There's something special about Costco's store-brand smoked ham. Kitchn contributor Meghan Splawn says that even without the glaze it comes with (which you can omit for your own) it's far superior to brand-name hams. Plus, she adds, "You really cannot beat the price!" Not a Costco member? Order through Instacart or use a guest pass.

When it came time for us to recommend a turkey, we all realized something: Most of us at Kitchn ordered our birds locally, whether directly from a farm or from a favorite regional grocery. So that's our recommendation. Support a local farm or market, and if you can find a pasture-raised turkey, that's even better.

Our testers tried a dozen different brands of cranberry sauce to find the ultimate turkey accompaniment. Ocean Spray's jellied sauce dazzled from the moment it slid out of the can the perfect shade of dark red. Our testers found the texture "jelly-firm yet smooth, with none of the graininess we detected in other brands." And they loved its balance of sweet and tart/bitter.

Frozen spinach just happens to be the unsung hero of holiday cooking. Associate Food Editor Cory Fernandez uses it for spinach dip in a bread bowl, and Senior Contributing Food Editor Sheela Prakash makes a cheesy, creamy spinach gratin with it. The Birds Eye block of frozen greens takes some patience to defrost, but our editors appreciate how finely chopped it is.

Contributor Patty Catalano tried every grocery-store stuffing mix she could find, and this is the one that came out on top. Why? Bread cubes in a mix of sizes and textures; an herby, buttery flavor; and a 99-cent price tag.

We'd argue that Thanksgiving dinner just wouldn't be the same without a basket of warm, yeasty rolls, but nobody says you have to make them from scratch. In our frozen dinner roll taste test, contributor Danielle Centoni found this brand was the best shortcut to homemade. And at less than $6 for 36, they're far cheaper than bakery-department rolls.

Frozen dumplings are a must-have year-round, but they're even more clutch around the holidays. Keep a bag of Fly by Jing dumplings on hand for easy snacks, party apps, and for those nights when you forgot to think about dinner. The tender, succulent pork soup dumplings are perfect for winter get-togethers, or buy a variety pack if you're the kind of person who has lots of unexpected guests (and plenty of freezer space).

Who doesn't love waking to the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls on a holiday morning? Especially when store-bought dough makes quick work of creating that magic! That's why we love refrigerated cinnamon rolls for an easy holiday breakfast. Our pick wins for its truly homemade taste. But for the ultimate holiday breakfast, we insist you try this incredible cinnamon roll hack.

If you’re going to buy one pie this year, it should be this one. The contrast between the crisp-yet-crumbly crust; sweet, gooey filling; and crunchy (and glistening) nutty topping is on full display in this decadent classic. Bonus: We also like that the shipping cost is already included in the price.

Whipped cream isn't just for the holidays, but finishing a slice of pumpkin pie or a mug of hot chocolate with a dollop of fluffy cream sure does make things more festive — and more delicious. A can of Cabot whipped cream is the go-to for Executive Food Director, Nina Elder, because of its extra-creamy texture and hint of vanilla flavor.

This refrigerated dough scored the top spot in our sugar cookie taste test, thanks to its subdued sweetness; its buttery, vanilla-forward flavor; and its superior soft-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside texture. Bake up a batch, decorate your heart out, then bring on the cold glasses of milk!

The custom blend of Guittard chocolate (another Kitchn Essentials winner) and triple-distilled oil of peppermint, the creamy white chocolate, the satisfying crunch of the handmade peppermint candy pieces, the adorable tin! There’s a reason why Williams Sonoma’s Peppermint Bark is its single best-selling food item each year during the holidays: It’s a masterpiece.

Loison is considered to be one of the top producers of panettone throughout Italy, so you know it's the real deal. The company also collaborates with Slow Food to use native Italian ingredients that are at risk for extinction, like Ciaculli mandarins and Bronte pistachios. For purists, Senior Contributing Food Editor Sheela Prakash (who even toured the factory in Italy) says classico is the way to go, and for something a little different, try citrus.

Of course, you’ll want the right sparkly base for your mimosas. Ca’ Furlan’s Cuvée Beatrice fits all three of Contributor and Certified Sommelier Diane McMartin’s criteria for the classic cocktail: It’s affordable, marries well with fruit, and tastes good on its own (sometimes you just want to nix the juice, even if it is before noon).

Some gift boxes (and baskets!) can feel pricey for what they are, but this spread from Murray’s is not one of them. Buttery cheddar and Brie team up with nutty Gouda, savory meats, salty snacks, and more in this box stuffed with Slam Dunk Snacks.

Bonne Maman’s mini jars of joy are really doing the most. The iconic brand behind some of our favorite preserves makes the countdown to Christmas so much more festive (and sweet!) with this Advent calendar, which features limited-edition spreads like Chestnut Orange Cinnamon, Mirabelle Plum and Spices, Strawberry Star Anise, and more.

Heinz is synonymous with ketchup, and that's because they've served up the classic condiment for more than 100 years. Sometimes there’s just no need to reinvent the wheel — and this familiar squeeze bottle is a prime example. Keep on dipping your fries in this standby; it's a classic condiment that stands the test of time.

Senior Contributing Food Editor Sheela Prakash swears by Maille's tangy, smooth Dijon mustard to bring a punch to all sorts of savory recipes. The French brand was founded on the rue Saint-André des Arts in Paris in 1747, and has been producing refined mustard ever since. Bonus: The creamy blend doesn’t sneak in any sugar like some Dijons do.

This Southeastern brand started as a regional favorite, but it's since won over fans all across the world — including many of our editors, who'll tell you there's just no substitute. It's creamy, spreadable, and tangy — everything a good mayonnaise should be. Once you try it, you’ll never go back, as any Duke's devotee will attest.

This family business started out as a way to alleviate seasonal allergies, and transformed into a sweet, sticky condiment company. The raw honey is packaged oh-so beautifully, and made without additives or pesticides. We also love that the biz is named for the Johnson family’s two children. The lineup includes creative flavors like ginger, lavender, matcha, beetroot, and more and is now available in-store and online nationwide.

This creamy, 100% natural tahini comes ready-to-use in a convenient squeeze bottle. Our Editor-in-Chief, Faith Durand, wonders how it's taken so long for this product to exist. We're just thrilled we can skip all the scraping and stirring and oil sloshing. Just shake and squeeze the tahini straight from the bottle.

Bonne Maman makes some of our favorite preserves. The iconic brand's simple, sweet spreads feature big chunks of fruit in every bite. The sweetly delicious strawberry preserves don't have to compete with high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, or preservatives, so it’s just pure goodness through and through. Bonne, indeed.

These super-smooth, small-batch jams encourage you to think beyond the sandwich. Available in flavors like Blueberry Lemon Basil and Smoked Peach, they're great served with grilled meats, shaken into cocktails, or spooned into a little dish to jazz up your cheese plate. We're also thinking they might be the perfect thing to fill thumbprint cookies.

Our Editor-in-Chief, Faith Durand, stands by this reliable, balanced choice. “It really is just right,” she says. “I want peanut butter that tastes roasted and robust, with enough texture to assure me that I am eating freshly ground peanuts. And I want some salt to balance the taste, but no sugar (that's the jam's job!)."

Sure, making homemade hummus is easy, but you know what's easier? Opening a tub. And our top tub is Ithaca Hummus. The flavorful spreads, which are made without preservatives for peak freshness, started their journey at the farmers market in Ithaca, New York, in 2013. Nine years later, they're available nationwide. Start with the Classic (it's super smooth and pleasantly lemony!) and then try all the other flavors.

You know when a dish is just missing that certain something? It probably needs Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp. Our editors put it on practically everything: eggs, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, rice bowls, dumplings, baked potatoes (you get the idea). It's intensely savory, crunchy, and just the right amount of spicy.

It wasn't easy picking just one winner from the ever-expanding hot sauce category, but this small-batch sauce brand is it. The bright and bold flavors, like Beet N Fresno and Sweet Potato N Habanero, bring a sweet complexity to breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Rao's Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce is absolute perfection. It's rich and balanced, nailing the ideal ratio of spices to tomatoes (without that too-acidic tang you sometimes get). And, yes, it’s absolutely worth the few extra bucks it’ll run you.

Red Boat is the best of the best. The freshly caught wild anchovies are salted immediately and then fermented for 12 months in wooden barrels. Savory, pungent, a bit sweet, and deeply complex, this sauce will bring its magic to Thai and Vietnamese dishes and is also great to have around for boosting marinades, salad dressings, meaty stews, and more.

For a chef-quality dinner on demand, turn to this Indian vegan simmer sauce to transform vegetables, proteins, and grains. The rich, silky blend of coconut cream, tomatoes, and spices does all the work for you. Our Copy Chief, Lauren Kodiak, always keeps a few jars in her pantry for busy nights.

Omsom provides the ultimate dinner assist — each kit has all the sauces, aromatics, and seasonings you need for specific Asian recipes, like Japanese Yuzu Misoyaki and Chinese Mala Salad. "The bulgogi starter was the one thing I constantly cooked with and ordered this year,” says Social Media Editor, Andrea Kaufman. “Super easy and super good — it got me to eat tofu for the first time in years!”

Just like the name implies, Not Just Salad Dressing is so much more than salad dressing. This Miso Lemon Vinaigrette goes far beyond greens (although if you're looking for a way to add more salad to your day, start here!). Use the zippy, umami-packed multi-tasker for marinating meat, flavoring noodle bowls, or amping up roasted veggies.

These convenient little tubs of basil pesto taste like pure Italian sunshine. Pasta is a natural pairing, of course, but this pesto is also a great way to brighten up fish, pizza, or eggs. You can also stir some into sour cream or plain yogurt for an almost-instant party dip.

Made with three Mexican chiles — arbol, chipotle, and mulato peppers — and seasoned with soy oil, peanuts, salt, and garlic, La Comandanta’s smoky salsa macha gets its crunch from the addition of pumpkin seeds and hand-roasted sesame seeds. And despite being 80% chiles, this salsa isn't particularly spicy. It packs medium heat with maximum flavor.

There’s a clear consensus among the Kitchn staff that Dave’s Killer Bread is the absolute best for sandwiches. The 21 Whole Grains is nutty, seedy, and toasts perfectly. And the White Bread Done Right is essential for a classic PB&J or Fluffernutter. We are also big supporters of the company’s Second Chance Employment policy, a hiring process that grants job opportunities to people with criminal records.

We love everything about this brand — including their origin story and their 100% employee-owned approach. Oh, and these are truly superior oats: As you can see in the clear little window in the bag, the oats are whole and firm and in good shape. And that quality means that your bowl of oatmeal, pan of muffins, or batch of homemade granola will be tastier, too.

Even big kids love cereal. Magic Spoon manages to mix nostalgic flavors with new, like in their Blueberry Muffin, Cinnamon Roll, and Cookies & Cream cereals. Protein-packed and free of artificial additives, this is a morning-must for cereal-lovers everywhere.

Thomas' is the original, quintessential brand. (They trademarked "Nooks & Crannies," for Pete's sake!) Just make sure to split them with a fork (never a knife!) to preserve the pockets. They toast up crisp with just a little chew, with plenty of divots ready to catch all the delicious things. Sometimes classics are classics for a reason.

"Soft, fruity, and chewy, Nature’s Bakery fruit bars are kind of like an old-school Nutrigrain or Fig Newton,” says Contributor Meghan Splawn. “My kids love them.” That sentiment was seconded by Senior Contributing Food Editor Kelli Foster, and thirded by Senior Recipe Editor, Amelia Rampe.

Mason Dixie started as a brick-and-mortar biscuit shop that got so popular that the owner had to go nationwide with their lineup of carby goodness. How lucky are we? These frozen breakfast sandwiches are off the charts, thanks to the simple ingredients that add up to so much more than the sum of their egg, sausage, and biscuit parts.

Blue Stripes uses whole cacao — shell, fruit, and beans — to maximize its superfood benefits in this sweet and crunchy granola, and we love that the fruit is Upcycled Certified. The slightly bitter, earthy flavor is balanced with just a little bit of sweet, thanks to dark maple syrup and crunchy nibbles of nuts and seeds. It’s oh-so-snackable straight out of the bag and a delight sprinkled over yogurt.

We love all the syrups from Runamok, but this stuff is extra special. It's literally the very best organic maple syrup of the season. Why? Because each run is sampled, and when the flavor is at its peak the sugarmakers set it aside for this bottle. "It might be spendy, but it’s way worth it,” says Contributor Meghan Splawn.

Our epic salad dressing taste test revealed what many have known for years: Hidden Valley Ranch is the clear standout. This wasn't a surprise to Contributor Meghan Splawn: “I love it, the kids love it, and the flavor holds up against all the other bottled ranch dressings on the market." If you think ranch is too sweet, give this a chance. “The flavor is buttermilk-forward with an even tang and plenty of herby flavor," she adds.

Everyone needs a go-to bottle of high-quality olive oil, and almost every single Kitchn editor uses California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil as their everyday choice. And we're not the only ones: Ina Garten keeps it in her pantry, too.

Colavita Balsamic Vinegar is made in accordance with the strict traditions in Modena, Italy — with the seal to prove it. Sweet, tangy, and fruity, it’s great for making dressings, incorporating into recipes, or drizzling over peak-season tomatoes. And at such an affordable price, you can drizzle all you want.

We know what it feels like to be lost in the canned tomato aisle, so we conducted a taste test to find out our favorite — once and for all. The Kitchn editors crowned these naturally sweet, rich, and earthy peeled tomatoes the most flavorful of all we tried. They're a must-have for soups, stews, and the easiest-ever pizza sauce.

Tomato paste is a pantry essential, but you often use just a little at a time. Enter: Cento's handy tomato paste tube (it lasts up to 45 days after opening!). But convenience isn't the only thing we love about it; Cento won in our tomato paste taste test, too, for its brightness and more “tomato-y" flavor.

If you're a fan of Thai-style red curry, you'll want to have one of these tins within arm's reach. Senior Food Editor, Megan O. Steintrager, says, “They have a depth of flavor that I haven't found in any other store-bought brands.” She combines a can of this red curry paste with some coconut milk, veggies, and tofu or chicken thighs for a delicious meal in minutes.

Once you try making tortillas with Masienda Heirloom White Corn Masa Harina, you'll never go back to store-bought. There's just no comparison when it comes to freshness and flavor. Just make sure you make enough — these things will fly off the table at your next dinner party.

Salad dressing, cocktail mixer, cleaning agent — there are so many ways to use apple cider vinegar at home. Bragg's flavorful vinegar is gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and organic, so whatever you use it for you know it's packed with nothing but organically grown apples.

If you're looking for a little more transparency in your canned tuna, spring for Wild Planet. Greenpeace consistently ranks Wild Planet the #1 canned tuna brand for sustainability, traceability, and ethical practice. Each can is just pure tuna and sea salt — nothing fishy there!

You never know when you may need to whip up a pot of chicken soup or a quick pan sauce, so it's always a good idea to have this staple nearby. This little jar of highly concentrated flavor can make the equivalent of 38 (8-ounce) cans of broth. Even better? It tastes like homemade, long-simmered stock. Keep it on hand at all times and you'll save money and time.

Editor-in-Chief, Faith Durand, sang the praises of Campbell's Well Yes! Harvest Carrot & Ginger Sipping Soup after downing a cup while on-the-go. “I felt a sudden, unexpected sense of nourishment wash through me, even though the soup wasn't heated. It was pungent and just spicy enough — a drink that felt punchy and filling. If you've sworn off canned soup for any reason, may I recommend these sippable soups?"

The folks at employee-owned King Arthur Baking Company are in the flour business, but they're also bakers at heart, which shows in their products. They pay attention to the details, using responsibly sourced non-GMO wheat and calibrating the protein content of the flour so every time you bake with KA flour you get the same result.

We love Jacobsen's briny, bright salt that's harvested in the Pacific Northwest. The crunchy flakes are smaller than other brands, making it easier to distribute. Sprinkle it on a steak before serving, add to a salad at the very end, or crush some over brownie batter and cookie dough before they go into the oven.

When it comes to seasoning and brining, you need salt with the perfect consistency: Coarse enough that you can grab it with your fingers, but easily crushed for seasoning. Diamond Crystal is a staple in culinary schools and is the industry standard in restaurants. Go ahead and stock up on it — it’s worth its salt.

When it comes to baking, Morton's salt stands out for the way it dissolves quickly. We love how it brings out the sweet, fruity, and chocolatey flavors in baked goods. And beyond baking, we rely on this classic blue container to season with precision and in any recipe that calls for "salt."

Elevating baked goods is easy with Fleischmann's Yeast (pun intended). When it comes to yeasted dough recipes, Recipe Director, Lauren Miyashiro, always prefers working with this instant variety. “You don't need to dissolve it first!” And, she adds, “even though most recipes call for active dry yeast, you can easily swap it 1:1.” (The rise time may just be a bit quicker!)

Nielsen-Massey may be on the pricier side of vanilla extracts, but Jesse Szewczyk, contributor and expert baker, says it’s worth it for its “dark color and super-strong, high-quality vanilla flavor.” It's also readily available at grocery stores nationwide — no need to scour the internet or search out a specialty baking store.

Sure, you could easily make a good brownie from scratch. But for those times when you want to whip up a quick batch from a mix, we recommend Ghirardelli Double Chocolate. The brand does it right with this super-dark, double-chocolatey mix. It’s so good, it took the top spot in our taste test.

This timeless classic is affordable and easy, but don't let its simplicity fool you. Betty Crocker’s Super Moist Vanilla Cake Mix is exactly as promised — incredibly moist, and deliciously vanilla-y. Use this to make a classic cake or get creative with it as your foolproof base for a multitude of mix-ins.

These organic, fair-trade chocolate baking wafers from this San Francisco-based, family-owned company have a rich, deep flavor. Guittard, from our research, also has a good track record of combating the child and slave labor that still plagues the chocolate industry. Senior Recipe Editor, Amelia Rampe, loves baking with them especially because they create "perfect pools of chocolate."

Guittard is where it’s at for baking with chocolate. When it’s an intense, bittersweet chocolate flavor you're after, look for the red canister that's popular with pro pastry chefs. It’s intense, fudgy, and robust — in other words, perfection for your cakes, pastries, and brownies.

Intensely sweet and spicy, thanks to a harvesting technique that concentrates the tree’s essential oils, this heirloom cinnamon variety that Burlap & Barrel imports from Vietnam's Quang Nam Mountains will transform your cooking. Try it in coffee cake or granola — or use it to make next-level snickerdoodles.

Thanks to heat-treated flour and using flaxseed in place of eggs, this creative cookie dough isn't just bakeable — it's safe to eat raw, too. We also like that it's made with less sugar and no high fructose corn syrup, that it comes in fun flavors like Cold Brew Crew and Sin-a-Bun, and that a portion of every purchase is donated to support women in recovery.

“There's no other frozen all-butter puff pastry that puffs and browns as beautifully as Dufour,” says Food Editor-at-Large, Christine Gallary. It’s filled with buttery goodness (no shortening allowed!) and comes in one piece, which is especially convenient for when you want to bake something bigger, like a tart crust on a sheet pan.

When rice or vegetables need punching up, a sprinkle of sweet-salty bonito furikake does just the trick. In fact, that's exactly what furikake means — to sprinkle over. "I have tried many types of katsuo mirin furikake and this one is my go-to brand and type," Senior Recipe Editor, Amelia Rampe, says. "It has the best flavor profile and is super versatile."

The founders of Loisa recreated the Latin seasonings they love, but with a pared-down and organic ingredient list — one that doesn’t include dyes or preservatives. Whether they’re featured together or as a solo act, these vibrant seasonings are showstoppers as dry rubs and marinades, sprinkled on root vegetables and popcorn, stirred into stews, and more.

Who makes the best potato chip? It's a hotly debated topic, but we have no problem putting in the R&D. Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm, expert snacker and contributor, loves Utz's simple kettle chips. They're extra thick and crunchy, which is everything you want a kettle chip to be.

We love a sturdy chip strong enough to drag through any dip, and these grain-free tortilla chips (made with cassava flour and avocado oil) are a Kitchn team favorite. The brand was founded by a Mexican-American family of seven from South Texas, hence the name.

Looking for a popcorn that tastes like it was freshly popped? Our pick is LesserEvil popcorn in any of their flavors. Light, airy, salty, and buttery, we love the fact that they use nothing but high-quality ingredients.

Most crackers are merely a vehicle for dips, spreads, or cheese, but Moonshot crackers are flavorful enough to stand as a snack all on their own. They're non-GMO and made with certified organic ingredients sourced from climate-friendly farmers. Try the Rosemary-Garlic or Sourdough Sea Salt.

Mary's is on a mission to provide organic, cruelty-free, non-GMO crackers in tasty flavors. These gluten-free crackers are baked with sustainably sourced ingredients. But the best part? They're perfectly crispy and crunchy.

Cookie-lovers, rejoice: Partake’s vegan chocolate chip cookies are so allergy-friendly that they're safe for those with nut, soy, or gluten intolerences. And they taste like delectable treats straight from a bakery! Whether you're team crunchy or soft-baked, there's a box for you.

Westbourne's Togarashi Crunch is like the grown-up version of your childhood favorite cereal snack mix. Crunchy, smoky, and sweet, this elevated snack features flavors like espelette pepper, dehydrated citrus peel, and ginger. It's also vegan and gluten-free.

Inspired by Northern Thai street food, these rice crisps are crunchy and light. Made with sticky rice that gets soaked in watermelon juice and coconut milk (to make them extra sticky) they then get crisped to highlight the deep flavors of toasted rice. They're the perfect gluten-free snack and come in fun flavors like Coconut Crunch, Toasted Sesame, and Sriracha Spice.

These classic potato sticks are flavored with the much-lauded butter of Hokkaido, Japan. The simple sticks are somehow creamy and crunchy at the same time — kind of like eating a buttery baked potato on the go. Lifestyle Editor, Michelle Lau, is a big fan. "Every bite is so light and flavorful," she says.

Poppy delivers hand-crafted popcorn in inventive flavors like Chai Masala and Dill Pickle, most of which are gluten-free (only Gingerbread, Dark Chocolate Pretzel, and Spring Confetti aren't). These surprising flavor combos will wake up your taste buds and make you wonder how you'll ever go back to plain ol' butter.

Editor-in-Chief, Faith Durand, first spotted the tiny, delicate, and perfectly cupped lettuce leaves at restaurants in New York City and the San Francisco Bay area. Soon after, they showed up in grocery stores, so we can enjoy them at home. They're Faith's favorite lettuce — and we think they'll be yours, too.

In a world awash with salad kits, Aldi's Southwest Chopped Salad Kit stands out. It pairs loads of veggies with zesty chipotle dressing, tortilla crunchies, and cheese, which makes it absolutely delicious and also fun to eat.

Imagine taking a typical orange and giving it a major glow-up — we're talking twice the amount of juicy sweetness, an easier-to-remove peel, and no seeds. Turns out the orange of our dreams already exists, and it's all thanks to Sumo citrus. This variety of supersized mandarins hails from Japan, and now they're being harvested Stateside. Lucky us.

A brilliant cross of Braeburn and Royal Gala, each bite of an Envy apple guarantees that quintessential snap we crave. Each one is totally crisp and the right amount of sweet. Bonus: Their flesh doesn't oxidize as quickly as other apples, which means you can slice some apples in the morning and they won't be brown by lunchtime.

If you love to pop cherry and grape tomatoes by the handful, these Tomberrys will become your new favorite treat. They're the world’s smallest tomato (about the size of blueberries!). They're highly seasonal, though, which means there's a tiny window when they're available. Buy them whenever you see them!

When it comes to a truly great pickle, Kitchn editors agree this tub of Italian dill spears is the way to go (and not just for the cute pickle-in-a-lawn-chair on the label!). They're crunchy, garlicky, and perfectly briny. Fun fact: Our former Groceries Editor has been known to eat these — and only these — for dinner.

If you aren't keeping a giant bag of frozen wild blueberries in your freezer, what are you even using your freezer for? Nina Elder, executive food director, eats them daily and says the small, deeply flavored berries are superior to any other brand — worth the freezer space for a giant bag!

Full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and lots of fiber, Stokes Purple organic sweet potatoes balance sweetness, smooth texture, and rich flavor for a do-it-all veggie. Use them in creamy mashed potatoes or slice them up and pop them in the air fryer for easy, colorful home fries.

Like tiny oranges you can eat whole, kumquats are a super-tart citrus fruit that easily find their place in a wide range of recipes. Add them to quick breads, simmer them in simple syrup for an easy sauce for ice cream or yogurt, or slice them and add to green salads or fruit salads.

Spiky rambutans are lychee's spunky cousin. Don't be intimidated by the shell; just peel it back to reveal juicy, grape-like fruit. “If you can get your hands on a fresh rambutan, I’d highly recommend it,” says Contributor Amanda Marikar. “The perfumed sweetness of the truly ripe in-season tropical fruit bears no equal.” Eat it on its own, or add to salads, desserts, or roast chicken.

Land O'Lakes won our official taste test for several reasons. Not only do we love its fresh taste, but we also appreciate the level of quality for the price point. Even better, it’s also from a company that’s committed to reducing its carbon footprint and paying its farmers to adopt more earth-friendly farming practices.

Kerrygold's spreadable butter is creamy, lavish, and made from the milk of grass-fed cows. In fact, our editors called it "ultra-sumptuous" in an official taste test. We love slathering this pure Irish butter on everything, but it's especially clutch when you have a warm piece of toast but no room-temperature butter. It's the little things.

If you thought all sour cream was created equal, you haven't tried Daisy. This classic brand brings nothing but straight-up cultured cream to the table (no preservatives or additives need apply, thank you). The result: The best texture for the dreamiest of homemade dips, perfectly tangy cheesecake, and even the best banana bread.

The salty, creamy curds of Hood Cottage Cheese make a wonderful blank canvas for a protein-packed breakfast or filling afternoon snack. We also really like that skim milk, milk and cream, and whey protein are all you’ll find in one of these tubs.

Cheese is a kid-friendly snack, but who said grown-ups can't get in on the fun? Cabot is known especially for its cheddars, and this slow-aged, slightly crumbly, extra-sharp cheddar is perfect for parents — it's a dream with a cold beer or a crisp apple.

Cheese-lovers know that fancy fromage — like this wheel of spreadable, ultra-luscious double cream — is one of the great joys of life. And you don't have to live near a fancy cheese shop to enjoy it: We spot this one at most mainstream grocery stores. Pro tip: Let it sit out and soften for a bit before you eat it so that you get the maximum center ooze. And oui! You eat the rind.

If you buy just one cheese at Trader Joe’s, it should be this one. The grocer took their tangy, crumbly cheddar — reminiscent of a hard, aged Italian cheese — and shredded it for your convenience. Clutch for quesadillas, mac and cheese, and, well, all our cheese-sprinkling needs. Thanks for looking out for us, TJ’s!

How do you make ricotta more delicious? Three words: Double the cream! Senior Contributing Food Editor Sheela Prakash goes out of her way to shop at stores where she can find Galbani Double Cream Ricotta. If you do too, your lasagna, manicotti, stuffed shells, and ravioli will thank you. Just don’t forget that ricotta plays well in desserts, too!

Tillamook’s cream cheese is ultra smooth and creamy. Made with only four ingredients, this cream cheese really lets the perfectly tangy flavors shine. (Senior Contributing Food Editor Sheela Prakash has been known to just eat it with a spoon!)

Stonyfield’s Organic Plain Whole Milk Yogurt is the one you'll find in Executive Food Director, Nina Elder’s, fridge. Why? It has a smooth, creamy texture and a clean, rich flavor with just enough tang. She has it daily with Wyman’s frozen blueberries for breakfast, but also uses it as a soup topper, a dip base, and a go-to baking ingredient.

We love this Australian-style (but U.S.-made) brand for its extra-silky texture and the brightly flavored purée you can mix in to your own preference. The distinctive packaging makes this easy-to-devour treat stand out on crowded shelves. You can't go wrong with any of them, but the lemon flavor is an editor favorite.

Editor-in-Chief, Faith Durand, buys this rice by the 20-pound bag. (That's how much she loves it!) Massa Organics’ Medium-Grain Brown Rice is so soft, tender, and flavorful, it’s the only rice she'll use — morning, noon, or night.

We’re all about this base! It takes just 90 seconds to zap in the microwave and cooks up firm and sweet. Grown on small organic family farms in Kerala, South India, it comes plain (as in, ready for your own flair) or in Turmeric + Cumin. Add whatever veggies you have on hand to it and you've got an instant grain bowl.

This consistently light, fluffy, and nutty quinoa is organic certified, non-GMO, and kosher. And you have to love this company’s dedication to supporting the sustainability efforts of indigenous farmers in Bolivia. It's super versatile, too. We love to use this as a base for salads, or a meatless swap for chili. Heck, we even put it in our oatmeal.

Nothing but (organic) wheat and buckwheat flour and water go into these tasty noodles. And they cook in only four minutes, so they're also your friend when dinner needs to happen in a hurry. Did you know? These noodles are made in Australia and there's a whole story on the Japanese soba noodles/Australian wheat connection! Read it, we'll wait!

The mac and cheese from this new brand delivers nostalgic tastes from childhood in new, punched-up flavors like Asiago and Parmesan with Spirals. But what we love even more is that Goodles packs their mac with oodles of nutrient-dense ingredients from 21 different plants, including broccoli, spinach, kale, pumpkin, and a whole bunch more.

This gluten-free pasta tastes so much like wheat pasta, our Copy Chief, Lauren Kodiak, promises you’ll never know it’s GF. Lauren is one of Jovial Foods' biggest fans. This pasta is certified organic, non-GMO, and Kosher. It's made in Tuscany and uses 100% organic whole-grain rice grown in Italy for maximium flavor and refined texture.

Many Kitchn editors rely on sheet pan gnocchi for an easy, delicious, fuss-free dinner, and we think you should too. To get started, you'll need a stash of shelf-stable gnocchi on hand. Our top choice? De Cecco's lovely, light version that has some bite without being too chewy.

Quick grains are the key to quick meals, and Trader Joe's 10-Minute Farro is worth stocking up on. Not only are the bags cute, but the nutty, tender whole grain also cooks in — you guessed it! — 10 minutes flat. It's great in soups, salads, risottos, grain bowls, and even breakfast.

Whenever Senior Recipe Editor, Amelia Rampe, runs out of Sun Noodle Ramen, she knows it's time to go shopping. These slurp-perfect chewy, fresh noodles are sold in the refrigerated section and come in a variety of thicknesses, depending on what you want. Each bag comes with the supplies to make two servings of broth and noodles — and you can bulk them up with veggies, eggs, and more.

Fresh tortillas should be soft and toothsome, and Vista Hermosa's flour tortillas remind us how they're supposed to taste. "They're super fatty and taste homemade," says Recipe Director, Lauren Miyashiro. Vegan and made without any additives or preservatives, they'll become an essential component in your next batch of chimichangas or burritos.

Pasta has a very important job: to catch and contain whatever sauce it's tossed in. That's why we love this waterfall-shaped pasta that's specifically designed to capture sauce in all its nooks and crannies. “The more people talk about it the more I get it,” says Editor-in-Chief, Faith Durand, about Sfoglini Cascatelli (created by Sporkful podcast host Dan Pashman).

Rancho Gordo makes some of the best dried beans, which is why they're a veritable celebrity in the bean world. Here's what sets them apart: Their heirloom varieties require less soaking time and cook up much creamier and more flavorful than a standard batch of dried beans. Fill up your cart and be sure to try the Cranberry Beans.

These quick-cook beans come pre-seasoned in convenient, ready-to-serve pouches, so they couldn't be more easy to whip up. Better yet, they come from a company with a social mission and a ton of heart. Inspired by traditional Black and Latino recipes from throughout the Americas, grab the variety pack to sample options like Creole Red Beans and Trini Chickpea Curry.

Executive Food Director, Nina Elder, first heard about this West African grain from Associate Food Editor, Nicole Rufus. And once she tried it, she was an instant fan. The tiny, ancient grain is light, fluffy, and nutty — and it cooks in five minutes. Try it in Nicole's recipe for fonio pancakes! We also love that Yolélé was founded in order to create economic opportunities for smaller farming communities and supports biodiverse and regenerative farming communities throughout Africa.

If you're not relying on chicken thighs as a weeknight go-to, you need to switch up your meal plan. We dedicate countless recipes to the almighty thigh. Why? They're cheaper, more flavorful, and harder to overcook than breast meat. As long as there’s a pack of chicken thighs in your freezer, dinner is never far off.

We all need a solid dinner fallback, and that's where this box of chicken breast tenders comes in. They're a bit more grown-up than nuggets, but these all-white meat tenders deliver the same crowd-pleasing versatility as the perennial kid food. You can also feel good about Applegate’s dedication to humane practices, which are listed in great detail on the website for all to read.

Sustainability is key when shopping for fish, and if you don't know where to start, look for the Seafood Watch's "Best Choice" ranking. More often than not, you'll find Atlantic cod on that list. Thanks to its mild flavor and flaky texture, cod works in so many different recipes, including tacos, sandwiches, and skillet dinners.

We love that Whole Foods makes it easy to find sustainable, responsible seafood, and the Whole Catch White Shrimp is one of our favorites. The company's commitment to seafood that's responsibly farmed or wild-caught by certified sustainable fisheries means we don't have to question where these shrimp came from or their impact on the environment.

Applegate's Sunday Bacon comes from humanely raised, antibiotic- and GMO-free pork. Whether you fry it on the stovetop or bake it in the oven, it cooks up super crisp and has a richer, deeper flavor compared to other brands.

When it's too hot to turn on your oven (or you just don't feel like cooking), let Trader Joe's Sesame Crusted Hardwood Smoked Ahi Tuna help. Sustainably sourced and wild-caught off the coasts of Indonesia, it has a meaty texture and smoky flavor. Looking for a recipe to get inspired? Start with this no-cook ahi tuna bowl!

Contributor Lisa Freedman knows a thing or two about making the perfect sandwich. In search of the best turkey, she went through a lot of trial and error. "I tried everything at the deli counter and all the other pre-packaged stuff, and this is the only sliced turkey that holds up well in the fridge and consistently gets compliments when I use it in sandwiches." Grab the family size so you'll always be sandwich-ready.

Do your future self a favor and have some of Aldi’s beloved Mama Cozzi's pizzas in the freezer for your next impromptu pizza night. The grocer does thin-crust pizzas really well; the bottoms turn brown and crisp and have just the right amount of sauce and cheese to top it all off. Plus, pepperoni! If you can't find this classic, grab a pizza with any of the fun special toppings.

Truthfully, all tots are amazing. (We say this after extensive research.) But there’s one that does slightly edge out the others: Alexia Sweet Potato Puffs have that slightly sweet flavor and oh-so-perfect texture that makes them infinitely poppable. Having a bag stashed in the freezer is never a bad idea.

Sure, it would be nice to always have a heaping bowl of cherries around, but they don't come cheap. Luckily for us, the bountiful frozen bag from Dole is a downright steal. Plus, they’re hand-picked at peak ripeness and a great (and convenient!) swap for fresh in crisps, cobblers, and more!

You could make pão de queijo yourself — or you could just grab a bag of Brazi Bites. The Brazilian cheese bread is ready in just 20 minutes. It's a crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside wonder that’s great any time of day. And just this year, the company added pizza bites to the mix and, yes, they're made with the same irresistible cheese bread dough.

You can get rich, flavorful xiao long bao (aka soup dumplings) straight from your freezer, thanks to Xiao Chi Jie. "These are one of my favorites to order," says Executive Editor, Adriana Velez. We love that this company ships fresh, flavorful, small-batch Chinese street food nationwide. And we mean really fresh — goodies usually get prepared just a day or two before shipping.

This almond flour-pasta ravioli is an easy way to get a filling and flavorful dinner on the table, fast. Why stop at one cheese when you can fit five into these little pillows of frozen goodness? Handmade and frozen fresh, there's ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, fontina, and asiago packed into every tasty bite.

Whole Foods' California-Style Vegetable Protein Blends are our new food-prep hero. The bag is packed with protein, thanks to lentils and soybeans (it's also got broccoli, peas, and bell peppers). Steam the bag in the microwave in a matter of minutes and check out these dinner ideas while you wait.

Our Food Editor-at-Large, Christine Gallary, has been raving about these frozen cubes for years. And in a head-to-head taste test by Senior Contributing Food Editor Sheela Prakash, they've officially been declared the winner. Conveniently designed, each cube is equivalent to one garlic clove, which makes following recipes super straightforward.

Every flavor from this family-run business is made completely from scratch, using a recipe that's been honed to perfection. We especially love their Brambleberry Crisp flavor — tart brambleberries perfectly complement super-sweet vanilla ice cream. Oat streusel adds complexity and texture for a dessert that'll make you feel like you're at a fancy scoop shop.

These naturally flavored bars are made with Greek yogurt, yet they have the same smooth, creamy consistency as ice cream. Contributor Dana McMahan went through a phase where she had a Yasso Mint Chip Bar every night. (She's currently wondering why that stopped.) They're deliciously minty, sweet, and refreshing with much less sugar than other frozen treats.

Looking for a slam-dunk starter to keep on hand for the next time guests drop by unannounced? Balkan Bites stuff hearty filllings into crispy, all-natural phyllo dough. These ready-to-bake frozen bureks come in a trio of traditional Albanian flavors: Beef and Onion, Spinach and Cheese, and Cheese Medley. And, yes, they're all winners.

For a sustainably made, certified organic, plant-based milk, try Willa's Oat Milk in any of the company's three offerings: Original, Creamy, or Dark Chocolate. Smooth, rich, and creamy, this oat milk packs fiber and protein into every cup. Named after their grandmother and inspired by her original recipe, this milk is free of artificial ingredients and made with an entirely zero-waste process.

The lineup of Elmhurst Nut Milks includes almond, hazelnut, and walnut, but we especially love the cashew one. According to Copy Chief, Lauren Kodiak, it has the most neutral, creamy flavor. She uses it daily in coffee and smoothies! These beverages are organic, relatively inexpensive, and shelf-stable with one ingredient: the nut (okay, and water).

Made with a creamy coconut milk base and pea protein, the Icelandic-style yogurt brand has hit this plant-based option out of the park. It’ll keep you full whether it’s your breakfast or afternoon snack. If you haven't already, we strongly recommend you try Toasted Coconut and Mixed Berry.

Vegan cheese in seven different varieties might sound too good to be true, but Violife has nailed the flavor and texture. Melty, stretchy, creamy, and tangy, this vegan-dedicated community from Greece is all-in on claims that its "Just Like" product line — including Colby, cheddar, mozzarella, and feta — really is just like cheese. And chefs are quick to back them up.

Butter is a staple that's hard to replicate in vegan form, but Miyoko's is up to the challenge. The company's vegan butter does everything you want from a butter: It melts, browns, bakes, and has a rich, buttery flavor. The hint of sea salt makes it taste even more like, well, butter.

You may have read about our love for Duke's mayonnaise (in this very list!). Well, one of our writers wants you to know that HLTHPUNK Vegan Mayo is just as good — and not just because of the super-cool squeeze tube. The sunflower oil- and oat milk-based recipe is remarkably tasty, and the vegan spread especially shines on sandwiches.

No freezer should be without a box of Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers. The non-GMO and vegan patties cook up within minutes, making a filling, nutritious lunch or dinner super fast and easy. Did we mention they’re loaded with 10 types of vegetables? These truly put the “veg” in veggie burger.

Frieda's Soyrizo packs all the flavor of traditional chorizo, but is vegetarian and gluten-free. It crumbles into the skillet, without being too sticky nor too dry and has a well-balanced and robust, smoky flavor. Simply remove the casing and try it anywhere you’d use chorizo. This recipe is a good place to start!

Why treat tofu as a blank canvas, when it can star as the main event? This freshly made, artisanal tofu handcrafted in Oakland is a revelation. It's voluptuously creamy, complex, and deeply flavorful, so it can and should get the spotlight in any meal. Don’t believe us? Try it straight out of the package. We won't even say we told you so.

If the name didn't already give it away, these plant-based burgers look and taste impossibly like beef burgers. For vegans, flexitarians, or experimenters looking for the closest thing you can get to beef burgers — complete with "blood" — it’s Impossible Burger you're after. Our taste tester said the texture and flavor was almost identical, calling it a realistic alternative to ground beef.

Venture beyond the usual with Trader Joe's Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto. This creation tastes so homemade, one of our writers called it her favorite TJ’s find in months. Like any pesto, it goes well with so much more than pasta — try it as an easy way to punch up eggs, sandwiches, salad dressings, and marinades.

Created by Ben & Jerry's alum and genius food scientist Kirsten Sutaria and her husband, Karl, Wonderlab Doozy Pots serves up creamy gelato made with hemp and oats. The company aims to craft tasty treats made with ingredients that are sustainably sourced, and they've done a stellar job so far. For a cool, refreshing dessert, snag each one of four flavors: Smooth Coffee, Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Raspberry Swirl, and Banana Cinnamon Date.

Looking for a non-dairy ice cream bar that boasts the same creamy, melty, richness of traditional ice cream? That’s what we found with Daiya Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Bars — specifically the Classic Vanilla Bean version. These frozen treats get dipped in fair-trade chocolate for a crunchy candy shell. Chocolate Fudge Crunch and Salted Caramel Swirl flavors also came in hot in our taste test.

For a crispy, crunchy, dippable plant-based nugget that's packed with protein, try Daring Breaded Plant Chicken Pieces. Our Senior Lifestyle Editor, Mara Weinraub, says "I always have a pouch of these stashed in my freezer. They're great for impromptu lunches and dinners and they, pardon the expression, 'taste like chicken.'"

Thanks to Just Egg, we now have an ingredient that does everything the versatile egg does. Made from mung beans, the plant-based scramble is the answer to fluffy eggs, crispy waffles, quick breads, and more. Even better? It comes in a convenient squeeze bottle, so you can say goodbye to messy cracked shells.

Made without the use of animal products, Modern Kitchen's spreadable, delicate line of cream cheeses boasts bold flavors with a surprisingly creamy texture. The next time you grab a bagel, make sure you have one of Modern Kitchen's three flavors — Strawberry, Spring Onion and Chive, or Harissa Pepper — on hand to go with it.

Mama noodles are beloved in Thailand and in restaurants all over. "Thailand's favorite instant ramen company takes what you know about instant ramen and levels it up," says Senior Recipe Editor, Amelia Rampe. "Instead of beef or chicken, Mama instant ramen has flavors like shrimp tom yum and duck. The duck ramen comes with a flavor packet filled with duck fat, giving you the richest instant ramen ever."

Editor-in-Chief, Faith Durand, loves the Roasted Garlic Kraut from Cleveland Kitchen, but all the company's flavors are worth trying in (and on!) just about everything. Also, feel free to eat the stuff right out of the bag — we won't judge.

This kimchi features fermented Napa cabbage with red pepper and first-press fish sauce made from wild-caught black anchovies. Just thinking about the combination of radish, garlic, and ginger in this robust kimchi has our mouths watering. Chi Kitchen’s amazing lineup is clearly made with love, and we appreciate that it’s a woman-owned family business founded by a chef.

Tagliatelle gets tossed with seasoned chicken in a mushroom sauce that tastes like something someone's nonna expertly crafted over the course of a lifetime, except all it takes is eight minutes in the microwave. Editor-in-Chief, Faith Durand, first spotted this meal kit from Giovanni Rana at her local Costco, but you can find similar kits in supermarkets nationwide and directly from the brand online.

Ready in just 90 seconds, Maya Kaimal's Everyday Dal adds butternut squash, coconut, red chili, and brown mustard seeds to the tender lentils, creating a thicker texture with a touch of sweetness. While you can eat this organic, non-GMO, kosher, and vegan dal straight from the pouch, you can also serve it with rice to make it a more filling meal.

These heat-and-eat kits from SOMOS come with two pouches of Mexican Peacadillo — a plant-based spin on Mexican picadillo, subbing pea protein for the usual ground beef — in a robust-flavored red sauce seasoned with cumin, garlic, and spicy serrano pepper, along with one jarred salsa and two pouches of rice and beans of your choosing.

If you love instant oatmeal, but find the ones on shelves are loaded with sugar and lacking flavor, we have one word for you: Yishi. The woman-owned company is out to share standout flavors inspired by the founder’s childhood in China. Flavors like Sweet Osmanthus (Senior Lifestyle Editor, Mara Weinraub’s, personal favorite) deliver exactly what they promise, in a fresh, nourishing way.

We love Kapé Philippine Coffee, a social venture working to deliver small-batch, unique coffee and support indigenous female workers and family farmers in the process. These unique beans boast bold flavors of cacao nibs and zesty fruit.

We’re always reaching for a can of this silky, bold cold-brewed coffee. All you do is chill it and pop it open; the fresh roasting, overnight brewing, cold pressing, and double filtering is all done for us, leaving a lovely, smooth sip with an inherent sweetness.

We all deserve a little luxury, and this elegant tin of loose-leaf tea makes us feel just a little bit fancy. It boasts a lighter, lemony, Darjeeling-based version of Earl Grey, so it's approachable and smooth. Thanks to a hint of natural sweetness, the non-Earl Grey fans will love it too.

There are some drinks that instantly make us feel refreshed, and the Pink Lady Apple kombucha from Health-Ade is one of them. While the PLA will always be our favorite flavor, we also recommend the Passion Fruit-Tangerine, Watermelon, and Tropical Punch varieties from this woman-owned brand.

There's no shortage of sparkling water options available; while they're overwhelmingly plentiful, they aren't all created equally. Our pick: The crisp, dry, flavors of fruit-infused Spindrift. Allow us to suggest the tart-yet-sweet combo of Raspberry Lime.

Vintage seltzer is simple and sippable. Studio Food Editor, Jessie YuChen, loves “its consistent quality, great mouthfeel, and very reasonable price tag.” She adds, “If I’m feeling fancy I’ll add a little lemon to it. But, mostly I just love how it doesn’t have anything added but the smooth bubbles.”

Some flavors instantly bring back memories, and lemonade is one of those nostalgic drinks that can transport you to another time. Sweet and tangy, this carton of goodness from Newman’s Own tastes like sunshine in a cup. Lemon oil dials up the zing, making this about as good as it gets on a searing summer day.

This brand of hard seltzer comes in four flavors — Asian Pear, Mandarin, Lychee, and Yuzu — and they are incredibly true to flavor. Fresh, clean, and bright, each one is a standout, which is why we recommend you snag the variety pack.