Danny Palumbo &#8211; Sporked

You’re probably ahead of me already. You’re probably saying, “Ariana, Biscoff Cookies aren’t ginger cookies!” And listen: I agree. That’s why they’re sitting pretty in tenth place, okay? Biscoff cookies belong to the Speculoos family, which are commonly considered spiced gingerbread cookies—but that doesn’t totally check out, because ginger is a very minor ingredient at play here. Biscoff is a caramelized biscuit cookie that relies on cinnamon and nutmeg for its cozy, spiced flavor. It’s warm, a little zingy, and tastes like cookie butter reconstructed into cookie form. With a distinct, crunchy bite you can’t get anywhere else, no one can deny Biscoff makes good cookies. But do these belong on a list of the best ginger cookies? Well, I think so. They’re not fit for ginger lovers, but if you’re searching for a cozy, gingerbread-esque cookie to match the holiday vibes and serve to a large group, you shouldn’t overlook Biscoff. People love ‘em. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

8/10

Sporks

Best Spice

Sprouts Old Fashioned Ginger Flavored Snaps

After this taste test, I took these Sprouts old fashioned ginger flavored snaps home with me. Why? Because the spice here is aggressive. The clove flavor is off the charts, and its intensely aromatic nature works very well with the peppery notes of ginger. Truly, these cookies are loaded with spices. Sprouts’ ginger snap cookies pack a big, big flavor. They might be too much for your average cookie eater, but for me that boldness made them addictive and some of the best ginger snaps we tasted. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best Ginger Person

Pepperidge Farm Gingerman Cookies

Pepperidge Farm makes great products and that includes their gingerbread cookies. Their Gingerman cookies are light, crispy as heck, and filled with great flavor. The ginger flavor is light, but there’s a deep, well-rounded sweetness here from the brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, and cane sugar listed in the ingredients. They come shaped like little men, too, so if you love dismembering human-shaped cookies you’re pretending are your enemies, go with Pepperidge Farm. They pack a nuanced flavor, and they’re oh-so crispy. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best Spicy Ginger Flavor

McVitie’s Ginger Nuts the Fiery One

What McVitie’s ginger cookies lack in structural integrity (I’ll explain momentarily), they make up for in a striking, fiery ginger flavor like no other. Each cookie is so sharply spiced, it actually burns a little—and when a ginger cookie can clear out my sinuses for me, I’m going to fall in love with it. Texturally, these cookies have some issues: They are on the dry side, so the cookies’ edges literally crumble into bits when you try to pick them up. Still, I somehow managed to dip mine in freshly brewed coffee without making a huge mess, and the flavor transported me: I felt like I was roasting chestnuts by the fire in a cozy living room, not sitting at an office desk crowded with discarded cookie wrappers and leftover Walmart pies. (It was a busy day.) If you thrive on bold winter spices (or simply suffer from daily congestion), these might be the best ginger cookies for you. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best Ginger Snaps

Tate’s Bake Shop Gingersnap Cookies

Tate’s has two seasonal ginger snap cookies—these and a gluten free option we ranked slightly above it. (It’s really, really good for a gluten free cookie, okay?) In theory, I figured the thin, firm crispness of Tate’s cookies would go hand and hand with a ginger snap, and hey, I love it when I’m right. The ginger flavor is pretty bold, with the right balance of molasses, butter, and spice that you’d expect from the best ginger snaps. These are seasonal, so make sure to try them while you still can! —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

9/10

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Best Surprise

Tate’s Bake Shop Gluten Free Ginger Zinger Cookies

I gravitate towards crispy and crunchy gluten-free snacks, so Tate’s Bake Shop is a huge winner for me. These gluten-free Ginger Zinger cookies have a big-time ginger flavor, and a rich, nutty, almost brown butter taste that feels wholly decadent. Crystals of sugar give them crunch and sweetness. I love the way these look, too—they’ve got a rustic, homemade vibe to them. They also contain eggs and are delightfully fatty. Tate’s Ginger Zingers are indulgent, peppery, and fully satisfying, and could easily be the best gingerbread cookies—they just fall slightly short of what we think the ideal gingerbread cookies should be, which is a little more thin and a bit less rich. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

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Best for Ginger Lovers

Walkers Stem Ginger Biscuits

World Market

They might call themselves biscuits, but these are some of the best ginger cookies money can buy. These cookies feel expensive and fancy thanks to the packaging and taste. There’s tons of chewy ginger mixed into these cookies, making them the perfect gingerbread cookies for ginger lovers. This slaps you in the face with ginger flavor. Yum! —Jordan Myrick

Credit: Merc / World Market

Rating:

10/10

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Best Thin

Dewey’s Bakery Triple Ginger Cookies

Dewey’s Bakery makes the thinnest, crispiest ginger cookies on the market. They have a wonderful snap and they aren’t hard at all. These airy cookies are some of the best ginger cookies I’ve ever tasted. If you’re looking for a light dessert with a great sweetness and real ginger flavor, Dewey’s makes the best ginger snaps for you. —Jordan Myrick

Credit: Merc / Amazon

Rating:

10/10

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Best Buttery

Nyakers Ginger Snaps

Nyakers Ginger Snaps are in a virtual first-place tie with Annas, but that doesn’t mean they’re identical. Though Nyakers ginger snaps have the same pronounced ginger flavor and thin, crunchy quality as Annas, Nyakers have a delightfully rich, almost buttery flavor that kept us all coming back here at Sporked. These cookies are so rich and luxurious, which is honestly breathtaking for ginger snaps (and why we consider them some of the best ginger snap cookies). Bite into one, then let it dissolve in your mouth so you can savor all the wonderful flavors. This was a delightful experience and a flat-out surprise. I didn’t know gingerbread cookies could be so…buttery. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Amazon

Rating:

10/10

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Best of the Best

Annas Ginger Swedish Thins

Pavilions

Annas Ginger Swedish Thins took our breath away with their straightforward yet wonderful flavor. They’re plain, yes, but as a result you just get that pure, spiced ginger and clove flavor that’s emblematic of the Holidays. Annas cookies have less sugar than other cookies, but that’s a strength. With less sugar, you really get to taste the peppery, mellow notes of the ginger. The texture is also quite crispy, and the cookies themselves are indeed thin, so the crunch factor is even higher. Annas Thins are the best gingerbread cookies because they do all the little things so well. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Pavilions

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

Other Products We Tried: Nabisco Ginger Snaps, Kroger Ginger Snaps, Lofthouse Soft & Chewy Ginger Cookies, Signature Select Ginger Snaps, Belvita Gingerbread Breakfast Biscuits, ShaSha Gingersnaps, Stauffer’s Ginger Snaps, Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Snaps, Great Value, Partake Ginger Snap Crunchy Cookies, Eleni’s Cookies All Natural Ginger Snappy Cookies, Jack’s Allergen Friendly Bakery Ginger Molasses Cookies

The post The Best Gingerbread Cookies, Ginger Cookies, and Ginger Snaps appeared first on Sporked.

Best Brie Cheese You Can Buy at the Grocery Store (Updated with a New #1!)

Danny Palumbo — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 20:23:10 +0000

The best brie cheese is soft, creamy, and a little funky. It’s great on its own, layered into a simple sandwich, or baked into one of the world’s greatest holiday appetizers (that would be baked brie if you couldn’t guess). It’s the first cheese gobbled up on the cheeseboard. The best brie is sheer perfection.

And while the best brie cheese brand is probably some fancy French stuff known only to the most elite cheesemongers, your local Kroger or Target carries some pretty good stuff, too. Over the course of three taste tests, we tried the most accessible brie cheeses on the market to find the best brie brands you can buy pretty much anywhere—including wedges, brie bites, mini wheels, and even goat brie and ready-to-bake brie en croute. We looked for bloomy, mild rinds (yes, you can and should eat the rind on brie), creamy, gooey insides (this stuff should practically melt at room temperature—although we do include one exception on this list), and a mostly mild flavor with just a touch of funk at the finish. The best brie shouldn’t be bland, but it shouldn’t be camembert, either.

We recently updated this list with a couple new brie cheeses, so read on to check out our new and improved list of the best brie cheese to buy at the grocery store.

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.

Best if You Hate Rinds

Marin French Cheese Co Petite Breakfast Brie

If you want not only the best brie cheese but the most unique brie for your cheeseboard, grab a teeny, tiny wheel of Petite Breakfast Brie from the Marin French Cheese Co. This brie has no rind. I didn’t even know that was possible! It is firm (this is the exception to our rule of goo we were talking about earlier) and mild. It’s almost closer to provolone than a brie. I didn’t know I was missing this in my life, but now that I do I will be buying it regularly. Plus, it’s so cute! And don’t worry, it’s not just for breakfast. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

7/10

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Best Brie en Croute

Marin French Brie En Croute

There aren’t many refrigerated or frozen brie en croutes on the market, but even if there were a ton I’d be singing the praises of this oven-ready baked brie. The pastry crust is buttery and flaky. The cheese inside is melty and tangy—if a little funkier than some other brie cheeses. My only critique is that it’s small. If you’re entertaining you need more than one of these, for sure. Grab a jar of Sporked-approved fruit preserves and go to town. — Justine Sterling

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

7.5/10

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Best Basic Brie

Emporium Selection Soft Ripened Double Creme Brie

Emporium Selection Soft Ripened Double Cream Brie (aka Aldi brie cheese) is the best brie for brie haters. It’s so creamy and so mild. There’s no funk whatsoever. Sometimes you want something that isn’t going to blow out your palate and that is definitely this brie. It would complement so many other flavors without overpowering anything. Spread it on a sandwich or toss it on a cheeseboard and tell me I’m not right. Spoiler alert: You won’t. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

7.5/10

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Best for Salad

Saint André Triple Crème Brie

Trader Joe’s

Saint André Triple Crème Brie is made from cow’s milk, but, in my opinion, you would never know. Blindfolded, I would’ve sworn it was goat cheese! That’s what is so interesting about this brie. It’s mild and salty. The texture is a little crumbly, which is strange for a triple creme but it works. This would be awesome sprinkled over a salad or some roasted veggies. I wasn’t expecting this cheese and it still managed to surpass my expectations. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett

Rating:

8/10

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Second Best Brie Bites

Ile de France Le Brie Mini

While these brie bites weren’t quite as good as our top best brie bites pick, they deserve a spot on this list. Because they are gooey, extremely creamy, and delightfully funky/cheesy. And people who appreciate those qualities in a cheese don’t often get a snacking cheese. Most snacking cheeses tend to be mild. So, this one’s for you, funk lovers. Each brie bite comes in packaging that resembles an oversized creamer cup, which is pleasing but it does make it somewhat hard to extract the cheese. You have to bang them out of the cups. But it’s worth the effort. —Justine Sterling

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best Spicy

Marin French Cheese Co. Petite Jalapeno

Marin Cheese

Jalapeno flavored brie? French cheese traditionalists are throwing their berets on the ground in anger. But you gotta try this stuff. There are lots of little bits of pepper in extra creamy cheese. It’s kind of like if pepper Jack and brie had a baby. And it packs some palpable heat, which is contrasted against that creamy brie-ness. It’s not going to replace a classic wheel of brie on a cheese board, but it’s a great addition. — Justine Sterling

Credit: Liv Averett / Marin Cheese

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best for Baked Brie

Président Soft-Ripened Brie Wheel

Target

President Soft-Ripened Brie Cheese Wheel is the best brie cheese for baked brie. Is it good to eat by itself? Of course. Would it be even better stuffed into some phyllo dough, topped with walnuts and cranberry marmalade, and baked until oozing? Absolutely! This is definitely the best brie for cooking and I will be stocking up on it for the holiday season because nothing says Christmas like baked brie. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

9/10

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Best Goat Brie

Laura Chenel Creamy Brie

Brie is traditionally made with cow’s milk. But this goat brie makes a good argument for switching that up. It’s extremely creamy, like the best brie cheese should be, but then you get this grassy, goat cheese flavor that makes you second guess what you thought you were eating. If you like the flavor of fresh chevre and the texture of brie, then you have to try this goat brie. Try it on its own, then spread it on a sandwich with some turkey and sprouts. — Justine Sterling

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

9/10

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Best Brie Bites

Supreme Brie Bites

Each bag of Supreme Brie Bites is filled with individually packaged little brie bites, so you can throw one in a lunchbox or straight up in your purse or pocket for on-the-go snacking without fear of creating a melty mess. Each brie bite is about the circumference of a ping-pong ball, which is a good size for snacking cheese. The rind is thin and mild. The inner cheese is the perfect amount of creamy (you can safely eat one without a nearby napkin, unlike the Ile de France brie bites) and the flavor is mild with just a touch of funk on the finish. You feel like a real fancy pants snacking on one of these brie bites. — Justine Sterling

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

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Best Wedge

Trader Joe’s Triple Creme Brie

If you’re looking for a flavorful brie that will please both cheese novices and cheese aficionados alike, grab a wedge of Trader Joe’s Triple Cream Brie. It’s so creamy. And it’s a bit funkier than you might expect from a brie. This completely fulfills my desire to eat chunks of butter (anyone else have this?). When I think of brie, this is what comes to mind. Originally, we deemed this Trader Joe’s brie to be the best brie cheese—but another Trader Joe’s brie swooped in after our most recent taste test to claim the title. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett

Rating:

9.5/10

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Best of the Best

Trader Joe’s Brie Log

Trader Joe’s brie log has the perfect cracker circumference. Each slice lays just right on a Ritz or water biscuit. And the cheese itself is creamy, mild, and delightful—a real classic brie. This is definitely not the best brie cheese if you don’t eat the rind, though. You gotta eat these slices whole. Rind eaters, rise up! This is the best brie for you. — Justine Sterling

Credit: Liv Averett

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

Other brie cheese brands we tried: Alouette Creme de Brie Original Brie Spread, Trader Joe’s Truffle Brie, Trader Joe’s Wild Mushroom Brie, President, Laura Chenel Goat Brie, Isigny Ste Mere, Supreme Brie, Private Selection, Boar’s Head, Trader Joe’s Light Brie, Good & Gather Double Creme Brie Wedge, President Wee Brie, Emporium Selection Double Creme Brie (imported from Canada), Marin French Petit Truffle Triple Creme Brie, Montchevre Triple Creme Goat Brie

The post Best Brie Cheese You Can Buy at the Grocery Store (Updated with a New #1!) appeared first on Sporked.

We Found the Best Eggnog at the Grocery Store

Danny Palumbo — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 02:25:29 +0000

The best eggnog (or the best egg nog, depending on your preferences—we prefer eggnog, one word) should be creamy, sweet, and spiced. Nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, and allspice are all welcome in this eggnog tasting. Eggnog is a special holiday treat; we don’t drink it often, so we want it to blow us away.

Eggnog is great because it’s so damn rich and luxurious. Eggnog has buttery, thick, fatty richness going for it, and that’s reflected in the nutritional facts (don’t read those on a carton of eggnog, btw). But, hey, all the best foods certainly shorten our lifespans. And in addition to being dangerously decadent, the best eggnog is also warmly spiced and comforting. Eggnog, like all of us, contains multitudes.

Every holiday season, we scour the dairy aisle to find new eggnog brands, limited edition eggnog flavors, and more options for the best store bought eggnog that we may have overlooked. And just to be clear—these are all non-alcoholic options. If you want to spike your nog, you’ll have to BYOB (bring your own bourbon, brandy, or, uh… b-rum). We’ve got oatmilk eggnog, lactose free eggnog, low fat eggnog, almond milk eggnog, or classic, full-fat, full-dairy eggnog. We looked for eggnog with a deliciously rich flavor, bold spice, and appropriate thickness. Good eggnog should feel like a special treat. So what’s the best store bought eggnog for the holidays this year? Let’s get into it.

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.

Best Lactose Free

Lactaid Lactose Free Eggnog

As we found in our best lactose free milk taste test, lactose free milk is often quite sweet on its own—so it’s a good base for eggnog. And this lactose free eggnog is still creamy, too. My only issue with it is that it’s not spiced enough for my liking. It tastes like liquid vanilla pudding or melted vanilla ice cream, which is not a bad thing. I just wish there were more spices in the mix to make it taste more like the holidays. — Justine Sterling

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

6.5/10

Sporks

Best Vanilla

Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog

Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog is basically a vanilla milkshake disguised as eggnog. That might not appeal to everyone, but it’s undeniably delicious. It’s extra thick, rich, and creamy, with a sweet vanilla flavor that’s gently warmed by a mild blend of cozy spices. It’s more of a dessert than a classic, old-timey holiday drink; I could see kids (and vanilla latte devotees) really enjoying this egg nog flavor. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

7/10

Sporks

Best Almond Milk Eggnog

Almond Breeze Almond Nog

Almond Breeze almond milk eggnog actually edged out a lot of the full-fat eggnogs I tried. The almond flavor provides some really excellent flavor. It’s made with cane sugar, rice starch, and almond milk, and it maintains that fatty, spiced nog flavor that we were looking for in the best dairy free eggnog. Managing editor Gwynedd Stuart was a big fan of it, citing it as “refreshing.” I concur. This is the best vegan eggnog if almond milk is your alternative milk of choice. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

Best Flavored

Kroger Rich & Creamy Cinnamon Eggnog

Kroger came out with a full line of eggnogs this year, including pumpkin flavored eggnog, vanilla eggnog, and low fat eggnog. But the cinnamon flavored eggnog was the only one that really stood out. If you’re interested in eggnog but don’t like nutmeg, then allow me to introduce you to this cinnamon-only eggnog, it may be the best tasting eggnog for your palate. Think of creamy, thick chocolate milk—now imagine the chocolate is gone and instead it’s cinnamon. That’s what this eggnog tastes like. It also reminds me of Häagen-Dazs cinnamon ice cream, which is probably my favorite Häagen-Dazs ice cream. If you feel similarly, head to your local Kroger or Kroger affiliate, ASAP. —Justine Sterling

Credit: Merc / Ralphs

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

Best Eggnog with Booze

Sprouts Organic Eggnog

Now this is eggy eggnog. (How eggy is it?) It’s so eggy, that it droops and gloops out of the damn container like fancy Christmas sludge. Because of the thickness, I think this is the one of the best eggnog brands to mix with alcohol. The problem with mixing things like bourbon and rum with store bought eggnog is that the nog becomes too thin and thus loses its iconically thick texture. That won’t be a problem with Sprouts eggnog, which is almost made for booze. And the flavor of Sprouts’ eggnog is on point too. The nutmeg provides some warm, nutty notes. And it’s rich, buttery, and delicious. Buy it, then stir in some alcohol with confidence. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett/Instacart

Rating:

8/10

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Best Extra Creamy

Broguiere’s Eggnog

This eggnog made me say “good lord” out loud (to absolutely no one but myself). Broguiere’s eggnog is curiously rich, but I think the secret ingredient is egg yolk powder. That powder offers a lot of rich, fatty, condensed flavor, so the egg flavor in this nog is really off the charts. Broguiere’s puts their eggnog in a faux milk bottle complete with a smiling cow on the label, so it comes off as eggnog straight from the farm—but that’s misleading. Broguiere’s uses corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup in their ingredients. Combine that with egg yolk powder, and it doesn’t exactly scream homemade. It could also benefit from some aromatics. Still, the flavor is very, very good. Sweet, creamy, and lavish, Broguiere’s is the best eggnog for those who like a full egg yolk flavor. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best Vegan Eggnog

Chobani Oatmilk Oat Nog

Chobani makes the best non dairy eggnog we tried. You get the thickness of a classic eggnog—we’re talking super-duper creamy—and the flavor is spot on. It’s sweet and nutmeg-y. And you don’t really even taste the oatiness of the oatmilk. You could definitely pass this off as standard oatmilk, which makes it the best vegan eggnog to buy. —Justine Sterling

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

Best Classic

Trader Joe’s Egg Nog

Trader Joe’s

If you’re a devoted Trader Joe’s shopper during the holiday season (which, I totally get it—the winter vibes are immaculate), don’t even look anywhere else for the best eggnog. This stuff is everything you want. It’s creamy without being too heavy. It’s frothy, but still smooth and rich. It brings the whole gamut of spices with every sip—and you can really taste the cinnamon here, too. I’ve noticed that even some of the best eggnogs could use a cinnamon stick or two. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Trader Joe’s

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

Best Classy

Promised Land Old Fashioned Eggnog

To me, the best eggnog almost tastes a little boozy, even when it’se alcohol-free. Promised Land’s Old Fashioned Eggnog finishes on a neat, sophisticated note that actually reminds of bourbon in an Old Fashioned. (Maybe that’s just the power of suggestion in the name, but I swear I can taste it!) The kick of nutmeg adds a clean, punchy spice that balances the rich creaminess and elevates the overall taste. I’m addicted to this stuff, plain and simple. It’s limited edition, too, so buy it while you can! —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Ralphs

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

Best Low Fat Eggnog

Organic Valley Reduced Fat Eggnog

I can’t believe this is low fat eggnog. Okay, maybe it’s not, like, fat-free, but it is 33% less fat than Organic Valley’s regular eggnog. And you’d never know it. It’s so, so thick and decadent. But even beyond that, it’s a very unique eggnog. It tastes like it was spiced with freshly grated nutmeg. You get this drying effect on the end of every sip, which keeps you coming back for more. And while it’s certainly sweetened, it’s not super sweet. You won’t mistake this for melted ice cream. If you want an eggnog that’s scaled back on fat but still a treat, this is the best eggnog brand for you. —Justine Sterling

Credit: Merc / Ralphs

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

Best Spiced

Alexandre Organic A2/A2 Homegrown Eggnog

Alexandre Homegrown Eggnog is the best tasting eggnog in my opinion. While a lot of products just sort of mysteriously list “spices” in the ingredients, Alexandre lists cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove, and turmeric. That’s a lot of warm, spiced flavor, and no other eggnog comes close to matching Alexandre’s wonderful blend of aromatics. Alexandre eggnog is also made with cane sugar, egg yolks, organic milk, and organic cream. Alexandre is one of the best eggnog brands for those who like to feel a little fancy and decadent. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

Best of the Best

Southern Comfort Traditional Egg Nog

Southern Comfort eggnog is rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of sweetness. A lot of eggnog can be far too sugary, but Southern Comfort gets everything just right. It’s made with milk, cream, egg yolks, and also high fructose corn syrup. I don’t love that there’s high fructose corn syrup in it (like, why?), but the taste is absolutely undeniable. For me, the best part about it is you really taste the egg yolks. It’s deliciously rich because of that bold, eggy flavor. Sweet, subtle, and luxurious, Southern Comfort is the best eggnog we tried. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

Other products we tried: Southern Comfort Vanilla Spice Eggnog, Alta Dena Eggnog, Simple Truth Eggnog, Califia Farms Eggnog, R.W. Knudsen Eggnog, Lucerne Eggnog, Hood Eggnog, Silk Eggnog, Kroger Rich & Creamy Pumpkin Egg Nog, Kroger Rich & Creamy Low Fat Egg Nog, Kroger Rich & Creamy Original Egg Nog, Good & Gather Oatmilk Holiday Nog, Bolthouse Farms Holiday Nog, So Delicious Coconutmilk Holiday Nog, Favorite Day Egg Nog, Favorite Day Light Egg Nog, Good Karma Dairy Free Pumpkin Spice Nog, Trader Joe’s Oat Non Dairy Egg Nog, Trader Joe’s Almond Nog

The post We Found the Best Eggnog at the Grocery Store appeared first on Sporked.

The 11 Best Dinner Rolls We’ve Ever Tasted

Danny Palumbo — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 22:12:24 +0000

The best dinner rolls are soft, squishy, substantial, warm, and hearty. Whether they’re savory or sweet, the best bread rolls make the perfect accompaniment to your dinner. Store bought dinner rolls are an essential part of any big evening meal, and we at Sporked think these are worth picking up from the grocery store.

Across several taste tests, we encountered two different types of dinner rolls: those that require baking and those that do not. Ready-to-bake dinner rolls are warm and comforting yet crusty, yeasty, and dense. Meanwhile, no-bake rolls are usually soft, squishy, sugary, and buttery. Both have their virtues. But, what broke through and rose above the rest of the best store bought dinner rolls to be named the best dinner rolls of them all? Read this list to find out the best dinner rolls for Thanksgiving (or any ol’ night).

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.

Best for Dinner Party

Kirkland Artisan Rolls

If you have guests to impress, these massive, striking, ciabatta-esque dinner rolls from Costco look and taste like something on display at a fancy bakery. They have a thick, sturdy crust that’s cut neatly down the middle (perfect for sticking a slab of garlic herb butter) and robust, tangy, sourdough bread quality that elevates them above your standard pack of store bought dinner rolls. Now, that said, Kirkland bakery products typically rank higher for us, but I found these to be pretty tough at room temperature, so make sure to warm them up. And be warned they don’t stand the test of time. Ours went bad in under four days. My family has bought these in the past for holiday hosting, so I know they make some of the best dinner rolls for Thanksgiving and other big gatherings all the same. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

Best Sweet

Sam’s Choice Sweet Hawaiian Rolls

Yes, there are other sweet rolls on this list. These are really sweet, though. One bite and you know you’re eating a sweet roll. But don’t worry—they’re not saccharine or dessert-y; they’re well balanced. Sam’s Choice Sweet Hawaiian Rolls are still a solid dinner choice. These would be so good with honey-baked ham. But once again, what wouldn’t these be good with? If you like the idea of some sweetness to counteract all the salty foods on your dinner plate, these are some of the best bread rolls to buy. —Jordan Myrick

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

Best Gluten Free

Against the Grain Gourmet Original Rolls Cheese Baked Recipe

Yes, for a gluten-free option, Against the Grain’s cheese-baked dinner rolls taste pretty good. But that’s not really the point. These stand out for being unique. Our editor-in-chief Justine Sterling likened them to the Brazilian cheese bread pão de queijo. The dough is stretchy, chewy, and a little bit cheesy. They aren’t the best dinner rolls to buy if you’re looking for something classic—but if you want a first course that’s interesting, a real conversation starter, we highly recommend them. (Also, make sure to eat them while they’re still warm! Otherwise, it becomes a little too obvious that you’re eating gluten-free bread.) —Ariana Losch

Read our full ranking of the best gluten free dinner rolls

Credit: Liv Averett / Ralphs

Rating:

8/10

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Best Already Buttered

King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls

These King’s Hawaiian savory butter rolls are high in saturated fat (8% per tiny roll!), and have less sugar than your average King’s Hawaiin sweet roll. For those reasons, they’re the best dinner rolls to eat totally plain. The smooth, fluffy, squishy texture is only further enhanced by the fatty, buttery quality of these no-bake rolls. You can eat these at room temperature or heat them briefly in the oven or microwave. No matter how you eat or heat them, they are undeniably delicious, no condiments, meats, sides, or butter needed. If you like your rolls to be infused with butter when you buy them, these are the best dinner rolls for you. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best Brioche Rolls

Nature’s Own Perfectly Crafted Brioche Butter Rolls

Kroger

As soon as I opened this bag of brioche butter rolls from Nature’s Own, I didn’t even bother with the toaster oven. I just tore right in. Without being warmed, these are still incredibly tender and soft—not a cloudlike softness, since the dough is dense and substantial, but a squishy, buttery softness that’s quite filling and flavorful. Each roll carries a subtle brioche sweetness to balance the tangy wheat, calling for a spread of honey butter like a siren song. I know we’re ranking the best store bought dinner rolls here, but these would make the perfect buns for fried chicken sliders, too. Just sayin’. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best with Butter

Trader Joe’s Organic French Dinner Rolls

These organic French rolls from Trader Joe’s are soft, crusty, and savory. There’s a ciabatta vibe happening here that I really adore. These buns beg for some creamy, high-butterfat organic butter. The smooth, creamy decadence of the butter complements the fluffy-yet-crispy dinner roll. They’re some of the best store bought dinner rolls to load up with butter, especially if you’re a regular Trader Joe’s shopper. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Trader Joe’s

Rating:

9.5/10

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Best Classic Dinner Rolls

Bridgford Parkerhouse Style Rolls

Like our #1 best dinner rolls, you do have to prep these dinner rolls by letting them rise at room temp for a few hours. But good things come to those who wait, because these are pretty heavenly. They strike a great balance between buttery, mildly sweet, decadent yeast rolls and the more classic fluffy dinner rolls, giving the best of both worlds. They’re incredibly soft on the inside, with a thin, delicate crust on the outside that’s oddly satisfying to bite into. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

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Best Soft Roll

King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls

King’s Hawaiian original sweet rolls are iconic. They’re just so damn sweet and soft but also wonderfully dense. The flavor is exceptional. A sweet roll is the perfect complement to all of the savory dishes we eat on Thanksgiving. What better way to balance out dark meat turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing? I personally don’t think that a Thanksgiving meal is complete without these store bought dinner rolls. That being said, these are the best soft dinner rolls to buy for literally any meal, any time of the year. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

10/10

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Best Frozen Yeast Rolls

Sister Schubert Yeast Rolls

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

10/10

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Best for Italian Food

La Brea Take & Bake French Dinner Rolls

These are restaurant-quality, chewy, savory, yeasty French rolls. I love their outer crust; the difference in textures is flat out wonderful. A crusty exterior encases a delightfully fluffy and warm center. You could melt a full tablespoon of butter on one of these and indulge in the decadent simplicity. La Brea Bakery’s Take & Bake French Dinner rolls are soft and squishy with a great crust—something that’s hard to come by at the grocery store. They’re savory, salty, and, most of all, comforting. These are, without a doubt, among the best store bought dinner rolls. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

10/10

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Best of the Best

Rhodes Thaw, Rise & Bake Dinner Rolls

Do you have to let these dinner rolls rise for three to five hours before you cook them? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes! They are not the simplest or easiest dinner rolls to snack on in a pinch, but they are absolutely wonderful for a big dinner or holiday where you’ll be cooking with a few hours notice. Once they rise, they cook up quickly. They are so doughy on the inside and have an incredible crust on the outside. Buy these as soon as possible, because these are the best dinner rolls ever. —Jordan Myrick

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

10/10

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Other products we tried: Starter Bros. Garlic Rolls, Alfaro’s, Rhodes, Walmart Potato, Member’s Mark Yeast Rolls, Nature’s Own Butter Brioche, Signature Select Artisan Style, Dots Assorted Dinner Rolls, Whole Foods Market Brioche Dinner Rolls, Artesano Bakery Rolls

The post The 11 Best Dinner Rolls We’ve Ever Tasted appeared first on Sporked.

Best Pie Crust to Buy for Super Easy Baking

Danny Palumbo — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 20:07:24 +0000

We don’t know where the time has gone, but we do know that you need a pecan pie, pronto. Or perhaps you’re reading this in the spring, and those strawberries are just begging to be reunited with their rhubarb friends. Or, it could just be one of those days when you need to sit in your sweats with a chicken pot pie in front of trashy TV. But a good pie can be ruined by a bad crust, so we’re on a mission to find the best store bought pie crust.

We here at Sporked have conducted not one, not two, but three separate taste tests to conclusively determine the best pie crust for any occasion—including gluten free pie crust, frozen pie crust, shortbread pie crust, and even mini pie crust. We prepared these crusts according to package instructions, but tried them all without any fillings so that we could get the best idea of how the crust stands on its own.

The best pie crust should be flaky, buttery, and tender, but not so brittle that it can’t maintain its shape when it’s baked. Flavors and styles may vary, but in general we’re looking for pie crust that’s slightly sweet and not too overpowering. The best store bought pie crust lets the filling be the star.

So, go forth and put your time and energy into simmering filling, figuring out the lattice top, or ripping your kitchen to shreds trying to find the pie server. Here’s the best pie crust to buy at the grocery store for literally any occasion.

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.

Best for Meat Pies

365 Pre-Rolled Pie Crusts

This pre-rolled crust (which you simply unroll and place into a pie tin) is delightfully crunchy, and it tastes like, well, nothing. Depending on what you want, this could be the perfect crust for you, but it would probably be best suited for one of those hefty, meaty pies that they make on Bake Off instead of a light and flaky dessert. Let’s just say this: Ron Swanson would like this crust. — Hebba Gouda

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

7/10

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Best Gluten Free Crust

Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free Pie Crust

I’m a huge gluten free product endorser now. Everything that’s gluten free tends to have such a lovely, crispy, crunchy, satisfying texture. Wholly Wholesome’s gluten free pie crust is no different, and it is delightfully sugary. You get that crunchy, crystalized cane sugar effect, and the texture is crumbly, almost like a graham cracker crust. I eat a crap ton of gluten and I’m in love with this gluten free pie crust. The crust might be a bit too crumbly for some, but it’s the best pie crust for gluten free folks by a mile. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

7.5/10

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Best Nut Crust

Diamond Pecan Pie Crust

All of Diamond’s premade pie crusts impressed the hell out of me with their variety of flavors, but the pecan pie crust hit hardest of them all. This store bought pie crust has phenomenal flavor—it’s nutty, buttery, salty, and deliciously sweet. When you cook it in the oven, the pecans unleash an extra layer of roasted flavor that’s simply delightful. Everybody who happened to walk by while this was in the oven mentioned how pleasant the smell was. I think this is the best pie crust for experimentation. Start with the pecan crust base, then work backwards from there. May I suggest pumpkin chiffon? — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

9/10

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Best Chocolate Crust

Oreo Pie Crust

You can’t have an Oreo cream pie without an Oreo pie crust, and although this crust, in theory, limits you to making a very specific type of pie, I think that it’s so delicious that you could do other things with it, too. The chocolatey crust would be a great contrast for a banana cream pie or even a coconut cream pie. The pie shell is basic, but tastes just like the chocolate cookies in an Oreo. The Oreo pie is also a classic no-bake dessert and a symbol of convenience. And at Sporked, we love convenience. That’s why it’s the best pie crust for desserts that don’t require an oven—and the best chocolate pie crust we tried. — Danny Palumbo

Related: Every Oreo Flavor, Ranked

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

9/10

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Best Shortbread Crust

Keebler Shortbread Crust

Keebler

This buttery, delicious shortbread crust is a touch sweeter than the classic Lorna Doone cookie. It’s crunchy and left no aftertaste (unlike a lot of the others we tried). It’s certainly too sweet for a savory pie filling, but not nearly so sugary that it will bulldoze a dessert interior. That being said, it’s so tasty on its own that we just kept eating the crust, sans filling. If you’re making a pie with this, get two crusts—one for the pie and one to snack on. — Hebba Gouda

Credit: Liv Averett / Keebler

Rating:

9/10

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Best Graham Crust

Keebler Graham Pie Crust

This store bought pie crust ranks for its flavor, as well as its aesthetic. When it comes to a graham cracker pie crust, Keebler is a classic. Sure, you could pick the Kroger brand or the Great Value brand, and they do taste strikingly similar, but there’s just more joy in seeing those crafty little elves on the front of this package. I also think the flavor here is slightly better—it’s buttery and sweet, and the texture of the crust isn’t so crumbly that it falls apart. Trust the elves to make some of the best store bought pie crust, dammit! — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

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Best for Savory Pies

Marie Callender’s Deep Dish Pastry Pie Shells

This frozen pie crust has excellent structure and, as advertised, this thing is deep. You can make a huge pie with this. I love that the edges of the pie are perfectly crimped, giving it a homestyle aesthetic. The texture is good, too. This store bought pie crust is tender and flaky and good for pretty much any pie, but its size makes it the best pie crust for chicken pot pies. Fill it to the top. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

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Best Pre-Rolled

Pillsbury Refrigerated Rolled Pie Crusts

This store bought pre-rolled pie crust bakes up golden and buttery and flaky. It’s like a croissant in that it’s rich and buttery without being greasy or heavy, and the salt level is perfect. This crust would live as happily with pumpkin custard as it would with spinach and goat cheese. If you’re imagining grandma’s pie cooling on the windowsill, this is the crust you’re imagining. Has your grandma been lying to you and just using Pillsbury? Maybe. But are you going to be mad about it? Nah, you’re too busy chowing down on some of the best pie crust. — Hebba Gouda

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

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Best of the Best

Pillsbury Deep Dish Pie Crusts

Pillsbury Deep Dish Pie Crust is the best pie crust out there. This frozen pie crust comes ready to fill and bake. After cooking, it’s flaky, buttery, and crunchy. You could put any filling in it and be perfectly happy. Not only is this store bought pie crust delicious (and easy to use), but it also lives in the freezer, which makes it the best holiday hack to have on hand throughout the fall and winter. If you need a last minute dish for a potluck or you just want to make something nice for your family on an average weeknight, this is the best store bought pie crust for you. — Jordan Myrick

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

10/10

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Other store bought pie crusts: Great Value Graham, Kroger Graham Cracker, Betty Crocker Graham Cracker, Honey Maid Graham Cracker, Diamond Pumpkin Pie Spice, Keebler Chocolate, Keebler Graham Minis, Wholly Wholesome Traditional, Favorite Day Graham, Signature Select Graham, MI-del Gluten Free Chocolate Snap Crust, Happy Belly Unroll and Bake Crusts, Great Value Ready to Bake

The post Best Pie Crust to Buy for Super Easy Baking appeared first on Sporked.

We Ranked the Best Mayonnaise Brands

Danny Palumbo — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 21:24:19 +0000

This list of the best mayonnaise will certainly be divisive; mayonnaise always is. Folks down South swear Duke’s makes the best mayo, while people in the Northeast love Hellmann’s. Meanwhile, the West Coast goes to bat for Best Foods (which is allegedly the same product as Hellmann’s, but we’re not so sure about that). The point is this: Not all mayonnaise is the same. From the best spicy mayo to creamy Kewpie mayo, this fatty, gloppy, tangy condiment varies from state to state and country to country, and some people think it’s gross. (They’re wrong.)

As we continue to update our best mayonnaise ranking, we check for new products (you know, like Kraft’s Dill Pickle Mayo), flavors we haven’t had the chance to try, brands we’ve missed, and of course, any suggestions we receive from you, the reader. As it turns out, people have a lot of passion for this fairly basic but (truly essential) condiment. We totally get it—we won’t name names, but some of us on the Sporked team put the best mayonnaise brands above all other condiments.
So, what do we look for in the best tasting mayo? We’re glad you asked. For the most part, we think it should have a nice, custardy texture. It shouldn’t seem too oily (yes, we’re fully aware that mayonnaise is an emulsion of egg yolks, oil, and acid, but it should taste like oil). The texture of a mayonnaise is paramount. It should be viscous but not gelatinous. Moreover, mayonnaise should have great flavor. We looked for salt, acidity, and a little umami. Lastly, mayonnaise shouldn’t be too sweet. And before you ask, yeah, we tasted Miracle Whip.

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.

Truff Black Truffle Infused Mayonnaise

Best Splurge

This is one to savor. The intense, earthy truffle flavor vaults this mayonnaise into fancy territory, but it’s subtle enough that you can use it for just about anything. Put it in potato salad or chicken salad, slather it on a sandwich, or, hell, use it as a dip for chips. People love to hate on truffle oil, but you know what? The flavor just works in mayo; this stuff is pungent and rich with truffle flavor. Plus, this splurge isn’t too splurge-y. It’s nice without totally breaking the bank. Needless to say this is the best truffle mayo we tried, but it deserves to be named among the best mayonnaise regardless. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Amazon

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best for Tex Mex

McCormick Mayo with Lime Juice

This lime-infused mayo from McCormick combines a thicker, Kewpie-esque texture with a bright lime juice flavor. The lime is zingy without being too acidic or sour—it’s very balanced and, thanks to the hint of red pepper, pretty nuanced, too. If you want to experiment with different condiments for New American or Tex Mex dishes, this is one of the best mayos you can buy. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best for Everything

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise

I recently got turned on to Blue Plate, and it absolutely rules. It has a sharp, tart bite like Duke’s (which you’ll find in the #3 spot) and it’s a bit more eggy. To us, this is a happy marriage of Hellmann’s and Duke’s. It’s not the best mayonnaise, but it’s definitely up there! Blue Plate is a stellar mayo that’s great to keep around. I like to combine it with Hunt’s ketchup to make a tangy and savory special sauce for burgers or fries. Man, the South just does mayo right. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best for Pickle Lovers

Kraft Pickle Mayonnaise Dressing

Love it or hate it, the pickle-flavored-foods trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. And if that means we get more products like Kraft Pickle Mayo, well, we’re all for it. Sporked writer Jessica Block calls this tangy, garlicky mayo the “the perfect blend of burger sauce and tzatziki,” and as the current owner of this condiment (I took this bad boy home from work), I wholeheartedly agree. It has a fresh cucumber finish, bits of dill pickle, and a great balance of flavors that doesn’t overdo anything. In my opinion, it’s the best mayonnaise for a tuna melt—but I’m very open to other suggestions, too. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

7.5/10

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Best Light Mayonnaise

Kraft Light Mayo

If you’d asked me a few days ago what I thought about Kraft mayo, I would’ve had literally nothing to say. I forgot Kraft even made mayonnaise. And while their regular mayo is good, their light mayo is one of the best mayos on the market. It has the exact same texture as regular, full-fat mayo, and I don’t know how they do it. The flavor is rich and super tangy. We were all huge fans of this mayo in the Sporked office, and I will be purchasing this again in the future. —Jordan Myrick

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

9/10

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Best Vegan

Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Original Vegenaise

Follow Your Heart rarely misses. Most of the products we’ve tried from this vegan brand, from cheeses to salad dressings, have been sensational. When it comes to the very best Follow Your Heart products, their Original Vegenaise is at the top of that list. It’s creamy, rich, and has a slight twang. This plant-based mayo is nearly indistinguishable from egg-based mayo. If you follow a plant-based diet or have an egg allergy, this is the best vegan mayo you can buy. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

9/10

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Best Chipotle Mayo

McCormick Chipotle Mayo

This McCormick Chipotle Mayonnaise tastes homemade. There’s not a weird chemical or citric acid taste. The flavor is pure mayonnaise, garlic, and smoky chipotle peppers in adobo. If you made tuna, chicken, or egg salad with this, your head would explode, but this would also be delicious on a turkey avocado sandwich. I brought this home from work because I plan to put it on everything. I absolutely adore this chipotle mayo. —Jordan Myrick

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

9/10

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Best Umami

Kewpie Mayonnaise

Target

The taste of Kewpie is certainly striking. This classic Japanese mayonnaise tastes like cold hollandaise sauce because of the strong egg flavor. There’s also a hint of sweetness and a slight tang. Kewpie is like a smooth, spreadable egg salad. We would eat it all by itself on some white bread—how many condiments can you do that with? As far as I know, it’s the only mayonnaise to add MSG. I applaud that. Kewpie is great with sandwiches, french fries, sushi, salads, and so much more. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Amazon

Rating:

9/10

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Best Spicy Mayo

Acid League Spicy Serrano Mayo

Acid League

Acid League’s Spicy Serrano Mayo even surpassed Sporked’s beloved Mayoracha in our spicy mayo ranking—and let me tell you, that’s no easy feat. But this carefully crafted spicy mayo carries the distinct flavor of serrano pepper. It’s tangy, citrusy, and extra creamy. The acidity, zest, and medium heat leaves a special impression that’s also versatile to use, without alienating those more sensitive to spice. We really recommend this for sushi, tacos, and fried fish sandwiches. (Perhaps… a fried sushi sandwich?) It’s pricey, but the best mayo is worth it. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Acid League

Rating:

7.5/10

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Best Flavor

Duke’s Real Mayonnaise

I freaking love Duke’s. Duke’s is what homemade mayo should taste like. It’s just got such a lovely, sharp, citrusy bite. Duke’s actually tastes like citrus was used to make it, much like a homemade mayonnaise. Plus, it’s got a touch of paprika. It tastes like a fresh aioli. The only downside is that the texture is a bit too slick. It feels kind of oily, whereas Hellmann’s (our number one pick, spoiler) has that nice eggy consistency. The way I see it: Hellmann’s has better texture, whereas Duke’s has better flavor. Still, it’s among the best mayo on the market. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

9.5/10

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Best Sriracha Mayo

Heinz Mayoracha

I wouldn’t normally buy something like this and I certainly didn’t expect for it to rank so high on our list of the best mayonnaise. The name is corny, and why do I need a company to premix mayo and sriracha for me? Realistically, I don’t. However, this tastes awesome. It’s great quality mayo mixed with the most delicious sriracha to give you a product that is creamy, spicy, garlicky, and just plain wonderful. I’d never bought this before, but I will buy this in the future to put on sandwiches, sushi, rice bowls, and more. I love it! —Jordan Myrick

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

9.5/10

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Best of The Best

Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise

This was tough, but I stick by the choice. Hellmann’s (not Best Foods) is the best mayonnaise. It is triumphantly decadent—eggy, rich, and flavorful. Mythical Chef and town madman Josh Scherer described it as “eggy pudding.” That’s because it’s the mayonnaise that most resembles a custard, and it’s jam-packed with flavorful fat. This savory mayo has less acidic bite than say, Duke’s, but the texture is indisputably excellent. Hellmann’s is less citrusy than some other mayos, but it’s still perfectly tart, with an accessible flavor to please the masses. That means you can use it for just about everything (see: cupcakes). Most of all, it feels like a human being made this mayonnaise in a kitchen with a whisk, not a robot in a factory. To us, that’s incredible. Hellmann’s reigns supreme as the best mayonnaise you can buy. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

10/10

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Other Products We Tried: Best Foods Real Mayonnaise, Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayonnaise, Great Value Mayo, Kraft Real Mayo, Primal Kitchen Chipotle Lime Mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, First Street Real Mayonnaise, Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayonnaise, Sprouts Organic Mayonnaise, Boar’s Head Real Mayonnaise, Trader Joe’s Organic Mayonnaise, Stokes Real Mayonnaise, Nando’s Perinaise, Light Great Value, Best Foods Light, Sir Kensington Chipotle, Hellman’s Spicy, Sir Kensington Sriracha Mayo, Kikoman Sriracha Mayo, Lee Kum Kee Sriracha Mayo, Hellman’s Light, Best Foods Tajin Chili Lime Mayonnaise Dressing

The post We Ranked the Best Mayonnaise Brands appeared first on Sporked.

Best Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib, Steak, Sandwiches, and More

Danny Palumbo — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 21:59:22 +0000

The best horseradish sauce isn’t as harsh or daring as pure horseradish root, but it should still pack that same fiery kick. Over the course of two nasal passage-clearing taste tests we looked for horseradish sauce with bite and creaminess. That creaminess doesn’t necessarily have to be from a dairy product, though; it can come from eggs or oil, too, so long as there’s something that cuts the prominent bite of horseradish root.

Good horseradish sauce plays by the rules of sauce: There should be at least three to four different ingredients working together to make sauce. Bonus points if it’s an “emulsion.” We love to say the word emulsion around the Sporked office. Go ahead and give it a try. Emulsion! Fun, right?

Now, we did also happen to find the best prepared horseradish for you purists out there. And, during our most recent taste test, we found the best horseradish mustard, too. Here are the best horseradish brands to buy, whether you’re looking for the best prime rib horseradish sauce, a spread for your roast beef sandwiches, or just something to inhale when you need to wake up.

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.

Best Horseradish Mustard

Koops Horseradish Mustard

We tried a bunch of horseradish mustard brands in our most recent horseradish sauce taste taste, and Koops was the only one to taste like both horseradish and mustard. It’s spicy and tangy and complex. And it has this great grainy texture. I’ll be using this on a cold roast beef sandwich, for sure, as well as on an all-beef hot dog. — Justine Sterling

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

7/10

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Best Preapred Horseradish

Bubbies Prepared Horseradish

Bubbies prepared horseradish has a really nice balance of flavor. It’s salty, tangy, a little sweet, and has just enough horseradish kick without completely clearing out your sinuses. Bubbies uses mustard oil in their horseradish, so there’s a pungent, concentrated mustard flavor that permeates every bite of sauce. The ingredients are simple and excellent: horseradish, cane sugar, white vinegar, mustard oil, water, and salt, so the result is fresh and bright. This is the best prepared horseradish we tasted. Enjoy it with meat or put it on broiled fish or even on a raw oyster. Or, if you want to spice up a crispy fried fish sandwich, use Bubbies there, too. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Instacart

Rating:

7/10

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Best Mild Horseradish

Arby’s Horsey Sauce

Most of the horseradish sauces on this list will clear your nasal passages with one bite. That is not the case with Arby’s famous Horsey Sauce, which you can now buy in bottles right off the shelf. It’s extremely mild. And it’s also extremely creamy. It still has some kick, though. It ends with some horseradish-y zest rather than spice. Personally, I like how seasoned it is. It’s really savory, so it instantly adds flavor to any bland food. Obviously this is some of the best horseradish sauce for a roast beef sandwich (as long as you don’t want any real spice), but it’s also a good dip for fries or a fun topping for a baked potato. — Justine Sterling

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

7.5/10

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Best for Prime Rib

Beaver Hot Cream Horseradish

Beaver makes some of the best honey mustard, and they make a heater of a horseradish sauce, too. “It really creeps up on you,” Sporked’s Jordan Myrick said as her right eye started to twitch a little bit. It’s subtle, but like death itself, it will get you in the end. The burn is gentle, though, and there’s a slight bit of fruitiness that comes through as well. Way to tame the heat, Beaver. That sneaky heat makes this some of the best horseradish sauce for prime rib. The heat will help cut through the fat, but it won’t totally overwhelm the meaty star of the show. It’s also some of the best creamy horseradish sauce we tried, and that texture works really well with an old-school thick cut of prime rib. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Amazon

Rating:

7.5/10

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Best with Steak

Morehouse Cream Style Horseradish

Morehouse has an unstoppable tang that doesn’t get too bogged down by other flavor enhancers or dairy. This creamy heat makes it the best horseradish sauce for steak. Morehouse is spicy, but not so hot that it ruins things completely. If you’ve got a cut of meat or a sandwich that’s super rich and fatty, use Morehouse to cut through that decadence and brighten things up—skip the filet mignon and opt for a marbled porterhouse instead. Morehouse, in all of its tangy, spicy glory, feels like the best accompaniment to a simply prepared steak. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Amazon

Rating:

8/10

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Best with Sausage

Boar’s Head Pub Style Horseradish

What does pub style mean? Near as I can tell, it means it has a mustard base. Most of the horseradish sauces on this list don’t feature mustard seed, but Boar’s Head does. The result is a honey mustard-like tang with a bit of horseradish kick and some sugar to tame the bright flavors. It would go great with any protein, but I mostly think this is the best horseradish for a sausage sandwich. The sweet tang and spice will balance out the fattiness of pork quite nicely. Picture any good brat, kielbasa, or longaniza with Boar’s Head Pub Style horseradish. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Amazon

Rating:

8/10

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Best of the Best

Woeber’s Sandwich Pal Horseradish Sauce

Sandwich Pal sounds like the name of a podcast hosted by two white dudes, and it’s also a great name for the best horseradish sauce. The texture is creamy (it’s made with egg yolks), slightly sweet (add in corn syrup), and has plenty of spicy horseradish bite. “The texture is so smooth and delicious,” said Jordan. “It stings the back of your tongue. I’m going to fight to take this home.” We all put our hands up and slowly backed away when they said that. Put Woeber’s Sandwich Pal Horseradish Sauce on any sandwich to add some creamy and zesty zip. It remains the best horseradish sauce after two separate taste tests. — Danny Palumbo

Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Amazon

Rating:

9/10

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More horseradish sauces we tried: Kroger Horseradish Sauce, Kinder’s Creamy Horseradish, Great Value Horseradish Mustard, Kroger Horseradish Mustard, Atomic Extra Hot Horseradish Sauce, Annie’s Horseradish Mustard, Beanos Sauce Heavenly Horseradish, Silver Spring Horseradish, Reese’s Horseradish, Inglehoffer Horseradish, Kraft Horseradish, Golds White Horseradish, Dietz & Watson Horseradish Sauce, Captain Toady’s Horseradish Sauce, Stonewall Kitchen Horseradish Cream

The post Best Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib, Steak, Sandwiches, and More appeared first on Sporked.

The Best Stir Fry Sauce That Really Sizzles

Danny Palumbo — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:46:06 +0000

The best stir fry sauces are robust, fragrant, and authentic to their respective regions of origin. They aren’t blander, Americanized versions of what some of us think Asian stir fry sauces should be; instead, they deliver true depth and richness, making your stir fry taste like the real deal.

The stir fry is an integral part of East Asian cooking, and thankfully North American cooking, too. It has so many wonderful iterations: There’s Korean beef stir fry, Japanese yaki udon, Filipino pancit, spicy Szechuan stir fry, Hawaiian stir fry with Spam, fragrant, herb-forward Thai stir fry—the list goes on and on. Perhaps most familiar to us in the U.S., though, is the North American Chinese stir fry, which was popularized by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century. In this taste test, we were looking for a little bit of everything.

It’s hard to rank all the styles of stir fry sauces because they’re so different, but the one constant in stir fry is soy sauce. So we looked for strong umami first and foremost. Give us a lasting, salty, pungent flavor. Then, we looked for additional herbs and aromatics—basil, garlic, onion, chilis, and the like are all welcome. We wanted sauces that could elevate any dish, from meats to fresh veggies, with ease. From the best beef stir fry sauce to the best stir fry sauce for vegetables, here’s what we recommend to wet your wok.

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.

Best Soy Free

Ocean’s Halo Soy-Free Stir Fry Sauce

I’m really impressed with this stir fry sauce. It tastes salty and savory just like soy sauce, only it has no soy in it. It’s made with organic sugar, sea salt, molasses, apple cider vinegar, corn starch, sunflower oil, mushrooms, kelp, and spices. It has big-time umami from the kelp and mushrooms, and a wonderful sweetness from the sugar and molasses. This is obviously the best stir fry sauce if you’re allergic to soy, but everyone at the table will enjoy it. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

6.5/10

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Best Spicy Hunan Style Stir Fry Sauce

Private Selection Spicy Hunan Style Stir Fry Sauce

The ingredients in this Kroger-brand stir fry sauce are pretty simple—mainly, tamari soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes—but still incredibly effective. From start to finish, you get an immediate, lingering ginger bite that enhances the sauce’s heat without overpowering the other savory ingredients. Sometimes, a ginger-forward stir fry sauce can dominate the dish, but they really nailed the balance here. It’s a very versatile sauce, but I find it best with simple dishes, like crispy tofu, shrimp stir fry, and seared broccoli. It’s possibly the best stir fry sauce for vegetables I’ve tried yet, to be honest. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

7/10

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Best Sesame

P.F. Chang’s Sesame Sauce

This sesame sauce is very, very simple: It tastes sweet, and it tastes like sesame. That’s about it, but it’s still quite good. The toasted sesame seeds permeate the sauce, and the flavor is just so delightfully nutty. Use this at home for a General Tso’s chicken-style stir fry, and you’ll be happy. Sweet and nutty flavor profiles are excellent partners for stir fry. That flavor profile is popular throughout North America for a reason—it tastes really good. Pro tip: Sesame-based sauces make some of the best sauce for stir fry noodles, too. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

7/10

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Best with Tofu

Whole Foods 365 Organic Stir Fry Sauce

Credit: Merc / Amazon

Rating:

7/10

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Best Ginger-Based

Yai’s Thai Garlic Ginger Stir Fry Sauce

This is the whole garden in one stir fry sauce. The major players here are ginger, minced garlic, and savory tomato, with other notes of pineapple, lime, and spicy Thai chilis. This, to me, is like the stir fry version of ginger salad dressing, but more complex and punchy (and too salty to really be used as a salad dressing.) I took this one home to try with a cilantro-lime rice bowl (it was delicious, thank you for asking), but I think this would really wow as a grilled chicken marinade, too. If you’re looking for something punchy and unique, this is some of the best chicken stir fry sauce. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

7.5/10

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Best Chinese Stir Fry Sauce

Sun Luck Cantonese Style Stir Fry Sauce

This wine-based stir fry sauce has a thick, slow consistency, a dry, tangy sweetness from the sherry wine, and a boldly salty finish. A dry sherry is typically the closest substitute for Shoaxing wine, also known as Chinese cooking wine, to mimic the briny, nuttier flavor. While you can find the real thing at Asian specialty grocers, Sun Luck is the best Chinese stir fry sauce we’ve tried from more widely available stores. And by the way—it’s gluten free. —Ariana Losch

Credit: Liv Averett / Ralphs

Rating:

7.5/10

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Best Garlic

Best of Thailand Stir Fry Sauce

Garlic is the first main ingredient listed after the usual suspects (soy sauce, water, sugar, and glucose syrup), so it makes sense that garlic is the dominant flavor in this stir fry sauce. It’s on the thin side, with a less viscous texture than the other sauces, but that doesn’t stop it from achieving a wonderful flavor. It’s got a subtle hint of ginger, and even some mushroom powder in there to up the umami factor. This is the most aromatic of the stir fry sauces we tried, so it’s certainly the best stiry fry sauce if you like a stir fry with a bold, pungent flavor (who doesn’t?). This will do great with any soy sauce-based Thai stir fry—think pad see ew with chinese broccoli or tofu, or pad kra pao with a fried egg. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Amazon

Rating:

8/10

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Best Simple

House of Tsang Stir Fry Classic Sauce

This classic stir fry sauce provides a consistently sweet and savory flavor that is most likely what you’re looking for in a stir fry sauce. House of Tsang Classic Stir Fry Sauce is very thick and very salty. It’s rich and aromatic, and would work well with just about any type of stir fry, although I think the meaty flavor could really help elevate a vegetable stir fry from understated to absolutely delicious. Some of the best stir fry sauce is sweet; I don’t know why it’s often considered “inauthentic.” —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

8/10

Sporks

Best Spicy

House of Tsang Szechuan Spicy Sauce

Yo, this stir fry sauce is actually spicy. I love heat, and I think the spice in this bottle is surprisingly bold. Like most of the best stir fry sauces on this list, there’s a nice, robust flavor here. It’s more than just spicy—it’s also tangy, salty, and has a strong meaty flavor from the soy sauce. This is the best stir fry sauce to buy if you can take the heat. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

Best Sweet

House of Tsang General Tso Sauce

This General Tso’s stir fry sauce is really sweet, really savory, and a bit fruity, with a nice bit of spice on the finish that deepens the overall flavor profile. You get four excellent flavors all at once. Maybe it’s not “authentic,” but a sweet and syrupy General Tso’s chicken is low-key one of the best fried chicken dishes you can get in North America, and it should get more respect from food writers and chefs. If you’re a fan of sweet, but also slightly tangy and savory sauces, you’ll love this stir fry sauce. Just don’t cook it too long—it’s sure to turn to toffee in the pan. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

Best of The Best

Passage to Asia Thai Basil & Sweet Chili Sauce

The flavor here is just so robust. Passage of Asia is spicy, sweet, fragrant, pungent, salty, and deliciously savory. The fifth ingredient listed is fish sauce (ingredients are listed in order of quantity, from the highest to lowest), which gives this sweet chili sauce a delightfully fishy, umami-forward taste. This would be great in a variety of Thai-style stir fries, like pad kra pao or pad see ew. The basil and chilis come through super well. This is everything that’s great about Southeastern Asian cooking—funky, flavorful, and complex. It’s not a traditionally sweet and savory Chinese stir fry sauce, but it’s still the best store bought stir fry sauce I’ve tried to date. Don’t miss out. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

Other products we tried: Panda Express Kung Pao Stir Fry Sauce, Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce, Kikkoman Orange Sauce, Aplenty Chinese Szechuan Stir Fry Sauce, House of Tsang Sweet and Sour Sauce, La Choy Sweet and Sour, Minor’s Teriyaki Sauce, Sprouts Organic Stir Fry Sauce, G Hughes General Tso Sugar Free Stir Fry Sauce

The post The Best Stir Fry Sauce That Really Sizzles appeared first on Sporked.

The Best Marshmallows for S’mores, Bonfires, Casseroles, and More

Danny Palumbo — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 20:24:46 +0000

You can’t go camping without a bag of marshmallows. You also can’t make a proper sweet potato casserole or play everyone’s favorite choking-hazard game, Chubby Bunny. Whether you’re preparing to head into the woods with a pack of matches and a bunch of sharp sticks or you’re shopping for Thanksgiving dinner accoutrement, the best marshmallows are essential.

We stocked up on all sorts of marshmallows—gigantic ones intended for s’mores, itty-bitty ones for hot cocoa and casseroles, and regular ol’ marshmallows for toasting over a fire. We tried all the marshmallows at room temperature and toasted, not over an open flame (we work in an office, not the wilderness) but briefly broiled in our trusty countertop oven.

We were looking for marshmallows with some bite—they shouldn’t be total mush—and a pleasant, vanilla-tinged flavor. We also wanted marshmallows that toasted nicely without turning to liquid or taking on a chemical aftertaste once they were browned. Some marshmallows we liked at room temp tasted really bad once they were toasted. Those didn’t make the cut. What we have here are the best of the best marshmallows, including the best vegan marshmallows, the best mini marshmallows, and, of course, the best marshmallows for s’mores.

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.

Best Fruity Marshmallows

Jet-Puffed Fruity Fun

I have to be totally honest: I don’t know what fruity marshmallows are for. I mean, I bet you could make some pretty fun Rice Krispies Treats with these, but I can’t say I’ve ever seen them in the wild. Maybe they’re just for snacking? That’s fine! Anyway, if you came here looking for the best fruity marshmallows, we can tell you that Jet-Puffed makes fruit-flavored marshmallows that taste much better than the generic brands we tried. These come in three flavors: Orange, Strawberry, and Lemon & Lime. They all taste good separately and even better together. The fruit flavors aren’t overpowering, but you can actually taste them, which is more than I can say for some of the generic fruity marshmallows we tried. If you think the best marshmallows taste a lil like Froot Loops, give these little suckers a shot. —Gwynedd Stuart

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

8/10

Sporks

Best Mini Marshmallows

Dandies Vanilla Flavored Mini Vegan Marshmallows

Spoiler: Dandies makes the best vegan marshmallows (see #3 on this list), but the company also makes the best mini marshmallows overall (which happen to be vegan). They’re a little bit denser than other mini marshmallows, but I think that’s a good thing. They’ll heat nicely on top of a casserole without turning to soup. They’ll hold up a little longer in a cup of hot chocolate. Mini marshmallows should have a little more body! Both Jet-Puffed or Kroger make tasty mini marshmallows, too, but these are a more inclusive purchase since they don’t contain gelatin. —Gwynedd Stuart

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

Best Snack

Stuffed Puffs Classic Milk Chocolate Filled Marshmallows

Stuffed Puffs are great in theory. Chocolate-stuffed marshmallows you can simply toast and stuff between a couple of graham crackers? Easily the best marshmallows for s’mores, right? Well, not quite, because when we tried these heated up, the chocolatey center didn’t really melt the way we hoped it would. Still, the flavor is really incredible. The milk chocolate stuffed in the middle provides a nice contrast to the one-note sweetness of the marshmallow itself. Yo, I dipped these in coffee and they were great. Keep them around for snacking purposes. And go ahead and use them for s’mores, but just try to melt the marshmallow slowly so the chocolate interior gets melty, too. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

Best Marshmallows for S’mores

Jet-Puffed S’more Vanilla Marshmallows

Target

Jet Puffed S’more Vanilla marshmallows are ethereal, square-shaped pillows with a lovely hint of vanilla flavor. The flavor is great, and these marshmallows are much more sizable than the Jet Puffed original. These are made for s’mores, and we really do think they are the best marshmallows for s’mores. Are they so big that they will most certainly ooze out over the edges of a graham cracker sandwich? Most certainly.There’s potential for it to be a mess, but there’s also potential to achieve the perfect s’more with these guys. —Danny Palumbo

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

Best Vegan Marshmallows

Dandies Vanilla Flavored Vegan Marshmallows

These vegan marshmallows are much sweeter than other marshmallows. They are a little stiffer and don’t have the same sort of give when you bite into them. But if you don’t eat gelatin, you’re gonna love these. The center is so decadent. And they taste like something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I asked my colleague, Mythical Chef Josh Scherer to weigh in, and he suggested Circus Peanuts—I think he might be onto something. The texture is definitely a bit Circus Peanut adjacent. They’re lovely! Roasted, they’re excellent. And they’re less runny than regular marshmallows, which is nice. I think you could totally replace your regular marshmallows with these vegan marshmallows and no one would know the difference. —Gwynedd Stuart

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

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Best Marshmallows for Toasting

Jet-Puffed Marshmallows

I tried these alongside a lot of generic brands of marshmallows and they’re basically perfect, but our #1 pick for the best marshmallows just have more marshmallow flavor. These are still a gold standard, though. They’re so light and airy. They’re sticky on the outside—stickier than other brands—which means they brown nicely when you roast them over a fire. But if you’re just raw dogging marshmallows or making Rice Krispies Treats, Kroger would be my first choice. You won’t regret buying Jet-Puffed, though, especially because you aren’t tasting the marshmallows head to head. I heated these in the toaster oven and they taste better toasted than any of the other marshmallows we tried. They get VERY nice and brown on the outside and the caramelization tastes excellent. Grab some skewers—these are the best marshmallows for your next bonfire. —Gwynedd Stuart

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

Best of the Best

Kroger Marshmallows