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Katie Workman
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Tag: team:groceries
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Costco’s Kirkland Signature Virginia-Style Peanuts Are a Must-Try
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The 80s Has Come for the Cheese Aisle
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.With the unfortunate resurgence of early 00’s low-rise jeans, I know I can’t be the only one to notice another staple is very much in its retro era: cheese. Yes, you read correctly. Much like crop-tops, platform shoes, and flare jeans, cheese, of all things, is playing with the trends of the 90’s all the way back to the ‘30s — and having fun, clearly.
Scanning the aisles of your local grocery store (or TikTok or your favorite bar’s cocktail menu), you’ll find a veritable Eras Tour of cheeses on display: kitschy baked bries harkening to brassy, neon 80’s Bunco night; Depression-era limburger cheese spread upon crusty brown bread; or a 70’s-style fondue pot of Gruyère, complete with cubed bread and sliced apples (shag carpet not included).
TikTok is, as you might expect, the key reason for resuscitating many of these cheesy traditions of yore. When in doubt, if you see a bare spot on the shelf, it’s likely due to a newly-viral TikTok trend. Most recently, the party has been happening at none other than the cottage cheese section. So much so that cottage cheese makers in Wisconsin are even expanding their operations, banking on the viral popularity of the trend to last long after the buzz dies down, says Josie Krogh, the digital editor for Culture, a magazine that focuses on the (literal) culture of cheese and the people who craft it.
You likely lived through the Great Cottage Cheese Awakening of 2023, where TikTokers like Justine Doiron (aka @Justine_Snacks) popularized “cheese bowls”. At its core, this particular dish is a beautiful thing, really, bringing less likely-to-be-a-star cheeses, like ricotta and cottage cheese, to the main stage by putting cheese in general at the center of a meal (the dream). In place of a separately cooked protein, Doiron adds a generous spoonful or two of said cheeses to a bowl before loading up on fun toppings, like sauteed vegetables, crusty bread for dipping, and herbs and spice blends, like za’atar.
The glow-up of other cheeses is not insubstantial, either, as it’s resulting in a boom of retro recipes and restaurant dishes highlighting rich, gooey, more luxurious cheeses that the dark ages of the fat-free 90s nearly made extinct.
What is old can be new again and absolutely should be, because there’s plenty of correcting to do when it comes to reviving the popularity of cheeses, such as nutty alpine cheeses like Gruyère and Comté, entry-point blue cheeses like Cambozola, and even more infamously funky cheeses like Limburger.
Limburger, a stinky turn of the century cheese made seemingly the butt of too many jokes in TV shows across the 20th century (maligned in a song by the B-52s and a sketch from Monty Python, amongst many others), is now staging its major comeback, says Krogh. “People are either discovering for the first time or rediscovering foods that they had written off as gross without necessarily trying them or understanding them,” she says, adding that this discovery is similar to cottage cheese’s comeback.
Nostalgia (and cheese) are deliciously stabilizing in times where something consistently good can be just what you need on the menu. “I feel like overall we’re all kind of looking for comfort and you find comfort in nostalgia because everything feels so chaotic and scary right now,” says Sohla El-Waylly, chef and author of the new cookbook, Start Here. “So it’s kind of nice to have the cheeseboards your mom or your grandmother put out, like something that feels like it’s from the 70’s, a time that maybe you know in retrospect feels simpler even though it wasn’t.”
In a sea of new-this new-that, we might just earnestly crave reinvention — whether it be in the form of clothes, design, or yes, cheese. Much like you might restyle the shoulder-padded sequin shift dress of your mom’s 80’s heyday, the sweet nostalgia of these cheese trends are just as, if not more, delicious to savor.
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Mackenzie Filson
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If You Buy One Thing at Sam’s Club This Month, Let It Be This Shockingly Good $20 Dupe for a Holiday Favorite
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.If your holiday soundtrack involves the sounds of bottles popping and glasses clinking, you’ve come to the right post. Sparkling wine is practically the official drink of New Year’s Eve (if not the entire month of December) — and yes that includes low– and non-alcoholic varieties as well. Those Wednesday morning meetings aren’t going to run themselves … yet.
While many of us would love nothing more than to toast the season with fancy bubbly from now through the ball drop, that’s not exactly the most economical (or realistic!) way to spend our hard-earned dollars. Enter: Sam’s Club.
On a recent trip to The Club — via a Real-Housewives-esque party bus — I learned a lot about its Member’s Mark Champagne Didier Dumond Brut (aka the warehouse’s store-brand bottle of bubbly). The team, according to the Sam’s Club IG, “partnered with a family of winemakers with over 100 years of experience, and did multiple tastings” before landing on the bubbly in this bottle, which launched in October 2021.
If you’re thinking hey, that bottle looks familiar, then you’d be correct. The Champagne bottle is strikingly similar to a name-brand favorite, from the gold-foiled wrapping down to the yellow-orange label.
There is one very big distinction: the price tag. At the time I visited, the Member’s Mark Champagne was $19.98, compared to $59.48 for the name-brand bottle. That’s roughly a third of the price.
Of course, that discount means nothing if the Champagne itself is anything less than stellar. So I did what almost any grocery editor with a store credit courtesy of Sam’s Club would do; I grabbed a bottle of each and headed for checkout. The following week I brought both to our office Friendsgiving and asked coworkers to take part in a blind tasting comparing the two. What happened next was pleasantly surprising.
After chilling both bottles in the same fridge for the same amount of time, I popped them open and poured the Champagne into a mix of unmarked flutes and coupes. Several people leapt at the chance to drink free Champagne — the best kind. (Where were many of you when canned pumpkin came around?!)
Tasters took one glass from each group and sampled them one after the other. In addition to asking tasters to describe each of the Champagnes, and what they liked (or didn’t) about them, they had to guess which was the Sam’s Club brand and which was the $$$ bottle. It wasn’t long before the glasses were empty and the results were in.
Nearly half of the tasters thought the Member’s Mark Champagne Didier Dumond Brut was actually the more expensive bottle. “I was convinced I could tell the difference between the two Champagne options,” says Cullen, our Home Associate Editor, “but I was SO wrong.” She thinks “both Champagnes have an elevated taste,” and even ended up mixing the two together. (She wasn’t the only one either.)
Even the tasters who correctly matched the Champagnes to their bottles were impressed with the budget-friendly alt: “I really do like them both!,” says Camey. “I’d definitely bring the less expensive one to an event if I know people aren’t wine snobs.”
While Tom, a former bartender and our current Studio Producer/margarita-ologist, feels the pricier pick is “a bit more complex” with “a familiar taste of toast that can come with high-end Champagnes,” he also likes that Sam’s is “simple and light.” Adding, “I would happily buy either.”
Buy: Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Champagne Didier Dumond Brut, $19.98 for 750 mL
Have you tried Sam’s Club’s store-brand Champagne? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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Mara Weinraub
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The Dos and Don’ts of Costco’s Checkout Etiquette, According to a Superfan
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Grocery stores aren’t a tornado of chaos because shoppers follow behavioral norms without even realizing it, but that order doesn’t always translate to the Costco shopping experience. As a loyal Costco member (I just celebrated my 13th membership anniversary), I expect hustle and bustle when warehouse shopping. I’ve also noticed that there are unwritten rules specific to Costco that — if followed — can make for a more pleasant shopping experience for everyone.
Beyond the food court hacks and shopping cart etiquette, key insiders follow the dos and don’ts of Costco’s checkout process. Here are 10 things to know about checking out at Costco, whether you’re a first-timer or have been a longtime member, like me.
1. Do use a cart for even the smallest shopping trips.
Shopping Costco without a cart limits you to only purchasing what you can hold; it can also cause congestion in the checkout area. The folks running the register work in tandem and use shopping carts to clear the area quickly. Do your part and use a cart for even small shopping trips.
2. Don’t enter the wrong side of the checkout lane.
Costco staffs two employees at every register — one to aid in unloading and reloading the carts and another to scan items. After unloading all but the largest and heaviest items, the employee will take your cart on their side of the checkout lane, while you stay on the opposite side to pay. If you’re in doubt, there are signs at the end of each register belt directing members and carts to their respective sides.
3. Do organize large items with barcodes up.
Large or heavy items are usually left in the cart for checkout. Make sure they are organized with the barcode facing up, as this helps the cashier quickly scan items without searching every side of the package.
4. Don’t share membership cards.
Costco made national news recently when it started cracking down on membership sharing. Just know (before you approach the checkout line) that you may slow down the line or even be turned away if you attempt to pass off a membership card that isn’t your own.
5. Do have your membership card ready at checkout.
Costco cashiers work at a quickfire pace. One way you can keep things moving is to turn the checkout divider upside down so that it can hold your membership card. The cashier must scan that card before starting any new order, so have it ready to go before unloading your cart. Don’t forget that you have to scan your membership card at self-checkout stations too.
6. Don’t leave trash in your cart.
One of the perks of shopping at Costco is the free sample stations scattered throughout the store. Those tasty bites are always served in a paper cup, with a napkin or disposable silverware. Be courteous of your fellow shoppers and empty your cart of any trash into one of the many bins located throughout the store to keep the cart and checkout area clean.
7. Do know what payment methods are accepted.
Before ringing up your cart of goodies, remember that not all major credit cards are accepted at Costco. The warehouse only accepts one major credit card: Visa. You can use mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay), cash, Costco Shop Cards, EBT, many debit cards with a PIN, and personal, business, or traveler’s checks.
8. Don’t block traffic after checking out.
After checking out, you’ll enter the most congested area of the warehouse. Members leaving the checkout lanes with full carts, the food court, membership desk, and exit are all located in the same narrow space. Avoid stopping your cart right outside the registers to double check your receipt or reorganize your wallet. Pull over in a spot away from the heavily trafficked area before pausing.
9. Do parallel park your cart if you stop at the food court.
The food court’s tables are often placed in the most congested area of the store — between the checkout lines and the exit doors. If you’re stopping to eat with a cartload of paid-for goods, parallel park your cart against your table so that other members can exit the warehouse efficiently.
10. Don’t throw out your receipt before leaving.
Costco employees are stationed at the entrance and exits to check your membership card on the way in and your receipt on the way out. Employees look over the receipts of every member exiting the warehouse to check for cashier errors (specifically double scans) and confirm receipt of big-ticket items. Have your receipt out and ready before approaching the doors to avoid unnecessary delays.
Got any other checkout dos and don’ts for Costco? Leave them in the comments.
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Patty Catalano
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Shoppers Drive 200 Miles to Trader Joe’s for This $5 Freezer Find
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
No matter how you feel about it, there’s no denying that the most popular item sold at Trader Joe’s is its Mandarin Orange Chicken. I used to work for Trader Joe’s, so I know firsthand how wild the frenzy can get about this frozen delight. In the South, where my particular store is, some folks would travel up to 200 miles just to stock up for the month on all of their frozen standbys (cooler bags and ice packs in tow!), which often meant bags upon bags of Mandarin Orange Chicken.
As for me, there are certain Trader Joe’s items that hold such specific taste memories for me — and Mandarin Orange Chicken is one of the most vivid. It was my college standby meal, for when the devil on my shoulder said, “We could just get Panda Express, couldn’t we?” and the angel on my shoulder said, “Saving money is also really cool, you know.” In this case, the Mandarin Orange Chicken was the perfect compromise, although I think my post-grad spin on this frozen item just might be even better.
What’s So Great About Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken?
Much like the Chinese American takeout classic it emulates, the Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken has breaded nuggets of dark meat chicken that crisp up to a golden-brown in the oven (or, better yet, air fryer) for eight to 10 minutes. When tossed with the accompanying sweet-spicy-sticky orange sauce, it’s a great break-in-case-of-emergency meal to keep on hand when your DoorDash/Uber Eats/Postmates apps start sending you the siren song of coupons and alerts. Served with fluffy rice, roasted broccoli (which you can even roast alongside your chicken), and a sprinkling of green onions and chili crunch for a meal that’ll have you go, “Takeout, who?”
Full disclaimer: Trader Joe’s serving sizes are sort of a punchline all their own. This bag says it serves five, but for me it solidly serves my hunger levels at a solid 2.5 servings (two entrées plus a little cheeky bowl for when midnight snack time comes around), so proceed with those portions in mind if you’re looking to serve the whole fam.
What’s the Best Way to Use Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken?
On their own, the nuggets are flavored pretty neutrally, so they are a great open-access protein for all kinds of riffing, which I love doing when I want a sauce that’s less on the sweet side (and it is pretty sweet!). I often use it as a shortcut for fried and breaded chicken dishes, like brushing it with a Nashville chicken-style spicy oil for mini sliders and mimicking other takeout favorites by mixing up a Korean-inspired gochujang BBQ sauce to coat it and serve alongside plenty of banchan.
If I really want to put dinner on easy mode, I’ll toss it with another sauce like Buffalo, honey mustard, or a sticky BBQ (like Sweet Baby Ray’s) for throwing into a wrap or topping an easy workday-friendly lunch salad that my college self would be very impressed by.
Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken, $4.99 for 22 ounces
Have you tried Trader Joe’s iconic Mandarin Orange Chicken? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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Mackenzie Filson
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The Beloved European Breakfast Food That’s Taking Over Grocery Shelves — And Will Be Your New Weekday Staple
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Waffles have long been an important American breakfast staple. The concept arrived with the Pilgrims in 1620, after a stop in Holland, and the Dutch immigrants who settled in New York helped cement its place on our morning tables.
Despite all that, since Belgian beauties were introduced at the 1964 World’s Fair, winning Americans over with soft, fluffy middles and quartered portions, there hasn’t been too much change on the waffle front — until recently. You may have noticed there’s a hot new European import that’s creeping up in multiple aisles at the grocery store: Belgian Liege waffles. And, dare I say, they’re in a league all their own.
Liege waffles, named after the city where they were invented, aren’t anything new overseas. “When you go to Belgium, you’ll be offered two types [of waffles],” explains Lynsey Edge, a head of new product development for St. Pierre Bakery, a beloved brioche brand. “The Brussels waffle, made from a liquid batter, and a Liege waffle, made from a yeasted raised dough, which includes sugar pearls.” These two traits are the key differences between conventional and Liege waffles, which St. Pierre launched in March.
Because Liege waffles are made with dough that’s pressed into an iron, they’re more compact, fat, and irregular around the edges, points out Ayeshah Abuelhiga, CEO and founder of Mason Dixie Foods, a Baltimore-based company that makes frozen biscuits, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches. “Belgian waffles are usually rectangular or square,” she notes, or wedges from a round iron.
And they’re not made with any ol’ dough: Both Mason Dixie Foods and St. Pierre Bakery use brioche as the base for a richer, more indulgent, and denser bite.
On top — or, should I say, inside — of that is pearl sugar, what Joe Beauprez, a senior director of marketing for Frozen Foods at Kellogg Company, Eggo’s parent company, calls the “magical ingredient” that makes the brand’s Liege-Style Waffles “so delicious.” He adds, “It gives it an added crunch and sweet layer around the exterior.” Edge agrees, which is probably why her brand is “generous with [the] sugar pearls.”
Why Are We Suddenly So Sweet on Liege Waffles?
Well, a few reasons: Waffles are trending, and not just on social media. “Waffles are a growing category in the U.S., worth $1.2 billion in retail and up 10 percent on last year,” says Edge. “We are seeing double-digit year-over-year growth trends in Liege waffles in the U.S., especially in food service locations (like restaurants and cafes),” adds Beauprez, “which grew 39% over the last year.”
“They’re a great base for creative food ideas,” says Abuelhiga, coupled with the grab-and-go appeal for parents and others returning to their offices. Plus, as Edge points out, “the trend for ‘premiumization,’” or shoppers looking to elevate their everyday meals (a carryover from home cooking at the height of the pandemic) “is still alive and well.”
3 Liege Waffles to Seek Out
When we say Liege waffles are popping up all over grocery stores, we really do mean all over. You can now find them in the freezer, fridge, and bread or bakery sections, including the highly sought-after end-of-aisle displays. You’ll even find them in bulk warehouses (hello, Costco) and online retailers, like Goldbelly. There are well over a dozen options (all taste best warm — a quick spin in the toaster unlocks the waffle’s crunchy elements and its aroma). These are three to keep an eye out for on your next grocery run.
1. St. Pierre Brioche Waffles with Butter
You may find other brands on display in the bakery department (some for individual sale), but St. Pierre’s crackling sweet, but subtly and gently flavored Liege waffles with butter (lightened with a little oil) take the win in this category. “We make them slightly thicker for a bigger bite,” Edge shares. Additionally, this brand, known for its luxe brioche bread, makes its waffles with its signature dough — fresh yeast, whole eggs, and nib or pearl sugar — a major differentiator you can taste, compared to brands who will mix their doughs with just granulated sugar.
Buy: St. Pierre Brioche Waffles with Butter, $5.99 for 6 at Kroger
2. Kellogg’s Eggo Grab & Go Liege-Style Waffles
The newest waffle from the iconic brand is the only one in its line that doesn’t require reheating nor freezer space (although you may find it in the freezer section at your local grocer). It can be refrigerated for 15 to 35 days without any degradation of quality, and eaten as soon as it comes to room temperature. The waffles thaw in under an hour if you do choose to keep them frozen.
What sets Eggo above the other fridge-chilled brands is the “unforgettable nostalgia” of the distinctive Eggo taste, but with a richer flavor and fuller texture, and its availability in three different flavors. Strawberry and Buttery Maple launched first, giving us the option of an even more flavorful Liege-style waffle, and in May Vanilla Bean joined the ranks. No other brand is offering this selection, allowing Eggo to dominate with options.
Buy: Kellogg’s Eggo Buttery Maple Liege-Style Waffles, $5.99 for 4 waffles at Instacart
3. Mason Dixie Maple Liege Waffles
These are my personal number-one pick. Still, I couldn’t put my finger on what made these waffles so extraordinary. Luckily, Abuelhiga was happy to help me grasp exactly why I love them so much: Not only do they contain 100% butter and no oils, but they also “use pearl sugar crystals sourced directly from Belgium and whole-grain wheat flour for a hearty and satisfying texture.” Mystery solved. It’s the nutty, deeper flavors, the more robust crunch, and the embedding of the large nib sugar and maple and molasses throughout the waffle that creates spectacular “crispy sugar pockets,” as she calls them.
They also come in an excellent apple cinnamon flavor, with chunks of ripe fruit pressed into every fragrant waffle. If you want to kick things up yet another notch, the company recently released slightly thinner Liege waffles in sandwich form with a savory chicken sausage patty (you’d never guess it wasn’t pork!) squeezed in the middle. While you can let the waffles come to room temperature, you’ll need a microwave or oven for these sandwiches!
Buy: Mason Dixie Maple Liege Waffles, $6.99 for 4 waffles at Amazon
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Su-Jit Lin
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The $1 Aldi Grocery I’m Bringing to Thanksgiving This Year
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The platters of family favorites that fill the Thanksgiving table every year all have one thing in common: Many of the most beloved (and delicious) recipes — mashed potatoes, fluffy dinner rolls, savory gravy, and the pièce de résistance, roasted turkey — are all shades of brown. Tasty as the traditional menu might be, I’m always on the lookout for low-lift ways to add color to my plate, beyond the cranberry sauce.
On a recent visit to Aldi, I spotted the key to a more colorful holiday dinner in the freezer aisle — Season’s Choice Colorful Carrots — and for about $1 per bag.
What’s So Great About Season’s Choice Colorful Carrots?
Aldi’s Season’s Choice frozen carrot coins aren’t what you’d expect. Instead of slices of orange carrots, this bag contains a medley of hues, including yellow, purple, and white. The carrots come packaged in a 12-ounce bag. That translates to about four (3/4-cup) servings, although with so many other sides available, you can probably stretch this package to serve a few more folks.
If you can’t get enough of prepped colorful vegetables, pick up a package of colorful cauliflower to pair with the rainbow medley of carrots. That 12-ounce bag contains purple, orange, green, and white cauliflower florets for the same price.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Season’s Choice Colorful Carrots?
Aldi’s Season’s Choice colorful carrots come in steam-in-bag packaging. If your oven is packed and the stovetop is occupied, go ahead and steam the carrots according to package directions. The key to making this frozen vegetable holiday-worthy is in how you serve them. Dress the colorful carrot coins with homemade honey butter or this flavor-packed cowboy butter.
In many cases, the oven has a brief respite once the turkey is removed to the counter to rest. Use that time to roast the carrots directly from frozen. Follow the technique for this roasted frozen broccoli and be shocked at how simple and delicious a frozen veggie can be. If you’re looking for a way to prep the carrots on the stovetop, look no further than glazed carrots. While this recipe starts with fresh carrots, you can add the carrots straight from the freezer; once they are mostly thawed, move onto the glazing step.
Find it in stores: Season’s Choice Colorful Carrots, $1.37 for 12 ounces
What Aldi groceries are you bringing to Thanksgiving this year? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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Patty Catalano
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The 6 Cheapest Grocery Stores in America
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
A very common experience for me lately is the dreaded look I give my grocery receipt. It’s a big side eye, admittedly. You might relate, instinctively holding your breath as you scan it, likely noticing that it seems to still be quite expensive these days. While, overall, the annual inflation rate has been declining, food prices have still risen 3.7% between September 2022 and September 2023. Ugh!
Regardless of whether you feel inflation’s effects on your grocery run, we’d all love to save a few extra dollars each week, right? Right. So it was high time to really nail down where the end-all, be-all, cheap grocery stores are. I used to work at a grocery store (and have many takes on how we value our groceries!), so I have my own rubric for what makes for a good and affordable experience — especially because “cheapness” can be pretty relative, depending on the shopper. After all, why praise a less-expensive retailer if its apples are consistently mealy or the cashiers are surly?
Shopping experience: Is it easy to search for items? Is the selection wide-ranging (meaning you have to make fewer stops at other stores)? Perhaps the retailer offers helpful recipe inspiration or weekly deals? Is the customer service attentive and helpful? Bonus points if grocery shopping in person or on-site becomes an ultra-delightful task, rather than merely a chore.
Service locations: I opted for grocers who either have locations or offer delivery, in the case for online grocers, for a wide swath of the country. In some instances, I’ve also highlighted beloved regional grocers that have exceptional deals.
Cost and quality: Some shoppers value cheapness as the most important quality in their shop, while others value ingredient quality or a wide selection of items. Ideally, we’re looking to be located in the center of the venn diagram for all three.
Your perceived value of said grocers may vary, but across the board these retailers have a pretty equivalent ratio of pleasant shopping experience (and quality items) for the price.
Credit: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock
1. Best Online & One-Stop Shop: Walmart+
In-store or online, Walmart has outscored most other retailers in a side-by-side comparison shop of standard items. So it’s no surprise that its online shopping and delivery arm, Walmart+, is just as impressive. As the saying goes, time is money (and, uh, money is money), which makes Walmart+ a true twofer — the service will help you save a whole lot of both.
In fact, the retailer reports you can save 90+ hours and $1300 a year by using the service (the membership currently costs $12.95 per month or $98 for the year). That’s time and money you could be spending on perfecting your pickleball serve and finally watching all the extended editions of the Lord of the Rings movies. Plus, the online selection mirrors that of what you’d find in store, with no delivery minimums and free delivery.
2. Best Pantry Essentials: Aldi
No surprise here! Aldi is well-known for having an ultra-affordable selection across the board. In fact, a recent study found that Aldi was chosen 90% of the time amongst respondents for having the highest value for their money. Plus, you can pick up wine, cheese, and maybe even a flattering dress before you head to the check out. Much like other discount retailers, like Lidl, Aldi is what I call “IKEA-ified,” in that it greatly scales down its overhead (in the form of lighter staffing, self-bagging practices, and simplified displays that can be refilled easily), which means the savings pass on to the customer.
The interior of the store is where Aldi truly shines; you can stock up on all your pantry essentials, like pasta, beans, cereal, and canned goods. You’ll be hard-pressed to find better deals on your everyday needs than at Aldi, which is my family’s pick for bagged coffees, canned waters, and nut butters (at the time of writing, you can get Nutella for under $4!). Run, don’t walk, to Aldi.
Credit: Jonathan Weiss/ Shutterstock
4. Best Frozen: Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s consistently has achieved best-in-class marks for the customer experience in its stores, namely for the checkout experience. Even if you aren’t flirting openly with your cashier, there’s plenty to love about Trader Joe’s, like the affordable flowers, fresh produce (that comes in every morning), and all the new seasonal items that seem to have been concocted in an evil genius’ lab.
Still, there’s one section at Trader Joe’s that rises above the rest. I used to work for the company, so I know firsthand where all the customers would inevitably bottleneck: in the frozen food aisle. Not only does it have quality dishes from all around the world (which has saved me tons on takeout), but the selection is also massive for the store, which has such a small footprint as compared to most traditional grocers. At any point in time you can find frozen tamales for under $3, a holiday-worthy dessert for under $7, and a party-ready appetizer for right around $4.
Credit: JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
5. Best Bulk: WinCo Foods
Ever wish you could get wholesale warehouse prices but without the membership? Then WinCo Foods needs to be on your radar. With 139 locations across 10 states from California to Oklahoma, WinCo Foods is a majority employee-owned company, meaning employees earn shares in company stock.
Similar to warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s, WinCo is a no-frills warehouse-style shopping experience, and keeps prices low by enlisting customers to bag their own groceries and buying directly from product manufacturers. If you’re always on the hunt for low-price bulk items and household staples at steep discounts, a trip to WinCo foods could save you serious cash.
Credit: Sundry Photography/Shutterstock
6. Best Outlet: Grocery Outlet
There was my life before I discovered Grocery Outlet, and my life after I discovered Grocery Outlet — and they are very much not the same. If you’re new to this fine retail establishment, let me introduce you: As the name suggests, Grocery Outlet is an outlet-style grocery store, meaning it stocks excess inventory directly from other grocery manufacturers and sells at a discount.
With locations in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Oregon, amongst others, each Grocery Outlet’s selection is different depending on the location of the store in relation to the manufacturers. It always keeps a solid selection of name-brand and private-label staples, as well as fresh products, like meat, dairy, and bread. What really makes Grocery Outlet worth a visit is its natural and organic section, which typically features vegan and gluten-free items that can often be pricey at other retailers.
Did your favorite discount retailer make the list? Tell us about it in the comments.
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Mackenzie Filson
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This $9 Costco Snack Is My Best Impulse Buy of All Time
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
On most of my trips to Costco I’m accompanied by a four-year-old shopping buddy. This means, in addition to making our way to the far reaches of the warehouse to see the forklifts (hopefully in action), I am as efficient as possible. I go in with a list (organized by store layout, of course), get what I need, and get out. There’s rarely any strolling the aisles to scout out new-to-me items.
On the rare occasion I do get to Costco solo, I take my time looking for fun finds, groceries my fellow editors have raved about (hello, Mini Caramel Apple Cakes). Basically, it’s inevitable there’s at least one — though, more likely several — impulse buys in my cart.
On my last solo trip, I was so excited about my latest impulse buy — Muddy Bites, which are basically bite-size milk chocolate-filled waffle cones — I tossed them in the front seat so I could try them immediately. There was no way I could wait until I got home to tear open the bag. What a great decision because they were even better than I expected.
What’s So Great About Muddy Bites Milk Chocolate Waffle Cone Snacks?
The thing that immediately drew me to these mini cones is that they reminded me of Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones — minus the ice cream, of course. My favorite part of Hold the Cone is the chocolate lining the inside of the cone. Muddy Bites are just that, but better. Because instead of just a chocolate lining on the cones, the two-inch cone is filled with solid milk chocolate.
These tiny cones are crisp and taste just like you’d expect a waffle cone to taste, with a hint of vanilla and just-sweet-enough flavor. The solid chocolate filling is smooth, creamy, and delicious. It is the perfect two-bite treat.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Muddy Bites Milk Chocolate Waffle Cone Snacks?
You absolutely can’t go wrong popping these in your mouth and eating them as-is. If you want to follow my lead, open up that bag as soon as you load your Costco haul in the car. They also make a great lunchbox snack and after-school snack.
I highly recommend putting out a bowl when you have friends over (they will get gobbled up). They’re a fun treat to bring to potlucks, a great choice for road trips (if it happens to be super hot, just keep the bag in a cooler), and a solid addition to dessert boards and spreads. And of course, they make a great ice cream topping.
Find it in stores: Muddy Bites Milk Chocolate Waffle Cone Snacks, $8.99 for 12.5 ounces
What’s your best grocery impulse buy of all time? Tell us in the comments below.
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Kelli Foster
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Aldi Just Leaked Info on Dozens of New Holiday Groceries Hitting Stores Now — We Can’t Wait to Try These 10
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Twinkly lights and stars, snowy scapes, scarf-clad reindeer, and santa-red bags are sure signs as any that the festivities are a comin’ — and fast. (Is it just us, or did October fly by … on a witch’s broom?!) Of course, a new month also means a fresh batch of Aldi Finds.
Our friends at Aldi gave us a sneak peek at the dozens of items hitting stores ahead of the holidays. Beyond the beloved advent calendars, which are available on November 1 (!), these finds are packed with all kinds of sweets — for snacking, gifting, decorating, and even displaying. There were so many to choose between, it was nearly impossible to even narrow it down to 10.
That’s why we’re dedicating the entire list to all things sweet, almost all of which are available on November 2. Back-to-back trips to Aldi, anyone? Happy shopping.
1. Moser Roth Grand Chocolades, $3.49
No, that’s not a typo — these beautifully wrapped chocolates are, in fact, grand chocolades. Available November 2, they come in three varieties: Chocolate Crème (milk chocolate with a crème filling), Crispy Hazelnut (milk chocolate with a crispy wafer and hazelnut crème filling), and Premium Collection (chocolate crème with a crispy hazelnut and hazelnut crème filling). Any one of the chocolades would look elegant displayed in your favorite candy dish.
2. Winternacht Cherry Stollen, $6.75
We like to refer to this bread-like cake with German roots as powdered sugar-coated heaven. While there are many variations circulating the globe, Aldi is keeping things simple and classic this year with just two: Cherry or Marzipan. Why not try both? They’re available on November 2.
3. Winternacht Pfeffernusse, $2.79
Made in Germany, these spiced and iced gingerbread cookies just might be the sleeper hit of your holiday cookie swap. Available on November 2, no one has to know they came from the store. Your secret is safe with us.
4. Winternacht Butter Spekulatius, $2.99
Aldi, you had us at butter — and yet another German import. We’re delighted to see these crisp, buttery cookies, and we bet they are great dunked in warm tea or hot cocoa (more on that below). Find them in stores on November 2.
5. Specially Selected Caramel Stroopwafels, $3.49
Stroopwafels continue to be the moment. Whether you’re dunking these caramel-filled waffle rounds in coffee, chocolate, or even tomato soup, there truly is no wrong way to eat them. Look for them in stores November 2.
6. Clancy’s Peppermint Flavored Kettle Corn, $2.29
Elf is one of our favorite
holidaymovies, and just looking at this pepperminty popcorn brings visions of a tights-clad Will Ferrell dodging snowballs to our heads. The sweet and salty holiday treat is available November 2 — perfectly timed for a Friday movie night.7. Choceur Hot Cocoa Bombs, $5.99
Sometimes we get a sneak taste of new launches, and after one sip of this melted hot cocoa bomb, we dubbed this newcomer “the one thing you should buy” at Aldi this holiday season. Tip: In lieu of hot milk or water, pour ready-made hot cocoa in your mug. Find them in stores on November 2.
8. Benton’s Holiday Cream Wafer Rolls, $6.99
This trio of wafer tins are checking all the boxes — they’re great for snacking (or topping your hot cocoa), make an adorable hosting gift, and add a bit of whimsical decor to your mantel or coffee table. Available November 2, we wouldn’t shame you at all if you bought three on your next Aldi run.
9. Choceur Pecan Caramel Cluster Gift Set, $5.79
Speaking of gifts, this sleek box is punching way above its sub-$6 price tag. The milk chocolate clusters are filled with a soft caramel and roasted and salted pecan pieces, so your sweet and salty loved ones get the best of both worlds. And wouldn’t you know, it’s also available on November 2.
10. Benton’s Gingerbread Train Kit, $9.99
Warning: Fun activities for kids and kids-at-heart coming through. This all-inclusive kit comes with pre-baked gingerbread cookies, icing, and candy treats for decorating. Of course, overachievers can also add their own flair. Find them in stores on November 22.
Which of these items are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments below.
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Mara Weinraub
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If You Buy One Thing from Aldi This Holiday Season, It Should Be This New $6 Find
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
This holiday season doesn’t have an official start date (for some, eh hem Hallmark, it’s a year-round spectacular). Aldi has been consistently sprinkling in festive food and drinks since late summer, including nearly two dozen different cheeses and 10 (count ‘em!) new premium wines. NBD.
This week, though, the discount grocer is really kicking things into high gear. We got a sneak peek at the Aldi Holiday Home Event at hundreds of items hitting shelves now through the rest of the year. There are budget-friendly mains, chocolatey treats, and even more cheeses if you can believe it.
All in, more than 70 new items will be coming soon to an Aldi near you. If there’s one you want to look out for, it’s this $6 bundle of Choceur Hot Cocoa Bombs.
What’s So Great About Choceur Hot Cocoa Bombs?
If you’re familiar with the joy that is a hot cocoa bomb, these are chocolate orbs filled with hot cocoa mix (of course) and mini marshmallows. The Choceur Hot Cocoa Bombs are made with Belgian chocolate and sold in packs of three. (They’re so new, the packaging wasn’t even available at the time we previewed the holiday items!)
Each $5.99 box includes a dark, milk, and white chocolate cocoa bomb, which means there’s a sphere for everyone on the cocoa-loving spectrum. Find them in stores starting November 2.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Choceur Hot Cocoa Bombs?
There’s a reason hot cocoa bombs have remained, well, hot. In addition to being a bit magical (the melting spheres are oh-so-mesmerizing), they are downright delicious. Just as you would with any ‘ol cocoa mix, you could very easily add these orbs to hot milk or water. You’ll have a nice mug of hot cocoa in mere seconds.
If you want to go all-in on the decadence, I highly recommend — as in, I can’t sing the praises of this move enough — placing one of these hot cocoa bombs into an empty mug and then pouring ready-made hot cocoa over it instead of milk or water. (I went with a dark chocolate bomb and milk chocolate cocoa. You can mix and match to your liking.) The chocolate on chocolate adds a richness that’s on par with some of my favorite hot chocolate spots in New York City.
There’s also no limit to the toppings you can add: whipped cream, chocolate chips (make it a trifecta!), cookies, rolled wafers, sprinkles … you name it. After all, it is the holidays.
Find it in stores: Choceur Hot Cocoa Bombs, $5.99 for 3 bombs at Aldi
What Aldi finds are you scouting for the holidays? Tell us in the comments below.
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Mara Weinraub
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We Asked 3 Bartenders to Name the Best Bourbon for an Old-Fashioned and They All Said the Same Thing
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Truth be told, I could enjoy an old-fashioned (and all its many iterations) all-year round. Still, there’s something to be said about how much more delicious the classic cocktail is when the temps dip and I’m ready to sip the alchemical gold that happens when you combine bourbon, bitters, sugar, and water.
As I’m sure you’ve likely noticed, there’s nearly as many bottles of whiskeys out there as there are whiskey drinkers. That’s absolutely the case for bourbon, the whiskey of choice for many when it comes to mixing up a classic old-fashioned. Barrel-aged, oaky bourbon is the backbone of the quintessential cocktail. It’s also the type of liquor you want to opt for a more mid-to-top-shelf bottle; there’s very little hiding room for sub-par liquor in the limited ingredients’ list.
Smooth, spicy, or just well-balanced, bartenders often stock upwards of thirty bourbons in order to mix up an old-fashioned, depending on the customer’s mood. Though it might sound intimidating when considering which bottle to add to your cart, the good news is old-fashioneds are maybe the easiest of all the cocktails to make. I chatted with a few bartenders who have a few takes on the best bourbons for old-fashioneds, as well as some tips to serve up the best one at home.
What’s the best bourbon for old-fashioneds?
Despite how well-stocked their bars might be, there is bourbon (nay, a whole distillery!) that particularly shines for many bartenders: Kentucky’s own Buffalo Trace. “I actually love Buffalo Trace,” says Brad Hagman of The Harper in Fort Worth, Texas of the distillery’s eponymous bourbon. “I make more Buffalo Trace old-fashioneds than I do anything.” The budget-friendly bourbon also still has plenty of dimension all its own as a mid-shelf bourbon, alongside other affordable Buffalo Trace options like Eagle Rare, Ancient Age, and Benchmark.
If you’re looking to stock your bar with something higher on the shelf (which a simple cocktail like the old-fashioned can often call for), one particular option won over many of the bartenders I spoke to. “My desert island old-fashioned bourbon would be E.H Taylor, Jr.,” says Chris Cardone, chief mixologist for Via Carota Craft Cocktails and bartender at I Sodi in Manhattan.
You likely know where I’m going with this: E.H. Taylor, Jr. falls, yes, under the same umbrella of iconic distillery, Buffalo Trace, which bought the Old Taylor brand from Jim Beam in 2009 and re-released this smooth bourbon under the E.H. Taylor, Jr. moniker in 2013.
Nick Hassiotis of Alpharetta, Georgia’s Foundation Social Eatery, also loves breaking out the E.H Taylor Jr. bourbon in the fall; it hits many of the flavor notes associated with the season, such as cinnamon, caramel, black pepper, candied orange, and vanilla. “As we are heading into fall and winter, I like bourbons with a little more of a backbone and a higher alcohol content,” says Hassiotis, who agrees that a higher proof and high-quality bourbon like the E.H. Taylor Jr. is key to nailing the cocktail at home. “The dilution from the ice while stirring the cocktail will help mellow out some of the ‘hotness’ from that higher proof, but it will still be able to stand on its own and have all the delicious bourbon-ness come through.
Cardone also adds that if someone wants a bourbon that is super smooth, easy drinking, and light on heat, that Blantons, also a member of the Buffalo Trace extended universe, is another top-shelf choice.
How do you make the best old-fashioned?
Overwhelmingly, all the bartenders I chatted with urged me to remind home mixologists to keep it ultra simple when making their old-fashioneds. “I think people try to get too tricky,” says Hagman. “A lot of times people that are new to the business [of making an old-fashioned], they don’t feel complete if they’re not adding a bunch of ingredients to things,” which, more often than not, Hagman says, means adding too much sugar to the cocktail.
If you often go maximalist, don’t fret; The old-fashioned might be called old, but you can still bust out some new tricks. Hagman, for instance, is a big proponent of going 50/50 on his alcohol base when making an old-fashioned, which is what he did with his popular old-fashioned recipe, which uses takes equal parts of the sweeter, more viscous Texas-based Blackland Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon, along with equal parts of the heat of Blackland rye whiskey to create his own spicy-sweet spin.
When in doubt, just have fun with your cocktail mixing. Old-fashioneds aren’t always one-size-fits-all even if they seem like it. “Once you find the bourbon you’re into, then have fun with the bitters,” says Hassiotis. “That is an easy way to change the flavor and keep it seasonal while using the same recipe. In summer, try peach bitters and then as you’re getting into fall, use something more aromatic like Angostura or Jerry Thomas bitters.”
Once you have all your components lined up, it’s time to mix. “I personally use two to three dashes of Angostura bitters, 1/4 teaspoon of simple syrup (using demerara sugar), and then two-and-a-half ounces of bourbon,” says Cardone. Then, be sure to opt for serving your drink with a large ice cube, so that it won’t dilute too quickly.
The finishing touch? A wheel of orange zest and, my personal favorite addition, a plump, semi-candied Fabbri Amarena cherry to literally put the cherry on top of this simple, yet complex, treat of a cocktail.
What bourbon do you use to make an old-fashioned? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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Mackenzie Filson
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This $5 Trader Joe’s Bakery Find Is a Total Dupe for a Costco Favorite
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I eat them for breakfast, dessert, and even a late-night snack.
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Christina Knueven
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I Tried More than a Dozen New Groceries Hitting Shelves This October — These Are the Ones Worth Adding to Your List
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
October is one of my favorite months because it’s finally, truly fall. I love witnessing the transitioning hues of orange, yellow, and red on the treelines and seeing Halloween decorations spring up — stringy spider webs and towering skeletons and pumpkins carved with smirking faces. That, and scouring the grocery aisles for new treats.
October is the month to finally go full steam ahead with autumnal produce (exhibit A: this meltingly tender cabbage), and also start thinking about the upcoming holidays. Speaking of fresh starts, I sampled more than a dozen of new groceries hitting shelves throughout the month. Among the list of latest must-haves, you’ll find buttery cookies, an apple-flavored soda, spicy tinned mussels, and more. These are the surprising delights I suggest you seek out during your next grocery shop.
1. La Monarca Cafe Mexican Wedding Cookies
For a blissful melt-in-your-mouth bite, pick up a pack of these Mexican wedding cookies developed by Los Angeles-based La Monarca Cafe. Each cookie is coated in powdered sugar and has a crumbly texture that dissolves on the tongue with plenty of buttery flavor. For an ideal pairing, pick up a bag of La Monarca’s cafe de olla coffee; the sweet and bitter notes of the coffee are perfect for washing down the cookies.
Buy: La Monarca Cafe Mexican Wedding Cookies, $5.99 for 6 ounces at World Market and Costco
2. Olipop Crisp Apple Soda
The can design of Olipop’s returning fall flavor, crisp apple, has the coziest vibe. It makes me want to sit inside on a rainy day and read a book by a fireplace. Not only that, but the sparkling prebiotic soda inside is also true to its name and boasts a crisp and sweet-but-not-too-sweet apple flavor. It’s a grown-up version of the sparkling apple cider provided for the kids at every holiday meal — plus, each can has a whole nine grams of fiber (32% of daily value).
Buy: Olipop Crisp Apple Soda, $35.99 for 12 (12-ounce) cans at Amazon; also available at Sprouts, Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart
4. A-Sha Spicy Beef Pho Rice Noodle Soup
Will this cup of instant pho taste better than your favorite Vietnamese neighborhood spot? No. Is it extremely easy to make and a satisfying snack? Yes. Each cup, designed in collaboration with Sanrio, comes with a pouch of dehydrated carrots and green onions and a dark red soup base that definitely has a kick. It doesn’t really taste like pho; there aren’t the warming spices and clear, simple broth that the beloved soup possesses, but it is nice to have an instant noodle alternative that carries rice noodles instead of fried ramen noodles. Just make sure not to overcook the rice noodles, which rehydrate faster than other standard instant noodles.
Find it in stores: A-sha Spicy Beef Pho Rice Noodle Soup, $22.49 for 6 (2-ounce) packs at Target, Costco, and H-Mart
5. Patagonia Provisions Spicy Mussels
The tinned fish craze hasn’t slowed down and I’m perfectly fine with that because the options keep getting better and better. Take these spicy mussels from Patagonia Provisions, for example: They’re briny, meaty, and tangy with an undercurrent of heat, thanks to cayenne pepper in every bite. The mussels hail from Spain and Portugal and are sourced from family-owned farms. Make sure to have a side of crusty bread to soak up the broth, olive oil, and chunks of red bell peppers in each tin.
Buy: Patagonia Provisions Spicy Mussels, $8 for 4.2 ounces at Patagonia Provisions
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Kat Thompson
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