“This [bacterial growth] can happen when storage containers have hard-to-get-to spots, such as crevices in lids and narrow lips around the edges of containers,” says Reeder. Harder-to-reach crevices and corners may be harder to clean, leaving those areas vulnerable for bacteria to proliferate. Additionally, the material of the food storage containers can predispose not-so-good microorganisms to lurk.

“Plastic is a porous material, meaning that it actually has super tiny holes in it, which allow particles to pass through and be absorbed,” Reeder adds. These small, narrow places can make it difficult to clean, cooking up the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Since glass is nonporous, bacteria will have a harder time sticking around.

We tapped an RD for their input and what to look for in a bacteria-resistant food storage container. Here are six containers that prevent bacteria from playing Dance Dance Revolution with your food.

Bayco, Glass Food Storage Containers (24 Pieces) — $38.00

Snacks, soups, fruit, or larger meals—these Bayco Glass Food Storage Containers hold it all. This 24-piece set comes with four rectangular containers, four square containers, and four round containers of varying sizes, all of which are easy to clean thanks to the glass material. “I like that the seals in the lids come out, so you can easily clean what would be a tricky place to get otherwise,” says Reeder.

Material: glass

Safe with: dishwasher, oven, microwave, freezer

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Pyrex, Glass Food Storage (6 Pieces) — $18.00

This six-piece glass food storage set will give you piece of mind during a busy week. Reeder recommends these containers because the lids don’t have any tiny or small areas that are difficult to clean, so you don’t have to worry about bacteria playing hide-and-seek whenever you’re hitting the sink. Featuring a two-cup, four-cup, and seven-cup containers, the set is ideal for meal prepping or stowing away leftovers so all of your yummy bites don’t go to waste.

Material: glass

Safe with: dishwasher, microwave, freezer

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Caraway, Glass Food Storage Set (14 Pieces) — $245.00

Take meal prep to the next level with Caraway’s Glass Food Storage Set. Not only do these containers store and keep food fresh, they’re extremely easy to clean. Coated with ceramic, these containers will ensure that food slides right off. Included are one large container, two medium containers, two small containers, straps, and dash inserts, so you’ll have enough containers to meal prep or store leftovers. It also helps that the containers are free of BPA and PFAS, and they have a bento-like style (cool kid lunch, incoming).

Material: glass

Safe with: dishwasher, oven, microwave, freezer (lids and inserts are not microwave safe, according to the brand)

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Pyrex, Rectangular Storage Containers (8 Pieces) — $35.00

It’s no secret that Pyrex makes some of the most durable, easy-to-clean containers, and this set is no exception to those standards. Made of nonporous glass, these rectangular storage containers aren’t going to stow away bacteria, and the lids are extremely easy to clean. We love that this set of four doesn’t absorb any odors (leftover pasta stains, no more). What’s more, this set is dishwasher-, preheated oven-, microwave, and fridge-safe.

Material: glass

Safe with: dishwasher, preheated oven, microwave, freezer, fridge

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Pyrex, Ribbed Bowl Set (8 Pieces) — $36.00

For larger meals or leftovers from a party, Pyrex’s Ribbed Bowl set sure comes in handy. Made of nonporous glass, these containers won’t absorb odors or trap bacteria. What also makes them great for storing leftovers are the easy-to-scrub lids. They don’t trap pesky microorganism, so you don’t have to worry about bacteria partying with your food. Best of all, all of the containers are oven-, microwave-, and top rack-dishwasher safe.

Material: glass

Safe with: dishwasher (top rack only), oven, microwave

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DuraHome, Food Storage Containers (44 Pieces) — $23.00

If you’re not ready to commit to glass containers (which can be pricey), Reeder recommends this 44-piece set. “They are plastic; however, I love that they’re dishwasher safe and overall relatively easy to clean,” says Reeder. What’s inside? You’ll get 16 sets of eight-ounce containers, 16 sets of 16-ounce containers, 12 sets of 32-ounce containers, and lids that are interchangeable, so you can pack up soups, salads, condiments, fruit, snacks, meals, and more. This is especially great if you need plastic containers (or something more affordable) to give guests leftovers and not worry about getting them back.

Material: plastic

Safe with: microwave, freezer, dishwasher

 

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That was the case two years ago when All-Clad’s Mother of All Pans, one of All-Clad’s most iconic, best-selling pans sold out like hotcakes in a mere 24 hours. Let’s just say that it wasn’t restocked quickly enough. If you missed your chance to play Iron Chef, now’s not the time to play games because the Mother of All Pans (now $150) is finally back in stock. Even better? It’s a whopping 52 percent off!

All-Clad, Stainless, 3-Ply Mother of All Pans With Lid — $150.00

Originally $310, now $150

This three-layered stainless steel pan does it all: It sautés and sears protein, veggies, and more, so that you can cook delicious meals for yourself or your family.

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As the name implies, this versatile pan can do all of the things. It boils veggies, beautifully sears meats, and seamlessly prepares one-pan meals big enough for larger families, since it holds up to six quarts of food and liquids. What makes this pan so beloved, though, is all in its stainless-steel construction. Made of 18/10 stainless steel, this pan gorgeously cooks dishes, evenly distributing flames to cook whatever you’re whipping up in the kitchen. It’s also tri-ply—which means that it has three layers of stainless steel—making it easier to cook food quickly and retain heat longer. It’s basically a three-layered stainless steel sandwich.

For faster cooking or to boil pasta, simply cover the pan with the included lid. You can also take your delicious confections to the oven and broiler; the pan is also oven and broiler safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to being chef-approved, All-Clad pans get all of the rave from customers. “I was skeptical at first, but this pan truly is the mother of all pans,” said one dubious All-Clad shopper. “Cooking for a large family, I have always struggled to find the perfect size pan. This fits the mark. It also cooks more evenly, and I don’t have to worry about the coating eventually wearing off. After one use, I now use it daily for everything. Bonus, it holds enough sauce and gravy for a very hungry crowd.”

Trust us and customers when we say that this pan knows how to feed. Buy it now for $160 off, so you or your guests don’t go hungry.

This healthy remake of blueberry ice cream is so popular because of how easy it is to make at home. All you need is frozen blueberries (the frozen part is important!) and your alt-milk of choice. Once combined, it turns into “ice cream” in minutes without even blending it together.

Marzia Prince, a plant-based health coach and the co-founder of Plant Chics, shared her version of the recipe on Instagram that requires 1/2 cup to 1 cup frozen blueberries and oat milk. “Coconut or almond milk has an after taste, but oat milk has a very neutral taste,” she says, making it a great choice for something like ice cream. Pour just enough milk so the frozen blueberries are mostly coated, like you’re putting togethe a bowl of cereal. Then, stir it a little and let it sit for two to three minutes. “The frozen berries harden the milk. People always think I put it in the freezer, but I don’t.”

The frozen blueberries basically do all the work for you, allowing you to whip up a mess-free dessert in a matter of minutes. Here’s exactly how to make it for yourself at home.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marzia Prince Ⓥ (@marziaprince) on Apr 6, 2020 at 7:18am PDT

Vegan Blueberry Ice Cream

Ingredients
1/2 cup to 1 cup frozen blueberries
oat milk (or your non-dairy milk of choice)

1. Put frozen blueberries in a bowl.
2. Pour in just enough milk to cover the blueberries.
3. Stir, then let it sit for a few minutes. It will start hardening like ice cream. You can always use less or more milk, depending on how you like it.
4. Once it’s at your desired consistency, eat it by the spoonful. (You can mash it a bit if you like but it’s good to go once the oat milk solidifies.)

Put your extra blueberries to good use in this healthy blueberry pie recipe:

While there are a handful of caffeinated beverages out there that aren’t coffee (green tea, for instance, or even coffee kombucha, for a step in the right direction), I ultimately landed on replacing coffee with kombucha because I love the flavor and I know it doesn’t keep me up all night. (Plus, kombucha is great for gut health!) I made the swap in March, drinking kombucha both in the morning and throughout the day.

Here’s what happened when I replaced coffee with kombucha

1. The quality of my sleep improved

First, in an effort not to bury the lede, I noticed immediately that the quality of my sleep improved when I swapped kombucha for coffee—even if I drank kombucha at 6 p.m. or later. This makes sense, given how the caffeine content in a serving of kombucha compares to the caffeine in coffee. I was sipping GTS Synergy Kombucha, which has four to eight milligrams of caffeine per eight-ounce serving. An eight-ounce cup of coffee on the other hand, typically has about 96 milligrams (which is roughly 16 times the amount of caffeine).

One of the reasons that coffee was keeping me up until the wee hours of the night is that my body likely metabolizes caffeine relatively slowly, says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, a plant-based dietitian and owner of Master the Media in Stamford, Connecticut. According to Gorin, everyone has a unique sensitivity to caffeine as well as a distinct speed of metabolizing (or processing the stimulant in and out of your body), and these rates vary greatly from person to person. “An individual’s caffeine metabolism refers to how quickly their body metabolizes caffeine. You can either be a slow or a fast metabolizer,” she says. Of course, you can also fall somewhere in between.

Slow caffeine metabolizers need less caffeine throughout the day.

Because it takes my body longer to process caffeine, Gorin explains that drinking more of it (in the form of coffee) was keeping me up later at night because my body was still working through the stimulant. “’I’m a fast caffeine metabolizer, which means I can drink coffee and go to bed within a half hour. But if you’re a slower metabolizer, that coffee is going to stay in your system for a longer period of time, and that means that you probably need less caffeine throughout the day,” she says.

According to Gorin, the best way to test your own caffeine metabolism is to experiment: Start by weaning yourself off caffeine and observe how you feel as the day progresses, as well as how you sleep at night. As far as my trial run of replacing coffee with kombucha? “I think this was a really great experiment to show your body that, ‘Hey, you might not need four cups of coffee. You might just need that little bit of caffeine,’” says Gorin.

2. My digestion got better

Another reason I wasn’t the biggest fan of including coffee in my morning beverage line-up: Upon first sip, I had to run to the bathroom. While some people may drink caffeine to keep them on a regular pooping schedule, that’s not exactly a side effect I enjoy; I would much rather have a consistent and healthy number two routine, rather than relying on a specific beverage to dictate my bathroom habits.

To be fair, Gorin says that this could have more to do with the type of coffee I was drinking (usually drip coffee from a coffee shop) more so than the caffeine itself. Perhaps it was too acidic for my stomach, she suggests. Regardless, it’s undeniable to say that in replacing coffee with kombucha, my digestive system was more on track: I was pooping twice a day, thank you very much. When I was still relying on caffeine from coffee, my bowel movements were actually pretty irregular.

3. I felt more energized

When I replaced coffee with kombucha, I still felt energetic throughout the day, but I wasn’t bouncing from wall to wall (or running to the facilities). This is likely due to my improved sleep cycle as well as the fact that I was side-stepping the caffeine jitters I used to experience. “I think this experiment showed that your body feels a lot better with less caffeine: You’re sleeping better and your digestive system is happier. No more bathroom sprints is also a great thing,” says Gorin.

I was only supposed to try this experiment for two weeks, but honestly, because I discovered that I can still get the energy I need from kombucha without the sleep and digestive drawbacks I experienced after drinking coffee, I plan to keep riding the kombucha train indefinitely. Giving up coffee may sound intimidating, sure, but you know how the saying goes: You never know until you try.

Listen to a registered dietitian explain the benefits of kombucha:

Since moving into my space, my fridge has been a sore subject for me and my grocery bill. It’s fairly spacious for an apartment-sized fridge, however, it isn’t very functional and the back of it often becomes a wasteland of half-used jars of Rao’s pasta sauce (which, at nearly $10 a pop, is not ideal), peanut butter, chicken stock, and other items I buy all too frequently. With this in mind, I made it my mission to go full Home Edit on my fridge at the beginning of this year, and ordered several different types of refrigerator organizers—including a lazy Susan—to help me get started.

I was more excited about the chic clear bins I ordered than I was about the lazy Susan and, to be honest, I actually thought I’d end up returning the turntable because I wasn’t convinced it would make that big of a difference. Much to my surprise, the lazy Susan is just about the only organizer that still lives in my fridge and is one of the most used and beloved aspects of my kitchen organization (so much so that I also added one to my spice cabinet). This thing rocks — well, actually, it turns.

To help combat the food waste, I placed the lazy Susan toward the back of my fridge with jars, bottles, and other items that are often half-opened and almost always go to waste. From there, I placed shorter items, like my carton of coffee creamer, in front so I could still see what is on the turntable (and spin it to grab items) while utilizing the front half of the fridge, too. With this method in place, I not only avoid over-buying pasta sauce and other grocery items, but I also stay organized since I have to be mindful about where I place items around the turntable in order to still see.

Long story short, it’s a total game-changer. It’s helped me achieve my original goal of a neater, more organized fridge with room to spare. As a bonus, I’ve become more sustainable, as I can use up all those half-empty jars of pasta sauces and chicken stock before I go buy more, cutting down on food waste while putting money back in my wallet. Take my word for it—this kitchen hack will *turn* your fridge into a masterpiece.

4 lazy Susans that belong in your fridge ASAP

Best overall

YouCopia, FridgeView Fridge Turntable — $15.00

When researching the best lazy Susans for my fridge, I looked at dozens of options before landing on the YouCopia FridgeView Fridge Turntable. This $15 lazy Susan is designed specifically for the refrigerator, equipped with a a non-slip design that can withstand the cold and is easy to wipe clean. With a 10.8-inch circumference, it’s an ideal size for the top shelf of the fridge—not too big but also not too small—and the short lip on the side helps keep items in place and prevents them from topping over onto the shelf.

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Best with sides

Home Intuition, Round Plastic Lazy Susan Turntable — $16.00

For those who want nix the threat of bottles toppling over or spilling, check out this deep, bowl-like turntable from Home Intuition on Amazon. This under $20 fridge organizer features tall 3.5-inch sides and is completely clear so you can store items securely while still being able to see what’s actually inside. The lazy Susan is a fantastic choice for the fridge, but could also be used in the pantry, under the sink, in cabinets, and on countertops for more convenient cooking.

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Best set

Homeries, Lazy Susan Turntable Organizer Set — $20.00

If you have a larger fridge and want to add two turntables to the shelves for more storage, the Homeries Lazy Susan Turntable Organizer value pack is a great choice. This set comes with either two, three, or four lazy Susans, so you can get exactly what you want for your organizing needs. The turntables also measure slightly bigger than others on our list, each with an 11.5-inch circumference and short side-lip to keep items in place, similar to the one I purchased for my fridge (though you can also purchase it with a taller side if you prefer).

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Best sectioned

Oizeir, Lazy Susan Turntable — $16.00

Sometimes, even an organizer needs additional organizers. Whether you plan to use your turntable for snacks or want to store produce items such as berries on a lazy Susan (that would look so cute!), the Oizeir Lazy Susan Turntable from Amazon is worth a try. This acrylic fridge organizer measures 11 inches in circumference and features a spinning disc with four removable acrylic pins that fit neatly together like pie slices. We love it because you essentially it’s essentially an organizer within an organizer, keeping everything neat and tidy. You can also separate the bins from the turntable if you want to use the turntable on its own, or vice versa.

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I recently had the chance to take one of Vitamix’s newest blenders, the Propel Series 510, for a ride (or spin, rather) to see if it’s worth the hype—and saying I was impressed would be a sheer understatement. These machines are a force to be reckoned with, from the design to the functionality to the mechanics. Naturally, I needed to learn more (everything!) about what makes the new high-performance blender so powerful (and practical)—which is why I caught up with Vitamix’s product director, who gave me the inside scoop on one of their most impressive models to hit the market yet.

More ahead on why this is my favorite Vitamix to date and how my smooth test drive with the Lamborghini of blenders really went.

Vitamix Propel Series 510 — $478.00

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The new Vitamix Propel Series 510 blender is the *chef’s kiss* combination of power and practicality

When it comes to blenders, power and practicality are my main selling points—which were the reasons why I was instantly drawn to the new Propel Series 510 blender. Along with its manual speed controls, the Series 510 features three preset blending programs for making smoothies, frozen desserts, or hot soups with the press of a button (practicality: check).

“Preset programs are the most convenient feature available on a blender. With our programs, you can set up your blend, turn on the program, walk away, and come back to the same consistent blend time and time again,” Jud Cummins, the director of category and product at Vitamix, says. For even more hands-off cooking ability, their Propel Series 750 blender has an additional two settings dips and spreads and self-cleaning); it also comes with a 64-ounce container, compared to the 510’s 48-ounce one.

What’s more, Vitamix has some of the best technology (and power) when it comes to its blending systems. “At Vitamix, power, quality, and durability are behind every engineering decision that goes into making our beloved machines. The Propel Series is no different. What makes our blenders so special is their entire system: their motor base, container, blades, and so on—they all were designed with performance in mind,” Cummins says. IYKYK: Two horsepower is certainly enough to transform rock-solid frozen fruit into silky smoothies or fibrous greens into creamy soups with ease. (Power: check.)

Here’s what happened when I took this blender for a spin

According to Cummins, there are three essential tips to maximize the efficiency and power of a Vitamix. First, he recommends always using the tamper, which helps blend tough ingredients like frozen fruits and nut butter. Secondly, he recommends layering your blend of ingredients in what he calls the “Vitamix way,” which means liquids on the bottom, and stacking heavier components on top of the lighter ones to achieve the “classic Vitamix vortex.” (Ahem, like the ones you see on recipe videos on social media.)

Lastly, don’t forget to blend on high unless a recipe calls for a lower speed. “When you ramp up the machine to its highest speed, you’ll get the most optimal results,” Cummins says.

Keeping his tips in mind, I made my favorite go-to smoothie: one cup of frozen strawberries and blueberries, one cup of Elmhurst sweetened cashew milk, and a half cup of probiotic Lifeway whole milk coconut kefir. That said, I admittedly forgot to layer the ingredients the Vitamix way—meaning that I started with the frozen fruit at the bottom instead of the top. Sigh. Although I feared I had ruined my test from the get-go, the tamper really saved the day.

Using the opening on the top of the lid (meant to fit the tamper perfectly and prevent it from reaching the blades) and the super-convenient, high-power smoothie-making preset, I began pushing the fruit and liquids together as the blender revved its engine. Much to my relief, after a few tries, the Vitamix vortex got going smoothly, and the ingredients began to swirl together as if they were trapped in the center of a tornado.

During a quick 60-second span, the blended-up fruit and liquids became a perfectly homogenous, vibrantly-hued, and luxuriously creamy purple smoothie. Needless to say, it was as blissful to watch as it was to slurp up. Most impressively, there was zero grit or icky berry seed particle to get stuck in my throat. Enough said the smoothie was as smooth as I’d imagine driving a Lamborghini would be (and actually worth the price).

An easy gut-healthy golden milk smoothie recipe: 

Take the Tovala Smart Oven. IMO, it’s the perfect hybrid between convenience and quality for home cooks. Tovala, which launched in 2017, is a company that creates countertop smart ovens that cook chef-crafted foods with the scan of a QR code (in 25 minutes or less). Just this year, they launched their brand new, Wi-Fi-enabled Tovala Smart Oven (currently on sale for $49; typically it’s $249), which I had the pleasure of testing out.

Honestly, I’m impressed with how it’s able to make cooking easier without compromising on flavor or nutrition. What’s more, I had the chance to catch up with David Rabie, co-founder and CEO of Tovala, who shared about the company’s mission to help facilitate cooking suited for any lifestyle.

Tovala Smart Oven — $49.00

Originally $249, now $49

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How Tovala hopes to make cooking as easy as the push of a button

Usually, the best ideas come from having to fix a problem in your own life, which was the case for Rabie, who came up with the concept for Tovala’s smart oven while attending business school at the University of Chicago. “I didn’t have time to cook anymore, and I didn’t feel like any of the alternatives kind of matched up to home cooking,” he says. “I wanted food where I could see the ingredients, like the raw ingredients that were going into my food. I wanted food that would taste great, but also make my home smell nice and come out really hot and, more importantly, uniformly hot.”

What makes Tovala unique from other ovens is the “smart” component. Through their delivery service, you can choose from weekly, mostly-prepped meals—with tasty and comforting options such as Italian wedding soup or buffalo chicken sandwiches—that involve minimal steps (like adding a sauce or seasoning) and then scan a QR code that identifies the meal instantly and cooks it on an automated cycle for that specific recipe. Real smart, eh?

I tried the Tovala Smart Oven and was seriously impressed by its technology

I love nothing more than eating something freshly prepared in my own kitchen. That said, finding the time in my busy schedule to cook an entire meal isn’t always possible (or something I want to do when I’m exhausted from a long work day). Usually, this results in spending way too much money on healthy delivery food services and takeout. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with ordering from your favorite local Italian spot five days a week (if your wallet can afford it), but there are times when I want a simple, home-cooked meal like the ones my mother made while I growing up.

I was hoping the Tovala smart oven could bridge the gap with its selection of meals for the week. I chose four delicious options to make from their website (or mobile app). On average, they’re about $10 per meal. This included single-serving portions of a bacon cheddar ranch chicken melt with mashed potatoes and crispy onions, a Mediterranean roasted chicken with lemon feta green beans and brown rice, and, from their list of vegetarian-friendly options, a sweet pea risotto with basil vinaigrette and lemon parmesan green beans. I also got a two-serving order of cheese-stuffed shells with Italian sausage ragù. All four meals came individually packaged in compact square boxes with the already prepped ingredients and a recipe card designed by their culinary team equipped with a scannable QR code.

Though all four recipes were delicious, ready in 25 minutes or less, and tasted like any other home-cooked meal, I’ll delve into my experience cooking the cheese-stuffed shells (my favorite). In the box for this meal came two small aluminum containers filled with stuffed shells, two packages of individually-portioned marinara, and two servings of parmesan. I opted for making both meals at the same time. (The Tovala can fit up to four of their standard-size meal trays at once.) The instructions included four simple steps broken down into three categories: prep, scan, and enjoy.

To prep the shells, I simply had to remove the plastic film and pour the marinara over them. Next, I put the trays in the oven, scanned the recipe QR, and the oven did the rest. It knew the exact time and temperature to cook the meal—no fussing (or stirring) necessary. *Mind blown.* Once the buzzer dinged, it was time to enjoy, which meant removing the food from the oven, transferring it to a serving bowl, and sprinkling it with the parmesan cheese.

And that was seriously it. I found the whole experience seamless and beyond easy for even the least technologically savvy individual (plus, it’s grandparent-approved by Rabie’s relatives, too). The shells were evenly cooked, tasted fresh, and were perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Although Tovala’s chef-curated meals are a definite win in my book, what I love even more is that the company has an entire library of over a thousand frozen grocery items that apply the same technology—it’s also available in their six-in-one convection oven Tovala Smart Oven Pro model.

Tovala Smart Oven Pro — $300.00

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Their machines are also able to scan barcodes of foods from other popular grocery store brands like Annie’s Homegrown, as well as more than 180 items from Trader Joe’s. (Yup, their cauliflower gnocchi are on there.) So, for example, you can pop in a frozen DiGiorno pizza, scan it, and let the Tovala cook it to perfection. It truly doesn’t get much easier.

Can you put cast-iron pans in the dishwasher? That’s a hard no. But when it comes to cleaning a cast-iron skillet with soap, I’ve heard both yes and no. Cast iron pans don’t typically come cheap, so before we all ruin mine for good, I wanted to learn how to clean cast-iron skillets, properly this time.

Cleaning a cast-iron skillet

While you don’t want to use as much dish soap as you would use to scrub a casserole dish or sheet pan, a dime-sized amount of soap if safe to use when cleaning a cast-iron skillet. “A little bit of dish soap is gentle enough that it won’t wash away that seasoning that you’ve worked so carefully to maintain,” says Hannah Crowley, executive editor of Cook’s Illustrated Magazine, speaking specifically about raw cast iron like Lodge, not the type covered in enamel, like Le Crueset, which can be washed like a normal pan.

In the case of raw cast iron, dish soap should be reserved for times when food debris is really stuck on there. For all other instances, food scientist, cookbook author, and chef J. Kenji Lopez-Alt recommends scrubbing your cast iron with hot water, 1/2 cup of kosher salt, and a dry paper towel. “This will scour out any dust and impurities that may have collected in it prior to use.”

While cast-iron looks tough and durable, it’s actually quite sensitive, and most sponges will be too abrasive for cast iron and strip it of its seasoning. If you really want to scrub away burnt food bits, use a soft-sided sponge or plastic scraper.

Once you can see that you’ve removed any browned bits on the bottom of the pan, rinse it thoroughly with super hot water and a little bit of soap (if needed) and then dry it completely. Any wet spots are likely to rust, so be sure to wipe it clean with an absorbent dish towel.

After every wash, you should go back and season you cast-iron pan

“Seasoning” cast iron doesn’t require you to peek inside your spice cabinet; rather, it’s the coating that forms on the surface of cast iron after you’ve cooked with it over time. Technically speaking, it’s polymerized oil.

In case you don’t remember much about chemistry (it’s okay, I don’t either), when any type of fat such as oil or butter is heated at a high temperature, it will eventually transform from a thin liquid to a hard surface. Unlike oil or butter, polymerized oil is not something that can simply be removed by rinsing it away with warm water and dish soap.

But that’s okay because seasoning is a good thing—in fact, it’s what makes a cast-iron pan non-stick, so long as you maintain it. “If you look at a cast-iron pan under a microscope, you’ll see all kinds of tiny little pores, cracks, and irregularities in the surface. When food cooks, it can seep into these cracks, causing it to stick,” explains Lopez-Alt.

To prevent food from sticking to cast iron, you have to regularly season you cookware, meaning adding more oil (specifically something neutral such as canola or vegetable oil) to the pan to fill in any pores or cracks, and then heat it to build up the polymerized surface.

Use a dry paper towel to spread the oil across the surface of the cast-iron pan; you won’t be able to see it sealing any miniscule cracks with the naked eye, but this will ensure you’re reaching every nook and cranny.

Once the oil is applied, you need heat! Place the pan in a 450°F oven for 30 minutes, per Lopez-Alt’s recommendation, until it looks shiny and evenly blackened. If you’ve gotten lazy and haven’t seasoned your cast-iron skillet after every use (no judgment here!), repeat this process three to four times in a row. Note to self: Save this process for a free Sunday.

But a few years ago, I stumbled across a tweet that changed my trajectory entirely. It said that putting a coffee maker by your bedside made you feel like you were in a boutique hotel in coastal Italy. If you feel like you’re in a fancy hotel, you’re usually more excited to get up in the morning, right? The logic works. It really does, I swear. Desperate for any solution that made me into a morning person again, I tried it, placing my single-serve coffee machine on my nightstand—and I never looked back.

Guys listen to me the best decision I ever made was putting a little coffee maker in my bedroom. Prep it at night then wake up, switch that shit on, get back in bed and suddenly you’re, I don’t know, in an opulent and expensive hotel suite on the amalfi coast??

— caitie delaney (@caitiedelaney) January 3, 2022

Having my coffee in bed (and uh, using the machine as a snooze button) salvages the joy in my 6 a.m. wake-ups and makes me look forward to my morning, even when I’m suffering from too-few hours of rest. My personal definition of luxury is elevating a daily ritual, something I would do every day anyway, and splurging on a kitchen appliance I reach for again and again has made a significant improvement in my daily happiness and equilibrium. Whether you’re a night owl or just *love* the idea of this five-star hotel feeling everyday, here are five machines I recommend that’ll actually make you look forward to the screech of your alarm (what makes them different is that they’re sleep enough to fit on your nightstand).

5 coffee machines that’ll actually make you a morning person

Lavazza Classy Mini Single Serve Espresso Machine — $175.00

Originally $185, now $175

The café I frequented in college used Lavazza coffee, making me instantly affectionate towards the taste. When the pandemic shut it down, I recall buying a huge bag of espresso from the shop in an attempt to keep it in business—and now I’m hooked. So where better to buy a mini espresso machine than the coffee company responsible for my initial love? Nostalgia aside, this Single Cup Classic Mini Espresso Machine is intuitive and easy to use.

It’s a single-serve espresso maker that can hold up to five capsules. You’ve got the option of a single or double espresso—it’s pretty no-frills, so if you love something more frothy, we’d suggest something like the Nespresso VertuoPlus (keep scrolling). But for a shot or double shot that tastes like you walked to the coffee shop, this will do the trick (high-quality taste is thanks to the high-pressure system).

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Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe — $196.00

Personally, I’m a Nespresso girlie. This coffee maker is my original nightstand machine. I love that I can alternate between espresso and coffee, experiment with different flavors, auto-order for convenience, and (of course) recycle the pods when finished. I find Nespresso coffee to have an irresistible crema and flavor, making barista-quality brews at home—and it even fits in my carry-on when I move. (Yes, taking my coffee maker with me when I travel is totally my red flag, but what can I say? I’m a gal with needs.)

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The Bruvi Bundle — $348.00

Originally $398, now $348

Feeling splurge-y? I don’t blame you. If you drink a cuppa every day (or, um, a couple), you might want to invest in a coffee machine that has enough variety to keep you happy. If you can’t get no satisfaction from a single-use machine, opt for an appliance like the 25-percent-off Bruvi, which makes coffee, true high pressure espresso, Americanos, cold brew, iced coffee, infused coffee and even matcha lattes.

Better yet, the Bruvi has mobile app connectivity for remote brewing and scheduling. It even tracks your consumption (although ignorance is sometimes bliss.) With a focus on sustainability, the pods you use in the Bruvi machine break down organically over only a few years without leaving microplastics behind, making them the most eco-friendly of any pod-based coffee machine I’ve found on the market.

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Famisworths Single Serve Coffee Machine — $60.00

Originally $73, now $60

If you’d like to keep your kitchen machine where it is, or have a caffeine-hungry household that needs access to a communal coffee maker, you might want to have a for-you-only machine that simply gets the job done without blowing the budget. Caffeine in system right away: check. In that case, opt for this Famiworths machine, ranked No. 1 for Coffee Percolators on Amazon, which is compatible with both pods and ground coffee. This one-cup machine, complete with a self-cleaning function, is narrow enough to live on a packed bedside table without friction, brews from 6 to 14 ounces, and is even compatible with a travel mug for those instantly on the go.

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Haden Dorchester Ultra Stone Blue Programmable Drip Coffee Maker — $100.00

Originally $130, now $100

You might be a drip coffee person rather than espresso, or sleep beside a partner who wants in on the luxurious practice. If so, opt for this gorgeous stone blue 10-cup coffee maker. It’s slim and attractive enough to enhance your nightstand aesthetic rather than clutter it up! A delay brew feature ensures that you can use this coffee machine *literally as your alarm* and wake up to the delightful aroma of java, and it stays warm for up to two hours. Simply prep at night and enjoy a steaming mug in the morning. Warning: with multiple cups within arms’ reach, you may not want to get out of bed right away (but you’ll definitely be awake again).

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As a weightlifter, my main goal is to build muscle, so I usually aim for a higher protein intake between 100 and 140 grams of protein; however, reaching my protein intake goal is not always feasible through my meals. After eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner, my protein intake usually sits around 80 or 90 grams of protein for the day, which is why protein drinks can help me reach my goals.

One easy way for me to ensure I’m meeting my protein intake is by consuming protein powders—which have been shown to increase physical performance and advance recovery. My only gripe with some protein powders is that they’re not flavorful enough, or taste too chalky, so I set out on a quest to find and test the best tasting protein powders on the market.

What to look for in best tasting protein powders

Beyond the amount of protein per serving—which usually ranges between 20 and 30 grams of protein per scoop—I look at the flavors and ingredients because it’s easier to consume when tasty. Common flavors include vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, but there are fun and unique ones, too. For example, Ora Organic’s Vegan Protein Powder (now $39) takes a fun twist on vanilla with its chai infusion and is powered by fruits and vegetables like organic blueberries, apples, strawberries, broccoli, kale, and spices like turmeric. More unique flavors include Dymatize’s ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder (now $33)—one of my all-time favorites—which is flavored with a mix of natural and artificial ingredients to taste just like a bowl of Fruity Pebbles (yum).

I also look to how protein powders are manufactured, as this impacts how quickly protein is absorbed in the body: whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, isolate, and hydrolyzed. Whey protein concentrate is made directly from cow’s milk, has a protein concentration between 70 and 80 percent, and contains some lactose and fat, according to Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and adjunct professor at Virginia Tech University. Its isolate counterpart, on the other hand, is mainly just the milk protein, containing about 90 percent protein and is absorbed faster than whey protein concentrate, says Ehsani.

Similar to whey protein isolate, isolate powders are high in protein (90 percent protein) with the bonus (for some) of being low in carbs and fat. “A lot of protein powders that you see on the market likely will be in isolate form, such as whey isolate or soy isolate,” explains Ehsani. Another type of protein is hydrolyzed protein powder—which “means that the protein has been broken into smaller chained amino acids, therefore are ultra quick to digest,” she adds. This type of protein is considered the “crème de la crème.” Why? Because this type contains smaller peptides compared to non-hydrolyzed protein that are rapidly absorbed into the gut, accelerating post-workout recovery. However, this additional step can be costly, resulting in a more expensive product.

For vegans, vegetarians, or people with dietary restrictions, plant-based protein powders are another great option. Some are made of natural ingredients and “contain a collection of amino acids that complement each other,” says Laura Simmons, MS, RDN, CD, a registered dietitian at RET Physical Therapy and Healthcare Specialists based in Washington state.

Simmons also recommends amino acids, aka the “building blocks of life.” “Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are three of the nine essential amino acids that play a particularly strong role in muscle protein synthesis (muscle growth),” explains Simmons. She adds that it is essential to obtain these amino acids throughout the day and recommends between 3 and 4 grams of leucine for maximum muscle protein synthesis.

Now that you’ve gotten a quick breakdown of different types of protein powders (although we still recommend reading our in-depth guide if you’re still unsure!), let’s get to products themselves. We tested a dozen protein powders and rounded up the best tasting ones, so you don’t have to play that old game of “Hit or Miss.” From Chips Ahoy-flavored protein powder to chocolate peanut butter, rest assured, there’s a flavor for whatever your taste buds are tickling for post-workout.

Whey protein powders

Optimum Nutrition, Cookies and Cream Protein Powder — $42.00

Protein: 24 g/serving

My favorite ice cream flavor, cookies and cream, is finally available in a powder form (yay). Made of a blend of whey protein concentrate and isolate, and crushed cookie crumbs, Optimum’s Nutrition protein powder is as nutritious as it is tasty, clocking in at 24 grams of protein and only 2 grams of sugar per serving. To bolster my gains. I add one scoop of this powder to my Blender Bottle, shake, and enjoy it after a hearty leg day. I personally love cookies and cream, but if this flavor isn’t your cup of tea, there are five other ice cream-inspired flavors to enjoy: chocolate peanut butter, milk chocolate, mocha cappuccino, strawberry and cream, and vanilla ice cream. Say it with me: I scream, you scream, we all scream for protein powder! 

Cost: $1.55 per serving at the time of publication (27 servings total)

Pros:

• 24 grams of protein per serving
• Free of banned substances
• Six flavors
• Low sugar

Cons:

• Contains milk and soy

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Ghost, Chips Ahoy Whey Protein — $45.00

Protein: 25 g/serving

If you’ve were ever deterred from buying a protein powder because of the flavor, I’m here to tell you that Ghost’s Whey Protein Powder won’t “boo” you away (hehe). The brand’s Chips Ahoy flavor, a customer favorite, has racked a following for its crumbly goodness. Each serving is packed with 25 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of sugar. My favorite part are the bits of Chips Ahoy cookie pieces. It’s like enjoying a chocolate chip cookie in a sip! Also, the brand boasts nine other mouth-watering flavors like Oreo, Nutter Butter, and cinnamon cereal milk.

Cost: $1.73 per serving at the time of publication (26 servings total)

Pros:

• Contains Chips Ahoy cookie bits
• 25 grams of protein per serving
• 10 flavors

Cons:

• More sugar than protein powders on the list

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Isolate protein powders

GNC, AMP Pure Isolate Chocolate Lava Cake — $65.00

Protein: 25 g/serving

This GNC isolate protein powder is one to stock in your kitchen cabinets. Featuring 25 grams of protein per serving, 5 grams of BCAAs, and only 1 gram of sugar, GNC’s Pure Isolate amps up muscle recovery and performance with each sip. Not only is the formula easy to mix, the chocolate frosting flavor—which is flavored by cocoa—adds a sweet touch to my protein shakes post-workout. Definitely “choc” this protein powder out!

Cost: $2.32 per serving at the time of publication (28 servings total)

Pros:

• 25 grams of protein per serving
• Easily digestible
• Low sugar
• Easy to mix

Cons:

• Expensive per serving

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Hydrolyzed protein powders

Dymatize, ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein — $33.00

Protein: 25 g/serving

Hydrolyzed protein powders go through an extra process that renders it more digestible and aids in better absorption, and for that, Dymatize’s ISO100 Protein Powder is at the top of my list. As a kid, I lived on cereal, so the Fruity Pebbles flavor is reminiscent of my childhood. I love that this protein powder tastes just like the real thing (minus the added sugar). Plus, it has specks of bright colors and edible glitter (ooooh, shiny) in the powdered format and serves up a total of 25 grams of protein per scoop. And with just 1 gram of sugar per serving, you’ll be mind blown that this isn’t cereal.

Cost: $2.65 per serving at the time of publication (20 servings total)

Pros 

• Tastes just like Fruity Pebbles
• 25 grams of protein per serving
• Hydrolyzed protein

Cons 

• Expensive per serving

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Plant-based protein powders

Kos, Organic Superfood Protein — $20.00

Protein: 20 g/serving

If Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups is what you crave, Kos Organic’s Protein is it’s fraternal twin. This chocolate peanut butter-flavored protein powder marries a happy balance of chocolate and nutty goodness in two scoops—which serves up 20 grams of protein. It’s all claps to the organic Peruvian cacao, organic coconut milk, Himalayan salt, and a dash of Stevia and monk fruit that add to the formula’s subtle sweetness. Not too overpowering or cloying, Kos Organic’s Vegan Protein Powder is ideal for people who only eat plant-based or want a dairy-free protein powder option. It also comes in salted caramel coffee, chocolate, and vanilla.

Cost: $2.00 per serving at the time of publication (10 servings total)

Pros:

• Infused with 12 vitamins and minerals
• 20 grams of protein per serving
• Low sugar

Cons:

• Expensive per serving
• Only 10 servings

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Ora, Organic Vegan Protein Powder — $39.00

Protein: 21 g/serving

Ora is another delicious plant-based option. Gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free, this vegan protein powder is friendly to people who have allergies or dietary restrictions. Crafted out of pea and rice protein, this plant-based powder packs a leafy punch with 21 grams of protein per serving (two scoops) and is loaded with superfoods and greens like blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, kale, and turmeric. One caveat to note: it was harder to mix even with a shaker, so expect to shake it up for a few minutes to blend it completely through or blend it in a blender, if that’s preferred. Offered in vanilla chai, chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored, this Ora’s protein powder has never left my taste buds hanging. I swear, you’ll also be wanting more.

Cost: $1.95 per serving at the time of publication (20 servings total)

Pros:

• Gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free
• Offered in a variety of flavors
• 21 grams of protein per serving

Cons 

• Difficult to mix

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Companies like Endangered Species Chocolate, Hu Kitchen, and Chocolove, offer a variety of products made with natural ingredients, and many are also introducing innovative new flavors and recipes that appeal to a broad range of palates—from classic combos like dark chocolate and mint to more adventurous options like orange ginger and peanut butter banana. Often, a main ingredient is cacao or dark chocolate derived from it, which is packed with antioxidants.

Learn about some of the health benefits of this potent plant here: 

As healthy chocolate snacks become more common, it’s easier than ever to find them in your local grocery store or online. But that also means that there are more people marketing “healthy” chocolate options to capitalize on the trend, which is why it’s worth knowing what a registered dietitian considers to be a win in this category. Below, you’ll find a variety of delicious chocolate treats that get an RD seal of approval.

Healthy chocolate snack options RDs love

Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Sea Salt — $6.10

Both Samantha Cassetty, RD, co-author of Sugar Shock, and Vanessa Rissetto, RD, founder of Culina Health, say that Alter Eco is one of their favorite chocolate brands. While the organic, fair-trade company sells everything from truffles to nut butter bombs, Cassetty loves the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bar that’s made with 70-percent cacao.

“This bar boasts a simple ingredient list, a super smooth taste, and the loveliest hint of fleur de sel,” she says. “Plus, it has just nine grams of added sugar per serving.”

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Cadbury Dairy Milk Bar (4 Pack) — $9.92

Rissetto is fortunate to have family in both the U.K. and Switzerland who hook her up with some of the best chocolate on the market, and she believes there is nothing better than a true Cadbury Dairy Milk Bar from across the pond. Interestingly, Cadbury chocolates and candies made in the U.K. are much different than their U.S. counterparts, featuring cleaner labels and more delicious flavors.

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Spring & Mulberry Pure Dark Chocolate — $15.00

“I love Spring & Mulberry Chocolate, as it’s made with 72-percent cocoa, and sweetened with dates,” says Micah Siva, RD of Nosh with Micah. “Not only that, but the brand is women-owned, the products come in gift-worthy packaging, and the chocolate is less bitter than other dark chocolates on the market.”

 

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Jojo’s Dark Chocolate Raspberry Almond Pistachio Bites (4 Pack) — $29.99

Bianca Tamburello, RDN of Fresh Communications loves the Jojo’s brand of chocolate treats for containing much less sugar than many of its competitors, while still being plenty satisfying. “I love that these chocolate bites offer up plant protein from hemp seeds and healthy satisfying fats from the almonds and pistachios,” she says. “Plus, these bites have no added sugar.”

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Theo Extra Dark Chocolate Salted Cashew Bar — $8.89

This one’s another top pick for nut lovers. Theo offers organic, low-sugar chocolate made with fair trade cacao for a sweet treat you can really feel good about, and the brand sells more than a dozen delicious flavors. (Salted Toffee, anyone?)

It’s a favorite of Cassetty’s as she says this bar proves you don’t need a ton of sugar to enjoy some major chocolate-y goodness, as this bar only has four grams per serving. Plus, it has a simple, easy-to-read ingredients list and is made with 85-percent cacao for some serious antioxidant power.

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Justin’s Super Dark Peanut Butter Cups (6 Pack) — $6.49

One of Cassetty’s favorites, these cups are made with 80-percent cacao and five grams of sugar. Plus, if you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer other nut butters, there’s also a Super Dark Chocolate Espresso Almond variety.

 

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Raaka Chocolate Bars (3 Pack) — $17.95

Tamburello says that she gravitates towards Raaka chocolate bars when she’s looking for something out of the ordinary that will tame her sweet tooth. The Brooklyn-based brand is all about bringing the best single-origin, small-batch, and organic chocolate products in mouth-watering flavors like Waffle Cone, Bananas Foster, and Green Tea Crunch.

“As an unroasted chocolate, Raaka uses fermentation to bring a more fruit-forward flavor than roasted chocolates,” says Tamburello. “I also like that the brand is transparent about sourcing and shares exactly where each ingredient comes from.”

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After just one kernel of Mumbai Nights, you’ll never go back to just salt and butter popcorn ever again—guaranteed.

Rob's Backstage Popcorn, Priyanka's Mumbai Nights (Pack of 4) — $24.00

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Okay first, why popcorn?

Rob’s Backstage Popcorn was founded by Rob Garbowsky and the Jonas Brothers. Years ago, Garbowsky, a former bass-guitarist and current member of the Jonas Brothers’ management team, whipped up batches of his unique popcorn recipe. After a rainy concert in 2011, Nick Jonas went to Garbowsky’s house and Garbowsky made a batch of flavorful kernels for Nick. It tasted so good that Nick eventually brought it backstage (where the popcorn gets its name) while the brothers were rehearsing. It quickly became a “backstage” staple. Since then, Rob and the Jonas Brothers collaborated to bring the tasty popcorn to the rest of the world.

But there’s always room for more variety—which is where Chopra comes in. When Chopra was on the Jonas Brothers’ Happiness Tour, Priyanka suggested to Rob that Rob’s Backstage Popcorn should have a flavor inspired by Indian cuisine. “There are so many amazing spices, and it’s so diverse as a country when it comes to food, we could pick whatever we wanted,” Chopra told Rob. Convinced, Rob, Chopra, and Nick quickly got to work and concepted the ingredients and name of the popcorn. Over a dinner discussion, Mumbai Nights was born.

The popcorn gets its name after Mumbai, a city that Priyanka called home for 15 years. “It’s Indian spices, so it has a little bit of kick, but this reminds me of humid Mumbai nights, when you’re driving to go out with friends or watching a movie,” Chopra says. Not only is every bite appetizing (seriously, you won’t put the bag down), the blend of turmeric, onion, and garlic powder will transport you to the streets of Mumbai to experience the city’s electrifying energy and flavorful dishes it offers.

After seeing a gap in the market for healthy popcorns with a variety of flavors, Chopra knew she wanted to develop her own line of popcorn while sharing her Indian roots with the rest of world, especially the Western part. “It gives me tremendous joy to be able to share with people that know me or put out there in the market, something that is authentic to how I grew up,” says Chopra. If you’re looking for an anti-inflammatory and spiced bite, look no further than Mumbai Nights, which can be found on the shelves of Rob’s Backstage Popcorn, Albertsons, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. Trust us, you won’t put the bag down.

The benefits of adding turmeric to your popcorn

The flavor-rich popcorn is packed with flavors like onion powder, garlic powder, and sunflower oil, delivering a spiced and savory kick with each popped kernel. For a little bit of kick, Chopra added turmeric, the anti-inflammatory hero that dietitians rave about. “It’s rich in antioxidants, which help your body from damaging cells that cause damage or can cause infection to healthy cells in the body,” says Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and adjunct professor at Virginia Tech.

What makes turmeric great on popcorn especially is that it’s not exposed to heat during the cooking process. Curcuminoids, which is the main ingredient of turmeric, can degrade quickly, says Ehsani. “Therefore, it’s best to add it to already cooked food like popcorn, rather than adding it to a soup and letting it cook for hours.”

Chopra wanted turmeric incorporated into the popcorn’s flavor profile not only because of its health benefits, but because she wanted spices that were “synonymous with some of my favorite flavors in Indian food.” As previously told by Niket Sonpal, MD, a New York-based internist and gastroenterologist, turmeric is a popular spice in Indian cooking and can be found in many Indian dishes. In curry, turmeric is often blended with cardamom, coriander, clove, saffron, and cumin.

Order a bag of Mumbai Nights and you’ll get what the hype is about. Trust us—we’ve already eaten several.

I’ve tried several methods to get the garlicky smell out of my hands. I tried rubbing my hands with lemons, but it was no match for the bulb’s odor. I even used coffee grounds, and still to no avail. As a last resort, I used a mixture made of salt and baking soda, and though it worked to dispel the odor, the ingredients were abrasive and I couldn’t imagine routinely using the technique as someone who frequently uses garlic in their cooking.

Among the methods I’ve tried, nothing has been more conveniently effective than the Acmo Rub-A-Way Bar ($8), a slab of stainless steel with a shape reminiscent of a bar soap, which is marketed towards absorbing garlic odor.

Why the Acmo Rub-A-Way Bar?

Acmo, Rub-A-Way Bar — $10.00

A popular garlic-absorbing bar soap with a 4.5-star overall rating after more than 18,000 reviews on Amazon.

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Steel “bar soaps” are a dime a dozen, but I was curious about Acmo’s version. If not for the saloon-like slab serif font etched onto its surface (I’m a sucker for utilitarian products that look cute), then for its 4.5-star overall rating on Amazon after more than 18,000 shoppers chimed in. “It is like magic! No more onion or garlic smell on my hands when cooking,” raved one Amazon reviewer, with many others agreeing.

Until I tried it for myself, I was admittedly skeptical. Sure, it looked like bar soap, but it wouldn’t produce the sudsy lather that I commonly associate with getting squeaky-clean, so how could it be any more effective, if at all, than regular soap? Not to mention, the scientific evidence surrounding steel’s ability to whisk away garlic odor is slim at best.

However, according to Mark Lorch, PhD, a chemist and professor at the University of Hull, in an article for BBC Science Focus Magazine, there’s reason to believe that stainless steel could potentially get the smell of garlic out of one’s hands. He wrote that steel contains chromium, which creates an oxide layer that protects the material from rusting, and the oxide layer may act as a magnet for allicin, the sulfurous chemical responsible for garlic’s fragrant aroma, transferring the scent from your hands to the steel.

My review of the Acmo Rub-A-Way Bar

With nothing to lose (except, perhaps, $10, exclusive of the Amazon shipping fee), I purchased the Acmo garlic-absorbing bar and put it through the test over the course of several months. I’ve since peeled, sliced, minced, grated, and crushed garlic for recipes that called for anything from several cloves to whole heads of the allium—and suffice it to say that Acmo’s stainless steel bar has not disappointed.

1. It’s easy to use

Using the Acmo Rub-A-Way Bar is straightforward: You use it as you would regular bar soap, rubbing the bar between your hands. It’s not indicated how long you should use it for, but I typically use it for 30 seconds at a time. The manufacturer also mentions that you have the option to use the Acmo Bar with or without water, but I prefer to run my hands under running water, which makes the bar easier to maneuver in my hands while helping get rid of the sticky residue when handling raw garlic.

2. It’s convenient

Acmo’s Rub-A-Way Bar isn’t just designed for absorbing garlic odors—it can also help absorb the lingering smell of other sulfur-containing foods, like onions and seafood, such as fish and shrimp, which I’ve found works to great effect. This makes the bar convenient to have in the kitchen, particularly among those who often use their hands when cooking. Plus, the bar tucks away nicely for storage (I keep mine next to my kitchen sink), and you can also throw it in the dishwasher to clean it between uses.

3. It works

After placing the Acmo Rub-A-Way Bar through the wringer, I’m happy to report that it lives up to its claims. I noticed that it lifts the smell of garlic from my hands, and though it won’t get rid of the aroma entirely (it can’t get under your fingernails), this bar works better than any other method I’ve tried in the past. It will set your back $10, but you can use it for years to come. Plus, the fact that it’s easy and convenient to use makes it worthy of a place in my kitchen.

Suffice to say, I’m an old school “essentials only” kinda gal. I believe in nice cookware, which is why I invested in Caraway’s famous nonstick cookware set a while back. (And yes, it really is as good as the internet says.) But besides a high-quality set of pots and pans and a few nice baking dishes, I don’t have many food-adjacent accessories. This includes a formal steamer. Until recently, I’ve always just MacGyver’d my own steamer of sorts using a large sauté pan and a pasta colander, which worked well enough on nights when I needed to eat my greens. And then I got my hands on Caraway’s new Steamer Duo ($120), and my whole world changed.

Caraway, Steamer Duo — $120.00

The Steamer Duo Includes a large and small steamer that are made to fit inside the brand’s Dutch Oven and Sauce Pan, respectively.

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Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic, but my cooking world totally changed, as these nifty steamers shed light on what I’ve been missing all these years: perfectly cooked broccoli, warm, never-mushy dumplings, even fresh, juicy shrimp. Yum.

True to Caraway’s neat-and-tidy design ethos, the steamers are crafted to fit snug within the brand’s existing pots (which are sold separately, BTW): the Dutch Oven ($135) and the Sauce Pan ($115). This makes storage a breeze, since you can just plop them inside each pot, freeing up space in your cabinets to store other cooking gizmos and gadgets. When you’re ready to steam, you just fill up the pot with some water (about 1-2 inches will do), insert the matching steamer, fill said steamer with whatever it is you’re cooking, and put the pot’s lid on. Easy, breezy, beautiful… Covergirl steamed broccoli.

Speaking of steamed broccoli, I decided to put these steamy steamers to the test on just that. Because yes, they were pretty, and yes, they were nifty, but how did they actually hold up in the kitchen?

Actually testing the new Caraway Steamer Duo

To test, I pulled out my Caraway Dutch oven, filled it with a bit of water, and turned on the stove. Next, I nested my steamer into my Dutch oven to confirm that it really does fit perfectly—when inserted, it acts almost like an extension of the pan itself. Then, I cut up some fresh broccoli, threw it in, and topped it off with the lid. Six minutes later, I had perfectly cooked broccoli that was just the right color, texture, and taste. (With a little lemon and salt, of course.)

I immediately noticed how easy it was to transport the steamer out of the pot, thanks to the stainless steel handles on either side of the body. When I was done, I pulled out the entire basket, dumping the broccoli out onto a serving dish before tossing it into the sink. The stainless steel handles are sturdy and don’t transfer heat, so no you don’t have to worry about burning yourself if you pick it up without using a dishtowel or oven mitt.

And even though broccoli isn’t the most messy of dishes to make, I appreciated how easy the steamers were to clean afterwards. A simple rinse with soap and water did the trick. The stainless steel body is coated in the brand’s signature non-toxic ceramic coating, which makes doing dishes super simple. It’s just as non-sticky as the matching pots and pans, so you never have to worry about food getting crusted on or stuck behind. The coating is entirely non-toxic, too, so you can won’t have to worry about toxins or chemicals leaching into your food while you steam.

Arguably one of the best parts about these “gadgets” is the fact that they’re multifaceted. Got fresh produce you need to wash? Drain it in here. Straining pasta or rice? It doubles as a colander. One gadget, so many different ways to use it.

Whether you’re like me and are on the fence about loading up on trendy cooking accessories, or are the first to jump on the first fad you see on foodie TikTok, these steamers deserve a place in your kitchen. The only downside is they’re technically only compatible with Caraway’s cookware (which also deserves a place in your kitchen, if you can swing it.) But if you’ve already got the brand’s Dutch Oven or Sauce Pan (or are comfortable with the steamers not fitting *perfectly* in your other pots and pans…) get the Steamer Duo here or shop each individually below.

Caraway, Large Steamer — $65.00

Compatible with the Caraway Dutch Oven.

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Caraway, Small Steamer — $55.00

Compatible with the Caraway Sauce Pan.

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What ingredients to look for in snacks for achy joints

The best foods to consume for achy joints have antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber—all of which “can help lower inflammation in the body and associated arthritis symptoms,” says Lappe. When looking for snacks, seek out fish, flax seeds, and walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids as well as fiber-dense foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, a Bay area-based dietitian, tells Well+Good. Watch out for overly-processed foods containing high amounts of sugar, flours, oils, and salt. Per Lappe, these ingredients can further exacerbate inflammation.

We spoke with several registered dietitian nutritionists about what ingredients to look for and to learn about their snack recommendations for creaks and aches. Check out these 11 snacks that will kick inflamed joints to the curb. Bonus: they’re all available on Amazon.

Wasa, Whole Grain Crispbread — $8.00

Wasa’s Whole Grain Crispbread offers “fiber, B vitamins, and other anti-inflammatory nutrients to protect from joint pain,” says Lappe. Per serving, these crunchy crackers serve up two grams of fiber to ward off inflammation (snap, crackle, and poppy knees, no more).

Fiber: 2 g/serving

Protein: 1 g/serving

 

 

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Starkist, Wild Caught Light Tuna (Pack of 12) — $22.00

Not only does one pouch of Starkist contain a whopping 17 grams of protein, the tuna-filled pouch is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, “a type of healthy fat that can lower inflammation in the body,” explains Lappe. When choosing tuna, Lappe recommends opting for water-based tuna versus oil-based tuna, which may contain more sodium. Pair with crackers or throw into your salad for an anti-inflammatory bite.

Protein: 17 g/serving

 

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Brad's, Crunchy Kale — $11.00

For a nutrient-rich veggie snack, Lappe’s go-to is Brad’s Crunchy Kale. These “kale chips are a satisfying way to sneak in an anti-inflammatory veggie serving or two,” she says. Two grams of fiber, four grams of protein, and 90 calories per serving—these crunchy bites will give you the energy you need to go about your day.

Fiber: 2 g/serving

Protein: 4 g/serving

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Nature's Eats, Walnuts — $8.00

“Unsalted walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and may even protect joints,” says Brownstein. A handful of these will get you two grams of fiber and four grams of protein per serving. Add these walnuts to salad or soup to spruce up your meals. Or just snack on them on their own!

Fiber: 2 g/serving

Protein: 4 g/serving

 

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Brami, Italian Snacking Lupini Beans (Pack of 8) — $15.00

Recommended by Brownstein, these Brami Lupini Beans are a great snack for those who have “bean” thinking about their health. Made of good-for-you ingredients like Lupini beans (one of the stars of our 2023 Wellness Trends predictions!), water, and sea salt, these Lupini beans are a great source of fiber and protein. Anti-inflammatory boost, here we come!

Fiber: 3 g/serving

Protein: 4 g/serving

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Ziba, Sun-Dried Figs (Pack of 6) — $13.00

Got a sweet tooth? Try Ziba’s Sun-Dried Figs. We love that the only ingredient is fig, offering “a great source of calcium—which supports and strengthens bones,” says Jessica M. Kelly, RDN, LDN, a Pennsylvania-based owner and registered dietitian nutritionist at Nutrition That Heals, LLC. When it comes to servings, you’ll receive nine grams of fiber and two grams of protein for a satisfying nom.

Fiber: 9 g/serving

Protein: 2 g/serving

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Mamma Chia, Squeeze Vitality Pack (Pack of 10) — $22.00

Made from fruits, vegetables, and chia seeds, these fruity pouches offer a healthy dose (1,200 mg) of anti-inflammatory omega-3s, minus the added sugar, says Kelly. Packaged in squeezable pouches, Mamma Chia’s Squeeze Vitality Pack are good for on-the-go and come in five delicious flavors: Wild Raspberry, Strawberry Banana, Mango Coconut, Green Magic, and Blackberry Bliss.

Fiber: 3 g/serving

Protein: 2 g/serving

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Orchard Valley Harvest, Omega-3 Mix — $7.00

Savory and sweet, this mix contains walnuts, pistachios, dried cranberries, and almonds. The real nuts and dried fruit provide alpha linoleic acid, which offers a good source of anti-inflammatory omega-3, according to Kelly. Each serving clocks in three grams of fiber and protein (each), so you can get an anti-inflammatory bite that’s both tasty and filling.

Fiber: 3 g/serving

Protein: 3 g/serving

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That's It, Fig Fruit Bar (Pack of 12) — $22.00

Recommended by Kelly, this bar contains 70 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and 1 gram of protein per serving to support a healthy gut and combat inflammation. Made of fig and probiotics, this fig fruit bar will really have you saying “that’s it?”

Fiber: 4 g/serving

Protein: 1 g/serving

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Enlightened, Bada Bean Bada Boom Savory Box (Pack of 24) — $23.00

Laura Simmons, MS, RDN, CD, a registered dietitian at RET Physical Therapy and Healthcare Specialists based in Washington state, spilled the beans about this savory snack. In this box, you’ll find no shortage of tasty and crunchy beans, from sweet sriracha, garlic and onion, and sea salt (yum). Each bite contains four grams of fiber and six grams of protein to help you build muscle and combat inflammation. These snacks are the real deal.

Fiber: 4 g/serving

Protein: 6 g/serving

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Sunrise, Dried California Blueberries — $10.00

Tasty, long-lasting, and rich in antioxidants—you can’t go wrong with dried California blueberries. These are “a great option to pair with unsalted mixed nuts on the go or throwing in a bowl with some popcorn,” says Simmons. Plus, they have a longer shelf life!

Fiber: 4 g/serving

Protein: 2 g/serving

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Research has shown that a number of beverages can help you sleep better, like tart cherry juice and chamomile tea. But there’s one expert-recommended sleepy-time drink we definitely didn’t anticipate until now. When you drink it at the right time of day, green tea can help promote restful sleep. (After all, when we’re not drinking a double espresso to get a jolt of energy first thing in the day, we’re likely sipping on a luscious matcha latte that can make us feel similarly awake and well-caffeinated.)

We caught up with Michael Breus, PhD, leading sleep specialist known as “The Sleep Doctor” and clinical psychologist, to better understand why he considers green tea the best healthy drink to sip before bed for restful sleep.

Why drinking green tea can help you sleep better

“Drinking green tea throughout the day—yes, rather than at night—may be helpful for reducing fatigue and increasing sleep quality,” says Dr. Breus. “This is because of a compound in green tea called L-theanine, which helps your brain relax by reducing stress-related hormones and neuron excitement.” If you regularly consume green tea and do it several hours before bedtime, you can still reap its sleep-inducing benefits without the caffeine buzz (…or the need to wake up in the middle of the night to pee).

One small caveat is that you should be mindful of the type of green tea you pick up at the store. “Make sure you’re drinking a lower-caffeine green tea, if possible—some blends of green tea, particularly matcha, have high caffeine content. This may keep you awake if you drink it too late,” Dr. Breus says. Research suggests that green tea with reduced caffeine is particularly beneficial when it comes to reducing stress and improving sleep quality. A few low-caffeine green tea options include Organic Hojicha Tea or Organic Orange Spice Tea.

Low caffeine green teas

DAVIDSTea, Organic Orange Spice Tea — $10.00

This low-caffeine green tea has a comforting blend of cinnamon, orange, and spices that make it coziness in a cup.

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Yamasan Kyoto Uji, Organic Hojicha Tea — $14.00

This organic Hojicha tea has a rich umami flavor that’s mellow enough for all tea-drinkers—perfect for cozying up after a good meal.

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How does L-theanine found in green tea help promote restful sleep?

According to Dr. Breus, L-theanine helps promote relaxation and sleep quality by contributing to a number of changes in the brain. For starters, he says it can trigger the production of two critical rest-inducing hormones. “L-theanine elevates levels of GABA, as well as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters. Increasing levels of these calming brain chemicals boosts relaxation and can help with sleep,” he says.

In turn, this reaction can simultaneously help reduce anxiety and boost your brain health in the long run. “L-theanine also reduces levels of chemicals in the brain that are linked to stress and anxiety. Essentially, research tells us that L-theanine can improve sleep quality not only by acting as a sedative, but also by lowering anxiety and promoting relaxation,” Dr. Breus explains. “This suggests that L-theanine can protect brain cells against stress and age-related damage over time.”

Lastly, the sleep expert notes that L-theanine can also help lift your mood and increase your focus. “L-theanine appears to trigger the release of alpha waves, which enhances relaxation, focus, and creativity. That’s the state of mind you experience when meditating, being creative, or letting your mind wander in daydreaming,” Dr. Breus says. Studies show that alpha waves are seen in the electroencephalogram (EEG) during a normal wakeful state where a subject is quietly resting.

Fortunately, by consuming the right types of green tea (low-caffeinated ones) and at a reasonable time of day (at least a few hours before bedtime), you can easily benefit from this drink’s relaxing benefits. Cheers!

An herbalist shares natural remedies for sleep:

Personally, I originally learned about Liquid I.V. as a “going out cure” (sorry, Mom!). So, when I saw this new launch, I actually thought it was pretty genius to flip the script and creatively meet the people where we are in in the new year. Whether testing the waters of sobriety, exercising more, or just feeling a bit run down from the busy holiday season, this is the product for you if you’re cutting back on drinking alcohol but still enjoy a delicious, multi-tasking drink.

The launch included two limited edition mocktail flavors: Cucumber Mojito and Smoky Mezcal Paloma. These flavors come as additions to the classic Liquid I.V. product line—the Hydration Multiplier. The Hydration Multiplier is designed with the brand’s signature technology and ingredient makeup that allows water to be absorbed at an earlier point in the digestive process than just plain old water. This makes these little packets pretty powerful—we’re talking quicker hydration, more electrolytes than the average sports drink, and added vitamins.

Overall, I really enjoyed both flavors. While yes, they do in fact offer the flavor profiles the names promise, it is still clear that you’re drinking a water additive. If you are familiar with Liquid I.V. (if not, read our Energy Multiplier Liquid I.V. review), both flavors still have the saltiness and texture that is typical of the core flavors. If you are not familiar with this mouthfeel, expect a more viscous sip than typical of just water or even other sports drinks.

Limited Edition Mocktails Hydration Multiplier — $26.00

Available in 16, 32, 48 and 64 packs.

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The flavor breakdown

Cucumber Mojito:
Liquid I.V.’s description: “Cucumber Mojito Hydration Multiplier is non-alcoholic and true-to-taste like a freshly muddled mojito, featuring notes of cucumber, lime, and mint. Then, sweetness is balanced by full-bodied white rum flavor.”

My review: To me, this flavor is delightfully refreshing. It tastes a lot like the original lemon-lime flavor of this product, but if you added that to cucumber water you might get in a hotel lobby or at the spa. I was missing the mint a bit, but the sweetness of a typical mojito was also there. I also didn’t taste any hints of rum, but I wasn’t mad about that at all. As is the case with a true cucumber cocktail, cucumber can be a powerful flavor, and it is definitely the main player in this taste profile.

Smoky Mezcal Paloma: 
Liquid I.V.’s description: “Smoky Mezcal Paloma Hydration Multiplier features notes of tart grapefruit with a twist of lime accentuated by smoky/woody notes of aged mezcal and a hint of sea salt.”

My review: The smokiness is just right. I know mezcal as a liquor can be pretty divisive in terms of its unique taste (I personally enjoy it!), and I was worried it would not translate well here. However, I think they got the smokiness just right. The hint of sea salt is also certainly there, but I think that comes from the saltiness of the product itself, as all Hydration Multiplier flavors in my opinion have a certain saltiness that can be hard to get used to. In this flavor, I missed the grapefruit a bit. A bit more tartness would have cut the smokiness quite nicely, especially for those who have a more tumultuous relationship with mezcal, but it still held its own and I think deserves to keep its name.

Overall, they’re both pretty tasty. I actually like them more than some of the traditional flavors. However, they do indeed taste like a mocktail, so I preferred them in the afternoon rather than earlier in the day, when I would typically enjoy my Liquid I.V. I also found myself adding to a bit more water than the recommended 16 ounces, just so that the flavor and texture wasn’t quite as powerful.

How does the hydration part work?

Liquid I.V. works like most sports drinks do, but is more effective, thanks to its Cellular Transport Technology, which allows water to absorb to absorb faster into the body. The brand explains it as “an expedited water delivery system.” This is why so many people swear by Liquid I.V. when they’re parched (after working long hours without access to water, a strenuous workout or race, etc.).

I’m not the only one who was delighted by Liquid I.V.’s mocktail-inspired Hydration Multipliers—the brand has nearly 50,000 glowing reviews on its site. “I’m a huge fan of liquid IV! I’m an ICU nurse who absolutely needs to stay hydrated. Prior to liquid IV, I forgot to drink enough water… post? Well, let’s just say I gulp one bottle down mixed with this good stuff each morning,” one reviewer writes. Another says, “This stuff is so good for when I’m dehydrated from backpacking!”

Basically, if you’re looking for a mixed drink alternative that still lives you feeling hydrated (and is still delicious and tastes like a mixed drink), Liquid I.V. is your best bet.

The prizes were broken down into eight categories, like favorite produce, vegan/vegetarian item, and snack (which, spoiler, also happened to be the overall winner, too). To dish out whether these items are really worth the hype, we spoke with Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, CPT, a registered dietitian based in Charleston, that gave us her expert take on the popular items she’ll be tossing into her shopping cart the next time she stops by Trader Joe’s.

What a registered dietitian thinks about some of Trader Joe’s best items

1. Favorite Overall: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

Coming in number one *drum roll please* are TJ’s iconic chili and lime-flavored rolled corn tortilla chips that are eerily similar to Takis. (And, as Gen Zs might say: They’re absolute fire.) Made from stone-ground corn masa that’s rolled up like a miniature scroll and dusted with hot chili and lime seasoning, these crunchy chips are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They even ranked number one in the “favorite snack” category, too.

It’s safe to say that these chili-lime corn chips aren’t lacking in the flavor department. Full disclosure: After eating a few of these fiery-hot chips, you might be tempted to break out the fire extinguisher. But to mitigate the heat, you can always dunk them into one of Trader Joe’s many delicious dips—like one of our all-time faves, vegan tzatziki. Not to mention, you can easily sneak them into a dinnertime dish, too. Crush them up to use as a gluten-free breadcrumb replacement when making homemade chicken tenders for an A+ punch of explosive flavor.

But how does it stack up for a registered dietitian? “It’s a great option for a satisfying snack if someone is avoiding gluten or simply loves a satisfying corn-based crunch. The chips are made with no artificial colors or flavors, which makes them appealing to many,” Manaker says. It’s true: The tortilla chips get their finger-staining, vibrant orange hue from anti-inflammatory ingredients like paprika and turmeric extracts.

 

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2. Favorite Produce: Bananas

It’s no surprise that folks go bananas over bananas. After all, they’re basically the golden child of versatility, and this fruit is packed with nutrients. “Bananas are a low-cost and incredibly accessible and versatile food that is naturally free from added sugars and provides a sweet taste,” Manaker says.

In fact, at Trader Joe’s, you can get organic bananas for 25 cents or snag its conventional ones for 19 cents each. What’s more, Manaker says that a shelf full of unripe, green bananas isn’t a bad omen by any means. “Opting for a slightly under-ripe banana, meaning that the skin is a little green, can fill the body with important prebiotic fiber. Prebiotics act as fuel for healthy bacteria that reside in our gut,” Manaker says.

 

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3. Favorite Vegan or Vegetarian Item: Kale & Cashew Pesto

This creamy green condiment is made with kale, cashews, basil, and absolutely zero dairy. It has a vibrant punchy flavor profile, thanks to zesty lemon juice and spicy raw garlic. But that’s not the only reason why this creamy sauce is guaranteed to make it to the checkout line with this RD. “The vegan pesto is made with gut health-supporting ingredients like kale and cashew. It’s not only a fantastic addition to pasta dishes, but I like to use it as a condiment on my sandwiches instead of mayonnaise for a bit of a nutrition boost at lunchtime,” Manaker says.

 

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4. Favorite Beverage: Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice Beverage

Although it’s only a seasonal item, sigh, this three-ingredient beverage—made from 100 percent Honeycrisp juice, water, and bubbles—is like taking a big, juicy bite from a freshly-picked apple at the orchard. Bonus: This drink contains a slew of health benefits since it’s made with real fruit juice from apples, which contain nutritious plant compounds. “Some varieties of apples contain a plant compound called flavan-3-ols. Consumption of dietary flavan-3-ols may help improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar,” Manaker says.

 

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A dermatologist tries Trader Joe’s beauty products. Here’s the verdict:

Let’s start with single-use plastic—the worst offender of all. “It’s just what it sounds like: Something made from plastic that’s designed and intended to be used just once, often for just seconds or minutes,” says Eve Fox, the digital director at Beyond Plastics, a nationwide project with the mission of ending plastic pollution. While your mind may instantly go to products like plastic straws and cutlery, in reality, it sneaks its way into every nook and cranny of your kitchen. “The plastics industry continually looks for ways to create new products where none are needed in order to deal with a glut of cheap plastics,” Fox says. “No one ‘needs’ a potato wrapped in plastic.”

Plastic isn’t the only disposable to be aware of. There’s also products like paper towels and Swiffer pads. All of which have one thing in common: Once they serve their purpose, their next destination is the trash. “Single-use plastics and other disposables are a big problem in our kitchens and our homes because these items are not recyclable and come with a large greenhouse gas footprint,” Fox says. Those that reach a landfill can sit for hundreds of years, releasing methane gas into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. They also end up in incinerators, where they create air pollution, or littered in our environment.

As single-use plastic products slowly break down over the course of hundreds of years, they’re split into smaller and smaller pieces. “These smaller pieces, called microplastics, eventually enter our soil and our water supply,” Fox says. “Or they end up being burned in an incinerator or littered somewhere in our environment where they pollute our waterways, woods, streams, and parks and endanger wildlife.”

The good news? Avoiding disposable products in your kitchen is becoming easier than ever thanks to environmentally sustainable alternatives; reusable and refillable packaging is on the rise, with one report projecting that the global market will hit $42 billion this year, an increase from $35.1 billion in 2017. Making some small changes in your own routine can add up to a big impact on the planet over time, starting with these seven cooking and cleaning swaps.

7 environmentally sustainable kitchen swaps

1. Swap paper towels and sponges for Swedish dishcloths

Between their massive water footprint (20,000 gallons for a single paper towel) and contribution to deforestation, swapping paper towels for a more planet-friendly option can greatly benefit the environment. Especially considering Americans spend billions of dollars on paper towels every year, and the majority are thrown in the trash.

If you’ve yet to hop on the Swedish dishcloth bandwagon, you’re in for a treat. They’re biodegradable and long-lasting, with a single dishcloth replacing 17 rolls of paper towels. “They’re very absorbent, completely washable, and come in a range of cute, fun patterns,” Fox says. When it’s dirty, toss it in your dishwasher or washing machine and it will look brand-new again.

Brightly Reusable Swedish Dishcloths (3 Pack) — $15.00

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2. Swap plastic dish brushes for a bamboo brush

Once your plastic dish brush runs out of scrubbing power, it’s tossed in the trash. Opt for a greener option to keep things squeaky clean—like a biodegradable bamboo dish brush with natural, non-plastic bristles. Even better if you invest in an environmentally sustainable option with a reusable handle, like this pick from Sqwishful that only needs the head replaced.

3. Swap plastic bags for reusable silicone bags

Ziplocs tend to be a hard kitchen item to give up: It’s so easy to toss your lunches or leftovers into those convenient bags. But silicone versions are just as easy to use—minus all the waste. Stasher bags are made of platinum silicone, which doesn’t degrade over time. Because you can use a single baggie thousands of times, you’re keeping the equivalent amount of plastic options out of landfills and oceans.

4. Swap plastic cleaning products for refillable or waterless options

When you’re at the store, there’s aisle upon aisle of plastic cleaning bottles. Even some of the best natural brands are packaged in plastic. Fox says she recommends opting for options from companies that focus on reducing packaging and plastic. Meliora Cleaning Products and Blueland have cleaning tablets that can be added to a reusable spray bottle—let it dissolve, give it a shake, and use as normal. Then there’s Cleancult, which sells recyclable, paper-based refills of dish soap and, beyond that, can be poured into refillable bottles, keeping plastic out of the picture.

You might even have a store nearby that allows you to refill your cleaning supplies in person. Look for a natural grocer or zero-waste store in your area, where you can stock up on all your essentials. Better yet, the options you’ll find tend to be made with planet-based, environmentally sustainable ingredients, checking off all your boxes.

5. Swap plastic wrap for beeswax wraps or reusable covers

Plastic wrap has been around since… well, basically forever. Now, nearly 74 years since it became a kitchen staple, two sustainable swaps are becoming mainstays: beeswax wraps and reusable fabric bowl covers. “I know many people are very wedded to their plastic wrap, but it’s time to let it go,” Fox says.

With these environmentally sustainable alternatives, it won’t feel like a sacrifice. Beeswax wrap is made from organic cotton and beeswax, and it’s easy to use. You simply run it under warm water to make the wax pliable, then secure it around your bowl or plate. It can be washed and reused for up to a year then composted at the end of its life. (When looking for beeswax wraps, just ensure the beeswax is sourced from sustainably managed hives.) If you’d rather opt for reusable fabric covers, many feature fuss-free adjustable cords that allow you to cover your leftovers in record time. They’re also machine-washable. Treat them well and they could last a lifetime.

Brightly Reusable Bowl Covers (Set of 3) — $25.00

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6. Swap Swiffer pads for reusable towels

Ready to get a little creative? Products like Swiffer pads make it really easy to clean up your kitchen, but they get so dirty that it’s recommended to replace pads after every use. Instead of stocking up on disposable pads, get a reusable pad. Either make your own using an old towel or t-shirt, or purchase a reusable option. Either way, once dirty, you can run it through your washing machine and use it over and over again.

7. Swap parchment paper and aluminum foil for reusable baking sheets

Parchment paper is essential for everything from roasting veggies to making your favorite batch of gluten-free cookies… or is it? In 2020 alone, nearly two million Americans used 10 or more containers of parchment paper each. Because most parchment paper gets its non-stick quality from a silicone coating, it’s not recyclable. Instead of going the single-use route and contributing to landfill waste, opt for a reusable baking sheet that’s non-stick, easy to clean, and built to last.

While I’ll have to wait to splurge on a trip to the sun-drenched Neopolitan coast, I’m biding my time with the next best thing: frozen vegan pizza from Talia Di Napoli, which tastes like the real deal. Just launched today, it’s the first vegan pizza from the brand, but you’d never know it. Handcrafted by thoroughly-trained master pizza-makers in Naples, these margarita pies will transport you to an Italian villa in just a single bite, never once giving away that they’re frozen or plant-based.

Vegan Margherita (Pack of 6) — $120.00

Also available in an 8-pack ($144) so you can totally stock up.

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The taste and authenticity are what makes Talia Di Napoli pizzas so freakin’ delicious. (And why the entire Well+Good editorial team has at least one stashed away in their freezers.) All of the pizzas, including the new Vegan Margherita, are whipped up by trained pizza chefs at the brand’s kitchen in Naples. Everything—from the dough, down to the toppings—is made by hand, before being wood-fired to perfection and then immediately flash-frozen to preserve flavor, texture, and genuineness. That way, when you pop ’em in the oven and take a bite, it feels like you’re eating an actual Neopolitan pizza and nothing less.

As mentioned, this is the brand’s first foray into a vegan formulation, and it’s just as delizioso as the dairy-based ‘zas. Each one is made with a crispy, handmade sourdough crust that’s topped with fresh pomodoro sauce and a crisp basil (which are both sourced in Italy, BTW.) The only difference is the vegan mozzarella cheese, which swaps milk for a blend of cashews and almonds.

“We’ve been sitting on launching a vegan margarita [pizza] for years,” says Edouard Freda, the brand’s founder and CEO. “While we knew this was an important pizza to have, we needed to make sure we found a plant-based mozzarella that matched the quality of the rest of our ingredients, which took a while. We finally found an Italian supplier of the best vegan mozzarella we have tasted and knew we finally had what we needed to launch the vegan pizza everyone has been waiting for!”

Can confirm: This tasty treat was worth the wait. I’ve been drooling over Talia Di Napoli’s original pizzas for the past year and the vegan one tastes just as good, if not better. You’d never know the cheese is nut-based—it’s that creamy and close to traditional mozzarella.

Currently, the Vegan Margherita comes in packs of six or eight, so you can stock up accordingly. And although they’re a bit on the pricier side, they are the real deal. (And way less expensive than a trip to Italy, after all.) Transport your tastebuds with the new Talia Di Napoli Vegan Margherita here, or shop the rest of the pies here.

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But here’s the thing: One can only have so much kitchen space. You need space to, you know, cook. Here’s a piece of insider cooking knowledge straight from Well+Good’s former food editor Jessie Van Amburg: A food processor is one appliance you don’t necessarily need. She’s obsessed with a gadget that’s cheaper, smaller, and does the job just as well, the Kuhn Rikon Pull Chopper.

Kuhn Rikon Pull Chopper Manual Food Processor — $36.00

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“My brother, who is an excellent cook and worked in food retail, gifted me this pull chopper six or seven years ago,” Van Amburg says. “He described it as an affordable way to do some of the basic core functions of a food processor without taking up lots of counter space. And does it deliver.”

Here’s how it works: You cut your produce into chunks that are small enough to fit the manual food processor’s chopper bowl. Then, secure the lid and pull the handle to spin the blades inside, which quickly dices or minces what’s inside. “The more you pull, the more finely-chopped your produce becomes,” Van Amburg says. The whole process takes mere seconds from start to finish—just like using an electronic food processor. (You just get a bit of an arm workout in the process.)

It’s not an exact replacement for a food processor, Van Amburg notes. It only has a two-cup capacity, so it’s definitely smaller than most electronic models, and the blades aren’t fine enough for it to be effective on single smaller items of produce, like garlic cloves. It also isn’t ideal for making things like pesto that require emulsification. But it does an excellent job of making quick work out of mountains of vegetable chopping, at a super affordable price point.

“If you’re a beginner cook looking to made some aspects of meal prep easier, this thing is a must-have,” Van Amburg says. “It’s been with me for years—and has survived three moves—and still works perfectly. And you can’t argue with the price.” Now there’s more room left on your kitchen counter for something you really love, like actual food.

Crockpot, Electric Lunch Box — $38.00

Originally $40, now $38

Colors: 6

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Equipped with a warming base and a 20-ounce container, the Crockpot mini will keep your food nice and toasty all day long, be it filled with stews, soups, pasta, or casseroles. It comes with a cord—which has integrated storage at the bottom of the device—that you can plug into any outlet, allowing you to heat up your food no matter where you are. Also nice, it’s crafted with an airtight lid and overhead handle, which means that your days of food spilling are officially dunzo.

@ashlovescondiments Miss Betty done sold out!! #ashlovescondiments #fyp #foryou #eatingshow #mukbangeatingshow #fypシ ♬ original sound – Ash

Seriously, it really doesn’t spill, meaning you don’t have to eat it in the break room and can savor warm meals on-the-go. In a video created by TikTok user @Ashlovescondiments, the creator is seen drinking soup from her Crockpot mini in the car, its small shape and portable design sitting atop her lap as she enjoys hot, hardy soup. So the days when you want to avoid long lines at the microwave and smalltalk in the cafeteria, so you can just grab your little Crockpot and go.

@Ashlovescondiments is only one of the thousands of customers who are saving major microwave time with this handy heated lunch pail—scroll through Amazon and find nearly 13,200 5-star ratings and 2,080 5-star reviews from happy, satiated shoppers.

One Amazon shopper says that the Crockpot mini is, “so simple to use and clean! I hate usin’ the office microwave. I mean I love my coworkers, but I really don’t love sharing their splattered lunches and who-knows-what in that microwave that rarely gets cleaned. This little gem solves the problem and lets me start from frozen as well.”

Another Amazon customer says it was the best thing they ever purchased: “So after years of microwaving soup in a plastic container, I decided I’d rather cut down on all that lovely microplastic I put in my body. I found this little guy to replace that method. [It] comes with this seamless stainless steel heating bowl that’s removable… It heats it up perfectly. I unplug it, wrap the cord around the base and carry the whole thing by its handle to my desk and eat right out of it. I use it every day. Oh yeah, the base doesn’t get too hot on the outside either.”

The mini Crockpot heats, thaws, and keeps food warm all day with just a plug. If you ask us, this on-the-go lunchbox will last years to come and is so worth the hype (it’s sold out in three colors, btw). They’re bound to sell out again, so don’t miss your chance for quick, easy, and microwave-free lunches lunches all year long.

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After extensive research, Buettner and his team have identified five regions of the world that they report are home to the longest-living people, which he deemed the Blue Zones (Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; and Loma Linda, California). And while every location’s cuisine is unique, Buettner and his team have identified a few commonalities in what the locals in the Blue Zones eat and, more importantly, drink. “People in every Blue Zone drink tea,” Buettner says.

This comes as little surprise. After all, studies have shown time and again that drinking tea can help your bones and brain stay strong as you age. Research has also linked drinking two or more cups of black tea daily with longevity-boosting benefits.

Since all signs point to the fact that drinking tea can have a positive effect on one’s longevity, we spoke with Buettner to learn more about which three types most folks in Blue Zones consume on the regular.

3 best teas for longevity based on the habits of three predominant tea-drinking Blue Zones

1. Green Tea

According to Buettner, people in the region of Okinawa, Japan, drink green tea regularly. “Okinawans prefer green varieties, which have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and several cancers,” he says. When it comes to health-promoting attributes, green tea is basically liquid gold: It contains high amounts of flavanols, which is a type of antioxidant linked to lower levels of LDL cholesterol and improved cardiovascular health. Green teas also contains catechins, a polyphenol and antioxidant that can help protect the body against free-radicals. And as if that weren’t enough, this drink is also rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that can potentially improve mood and cognitive function. Looking for another antioxidant-rich tea? Butterfly pea flower tea is the (blue) tea you can sip on.

Twinings Green Tea With Jasmine — $4.00

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Bigelow Classic Green Tea — $18.00

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2. Herbal Teas

In Ikaria, Greece, it’s common to find teas made with herbs that were locally foraged. “Ikarians drink brews of rosemary, wild sage, and dandelion tea—all herbs known to have anti-inflammatory properties,” Buettner says. He notes that his research on the area has shown that there are very few cases of dementia and other chronic illnesses that impact the western world in Ikaria, which is partly due to their healthful dietary habits.

“In addition to their diet rich in beans, wild greens, olive oil, lemons, and potatoes, Ikarians frequently brew tea from wild herbs. Greek teas may offer specific beneficial effects: wild mint as a way to prevent gingivitis and ulcers, rosemary to treat gout, and artemisia to improve blood circulation,” Buettner says. To understand the full scope of the benefits of Ikarian herbal teas, Buettner sent samples to be laboratory tested and found that they all had antioxidant properties that also doubled as mild diuretics. “So not only do they contain powerful antioxidants, but they can also help flush waste products from the body and slightly lower blood pressure,” he says.

Kopeli, Greek Traditional Cretan Mountain Tea — $15.00

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3. Milk Thistle Tea

According to Buettner, the preferred tea in Sardinia, Italy, is milk thistle, which is known to help break down and digest food, store essential vitamins and minerals, and remove toxins from the system, among other things. This herb has also been linked to protecting against certain types of cancer. Studies also suggest that milk thistle extracts have anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects and can be used to protect the liver against toxins and control chronic liver diseases.

Buddha Teas Organic Milk Thistle Tea — $12.00

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What do people in Loma Linda, California, and Nicoya, Costa Rica, drink?

Although there may be tea drinkers in these two Blue Zones (Loma Linda, California, and Nicoya, Costa Rica), it’s not as common in these locations as it is in the others. Unlike the other four Blue Zones, Loma Linda residents are largely Seventh-day Adventist, which means caffeine—from both coffee and tea—is avoided due to religious reasons. Meanwhile, Nicoyans tend to sip coffee, not tea, throughout the day. “In Nicoya, coffee is sort of a national beverage, and it is consumed throughout the day. However, their coffee tends to be very weak compared to, say, Starbucks,” Buettner previously shared with Well+Good.

An RD explains the difference between matcha and green tea:

When making your way to the snack aisles, Rachel Engelhart, RD, LPC, a registered dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor based in Washington, DC, recommends munchies rich in protein, fat, and fiber—which tend to have more staying power (meaning your appetite will be satisfied for longer) and prevent your glucose levels from spiraling. “This means that you avoid the sugar spike and subsequent crash that can lead to feeling lethargic and cranky shortly after eating,” she says. Instead of sugary snacks, opt for fresh fruits and veggies. For healthy fats, Alli Magier, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian, says to go for nuts and seeds.

From no-frills dry roasted almond packs to chicken sriracha bars for on-the-go eats, keep reading to find the best energy-boosting snacks that’ll help you overcome the winter sleepies.

Best energy-boosting snacks

Emerald, Variety Pack (Pack of 18) — $16.00

This nut variety pack comes recommended by Wilson. This trio features dry roasted almonds, unsalted almonds and walnuts, and roasted cashews. Each pack offers 100 calories, 3 grams of protein, and a pinch of fiber. Snack on a pack of these for an afternoon pick-me-up.

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Seapoint, Dry Roasted Edamame — $15.00

Another recommendation from Wilson, these dry roasted edamame are crunchy and offer some tasty bites. Each serving boasts 130 calories to give you a jolt of energy while being filling thanks to the whopping 14 grams of protein. It’s also a good source of potassium and iron—which has benefits for your immune system, muscles, and overall health. Seriously, you won’t stop chewing.

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FAGE, Total 2% Milkfat Plain Greek Yogurt — $2.00

Yogurt is another great way to lift your spirits, and this one is rich in 15 grams of protein and 180 milligrams of calcium. According to Wilson, protein is more filling and keeps you satisfied for longer, so you’ll have enough energy throughout the day. “Pair with some berries and sliced almonds,” recommends Wilson.

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Epic, Chicken Sriracha Bar (Pack of 4) — $8.00

For a no-frills bite, you can’t go wrong with a bar, and this chicken sriracha bar is as tasty as it sounds. Each bar has 100 calories and 11 grams of protein per serving that will give you a jolt in lasting energy. Within each bite, enjoy a spicy kick. Since each bar is individually wrapped, you can grab a bar from the pantry and go.

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Applegate, Uncured Turkey Pepperoni — $7.00

For the meat lovers, Brittany Lara, RDN, LDN, an Illinois-based long-term care dietitian, recommends these turkey pepperoni bites. Without the dough, pizza sauce, and sleepiness, these pepperoni bites are the perfect snack for anyone craving pizza. Each bite-sized turkey meat features 10 grams of protein, 188 milligrams of potassium, and a whole lot of yummy-ness.

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Good and Gather, Antioxidant Trail Mix — $7.00

You can’t go wrong with trail mix, and Lara recommends this pack from Good and Gather. Dried cranberries, almonds, dried blueberries, and dark chocolate chips—uhh…yum! Not only is this mixture tasty, it’s packed with antioxidants, vitamin E, and potassium.

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Mini Babybel, Original Cheese Snack — $12.00

For a hearty snack—minus the sugar spike—Engelhart says to opt for cheese. These individually-wrapped Mini Babybels offer a good source of calories (70) and protein (5 grams). Pair them with seed-filled crackers and turkey pepperoni for extra yum.

Option: Get a 6-pack on Amazon Fresh.

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Bumble Bee, Salmon Salad Kit — $4.00

Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and you can load up on all these health-promoting benefits with Bumble Bee’s Salmon Salad Kit. Featuring a can of salmon salad and crackers, this kit makes the ideal snack for days you’re feeling slumped. Take a bite and let the mood boosting commence!

If you’re ready to commit, and want that Prime delivery, get it on Amazon for $21.

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But aside from the research-backed benefits this humble fruit carries, it’s no surprise that apples tend to be our first pick from the fruit bowl: They’re absolutely delicious.

Now, as we enter the new year, ready to tackle our health goals, it’s important to keep in mind that, like all things in life, it’s all about striking a balance. And it’s safe to say that Elise Smith, a pastry chef and recipe developer, accomplishes just that on the latest episode of Alt-Baking Bootcamp, with her latest creation: a luscious vegan caramel apple tart with coconut whipped cream. Swoon.

Aside from the perfectly-balanced flavors in this decadent dessert—creamy coconut whipped cream, a crunchy graham cracker crust, a sweet coconut caramel layer, and tangy Granny Smith apples—Smith reminds us that treating ourselves to a tasty homemade treat is an absolutely necessary part of a well-balanced lifestyle (and if it’s made with nourishing, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly ingredients, all the better). Plus, she shares several helpful chef-approved tips that guarantee you’ll nail this recipe on the very first try.

Why this vegan caramel apple tart is a recipe we’ll be making on repeat

Of course, for many, baking is something you can’t wait to be done with (along with gift-wrapping) once the holidays are over and the year comes to an end. But that definitely doesn’t stop our insatiable need to finish dinner with something sweet once January rolls around.

That being said, baking doesn’t always have to be as tedious or time-consuming as making Grandma’s classic thumbprint cookies. On the contrary, with the help of a pastry chef’s super-practical hacks for making a tart in a few easy steps, you can be on your way to eating homemade, bakery-worthy desserts in mere minutes.

In this episode, Smith makes an easy apple tart with less than 10 gluten-free and vegan-friendly ingredients. And it’s far easier than you could ever imagine. She breaks down making a tart into three main steps: the crust, the filling, and the toppings.

For starters, Smith whips together a simple two-ingredient—yes, that’s really it!—crust using crushed vegan graham crackers and vegan butter. The key is using a springform pan that makes transferring and unmolding the crust as easy and crack-free as possible.

Then, Smith shows how to make a super simple vegan caramel (pro tip: double the recipe to save some extra for later). Lastly, she makes a cloud-like whipped coconut cream to slather over the tangy, thinly-sliced green apples for the perfect well-balanced dessert to start the year off right. Seriously, check out the episode if you’re in the mood to start your year off deliciously.

Vegan, gluten-free caramel apple tart recipe

Yields 6 servings

Ingredients

For the crust:
1 1/2 cups vegan graham crackers, ground
5 Tbsp vegan unsalted butter

For the caramel:
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 Tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp cornstarch
6 ounces vegan coconut cream

For the toppings:
1 Granny Smith apple
12 ounces vegan coconut cream
1/2 Tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp confectioner’s sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. To make the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs and vegan butter in a small bowl until the mixture resembles a sand-like texture. Add the mixture to a greased and lined springform pan. Using the back of a measuring cup, gently press the mixture into the bottom and into the lip of the pan about half an inch tall to form a crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, remove it from the oven, and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the crust to the refrigerator and let it set for about 20 minutes. The sides of the crust should begin to pull away from the edges.

2. To make the caramel, in a small saucepan over medium heat, add brown sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch. Then, before adding the coconut cream, use a sieve lined with a paper towel to separate the coconut fat from the excess liquid in the coconut cream. Add the remaining coconut fat left on the paper towel into the caramel mixture. Whisk the mixture until thoroughly combined and the sugar is fully dissolved. Next, pour the caramel into the crust and move it around to coat the bottom entirely. Gently tap the pan on the surface to remove any air bubbles. Then, place it in the refrigerator to set for about 30 minutes.

3. For the toppings, thinly slice the apple. Then, remove the tart from the springform pan and layer it with the sliced apples. Set it aside. To make the coconut whipped cream, combine coconut cream and vanilla in a stand mixer, starting on low speed and working up to high speed until you have stiff full peaks. Halfway through, add the confectioner’s sugar, and continue beating on high. Once whipped, add the cream on top of the tart, and serve.

Next on the menu: Gluten-free herb parmesan biscuits: 

Indeed, if you’re following along with Well+Good’s 2023 ReNew Year program, you already know that according to Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, owner of Brooklyn-based Maya Feller Nutrition and author of Eating from Our Roots (which comes out January 24), one way to encourage yourself to make more home-cooked meals in the new year is by getting your kitchen ready with the appropriate tools you need to cook up a storm.

To that end, we spoke with David Lee, the co-founder and executive chef of PLANTA, an innovative plant-based restaurant located in Toronto, South Florida, New York City, and Bethesda, to learn which chef-approved cookware pieces are a must in his kitchen for making restaurant-worthy meals at home.

3 essential chef-approved cookware pieces every kitchen needs

D3 Stainless Steel All-Clad 3-Quart Saucepan — $120.00

Right off the bat, Lee says a high-quality saucepan is a must in any kitchen. His go-to is the D3 Stainless Steel All-Clad 3-Quart Saucepan.

“This saucepan is perfect for making vegetable hotpots and miso soups with ramen noodles in them,” Lee says. All-Clad’s D3 saucepan has a classic tri-ply construction, made with a responsive aluminum core bonded together with two layers of durable stainless steel all the way around for maximum durability and fast, even heat distribution. It’s also ideal for cooking with liquids because of its high, straight sides that assist with stirring a smaller surface area to hold heat well and limit evaporation as much as possible.

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All-Clad D3 Stainless Cookware Set

All-Clad D3 Stainless Cookware Set — $700.00

Since chef Lee highly recommends the D3 Stainless Steel All-Clad 3-Quart Saucepan, we couldn’t help but scope out the All-Clad D3 Stainless Cookware Set, which includes his beloved saucepan plus nine other high-quality stainless steel cookware pots and pans. Swoon. 

This stacked set features eight- and 10-inch fry pans, two- and three-quart saucepans with lids, a three-quart saute pan with a lid, and an eight-quart stockpot with a lid. And all of these items are made with ultra-durable stainless steel that’s compatible with all cooktops, including induction, plus they’re oven and broiler-safe up to 600°F. They’ll definitely be turning out delicious dishes for years to come.

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Lodge 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet — $20.00

If you take a look in your parent’s kitchen cabinets, you’ll likely come across a decades-old cast iron skillet that has been cooking for longer than you have. That’s because this ultra-durable staple cookware piece can do it all: sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise, fry, and grill. The benefit of cooking with cast iron is that it can get super hot and has unparalleled heat retention, plus cast iron can easily go from stovetop to oven.

Chef Lee says a Lodge 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is the perfect addition to any cookware collection. It’s not too big (though it also comes in larger sizes, like 15-inches), not too small, and it’s ideal for cooking for a party of one, two, or more. Plus, the pan comes pre-seasoned, meaning it’s been treated with a thin layer of vegetable oil to ensure the cast iron surface is as non-stick as possible.

The best part? This pan is highly affordable (under 20 bucks) and it’s a piece that will likely stick around forever—meaning you’ll definitely get your money’s worth from this handy cookware essential.

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Hans Grill Pizza Stone — $38.00

A slightly curveball cookware item chef Lee swears by is a pizza stone, which he says is one of the best ways to achieve pizzeria-worthy crusts at home. “You don’t realize how much you need a pizza stone until you use one,” Lee says. One of our favorites is the Hans Grill Pizza Stone, which is 15- by 12-inches and perfect for crisping up pies, pastries, bread, or even calzones (and, of course, pizzas). It has nearly 12,000 reviews and four and a half stars on Amazon.

So, why are pizza stones so useful? Well, they’re one of the best ways to avoid ever cooking soggy crust again. They both absorb moisture from the dough during the cooking process and help evenly crisp up the bread in the oven. As a result, you’ll have a pizza with a super crunchy crust and a layer of perfectly ooey-gooey melted cheese on top. Sold.

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An RD explains how to eat pasta every day, and we’re all ears:

If you’re new to moon milk and its benefits, or are curious to explore its Ayurvedic roots, you’re in the right place. We reached out to Laura Croyt, a clinical Ayurvedic practitioner at Den Mother in Venice, California, to get the scoop on everything worth knowing about this sleep-friendly tonic.

What is moon milk?

“Moon milk is an elixir that combines warm milk with spices and/or herbs to provide a warming and calming effect on the mind,” Croyt says. She notes that it’s an easier, modernized version of ksheerapaka, “the classical Ayurvedic preparation where milk and water are decocted with medicinal herbs.”

In both cases, Croyt explains, “Milk is used as a fat- and water-soluble vehicle to extract the medicinal properties of herbs and to reduce their sharp intensity when needed.” The process also permits the body to readily accept the herbs and spices, thus enhancing their beneficial effects.

How moon milk can promote better sleep

If you struggle with insomnia, restlessness, or mental overactivity, Croyt says that your Vata dosha (dosha meaning your innate constitution or energy pattern) is likely heightened. “The Vata dosha is the energy of the wind, hence the racing thoughts that act like wind and carry the mind away from rest,” she says. Vata qualities are dry, light, cold, and fast—and moon milk can bring these qualities back into balance.

“Warm milk is both heavy and moist, two qualities that ground the Vata dosha,” says Croyt. From there, you can customize moon milk to calm restless Vata energy even further with the right spices and herbs. “Vata-pacifying aromatic spices that have an affinity for sleep and stress [include] cardamom, mace, saffron, and turmeric,” as well as Croyt’s personal favorite: nutmeg.

“Nutmeg is a heating spice with sedative properties. It helps to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and tension,” Croyt shares. “In Ayurveda, it’s used in the cooler months, so it’s the perfect spice to help you feel less frazzled and on edge during winter.”

Certain herbal remedies can also help to facilitate a good night’s rest. “Specific herbs for improving sleep and soothing the nervous system are Brahmi, Shatavari, rose petals, chamomile, and lavender,” Croyt says. She also calls out ashwagandha in particular, an adaptogen prized in ancient Ayurvedic tradition for its calming and rejuvenating properties. A 2019 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study concluded that ashwagandha can improve sleep quality and sleep onset latency, even in those with insomnia and anxiety—so it’s well worth including it in your moon milk recipe (as tolerated).

“Whether you’re struggling with sleeplessness or the occasional bout of stress that has derailed your sleep routine, this herbal nightcap has the power to help you slow down, ground your mind and body, and ease into sleep,” Croyt summarizes.

Tips to make your own moon milk recipe

Croyt reiterates that moon milk is highly customizable based on your taste preferences and the spices and herbs you have on hand. It’s also more flexible than traditional ksheerapaka recipes, as the latter requires more time and precise measurements.

With that in mind, here are a few helpful FYIs before you whip up her own moon milk recipe—or get creative by concocting your very own:

• According to Croyt, the milk you choose can make or break your recipe. She recommends opting for whole A2 organic grass-fed cow’s milk, noting that it’s healthier and easier to digest than conventional varieties.
• If you have a hard time digesting dairy or follow a plant-based diet, alt milks are also fair game. “You can use your favorite plant-based milk—such as coconut, almond, oat, or hemp—and still see great results,” Croyt explains.
• While you *can* use a milk frother or a steamer, Croyt strongly advises going for the stovetop route instead. “It’s important to bring your moon milk to a boil and let it simmer to help extract the water- and fat-soluble properties of the spices and herbs,” she says.
• While Croyt favors nutmeg for her own moon milk, remember that personalization is encouraged. “Feel free to swap out nutmeg for another spice or herb,” she shares. “Great options include saffron, turmeric, chamomile, rose petals, and ashwagandha.”
• Finally, Croyt offers special instructions if you decide to use ashwagandha in your DIY moon milk recipe: “Use one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder to one cup of water and one cup milk. You’ll need to boil the mixture and reduce it by half.” She also suggests adding cardamom, cinnamon, and other gut-friendly spices, as ashwagandha can be difficult to digest for some.

An Ayurvedic expert’s nutmeg moon milk recipe for restful sleep

Ingredients
1 cup milk
1⁄2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of cinnamon or cardamom powder
1⁄4 teaspoon ghee or coconut oil, optional
Honey or another sweetener to taste, optional

Instructions
1. Bring all ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan and simmer on medium-low for three to five minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Pour into a mug and add sweetener to taste. If using honey, be sure to let your moon milk cool down a bit before adding it in.

3. Sip and enjoy, free of distractions, and with gratitude and peace.

Note: As beneficial as moon milk can be, Croyt mentions that it may not be ideal for everyone. “Ayurvedically speaking, moon milk is not recommended for those with an active cold, cough, or severe [digestive imbalances] as it can lead to indigestion,” Croyt says. Also, before adding any new herbs to your routine, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that they’re safe and suitable for you.

In our never-ending search for the *perfect* morning cup, we spent this year tapping coffee experts for their advice on all things java. Read on to discover our favorite coffee tips of 2022.

The 9 most eye-opening things we learned about coffee this year

1. Coffee shouldn’t be the first thing you drink in the morning

While most of us depend on the energy-boosting properties of coffee to get us going in the a.m., doctors say that water, not coffee, should be the first thing we drink. The reason? Sleeping is dehydrating. After working all night to keep our blood pumping and organs running, our bodies are desperate to be replenished with H2O. Before using coffee to put pep in your step, fuel your body with the water it lost overnight.

“We lose almost a full liter of water every single night, so we wake up dehydrated,” says sleep expert and clinical psychologist Michael Breus, PhD. “Remember, folks, caffeine is a diuretic; it makes you want to urinate. So, not a good idea to do that—we want water to hydrate.”

2. How to establish a healthier relationship with caffeine

The saying “too much of a good thing can be a bad thing” certainly applies to coffee. The benefits of coffee aside, too much caffeine can cause anxiety, increased cortisol levels, and higher blood pressure. In episode 56 of the Well+Good Podcast, Ella Dove tapped neuroscientist Caroline Leaf, PhD, Nguyen Coffee Supply founder Sahra Nguyen, and registered dietitian Brigitte Zeitlin, RD, for advice on building a healthy relationship with caffeine.

Among other tips, staying under 300mg of caffeine a day, listening to your body’s cues, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can keep your caffeine habits in check.

3. Ways to make coffee suited for sensitive tummies

Coffee is simultaneously a diuretic and laxative all at once; pair those properties with caffeine-induced anxiety, and you’ve got a recipe for an upset stomach. Adding a pinch of baking soda to your cup of coffee can zap tummy woes, according to dietitian Maddie Pasquariello, RD.

“Because baking soda is alkaline with a pH of eight, it can help bring the overall pH of your coffee up to a more neutral level [of seven], as well as help neutralize stomach acid in general,” says Pasquareillo.

For an ever gentler cup of coffee, try swapping your blonde roast for something darker. Dark roast beans are less acidic than other varieties, says Pasquariello. Check out our favorite low-acid dark roasts of 2022.

Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee — $26.00

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4. How the longest-living people in the world drink coffee

After studying the Blue Zones for years, we’ve come to several conclusions about how the longest-living people in the world eat, sleep, and exercise. According National Geographic journalist and longevity researcher Dan Buettner, we can gain valuable life-lengthening insight from their coffee habits, too.

Rather than down a cup of coffee at home for a quick zap of energy, people who live in the Blue Zones (Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; and Loma Linda, California) sip it throughout the day, primarily in social settings. By drinking it in smaller quantities, the longest-living people in the world reap the energizing benefits of java throughout the day—not all at once. Specific methods of coffee brewing utilized by the Blue Zones, like the Ikarian coffee method, pull more antioxidants from the beans in comparison to Western methods.

5. The deliciousness that is ‘honey coffee’

Speaking of the longest-living people on the planet, ‘honey coffee’ is the brew of choice for locals in the Blue Zone of Nicoya, Costa Rica. The name ‘honey coffee’ refers to the method in which the coffee fruit was processed before its beans were extracted. While most coffee methods involve removing the sugary inner layer of the coffee fruit prior to roasting, the honey coffee method ferments it, resulting in a naturally sweet bean yield.

Ready to try honey coffee? Check out our list of the best, boldest honey coffees on the market right now.

Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters, Costa Rica Las Lajas Red Honey — $26.00

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6. All the health benefits of sparkling coffee

Let us introduce you to our favorite bubbly beverage: sparkling coffee. This concoction—made up of espresso, mineral water, orange zest, and basil—was created by coffee roaster and TikTok star Dan McLaughlin.

Besides being a unique way to drink your morning cup, sparkling coffee is great for your gut and heart. The mineral water aids in digestion via hydration and reduces blood pressure by providing a boost of magnesium and calcium. The added citrus is chock full of immunity-boosting vitamin C, too, making it a great flu-season sip.

Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

7. The self-care power of a morning coffee routine

For some of us, brewing a pot of coffee is just another part of our morning routine. For others, it’s so much more. Laboring over a morning cup (or treating yourself to a coffee shop brew) that’s suited specifically to your unique tastes can be calming, reassuring, and provide a moment of mindfulness before the busy day ahead. Well+Good reporter Hannah Schneider asked nine different coffee enthusiasts about how their morning coffee routine positively impacts their life. “Watching the milk frother warm my milk before having to take care of everyone for the day…bliss,” says poet Maghan.

8. How to make coffee concentrate at home

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get your finances in order, consider swapping your daily Starbucks cold brew for an at-home iced coffee. Coffee concentrate is surprisingly easy to make at home with the aid of an Instant Pot. Simply mix 1 ¼ cups of your favorite ground coffee with 18 cups of water, lock it, seal it, and cook it on high pressure for five minutes. The result is a huge batch of super-concentrated coffee that will last you a full week. The $9 you save every day from brewing at home will stack up quickly.

9. The best, most delicious protein coffee recipes

This year, we learned that two eggs do *not* carry enough protein for a filling, energizing breakfast. In order to properly repair our hardworking muscles and stave off midday energy dips, dietitians recommend aiming for 25-40 grams of protein for breakfast. Incorporating protein into your morning cup might be the easiest way to hit your daily nutrition goals. Whether you’re devoted to dairy products or an oat milk fanatic, there’s a recipe for everyone on this list.

In case you need one more motivator to stay well-hydrated throughout the day, according to Will Bulsiewicz, MD, a gastroenterologist and New York Times bestselling author of the books Fiber Fueled and The Fiber Fueled Cookbook, water is hugely important for maintaining well-balanced microbiome, too. The good news, however, is that Dr. Bulsiewicz says that you have options: beverage options, that is. So if you’re not gung-ho on plain old H2O, read on for his favorite gut-friendly drinks that help you stay hydrated and regular.

The best gut-friendly drinks that support hydration, according to a gastroenterologist

Although there are tons of drinks on the market to pick from, Dr. Bulsiewicz likes to keep things simple. His two favorite drinks to sip throughout the day (that aren’t plain water) are coffee and green tea, which he says help keep him hydrated and energized. And it’s no coincidence that they’re loaded with tons of nutrients that help boost gut health and digestion, too.

Coffee

Cue a big sigh of relief: Coffee is indeed one of Dr. Bulsiewicz’s favorite gut-friendly drinks. “Coffee can definitely be a gut-healthy beverage. Believe it or not, it contains soluble fiber in addition to antioxidants,” he says. While research does show that coffee contains between 0.47 and 0.75 grams of fiber per 100 milliliters, the gastroenterologist does, of course, underscore that this doesn’t mean that you should replace high-fiber fruits and veggies with more cold brew.

In addition to its soluble fiber content, coffee is loaded with polyphenols, an organic compound found primarily in plants that have been linked to a host of health benefits, from boosting your cognitive functioning and bolstering your immune system to preventing chronic disease.

If you’re looking to get even more microbiome-boosting benefits from your morning latte or iced mocha, know that you can always spike your favorite coffee drink with some gut-healthy spices. “I enjoy adding a mix of spices to my coffee. Cinnamon can be your entry point, but my favorite is the gut spice trinity: cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric,” Dr. Bulsiewicz says.

Just keep in mind that while coffee might be great for many, it might not sit well with others. “Coffee is not for everyone. The caffeine may aggravate acid reflux or diarrhea,” Dr. Bulsiewicz cautions.

If you have a sensitive stomach that can tolerate coffee but would prefer to sip on something lower in acid, look for dark roast coffee beans. Because they’re roasted for longer and at higher temperatures, dark roast beans tends to have fewer acid producing compounds that trigger your stomach to secrete more acid.

And while some say coffee is always better from a coffee shop, brewing your own pot at home is certainly more cost effective, especially if you have a high-quality coffee machine.

La Colombe Corsica Darker Roast — $15.00

This dark roast has a rich, chocolatey flavor that’s easy on your taste buds and your stomach.

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Matcha Green Tea

When Dr. Bulsiewicz isn’t sipping a warm cup of joe, he’s likely drinking a refreshing iced matcha green tea. “Matcha green tea is my favorite afternoon pick me up. It’s densely packed with a polyphenol called EGCG that’s known to be prebiotic, meaning beneficial to the gut microbiome,” he says. Studies show that green tea can influence the gut microbiota by stimulating the growth of specific beneficial species and/or hindering the development of detrimental ones.

Dr. Bulsiewicz also stirs a not-so-secret ingredient packed with longevity-boosting benefits into his mug of green tea. “I’m always looking for ways to take my gut health game to the next level. With matcha green tea, I like to add a squeeze of lemon to increase the polyphenol load even more,” he says. In other words, because lemon and matcha green tea are both packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, they’re basically a match made in microbiome-boosting heaven.

Matchabar Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea Powder — $24.00

When shopping for matcha tea powder, keep an eye out for ceremonial grade options, like this deliciously smooth and earthy tea from Matchabar. It’s rich in antioxidants and the amino acid L-theanine, which has been linked to boosting focus and feelings of calm.

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Does a gastroenterologist recommend drinking “healthier” sodas?

While Dr. Bulsiewicz tends to stick with his tried and true favorites of water, coffee, and green tea, there are some additional drinks he might throw into the mix every now and then. “I’ll take these new health-washed sodas over the old sugar-laden, artificial-colored classics. They are a step in a better direction,” he points out. “But if it’s caffeine I seek, give me the real thing—coffee and tea—all day. And if I’m searching for bubbles, I prefer a fermented beverage such as kombucha, consumed in moderation and preferably low in sugar.”

An RD explains the benefits of drinking kombucha: