as Heinz - and found Market Pantry mayonnaise rivals Hellmann's.

Pick up Target's Archer Farms Pure Maple Syrup. It's thick, with bold flavors. You can also start your day with this Black and Decker, 12-cup drip coffeemaker. It made Consumer Reports' pick list and is a Target exclusive. It's model CM4000S.

But shop elsewhere for your coffee. Market Pantry Classic Roast is near the bottom in Consumer Reports' ratings. It lacks complexity and leaves behind a bitter taste.

Snack foods are another great thing to stock up on at Target. Taste testers like Market Pantry peanut sweet and salty granola bars, Archer Farms jumbo cashews and Archer Farms trail mix.

Consumer Reports also recommends stopping by Target's freezer case. Target's Market Pantry frozen mixed vegetable sare just as crisp and fresh tasting as Birds Eye mixed vegetables,which cost more.