Ariana Losch &#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

Sporks

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.

The Best Swedish Candy, Ranked

Ariana Losch — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 01:00:42 +0000

The best Swedish candy comes in so many forms. It can be soft like a fruit snack, chewy and dense like a gummy, or even a version of hard candy. The flavors can be sweet and sugary, sour and tangy, or even salty. The best Swedish candy brands use real fruit juice and fewer artificial sweeteners, resulting in a bright, fresh flavor. They are thoughtfully crafted, lean into playful aesthetics, with bright pastel colors and whimsical shapes that are almost as charming as the candies themselves.

If I had to guess, I’d say the average American only knows about Swedish candy thanks to Swedish Fish. And I’ll admit it—I used to be one of them. But there’s so much more to Swedish candy than those iconic fish-shaped gummies. In fact, did you know there’s a tradition in Sweden called lördagsgodis (translated as “Saturday candy”), in which families designate Saturdays as their official candy day, turning it into a weekly event for kids to look forward to? Basically, their candy culture is next level. You’ll find niches like salty Swedish licorice, sour candies, and other confections that you’ve probably never seen before, unless you’re being served videos about brands like Sockerbit and BonBon Swedish candy on TikTok. So let’s dive into the best Swedish candy brands you can actually get your hands on stateside—and call our local senators to suggest adopting “lördagsgodis” here, in America.

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 Bubs

Bubs Greedy Sweet Ovals Banana Toffee

This is my oddball pick, okay? Bubs Swedish candy is a brand you can find pretty easily in places like Walmart and on Amazon. These banana toffee ovals are “bizarre but compelling,” as I wrote in my notes like a pompous post-modern film critic. The texture reminds me of circus peanuts, chewy but soft and marshmallowy. I was most surprised by the flavor: these little ovals are toasty and complex. It starts on a note of mellow banana and seems to melt into warm, sweet toffee. They’re definitely unique. Some freak out there (me) will love them. That said, if you can’t stand artificial banana flavor, this is not the best Swedish candy you can buy. Seriously. Keep moving.

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

7/10

Sporks

Best BonBon’s Flavor

BonBon’s Sour Elderflower Fish

BonBon’s

BonBon is an American candy company based in New York that makes all of its products in Sweden and imports them here. Their original “fish candy” look and taste pretty artisanal: they’re shiny, come in pretty pastel colors, and even have tiny detailed fish scales that are honestly just fun to admire. I’ll admit that their Sour Elderflower Fish aren’t very sour, but the elderflower is quite vibrant and light, with a muted sweetness to balance the floral notes. We liked BonBon’s other flavors, too, but their line of gummy candies have a pretty intense chew that might not appeal to everyone. If you love extra chewy, dense gummies with a waxier texture, definitely try them. Either way, BonBon has made a name for itself as one of the best Swedish candy brands on the market…even if the company is technically American. Pretty cool!

Credit: Merc / BonBon’s

Rating:

8/10

Sporks

Best Jelly Colas

LÖRDAGSGODIS Gummy Cola

Cola gummies seem to be popular in Swedish candy, and I love it. Apparently, I’m a big ol’ freak for candy that tastes like soda. (That’s the fun part of this job: You learn something new about yourself every taste test.) These moose-shaped gummies from IKEA’s grocery store have a juicy cola flavor that actually reminds me of their Vintersaga cola, which is a little sweeter and maltier than regular Coca-Cola. These gummies have one unfortunate setback, though: They don’t look like moose. They look like tiny penises. And that’s just an odd thing to realize if you’re the type of weirdo (again, me) who prefers sucking on gummies to chewing them. What can I say? I am who I am.

Credit: Merc / IKEA

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

Best Nostalgic

Swedish Fish Soft & Chewy Candy

You didn’t think we wouldn’t include Swedish Fish in this ranking, did you? C’mon. It’s classic, nostalgic, and the brand that started our obsession with Swedish candy from the get-go. Swedish Fish brought that unique, firm chewiness and mild fruit flavor of Swedish candy to the American masses. They’re juicy, jelly-like, a little waxy, and the original red flavor carries a unique lingonberry tartness that you can’t find in U.S. candy brands. Swedish Fish are timeless—even as other brands of Swedish candy rise in popularity, these aren’t going anywhere.

Credit: Merc / Amazon

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best Salty Licorice

FYRTAKT Salty Licorice

Here’s another staple of the Swedish candy world you might not know about: salty black licorice. IKEA’s Swedish salty licorice just understands the assignment. It has an addictive “burnt” salt flavor—and it’s the perfect level of saltiness, too. Other salty licorice we tried (we’re talking products from even the best Swedish candy brands included on this list) couldn’t get that savory-sweet balance right. Along with a satisfying, firm chew, IKEA’s salty licorice hits that smoky note that really sells it. Plus, it’s cheap!

Credit: Merc / IKEA

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

Runner Up

Sockerbit Sour Mix

Sockerbit

If the Swedish candy gods were to gift me anything on this list, I’d ask for Sockerbit’s Sour Mix. Sockerbit, founded by a husband-and-wife duo who brought their love for Swedish candy from Sweden to New York in 2010, aims to introduce artisanal Scandinavian sweets to American palates. As a first-time buyer, I opted for Sockerbit’s candy mixes to sample some of their most popular offerings. Even with a few candies in the mix that weren’t my favorites, their sour mix is simply divine. I’m still not over how flavorful, juicy, and intensely sour their sour cherries and sour melons are—honestly, they might be the best sour gummies I’ve ever tried.

Credit: Merc / Sockerbit

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

Best of the Best

Sockerbit Sweet Mix

Sockerbit

While I always prefer sour over sweet candy, Sockerbit’s sweet Swedish candy mix has too many standouts in one bag to ignore. Their fruity gummy worms are juicy, bright, perfectly chewy, and carry a sweet lemonade flavor that actually makes you perk up when you try them. Their soft, squishy, lightly sweet and tangy gummy eggs are such a great reprieve from their denser, waxier candies. Their sweet people-shaped gummies have a coating of granulated sugar that gives a crunch with every bite—and it’s super addictive. Every treat in this mix showcases what the best Swedish candy should be: fun, unique, perfectly sweet, and fruity in a way that tastes bright and fresh. Sockerbit has firmly established itself as one of the best Swedish candy brands around—and they make it so easy for new candy seekers to get a taste of Sweden’s finest sweets. We highly recommend trying if you get the chance!

Credit: Merc / Sockerbit

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

Other Swedish candy we tried: Swedish Fish Snapple, BonBon Sockerbit, Bubs Greedy Sour Ovals, Ahlgrens Bilar Original, Bubs Salty Octopus Bag, Sockerbit Ferrari Bites

The post The Best Swedish Candy, Ranked appeared first on Sporked.

We Found the Best Eggnog at the Grocery Store

Ariana Losch — 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

Sporks

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 5 Best Walmart Pies, Ranked

Ariana Losch — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 23:16:29 +0000

Walmart pies are perfect in a pinch, but what are the best pies at Walmart to grab from their bakery section? We’re glad you asked. I went to my local Super Walmart, tossed (read: gently placed) all their ready-made pies in a cart to taste test, and went through self-checkout while diligently ignoring all of the strange looks being thrown my way. One thing about the vibe of any Walmart: Nobody minds their damn business. And as a nosy person myself, I kind of love it.

After engaging in a lively debate about whether pecan pie should be heated up before you eat it (the consensus was “no,” if you’re curious), I sat down with the rest of the Sporked team to try a dozen Walmart pies. We were looking for cheap, easy-to-serve options for the holiday season. And to be honest with you, reader, we came out of this taste test of the best pies at Walmart a little disappointed. Many Walmart pies suffer from the same pitfalls: too much sugar, bland crust, and a filling that’s straight-up goo. That said, we found five solid options that actually taste good. Whether you’re treating yourself to a little pie pick-me-up after a long month, prepping for Thanksgiving on a budget, or just need a last-minute potluck save, these are the best pies at Walmart actually worth picking 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 Walmart Pies!

Cyrus O’Leary’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pie

This Walmart-exclusive pie (if you can call it a pie) is a pretty divisive pick. I actually couldn’t decide if it was worthy of this list of the best pies at Walmart; I had to poll the team. Here’s the deal: It’s a chocolate chip pie crust with a cookie dough filling. Sounds like a delicious monstrosity, right? It is—if you don’t mind that the chocolate chip cookie dough has the texture of gloop. You won’t get the grainy, sugary texture that makes cookie dough so yummy to some. It’s close to the custardy filling of a chess pie. Still, if you absolutely adore the flavor of cookie dough—or you’re just really, really high—you’ll probably go nuts for this Walmart pie. And I simply can’t discount that.

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

6.5/10

Sporks

Best Walmart Pies!

Freshness Guaranteed Lemon Meringue Pie

Bright, citrusy, and quite sweet, Walmart’s Lemon Meringue pie is a good option for those who don’t simply want to add another latticed fruit pie to the party’s dessert table. It has a thick layer of sour-sweet lemon filling, and an equally thick layer of fluffy meringue. And before we go any further, let’s address one thing: the unfortunate situation of Walmart pie crust—which is pretty much copied and pasted into every premade pie in their bakery section. Besides a bit of butteriness, Walmart pie crust is bland, dry, and not very fresh tasting. If anything, it really illustrates the importance of a good pie crust, which can clearly make or break your bakes. Luckily, you can pretty much avoid eating the Walmart pie crust on this lemon meringue. Honestly, I’d get the vanilla ice cream out, spoon the filling out of the crust, and throw it on top.

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

6.5/10

Sporks

Best Walmart Pies!

Marketside Blueberry Pie

The blueberry filling in Marketside’s Blueberry Pie actually tastes fresh and inviting, with hunks of real blueberry and overall lack of artificial flavoring. Walmart pie fillings seem to carry a sweetness that’s a touch too strong (and lingers). It turns something that could be more refined and elevated into a pie that tastes generic, sugary, and mass produced. But the slightly tart, bitter blueberry really helps mask that characteristic sweetness here. When it’s not homemade, blueberry is a hard sell for me in desserts, so you can take my word for it: This is one of the best pies at Walmart, hands down.

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

Best Walmart Pies!

Patti LaBelle Patti’s Good Life Blackberry Cobbler

Putting a Patti LaBelle cobbler on this list of Walmart pies may seem like cheating to some—and that’s why I relegated it to second place, even though this blackberry cobbler tastes better than all the other Walmart pies we tasted. The blackberry filling tastes very fresh, thanks to the crushed, whole blackberries, complete with chewy seeds and all. The crust, which has granulated sugar around the edges, is thick, buttery, beautifully golden, and sweet. Patti LaBelle cobblers are available in the Walmart bakery aisle, lined up next Great Value and Marketside pies. It just seems wrong not to recommend this, when it is better and sitting right there. But keep in mind, Patti’s pies will also be a dollar or two more expensive than other Walmart pies! If you’re really budgeting, it’s safe to opt for another one on this list. (Just don’t troll your family by bringing the cookie dough pie to Thanksgiving, okay? Unless that’s, like, their vibe.)

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best Walmart Pies!

Marketside Apple Pie

Classic, cozy, simple and sweet—Walmart doesn’t miss with their apple pie. For a premade, budget-friendly dessert, this really gets the job done. The filling is completely packed with large, tender slices of perfectly cooked apples that stay delightfully crisp even out of the oven, with pecans mixed in to add crunch and nutty flavor. It actually has a homemade quality going for it. Yes, that pie crust needs work, but it’s November. We have to practice being thankful for the things we do have. This is absolutely one of the best pies at Walmart. Pass me a slice.

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

8.5/10

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Other Walmart Pies We Tried: Freshness Guaranteed Pumpkin Pie, Marketside Pecan Pie, Cherry Hand Pie, Bourbon Apple Pie, Dutch Apple Pie

The post The 5 Best Walmart Pies, Ranked appeared first on Sporked.

The 11 Best Dinner Rolls We’ve Ever Tasted

Ariana Losch — 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

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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

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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

Sporks

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.

The Best Cold Foam, Served at Home

Ariana Losch — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 20:42:09 +0000

Cold foam is like a little holiday magic in your coffee cup. It’s cold yet cozy, creamy yet airy, and the best cold foam creamer doesn’t just sit on top of your drink—it slowly melts into it, infusing your cold brew or hot coffee with sweet, dreamy flavor.

POV: It’s morning. You’re home for the winter holidays, and you’re the first person awake. It’s chilly outside, but you’ve got your ugly sweater and fuzzy socks on. You’re officially off work or school, and the only thing you have to worry about is brewing the coziest cup of coffee known to man (remember: this is a fantasy). You sprinkle a little cinnamon and nutmeg over your drink, and even consider topping it with whipped cream—only that doesn’t feel quite right. Whipped cream is festive and loud; it’s too early for that. Then you see it, like a beacon shining on the fridge shelf: cold foam.

That’s right. Cold foam creamer isn’t just a novelty you have to wait in line at Starbucks to enjoy anymore. Maybe I’m just not keeping up with the times, but I didn’t realize just how many cold foam creamers were available in grocery stores now. We got our hands on a dozen different flavors, from French vanilla to salted caramel, and tried all the brands we could: International Delight cold foam creamer, Coffee-mate cold foam creamer, Aldi cold foam creamer, and more. Here are the six best cold foams to top your cozy drinks this winter.

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 Sweet

International Delight Sweet & Creamy Cold Foam Creamer

If you ever want to recreate Butterbeer from Universal’s Harry Potter world right at home, this is definitely the best cold foam to buy. The sweetness really hits you, stronger than traditional sweet cream, but it doesn’t taste artificial. (I’ve heard people complain that Universal’s Butterbeer is too sweet, but I can’t agree—and I’m the resident Sporked writer who barely tolerates sugar.) The foam has a pleasantly bumpy, uneven texture on top, like footsteps over snow. It’s a cozy, wintery aesthetic. International Delight cold foam creamer also has a way of infusing flavor slowly into the coffee and really thickening the consistency, like actual creamers. If your Starbucks order leans super sweet, you’ll love this.

Credit: Merc / Target

Rating:

7.5/10

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Best Fall Pick

International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Cold Foam

I’m pleased to see that, as a society, we’ve finally moved past the phase of picking on the pumpkin spice girlies and embracing the little things that bring joy in life. One sip of this pumpkin pie spice International Delight cold foam did, in fact, bring me joy. This tastes like someone spilled nutmeg and cardamom in canned pumpkin, in the best way. It’s warm and tingly, but not overspiced. Pumpkin is the main flavor, and I even added a sprinkle of cinnamon on top to really complete the fall experience.

Credit: Merc / Target

Rating:

8/10

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Best Salty-Sweet

Favorite Day Salted Caramel Cold Foam

While Target’s salted caramel cold foam is my personal favorite flavor profile of the bunch, I have to deduct points for one thing: this comes out like whipped cream. Eventually it settles neatly on top, but it’s a small departure from the true cold foam experience. Still, you simply can’t beat that brisk kick of salt with every sip. It’s so buttery, the butter actually clings to your lips like a balm as you drink it. It’s luxurious, unique, and definitely the best cold foam for salt queens like myself.

Credit: Merc / Target

Rating:

8/10

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Best Vanilla

Barissimo Sweet Vanilla Cold Foam

Aldi

Here’s what I appreciate about Aldi cold foam creamers: They are a touch less sweet than other brands. You really don’t notice it unless you’re searching for it, but as someone who’s more sensitive to sugar and generally avoids sweeter coffee drinks, this is the best cold foam brand for me. The vanilla tastes smooth, light, and classy. This Aldi cold foam sits on the surface of the coffee in a neat, perfect line. It’s more aerated, sort of like foam over an espresso martini, but thicker. If you want your cold brew to look and taste classy instead of cozy, Barissimo is the best cold foam to buy.

Credit: Merc / Aldi

Rating:

8.5/10

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Runner Up

Coffee-mate Italian Sweet Creme Cold Foam

Honestly, when I imagine tasting the best cold foam, this is exactly what I want. This Coffee-mate cold foam is richly creamy, decadently sweet, and yes, tastes like the inside of a cannoli. It’s European cafe culture in a cup. Like International Delight cold foam creamers, it really infuses the coffee with sweetness and cream—though the foam does dissolve a bit quicker than the others. Still, I can’t fault that flavor. It’s definitely some of the best cold foam I’ve had to date—and worth waiting for. We got an early taste, but Coffee-mate cold foam isn’t hitting shelves until January 2025. When you spot ’em, grab ’em!

Credit: Merc

Rating:

9/10

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Best of the Best

International Delight Caramel Macchiato Cold Foam

I’m simply in love with this International Delight cold foam creamer. It’s toasty, coffee-forward, and buttery—but not as over-the-top buttery as Favorite Day’s version, either. The caramel is subtly sweet and nuanced, with a note of espresso. It flavors your coffee without turning it into a dessert. It’s the perfect pick for coffee purists who crave balance and a touch of indulgence without losing the boldness of their brew. And if you ask me, that’s what the best cold foam should do.

Credit: Merc / Ralphs

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

Other products we tried: International Delight Peppermint Mocha, International Delight French Vanilla Cold Foam, Barissimo Caramel Macchiato Cold Foam

The post The Best Cold Foam, Served at Home appeared first on Sporked.

We Ranked the Best Mayonnaise Brands

Ariana Losch — 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

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

Sporks

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

Sporks

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.

The Best IKEA Food: Groceries Edition

Ariana Losch — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 01:16:39 +0000

The best IKEA food in the grocery section is unique, flavorful, and easy to make. Say what you will about their furniture, but in my experience, even the most affordable IKEA groceries won’t compromise on quality. From neatly packaged Swedish sauces to specialty dishes, the best IKEA food proves this superstore is more than just DIY furniture.

I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to visit this cult-favorite superstore and not stop at the food court for a plate of IKEA Swedish meatballs. (IKEA meatballs are that girl, apparently.) That said, the real gems are hiding in the grocery section, where you can buy the best IKEA food to bring a taste of Sweden to your everyday meals. After tunneling through the maze of IKEA warehouses to reach their mini Swedish grocery store, I found a treasure trove of specialty eats and Swedish goodies. I’m talking iconic Swedish candy, thoughtfully crafted vegan and gluten-free frozen foods, Swedish breakfast options you can’t find anywhere else, and of course, enough bags of IKEA meatballs to last you all winter.

To be clear, I haven’t had the chance to taste-test every IKEA frozen food product, pantry staple, snack, or breakfast item yet. This list is a work in progress based on my past couple of trips. So far I’ve tried 15 products, and these are some of the best things in IKEA’s grocery aisles I’ve tried to date. Each one is worth the trek through this labyrinth of a home goods store—but hey, at least you’ll get your steps in.

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 IKEA Foods!

GRÖNSAKSKAKA Vegetable Medallion

Gronsakskaka (what a name, first of all) is a potato-based veggie medallion packed with broccoli, leeks, onions and cheese. Texturally, it’s like a cross between a latke and a crab cake. While the flavors aren’t particularly bold, there’s a lot to appreciate here: the perfectly cooked crisp broccoli bits that include florets and stems; the nice ratio of potato to other veggies; the golden-brown baked exterior. Flavor-wise, this could use more seasoning overall, but the ingredients actually taste fresh. If you’re looking for some veggie-based frozen food from IKEA for breakfast and lunch, this is a solid choice.

Credit: Merc / IKEA

Rating:

7/10

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Best IKEA Foods!

Pannkakor Swedish Pancakes

If you’re unfamiliar, Swedish pancakes are basically crepes but slightly thicker. (There’s more to it than that, but you get the gist.) IKEA’s Swedish Pancakes have a squishy, chewier texture than normal pancakes, and a more savory flavor meant to be served with sweeter jams. (I, of course, made cheesy, savory crepes with these—a little blasphemous, according to the internet—but they were delicious.) IKEA’s Swedish pancakes are incredibly easy to prep: If you’re in a rush, you can toss them in the microwave for approximately four minutes, and voila, you’re done. You don’t have to mix a batter or make a mess on the stove, making them some of the best food in IKEA’s grocery section for convenience and novelty alone.

Credit: Merc / IKEA

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

Best IKEA Foods!

LÄCKERGOM Lemon & Dill Sauce

If you’ve ever walked through IKEA’s grocery aisle, you’ve probably noticed the rows of Lackergom sauce on display—usually propped up next to their smoked salmon or other signature gravy and jam products. And I definitely get the appeal. This creamy lemon-and-dill sauce is probably thicker than you’d expect (thanks to the added cream and corn starch), but otherwise fairly simple in terms of ingredients. Though, to be clear, “simple” doesn’t equate to “bad.” I’ve simmered more fish filets in this sauce than I can count, and I’ll never get tired of it—it’s bright and lemony, and the starchiness helps to seal in your other seasonings and flavors as it cooks on the stove.

Credit: Merc / IKEA

Rating:

7.5/10

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Best IKEA Foods!

HUVUDROLL Chicken Meatballs

Honesty hour: IKEA chicken meatballs are actually my favorite IKEA meatballs, but I’m not a huge stickler for texture. For only 190 calories per serving (5 meatballs in a serving), these IKEA meatballs are juicy, salty, and chicken-forward, but still have a savory quality that tastes like regular beef meatballs. Again, the only issue is the texture: They can cut like styrofoam if you overbake them for even a minute. Personally, as someone who cuts down on red meat when I can, I really don’t mind it! They’re still among the best IKEA food you can buy, in my opinion.

Credit: Merc / Amazon

Rating:

7.5/10

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Best IKEA Foods!

ALLEMANSRÄTTEN Savory Sauce Mix

IKEA’s classic savory sauce has a creamy, lighter consistency that’s less gelatinous than typical instant gravy, but still thick enough to really coat and cling to your IKEA meatballs. I stock up on this stuff, you guys. I’m actually a little ashamed to admit how many packets are currently in my pantry. There’s something so simple and effective about it—it’s not too salty, too meaty, or too distinctly flavored to only pair well with certain types of meat. Like the best food in IKEA’s grocery aisle, it’s versatile and affordable. You just can’t go wrong.

Credit: Merc / IKEA

Rating:

8/10

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Best IKEA Foods!

IKEA SYLT LINGON Organic Lingonberry Jam

Don’t sleep on IKEA Lingonberry Jam. She’s an icon, she’s a legend, she is the moment—and she’s one of the best IKEA food products to buy. Seriously. Ask any loyal IKEA shopper. This lingonberry jam is essentially a milder, less tart cranberry sauce, with a light sweetness and refreshing tang that’s pleasant to eat straight off a spoon. IKEA lingonberry jam has crushed bits of berry in every spoonful. Try it with IKEA meatballs, their savory sauce, and mashed potatoes to experience what I’m coining “Swedish Thanksgiving.” It’s pretty darn delicious.

Credit: Merc / IKEA

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best IKEA Foods!

KORVMOJ Vegetable Hot Dogs

IKEA veggie dogs are a savory, satisfying departure from typical faux-meat hot dogs, with a hearty mix of vegetables like kale, lentils, and carrots. Despite their veggie-forward flavor and texture, they’re surprisingly sturdy and grill beautifully, with visible char marks. Vegan and vegetarian food by IKEA always hits the mark—other brands should seriously take note.

Credit: Merc / IKEA

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best IKEA Foods!

ALLEMANSRÄTTEN Mashed Potatoes

When I first opened this bag of frozen mashed potato tubes (which are shaped like Korean rice cakes), I was a little amused. The instructions tell you to just throw them in a pot and warm them up, with or without butter and cream. I expected the cooking process to go poorly, but guess what? These are super easy to make and ready in only a few minutes. Now, they’re my go-to frozen mashed potatoes. They’re more convenient to store and heat up than microwaved mashed potatoes, which freeze well and can be harder to portion. IKEA’s frozen mashed potatoes have less additives than the more flavorful brands of instant mashed potatoes, but a much creamier consistency than rehydrated potato flakes. It’s a win-win all around, really. Stock up!

Credit: Merc / IKEA

Rating:

8.5/10

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Best IKEA Foods!

HUVUDROLL Meatballs

Each type of IKEA Swedish meatball brings something unique to the table, but their classic beef and pork variety is undeniably addictive. These meatballs are very juicy and oily—some people might not love that, but I personally enjoy a good amount of grease with beef meatballs. They get crispy and charred on the outside, while the inside stays tender and squishy. They aren’t necessarily trying to mimic the texture of fresh ground meat, but that’s okay. Their bold savory flavor wins you over every time. These don’t lean into any specific flavor profiles, meaning you can use them for a variety of dishes—Swedish meatballs with gravy, spaghetti and marinara sauce, even little meatball skewers for an appetizer. Sorry to be basic, but yes: IKEA meatballs are definitely some of the best IKEA foods you can buy.

Credit: Merc / IKEA

Rating:

9/10

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Best IKEA Foods!

HUVUDROLL Vegan Meatballs

I love, love, love vegan IKEA meatballs. While super savory, the flavor isn’t trying to totally mimic meat. You can taste their vegetable origins. They’re fresh and inviting rather than fake and overprocessed. Cooked right, these vegan meatballs cut like butter. (They also sell vegetable-based meatballs, similar to the Korvmoj hot dog, but I didn’t get the chance to try them yet!) Like I said, some of the best IKEA foods are vegan products, and these are a clear example of that.

Credit: Merc / IKEA

Rating:

9.5/10

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Best IKEA Foods!

VÅFFLOR Frozen Waffles

Hey, I told you: IKEA Swedish meatballs aren’t the best food at IKEA you can find. I know it’s controversial, but these adorable, heart-shaped, slightly savory waffles were a hit with the entire Sporked team. They’re eggy, buttery, and almost taste like they have a little bit of cheese baked right in. The texture is perfect: crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with a hidden layer of soft, doughy batter that melts in your mouth. Made with simple ingredients and a reasonable amount of sodium, they’re as wholesome as they are delicious. But what puts them in the top spot is how affordable they are. Forget spending $20 on a trendy brunch this weekend; at $3.50 a pack, these waffles will save you money and steal your heart.

Credit: Merc / IKEA

Rating:

10/10

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Other IKEA groceries we tried: SJÖRAPPORT (cured salmon), SLAGVERK (plant-based nuggets), MUNSBIT roasted mixed nuts, VINTERSAGA (hops and malt soda)

The post The Best IKEA Food: Groceries Edition appeared first on Sporked.

The Best Stir Fry Sauce That Really Sizzles

Ariana Losch — 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.

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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

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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

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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

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Best of The Best

Passage to Asia Thai Basil & Sweet Chili Sauce