Our TeamMackenzie Filson

Mackenzie Filson

About Me

Mackenzie Filson is a food & beverage writer and native Floridian. Her work has appeared in PUNCH, Delish, Kitchn, and EatingWell, amongst others. You can read more of her writing in her newsletter, Book Sommelier, where she pairs books with wine (her one party trick.)

Latest Stories

5 New Trader Joe’s Groceries Actually Worth Buying, According to a Former Employee
Eat number one with a side of fries.
Mackenzie Filson
Jan 11, 2025
How 10 Popular Grocery Stores Actually Got Their Names
Plus, Aldi, Costco, Walmart, and more.
Mackenzie Filson
Jan 5, 2025
5 Trader Joe’s “Little Luxuries” I’m Buying This Holiday Season (All $5 or Less!)
Plus, four more “little luxuries” to check out.
Mackenzie Filson
Dec 21, 2024
5 Things You Should Know Before Buying Bakery Items at the Grocery Store, According to Employees
I wish I knew about number one sooner.
Mackenzie Filson
Dec 20, 2024
I Tried Every Coffee from Costco I Could Find and Found a Clear Winner
Plus, our favorite budget buy, decaf, and more.
Mackenzie Filson
Dec 13, 2024
The $7 French Trader Joe’s Appetizer I’ve Been Serving for 5 Years Straight (It’s That Good!)
It’s not Christmas without it.
Mackenzie Filson
Dec 11, 2024
6 Not-to-Be-Missed Trader Joe’s Groceries That Just Hit Stores, According to a Former Employee
Number two is hall-of-fame-worthy.
Mackenzie Filson
Dec 7, 2024
3 Store-Bought Frozen Dinner Rolls That Are Even Better than Homemade
“It doesn’t get any better.”
Mackenzie Filson
Nov 21, 2024
We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Butter, and They All Said the Same Thing
For cooking and baking, BTW.
Mackenzie Filson
Nov 14, 2024
6 Not-to-Be-Missed Trader Joe’s Groceries That Just Hit Stores, According to a Former Employee
Number five is "perfect."
Mackenzie Filson
Nov 6, 2024
Why I’ll Never Buy Another Potato Without the Farmer “Sniff Rule” Again (It Guarantees They’re Fluffy!)
Extra fluffy mashed potatoes for life!
Mackenzie Filson
Nov 1, 2024
Everything You Need to Know About Walmart+
We break down the price, perks, and reasons you might pass.
Mackenzie Filson
Oct 31, 2024
My Brilliant Tip That’s Saving Me $1,900 on Groceries in a Single Year
It’ll change how you shop.
Mackenzie Filson
Oct 22, 2024
This “Delicious” Canned Cocktail Is So Good, I’ve Stopped Making It at Home
Just pour over ice.
Mackenzie Filson
Oct 19, 2024
What Exactly Is the Difference Between Store-Brand and Name-Brand Foods?
Plus, everything to know about store-brand foods.
Mackenzie Filson
Oct 18, 2024
6 Not-to-Be-Missed Trader Joe’s Groceries That Just Hit Stores, According to a Former Employee
Number six might just be what’s for dinner.
Mackenzie Filson
Oct 7, 2024
The Sneaky Grocery Tip That Saves Me So Much Money on Produce
The possibilities are endless.
Mackenzie Filson
Oct 4, 2024
HelloFresh vs. Home Chef: I Tried Both Meal Kits and This Is the One I’ll Order Again
It also taught me a few new techniques.
Mackenzie Filson
Sep 28, 2024
The 6 Best Trader Joe’s Soups You Can Buy, According to a Former Employee (Yes, Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Made the List)
Number one might surprise you.
Mackenzie Filson
Sep 28, 2024
We Compared Prices for a Dozen Items at Walmart Versus Whole Foods — And Did Not Expect These Results
We looked at bacon, avocados, canned tuna, and more.
Mackenzie Filson
Sep 21, 2024
The 10 Best Grocery Stores in America Right of 2024
Groceries
Have you shopped here before?
Mackenzie Filson
Sep 20, 2024
We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Bacon, and They All Said the Same Thing
One has tried practically every brand out there.
Mackenzie Filson
Sep 20, 2024
We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets and They All Said the Same Thing
Turns out, it’s a shape thing.
Mackenzie Filson
Sep 16, 2024
This $3 Grocery Is So Good, I Eat It WHILE I Shop
It’s even better frozen.
Mackenzie Filson
Sep 13, 2024
Everything You Need to Know About Target Circle 360, and How It Compares to Shipt
Everything you need to know about the delivery service.
Mackenzie Filson
Sep 11, 2024
Is Celebrity Alcohol the New Perfume?
“You could throw a cocktail shaker and hit at least a dozen celebrity-backed spirits along the way.”
Mackenzie Filson
Aug 30, 2023
Why Trader Joe’s Will Never Deliver — Like Ever
Groceries
But there are workarounds.
Mackenzie Filson
Aug 31, 2023
3 Frozen Waffles That Are (Almost) Better than Homemade
No. 1 will shock you.
Mackenzie Filson
Sep 7, 2024
6 Not-to-Be-Missed Trader Joe’s Groceries That Just Hit Stores, According to a Former Employee
Number three is pure nostalgia.
Mackenzie Filson
Sep 6, 2024
We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets and They All Said the Same Thing
Turns out, it’s a shape thing.
Mackenzie Filson
Aug 22, 2023
The 8 Best Online Grocery Stores in America Right Now
Shopping
No. 6 is beloved by Kitchn readers.
Meleyna Nomura
Aug 29, 2024
I Tried Groceries from Target’s Good & Gather Line — Here’s What I’ll Definitely Buy Again
Shopping
The pastas are “top-notch.”
Mackenzie Filson
Aug 29, 2024
6 Trader Joe’s “Little Luxuries” (for $5 or Less!) to Pick Up This Summer
Groceries
Including a jarred pasta sauce that could totally pass for homemade.
Mackenzie Filson
Aug 18, 2023
The 12 Best Trader Joe’s Wines, According to the Store’s Former Wine Buyer
According to a former TJ’s wine buyer.
Mackenzie Filson
Aug 23, 2024
11 Groceries to Stock in Your Pantry for Hurricane Season
Groceries
Including instant coffee, dried fruit, heat-and-eat meals, and more.
Mackenzie Filson
Aug 11, 2023
I Grew Up in Central Florida — Here’s Why I Save These Best Snacks for Hurricane Season
Fritos are non-negotiable.
Mackenzie Filson
Aug 11, 2024