Alex Yakimova – Sporked https://sporked.com Where tastes are tested Mon, 25 Nov 2024 17:16:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://sporked.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Alex Yakimova – Sporked https://sporked.com 32 32 200707005 Everything Bagel Kraft Mac & Cheese Is REAL https://sporked.com/article/kraft-everything-bagel-mac-and-cheese-news/ https://sporked.com/article/kraft-everything-bagel-mac-and-cheese-news/#respond Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:15:54 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=44683 This is….everything.

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Kraft Mac & Cheese is one of those classic pantry staples we know and love (it’s some of the best boxed mac & cheese we’ve ever tasted). There’s nothing quite like the taste of artificial cheesy goodness to bring back the flavors of childhood. And the best part? It’s customizable. Just look at this Reddit thread of a college student asking for cheap ways to elevate the boxed mac n’ cheese—it has over 100 comments. Turns out Kraft has its own ideas for taking their classic product to the next level: Behold, the all-new, limited-edition Everything Bagel Kraft Mac & Cheese launching exclusively on Walmart.com on November 29.

What is Everything Bagel Kraft Mac & Cheese?

If you’ve had an everything bagel, you’re probably familiar with the onion-y, garlick-y, sesame-y, and whatever-else-is-in-everything-bagel-seasoning-y flavor that truly makes life worth living. Now imagine that seasoning mix—but mostly the onion and garlic—in your Kraft Mac & Cheese. If you’re thinking, wow, how innovative, then get excited. If you’re thinking wow, I already put that in my Kraft Mac & Cheese, well, good for you. Maybe you’re still interested because it means you can save your Everything But the Bagel seasoning for something else. 

How can you get Everything Bagel Kraft Mac & Cheese?

You’ll have to act fast with this new release. With only 14,000 boxes up for grabs, Walmart.com’s presale will begin November 25th for die-hard Krafties. The new limited edition flavor will officially drop on November 29th and it’ll be available while supplies last. 

Will Everything Bagel Kraft Mac & Cheese be good?

Look, it’s no secret that the everything bagel trend has taken everything by storm. Potato chips, dips, smoked salmon—Trader Joe’s alone has developed quite an empire with their Everything But the Bagel-flavored items. But has it gone too far? I mean, Cup Noodles even released Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese instant noodles. But hey, that actually turned out to be pretty darn good. So, we have high hopes for Everything Bagel Kraft Mac & Cheese. And we’ll be jockeying online to snag a box on Black Friday, because we all know this is the real score.

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The Best Easy Thanksgiving Desserts, According to Grocery Experts https://sporked.com/article/best-thanksgiving-desserts/ https://sporked.com/article/best-thanksgiving-desserts/#respond Tue, 19 Nov 2024 01:49:17 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=27087 Thanksgiving desserts are sort of divisive. Some people like them, others don’t, and everyone who does like them has a very specific favorite. Some people love pumpkin pie, which is borderline savory, but don’t like fruity pies like apple. Then there are people who love fruity pies but can’t stand the texture or flavor of...

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Thanksgiving desserts are sort of divisive. Some people like them, others don’t, and everyone who does like them has a very specific favorite. Some people love pumpkin pie, which is borderline savory, but don’t like fruity pies like apple. Then there are people who love fruity pies but can’t stand the texture or flavor of pumpkin. Some people go hard for pecan pie, while other people think it’s too dang sweet.

But no matter your opinions on the best Thanksgiving desserts, we are hoping this list will give you at least a couple Thanksgiving dessert ideas to get you all prepped and ready for T-Givvy 2024. Did we mention these are all easy Thanksgiving desserts? Yep, no recipes here—just a bunch of tasty, post-meal sweets you can simply buy and serve and make (almost) everyone happy. 

Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie

As Thanksgiving desserts go, pumpkin pie can be controversial—it’s simply too squashy and savory for some people. But here’s the thing: Everyone still expects to see it on the Thanksgiving desserts table, even if they only intend to have a single bite to satisfy their pumpkin pie quota for the year. Before you go baking a whole-ass pumpkin pie for people to peck at, consider this easy Thanksgiving dessert option: Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie from Costco. This thing costs less than $8 and it’s huge—12 inches across! It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but pumpkin is obviously one of the best pies for Thanksgiving, and this one tastes so good no one will mind that it’s not homemade. Promise. —Alex Yakimova

Read the full ranking of the best pumpkin pies

Member’s Mark Pumpkin Cheesecake

When we said we were rounding up easy Thanksgiving desserts, we meant it. This pumpkin cheesecake from Sam’s Club isn’t just premade—it’s presliced, too. Literally, all you have to do is thaw it in the fridge and, voila, ready-to-serve Thanksgiving dessert. This thing is great, especially for people who think regular pumpkin pie is too savory. You still get pumpkin pie filling, but it’s swirled into a rich, luscious cheesecake—truly, the best of both worlds. If you don’t bake but you still want your Thanksgiving desserts to be a little bit over-the-top, this is one of the best Thanksgiving desserts for a little wow factor. She really is that girl. —Alex Yakimova

Read the full ranking of the best pumpkin cheesecake

Bakery Fresh Goodness Pecan Pie

Some people don’t like pecan pie because it’s too sweet (others don’t like it because they were raised in a household where their grandmother referred to it as “ear wax pie”), but this pecan pie from the Kroger bakery will please pretty much everyone. It’s sweet without being too sweet, and all you have to do is slice and serve, making it one of the best easy Thanksgiving desserts you can buy. It’s gooey and nutty and kind of tastes like cookie butter, and we don’t know anyone who’s going to turn down pie that tastes like cookie butter (even if the pie’s filling does look a little bit like ear wax). —Jessica Block

Read the full ranking of the best pecan pie

McConnell’s Pumpkin Spice Latte Ice Cream

Listen, I get it. Pie isn’t everyone’s cup of…pie. If you’re looking for easy Thanksgiving desserts that have nothing to do with crust, this PSL ice cream from McConnell’s is one of the best Thanksgiving desserts going. It doesn’t taste like a pumpkin spice latte—it tastes like pumpkin spice lattes should taste. It has a bold coffee flavor, warm spices, and an actual kick of squashy sweetness. If you’re having a casual Thanksgiving, crack open a pint of McConnell’s Pumpkin Spice Latte Ice Cream and let guests scoop away. Or you can hide this in the freezer and have it as a post-guests-leaving treat after a longggg day. —Alex Yakimova

Read the full ranking of the best pumpkin ice cream

Marie Callender’s Dutch Apple Pie

Contrary to what some people will tell you, apple pie is one of the best pies for Thanksgiving. Why? It’s loaded with warm spices (the same ones you love in every fall-flavored product) and it’s way more of a crowd-pleaser than pumpkin pie. That’s especially true if you go with this Marie Callender Dutch apple pie, which is sweet, tasty, and heaped with streusel. All you have to do is heat it in the oven and you’re done. If that sounds to basic to count as one of the best Thanksgiving desserts, g’head and top it with a scoop of McConnell’s PSL ice cream, and get twice as much holiday flavor per bite. 

Read the full ranking of the best apple pie

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The Best Easy Thanksgiving Sides, According to Grocery Experts https://sporked.com/article/best-thanksgiving-sides/ https://sporked.com/article/best-thanksgiving-sides/#comments Mon, 18 Nov 2024 08:02:00 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=27444 Easy Thanksgiving sides are the best Thanksgiving sides. We’ve said it before, but it’s really worth repeating because it’s one thing we truly believe in. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year or bringing a side dish to someone else’s place, the best Thanksgiving sides are ones that are easy to prepare buy don’t sacrifice flavor....

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Easy Thanksgiving sides are the best Thanksgiving sides. We’ve said it before, but it’s really worth repeating because it’s one thing we truly believe in. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year or bringing a side dish to someone else’s place, the best Thanksgiving sides are ones that are easy to prepare buy don’t sacrifice flavor. Seriously, no one is going to mind that you didn’t toil over the stuffing when it tastes as good as the best boxed stuffing. Same goes for the best microwave mashed potatoes. Seriously, put down the masher and go watch the parade with your dang family!

These are seven of the best Thanksgiving side dishes that are stupidly simple to prepare so you can worry about the dozen other fires (some literal) you need to put out on the big day.

Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes will always make the list of the best Thanksgiving sides, but that doesn’t mean you have to make them from scratch to really do it right. And boy do you have options: We’ve got premade, instant, or frozen mashed potatoes to choose from for the best Thanksgiving sides to fit your needs. If you’re looking for something as close to the real thing without all the trouble, Sporked managing editor Gwynedd Stuart would argue that Bob Evans premade potatoes are the way to go. They’re rich, creamy, potatoey, and all you have to do is heat them up in the microwave. When it comes to easy Thanksgiving sides, it doesn’t get easier than that. —Vinz Karl

Read the full ranking of the best premade mashed potatoes

Stove Top Traditional Sage Stuffing Mix

Stuffing is a mainstay on many Thanksgiving tables, but it’s surprisingly easy to mess up if you make it yourself. Sorry, grandma, but your recipe surely can’t compare to Stove Top’s Traditional Sage Stuffing Mix. This is one of the best Thanksgiving sides and it can be thrown together in about five minutes as long as you have an empty burner on the stove. Gwynedd found this mix to be fluffy, savory, and packed with herby flavor. A Thanksgiving side dish that’s delicious and easy as hell (just boil some water, mix, and fluff)? Move over, grandma. That’s an easy sell for the best Thanksgiving side dishes. —Vinz Karl

Read the full ranking of the best boxed stuffing or watch Gwynedd & Justine taste test stuffing on YouTube

Patti’s Good Life Mac & Cheese

There are a few things you can rely on at Thanksgiving dinner. You’ll certainly stuff yourself more than the turkey and you’ll definitely endure political discussions that will make you consider becoming estranged from your family, but being served mac and cheese isn’t necessarily a guarantee. That’s why this tray of frozen mac and cheese is of the best best Thanksgiving side dishes to bring to a potluck. Forget Stouffer’s—Patti LaBelle’s mac and cheese is insane. It’s creamy, cheesy, buttery, and so decadent. This stuff will make the politics talk go down a lot easier. —Alex Yakimova 

Read the full ranking of the best frozen mac and cheese

Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Turkey Gravy

Thanksgiving isn’t exactly known for being the most gluten-free-friendly holiday—but Trader Joe’s did the celiac-afflicted a solid with this gluten-free turkey gravy. We love powdered gravy mix, but this premade gravy, which is sold near the soups in TJ’s refrigerated section, is fatty and flavorful without being nearly as salty as a mix. This is new to Trader Joe’s for Thanksgiving, but we hope they’ll keep it on shelves all year long. It’ll do a lot for a rotisserie chicken on a weeknight.—Alex Yakimova

Read our ranking of the best store bought gravy

Harry & David Country Cranberry Relish

If you’re looking for something a little different to slather on your plate this Thanksgiving, this cranberry relish is the way to go. It’s more sweet than tart, but the walnuts and spices make this a good alternative to the homogenous canned stuff. It’s Harry & David, so it’s on the pricey side ($8.99 a jar), but when it’s time to make leftovers sandwiches, you’ll be happy you splurged. —Alex Yakimova

Read the full ranking of the best cranberry sauce

Season’s Choice Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping

Before you start peeling, roasting, and mashing sweet potatoes, we deeply need to tell you about this Aldi sweet potato casserole. It’s kind of unreal. According to Sporked editor in chief Justine Sterling, it’s sweet and buttery without crossing into the dessert realm—but you could totally pair it with some vanilla ice cream and serve it after dinner. Hey. They best easy Thanksgiving sides are versatile, and this one definitely is. —Alex Yakimova

Trader Joe’s Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit

When it comes to easy Thanksgiving sides, salad kits are the ultimate cheat code. No chopping vegetables. No rinsing and spinning your lettuce. Just cut open the bag, pour on the dressing, give it a good shake, and then dump it into a bowl and lie to everyone about having prepared it yourself from scratch. TJ’s Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish—it’s a crowd pleaser and it’s fancy enough for a special occasion. It comes with a bright, zingy dressing that will break up the monotony of the richer foods on the menu. It also comes with carrots and almonds for crunch, and parm for a nutty, salty punch. —Vinz Karl

Read the full ranking of the best Trader Joe’s salad kits

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Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers from Our Many Taste Tests https://sporked.com/article/best-thanksgiving-appetizers/ https://sporked.com/article/best-thanksgiving-appetizers/#respond Sat, 16 Nov 2024 01:05:51 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=26864 The best Thanksgiving appetizers = easy Thanksgiving appetizers.

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We all know that when it comes to Thanksgiving, the turkey is the “main event,” and when it comes to Thanksgiving appetizers, we are supposed to “pace ourselves” and “save room for dinner” or whatever. But—and people don’t talk about this enough—turkey is pretty mid as far as proteins go. That is to say, it’s fine. And Thanksgiving appetizers are, quite often, fantastic. So I say screw saving room and just eat a whole lot of what you actually like, and then just take a liiiiiiittle piece of turkey to be polite and acknowledge the approximately 193,943,025 hours of work your parents’ friend Greg put into roasting that big ol’ honkin’ bird. But if you are like us and the pre-meal snacks are the star of the show, here are some easy Thanksgiving appetizers you might consider adding to your list of potential appetizers for Thanksgiving this year.

Nancy’s Petite Quiche

We strongly believe Thanksgiving appetizers are made to be picked up and eaten anywhere but at the dining table. You’re going to be stuck at that table for ages waiting for some great aunt to finish her vittles, so the best Thanksgiving appetizers can be eaten while you circulate. Nancy’s frozen mini quiches are small, satisfying, and perfect to eat while you artfully dodge awkward conversations with distant relatives. The box comes with two flavors—lorraine and florentine—and they’re really good. The crust is buttery and savory, and the fillings are well-crafted and complex. We could even taste some tarragon in the lorraine. Sorry, freshly cleaned floors, but these are worth scattering a few crumbs.

Read the full ranking of the best quiche at the grocery store

Stouffer’s Mac & Cheese Bites

If you’re not serving mac and cheese as a side dish with dinner, serving mac and cheese bites as an easy Thanksgiving appetizer is a perfect way to get some cheesy goodness back on the menu. We taste tested a lot of mac and cheese bites, and Stouffer’s makes the best. They’re stuffed with loads of gooey cheese, big, fluffy pieces of elbow macaroni, and they have a coating that makes them taste a lot like the breadcrumb-topped baked mac and cheese people crave.

Read the full ranking of the best mac and cheese bites

Trader Joe’s Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions

Trader Joe’s sells a lot of good frozen apps, but these are a standby. The cheese and caramelized onions are a delicious blend of sweet and salty flavors—and the little pastry cups are perfectly bite-sized, so you can scarf them down without paying too much attention to how many you’ve had (as we said, appetite-ruining is encouraged!). If you do choose to make these part of your Thanksgiving appetizers spread, make sure you buy extra—these things go fast.

Read the full ranking of the best Trader Joe’s frozen appetizers

Marketside Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Thanksgiving is all about tradition, for better or worse. And if we’re talking tradition, what other dip is more fitting to go with your fresh veggie platter or chips than our favorite spinach and artichoke dip? With three different cheeses and full chunks of artichoke in the mix, just make sure you don’t dip your fingers straight in there. Or do. Nothing like some outrage at the Thanksgiving table to kick off the festivities. 

Read the full ranking of the best spinach dip

MyThreeSons Pimento Cheese Emmy’s Original

Listen. There are certain truths we hold to be self-evident, and one of them is that you can never have too many dips on the Thanksgiving appetizers table. So why not add some pimento cheese to the mix? This creamy, decadent, pepper-speckled cheese spread is a surefire way to put a Southern twist on Thanksgiving, even if you’re thousands of miles away.

Read the full ranking of the best pimiento cheese

Trader Joe’s Natural Turkey Summer Sausage

Yes, it’s called summer sausage, but this stuff is for eating when the temps start to drop. Trader Joe’s Natural Turkey Summer Sausage topped our summer sausage ranking due to its unique flavor and blend of spices that make it just that much more interesting to eat. If you need something meaty to snack on before the turkey lands on the table, this turkey summer sausage is both delicious and on-theme. 

Read the full ranking of the best summer sausage

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All the Holiday Sodas Hitting Stores This Season https://sporked.com/article/holiday-soda-2024/ https://sporked.com/article/holiday-soda-2024/#comments Tue, 12 Nov 2024 22:06:21 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=44266 Hot cocoa, gluhwein, and eggnog may be the preferred drinks of the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean that a refreshing can of holiday soda can’t hit the same (or even better). If you’re in one of those places—mentally or physically— where you’d rather cool off than warm up, here are some seasonal soda flavors...

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Hot cocoa, gluhwein, and eggnog may be the preferred drinks of the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean that a refreshing can of holiday soda can’t hit the same (or even better). If you’re in one of those places—mentally or physically— where you’d rather cool off than warm up, here are some seasonal soda flavors that will quench your thirst and leave you feeling merry and bright all the same. From this year’s holiday Sprite to a Jones soda holiday pack in the form of an advent calendar, these are the best seasonal sodas to sip between now and the new year.

Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite

Everyone loves Cranberry Sprite, but the brand mixed things up this year (much to the chagrin of many soda freaks) by once again releasing the Winter Spiced Cranberry version. Originally released in 2019, Winter Spiced Cranberry is not the Internet’s favorite flavor. In fact, Reddit users claim that the plain Cranberry Sprite of old was miles better. That said, we tried Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite and really liked it. Just steer clear of the zero sugar version unless you want to ruin Christmas, Grinch-style.

Read the full review of Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite

Shirley Temple 7UP

It’s honestly shocking to me that no one has tried to make Shirley Temples into a mainstream canned soda yet. It’s one of the most versatile non-alcoholic cocktails out there (or alcoholic, if you’re having a bad day and upgrade to a Dirty Shirley). Personally, I would never pass up the opportunity for a Shirley—which is what makes the release of 7UP Shirley Temple so exciting. If you can’t be bothered to mix one yourself, crack open a can of this pre-mixed Shirley and let the taste of childhood wash over you. And again, we loved the full-sugar version but recommend avoiding the zero sugar version

Read the full review of 7UP Shirley Temple

Alani Winter Wonderland

If you’re trying to stay in the holiday spirit but need an extra pep in your step to keep up with the shopping, cleaning, and family reunions, look no further than the Alani’s newest flavor, Winter Wonderland. We know what you’re thinking: What the hell is “winter wonderland” flavor? No word on that, but Alani describes it as “frosty, merry and bright.” Sure! 

Starry Cranberry Blizz

Starry may be the forgotten sibling of the lemon lime soda brands, but their dedication to making a holiday soda everyone wants should give them a boost this winter. We don’t know what the “Cranberry Blizz” flavor profile entails, but we’ll find out soon—this holiday soda is expected to be released (in zero sugar only) this month. 

Canada Dry Cranberry and Blackberry

Canada Dry ginger ale is best known for being a stomach-settling nectar of the gods, but the brand does a lot. Last year we taste tested 15 Canada Dry flavors, two of which are being released as holiday sodas for the season: Cranberry Canada Dry and Blackberry Canada Dry. According to Sporked editor-in-chief Justine Sterling, Cranberry Canada Dry “smells and tastes like actual cranberry juice—tart and tangy,” and Blackberry “tastes like a blue Tootsie Pop with a touch of ginger ale on the finish.” In other words, fine holiday fun.

Read the full ranking of the best Canada Dry flavors

Jones Soda Advent Calendar

Tis the season for accumulating a bunch of junk you don’t really need, but your advent calendar can actually be useful. This Jones soda advent calendar comes with 24-day supply of soda and Jones merchandise, so you always have something clean to wear when you inevitably fall behind on laundry during the festivities. I can’t lie, I kind of love this idea—but for $150, we’ll leave it up to you to decide if this Jones soda holiday pack is actually worth your cash.

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Is Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickles Cheetos Really Happening? https://sporked.com/article/cheetos-flamin-hot-dill-pickle-news/ https://sporked.com/article/cheetos-flamin-hot-dill-pickle-news/#respond Wed, 06 Nov 2024 17:16:55 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=43931 We’re in a bit of a pickle…

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There’s nothing like the holiday season to get the gossip mill up and running: who’s getting married, who’s getting divorced, what new Cheetos flavor may or may not be coming out. Okay, that last one might be just us, but I know you perked up when you read that (you wouldn’t be here otherwise). The Reddit town criers are back on their usual misinformation tirade, there may or may not be some merit to the excitement around the possibility of a Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle Cheetos flavor hitting the store shelves soon. 

Are Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle Cheetos Really Dropping? 

According to the r/snacking Reddit, a Facebook post depicting a green and black bag featuring Chester Cheetah holding a pickle began circulating about a week ago, and ever since then crazed Cheetoheads have been trying to crack the code of if and when this new flavor will be dropping. 

A Facebook user claiming to be a Frito Lay worker commented on the post, saying, “They will be out as a limited-time only item in February.” Alas, even my Gen-Z internet-detective skills are no match for the challenge of verifying if any part of their claims are true—but Instagram user snackolator, who has proven to be a relatively reliable source, is also reporting that these spicy dill pickle snacks are on their way to shelves in February 2025. Can’t believe everything you see on Facebook—or can you? 

No, Really, Is This Real?

It’s not like we haven’t been faced with this debacle before. Thanks to stunts like Lay’s very real IHOP and very possible Cap’n Crunch collaborations, we here at Sporked are quite familiar with the work of major companies trying to trot out product excitement whether or not the product is even released. Ever heard of the hit marketing strategy “post an edit of the flavor you’re considering releasing online and see what the people say before you actually release it?” Hey, now you have. 

Though we don’t know if this is exactly what Cheetos is doing (or if it’s just a Facebook user with some really good Photoshop skills playing a massive prank on all the foodies on the internet, which would be kind of mean), it’s not stopping the rumor mill from churning out new content every day. Touche, Cheetos (or random Facebook user who’s really good at Photoshop. Touche). 

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A Festive Sneak Peek at the Seasonal Candy Hitting Stores for the Holidays https://sporked.com/article/seasonal-holiday-candy-2024/ https://sporked.com/article/seasonal-holiday-candy-2024/#respond Thu, 31 Oct 2024 20:19:39 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=43643 We may be putting spooky season to rest for another year, but that doesn’t mean the candy bonanza is over. The holidays are just around the corner and, much like a large man in a red suit who is prone to breaking and entering, seasonal candy is on its way. We’ve compiled a list of...

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We may be putting spooky season to rest for another year, but that doesn’t mean the candy bonanza is over. The holidays are just around the corner and, much like a large man in a red suit who is prone to breaking and entering, seasonal candy is on its way. We’ve compiled a list of some of the new Christmas candy we’re most excited to try this holiday season (and some returning faves you’ll only find this time of year). A little sugar will help make up for all the stress, the empty bank account, and the undue amount of family time, right?

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.

M&M’s Toasted Holiday Peanut

Peanuts toasting on an open fire…or something like that, right? Though it may not be a perfect interpretation of the classic song, these new M&M’s—Toasted Holiday Peanut M&M’s—are a delightful addition to a holiday treat spread. Toasted nuts are good enough to shove in your mouth by the handful as it is—and toasted nut-flavored M&M’s are even better, obviously. 

Read our ranking of the best M&M’s flavors

Reese’s Sugar Cookie Cups

Few candy brands do as much as Reese’s does. Whether it’s Easter, spooky season, or the winter holidays, you can rest assured they’re going to release some new candy to try. This year, Reese’s is leaning into the classic tradition of leaving out milk and cookies for Santa with these mini Sugar Cookie peanut butter cups, and we think it’s just about time. With bits of sugar cookie embedded in the peanut butter center, Reese’s has once again given us a frontrunner for best holiday candy, but we’ll see how the cookie crumbles when these new Reese’s cups hit stores.

Find out which Reese’s candy you are based on your zodiac sign

Kit Kat Santas

This new Kit Kat may not be any different flavor-wise (you’d have to reach for the new Vanilla Kit Kats for any developments in that arena), but the Santa shape of these original milk chocolate Kit Kats is enough to make us feel jolly nonetheless. These were released in the UK in 2020, but this is the first time you can get them in the U.S.

Dots Lumps of Coal

Know someone who’s definitely going to be on the naughty list this year? Give them a stocking full of coal—but make it candy. Dots is re-releasing Lumps of Coal as part of their holiday lineup this year, so now you can have black gumdrops stuck in your molars until spring. Don’t worry, they won’t taste like coal—Dots was kind enough to make them Blackberry and Black Cherry flavored—but we’re excited to see what these bad boys (for bad boys) taste like.

Sour Patch Kids Ornaments

Christmas tree decorating is never a peaceful process, but it can be a little sweeter this year with Sour Patch Kids Ornaments. The new shape comes in just two flavors, Redberry and Lime—so yeah, they’re basically Sour Patch Kids but with fewer flavor options—but the Christmas vibes are immaculate.

Frosty Nerds

Ready to nerd out over some holiday-themed Nerds? This limited-edition mix of Watermelon, Wild Cherry, and Punch sounds pretty sweet. These Nerds are reportedly already on shelves—and they’re the perfect stocking stuffer for people who’ve always dreamed of eating the gravel at the bottom of a fish tank.

Ice Breakers Candy Cane Mints

After a grueling grocery shopping trip, I love taking a moment to see what Ice Breakers has going on in the impulse-buy aisle (aka the checkout line). Soon, we should start seeing Ice Breakers Candy Cane mints back on shelves for the season. Now, are mint-flavored mints exciting? That’s debatable, but I’m giving Ice Breakers the benefit of the doubt on this one.

Trolli Sour Brite Abominable Snowmen

Tropical flavors and snowmen may make a strange pairing, but Trolli is challenging our expectations with their new Abominable Snowmen in Mango-Passionfruit, Strawberry-Lime, and Blue Raspberry-Guava flavors. Along with their funky shape, these sour gummies are a tropical twist on the typically frigid landscape of winter, and we’re happy about that—even if we don’t really feel “frigid” temps here in L.A.

Read our ranking of the best gummy candy

Lindt Lindor Cinnamon Swirl Truffles

Nothing screams December like a centerpiece bowl overflowing with Lindor truffles. The delectable, creamy spheres are a holiday staple. This year, Lindt is adding a new flavor to the ranks: Lindt Lindor Cinnamon Swirl Truffles. These cinnamon-bun inspired candies have a cinnamon center surrounded by a shell of white chocolate. If you’re not afraid of very sweet sweets, this may just be the perfect spherical holiday treat for you.

Werther’s Original Caramel Popcorn Cinnamon Cookie

Okay, this isn’t candy per se, but it sure is sweet. Werther’s Originals are those old-timey caramel candies that reminds us of our grandparents—but they actually taste really, really good (if caramel candies have no fans, I’m dead). But Werther’s also likes showing us that you actually can teach an old dog new tricks—just take a look at our Werther’s fall flavors ranking—and this new holiday season snack sounds good. This is one of a few new treats they have heading to stores for the holidays, and they all sound delish.

Flipz Peppermint Hot Cocoa Flavored Pretzels

Flipz top our list of the best chocolate covered pretzels, and they’re spoiling us this holiday season with two new flavors: Peppermint Hot Cocoa pretzels and Snickerdoodle pretzels. These may not be candy in its most pure form, but we’re still excited to see these limited-edition flavors hit stores on November 11.

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We Have Bad News About the Hot Pocket Sleeve (and Some Good News, Too) https://sporked.com/article/hot-pocket-sleeve-news/ https://sporked.com/article/hot-pocket-sleeve-news/#comments Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:29:57 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=43532 If you love Hot Pockets, you know all about the simple joy of sinking your teeth into that crispy outside and then scalding your taste buds on the hot, oozy filling that’s just so delectable you couldn’t possibly wait for it to cool down. But much like the times, Hot Pockets are a-changin’. The brand...

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If you love Hot Pockets, you know all about the simple joy of sinking your teeth into that crispy outside and then scalding your taste buds on the hot, oozy filling that’s just so delectable you couldn’t possibly wait for it to cool down. But much like the times, Hot Pockets are a-changin’. The brand just announced the official retirement of the Hot Pocket  sleeve—and the internet is kind of losing its mind. 

In August, when we taste tested  the new(ish) BBQ Beef Hot Pockets, we noticed that they came sans crisper sleeves.  We thought maybe it was an unfortunate oversight, because, tbh, the Hot Pocket we tried didn’t really get crispy without it. And commenters were disturbed, too. “Omg no I was not aware it no longer has a sleeve!” one user said. Another added, “Since when?? I bought some a couple of months ago and they had the sleeve!” Alas, Hot Pockets are officially going sleeveless—and they have a promotion going on right now to help people warm up to the news (literally).

Really? No more Hot Pocket sleeve? How will they ever make this up to us?

Earlier this month, Hot Pockets launched a campaign to celebrate the official departure of the Hot Pocket sleeve—and it’s a lot more on-theme than expected. The brand announced the release of a holiday sweater with zip-off sleeves, selling for $40 exclusively on their website, “because sleeves are so last year.” There are three more drops you can still get in on, one of them today (October 29), and two more on November 19 and December 3, respectively.

The sweater features a distressed, melting snowman (he’s melting because Hot Pockets are hot, see) and, of course, the detachable zipper sleeves that are intended to ring in this new post-Hot Pocket sleeve era. Still, the sweater is cold comfort to people who loved the sleeve. “They’re not as good, the crust is like waxy almost. The sleeve being a carry case was a huge perk of hot pockets they used in advertising,” one Reddit user wrote. But a lot of Hot Pockets fans have argued the sleeve has become obsolete in the age of the air fryer. 

Hot Pockets was offering a reusable, dishwasher-safe holding sleeve for free, but sadly it’s been “sold” out for a while. And anyway, that sleeve isn’t going to help crisp your Hot Pocket if you’re still cooking them in the microwave rather than the air fryer. For those mourning the loss of an iconic part of Hot Pockets culture, we hope the sweater is consolation—though we understand that maybe sleeves belong on some clothing (and some foods, apparently). 

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The Best Vegetarian Game Day Snacks https://sporked.com/article/best-vegetarian-game-day-snacks/ https://sporked.com/article/best-vegetarian-game-day-snacks/#respond Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:09:40 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=15458 Everyone knows the real meat of a football watch party is the vegetarian snack spread. Now you may be wondering, with a culture so tied to buffalo wings and burgers and hot dogs and also more wings, what even is there for our football-loving vegetarian friendos? Trust me when I tell you, SO MUCH. A...

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Everyone knows the real meat of a football watch party is the vegetarian snack spread. Now you may be wondering, with a culture so tied to buffalo wings and burgers and hot dogs and also more wings, what even is there for our football-loving vegetarian friendos?

Trust me when I tell you, SO MUCH. A lot of the best football snacks are actually vegetarian, and to help you pick the best ones we have created this list of the best vegetarian game day snacks. So whether you are a tailgating type or a chillin’-on-the-couch-alone-with-a-bowl-of-chips type, this list has a snack you’ll love. So let’s get (first) down to business and talk vegetarian snacks for game day.

Good Foods Spicy Chunky Guacamole

Is it a punt (get it?) to include a snack that’s always vegetarian on our list of the best vegetarian game day snacks? Maybe. But hear us out: You gotta have good guac on the menu. Everyone likes it—omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans. And the fact of the matter is that a lot of store bought guac tastes bad! But before you bust out the molcajete to make your own, give this spicy guac a shot. It’s slightly spicy, it tastes fresher than most premade guac—and it doesn’t have tomatoes (decide for yourself if that’s a W or an L). Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian so everyone will know it’s safe to dig in.

Read the full ranking of the best store bought guacamole

Daring Buffalo Plant Chicken Wings

“Game day” and “wings” are as synonymous as two words can be—and thanks to these plant-based buffalo chicken wings, vegetarians don’t have to miss out on that staple of sports culture. Daring’s wings are vegan and gluten free, and they took the top spot in our vegan buffalo wings taste test because they have a bold Buffalo flavor and a surprisingly meat-like texture. Plus, you won’t find chicken bones crumpled in a napkin on your end table two weeks after the big game.

Read the full ranking of the best vegan Buffalo wings

Trader Joe’s Mini Vegetable Samosas

When you think game day spreads, you think finger foods, right? You can’t exactly fork-and-knife it when you’re sitting on a sofa next to friends who keep spontaneously screaming and flying out of their seats. Trader Joe’s veggie samosas are a perfect vegetarian finger food, and so much more fun than yet another veggies-and-dip platter.

Read the full ranking of the best Trader Joe’s frozen appetizers

MorningStar Veggie Corn Dogs

Corn dogs are another classic American staple that are closely associated with sports. But much like most other game day foods, a tasty vegetarian corn dog is pretty hard to come by. MorningStar is your best bet when it comes to fun, easy, vegetarian foods on a stick. With the right condiment pairings, your meat-eaters won’t even be able to tell them from real corn dogs. 

Read the full ranking of the best corn dogs

Kite Hill Spinach Artichoke Dip

Okay, this is another dip that’s pretty much always vegetarian, but what we’re recommending here is even more inclusive for your vegetarian game day snacks spread: yup, vegan spinach artichoke dip. This almond milk-based dip is dairy free, soy free, gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher, and it’s made from live cultures. This stuff is thick, so spring for some pita chips to go with.

Read the full ranking of the best spinach dip

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Aldi Is Selling a Whole Thanksgiving Dinner for 10 for Less Than $5 a Person https://sporked.com/article/aldi-thanksgiving-basket-2024/ https://sporked.com/article/aldi-thanksgiving-basket-2024/#respond Fri, 18 Oct 2024 20:49:53 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=43155 Gobble, gobble, gobble up this cheap Thanksgiving meal.

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Budgeting around the holidays is tough, especially when you’re the assigned host family and all of a sudden you’re feeding 30 people twice in the span of a month. Fortunately, Aldi is rolling back inflation with their cheapest Thanksgiving basket in five years. For just $47, Aldi is bundling an entire Butterball turkey along with enough side dishes and dessert to feed ten people. That’s less than $5 per person. That’s cheaper than most frozen pizza out there. 

What’s in Aldi’s Thanksgiving basket?

According to a press release, Aldi’s promotion comes as the result of a study suggesting that “grocery prices are up 50% across the industry since 2019.” And though you’re probably not collecting money at the door, it’s still a deal to get ten servings of Thanksgiving favorites for just under $50 (that’s even cheaper than Walmart’s 2024 Thanksgiving meal deal). So, what do you get in this Thanksgiving bundle?

Here’s the rundown: 

  • Butterball turkey (they assume a 16 lb turkey)
  • Spices for the turkey
  • Gravy
  • Rolls
  • Boxed mac and cheese
  • Boxed stuffing mix 
  • Cranberry sauce ingredients
  • Mashed potato ingredients
  • Sweet potato casserole ingredients (including marshmallows) 
  • Green bean casserole ingredients (including crispy onions) 
  • Pumpkin pie (and whipped topping) 

What if you aren’t hosting Thanksgiving dinner? Aldi still has you covered

Say you aren’t cooking for a crowd. Instead, you’re heading over to a Friendsgiving to drink and eat and…drink. Aldi has something for you, as well. This year, the store is offering three different Thanksgiving bundles under $10, each paired with a bottle of California Heritage Pinot Noir. 

Here are the bundles: 

  • Emporium Selection Aged Reserve White Cheddar + Specially Selected Scalloped Crackers + California Heritage Pinot Noir
  • Park Street Deli Truffle or Red Pepper Dip + Savoritz Entertainment Crackers + California Heritage Pinot Noir
  • Bake Shop Pumpkin Pie + California Heritage Pinot Noir

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Halloween Party Snacks for a Spooky Good Time https://sporked.com/article/best-halloween-party-snacks/ https://sporked.com/article/best-halloween-party-snacks/#comments Fri, 18 Oct 2024 18:13:46 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=26610 When you start poking around online for the best Halloween party snacks, chances are you’re seeing a lot of recipes for cookies that look like witch fingers, pigs in a blanket that look like mummies, and elaborate charcuterie spreads that look like skinned corpses—all very impressive, but we think Halloween should be fun, not labor...

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When you start poking around online for the best Halloween party snacks, chances are you’re seeing a lot of recipes for cookies that look like witch fingers, pigs in a blanket that look like mummies, and elaborate charcuterie spreads that look like skinned corpses—all very impressive, but we think Halloween should be fun, not labor intensive. Honestly, the only thing scarier than a vampire out for blood is spending all day in the kitchen when you should be on the couch watching horror movies. Here are some easy Halloween party snacks you can scare up for your next spooky shindig.

Zombie Takis

Halloween party snacks should be on theme. And really, it’s not a party without a spicy chip on the menu—we suggest adding Zombie Takis to your easy Halloween party snacks spread. These cucumber-habanero-flavored Takis are frightfully delicious and they’re a gruesome green Put ‘em in a bowl. Call them Zombie Fingers. Now go watch Return of the Living Dead for the hundredth time.

Read our roundup of even more salty Halloween snacks

Good Foods Spicy Chunky Guacamole

Want a ghoulish green dip to go with those ghoulish green chips? How about the best guac at the grocery store? It’s tasty, chunky, and looks enough like something Regan would spew onto Father Karas to fit our theme. 

Read the full ranking of the best store bought guacamole

Brach’s Mellowcreme Autumn Leaves

Candy corn is one of the most controversial candies out there. It is sweet, it is waxy, and yes, it is purportedly food. (Really want to creep people out with your Hallowen party snacks? Remind them they’re made with bug secretions.)  But we all kind of love it nonetheless. If you want something with that iconic chew but you also want to mix things up a bit for your Halloween soiree, Brach’s has you covered with their new Autumn Leaves, which are made with “mellowcreme” like candy corn, but come in five fun flavors: caramel apple, pumpkin spice, sweet maple, salted butterscotch, and spicer cider. Halloween snacks for party time don’t have to be gross—they can be downright lovely!

M&M’s Ghoul’s Blend

Have you ever felt (or acted upon) the urge to grab a handful of small, colorful objects and shove them in your mouth? If you haven’t, you’re missing out. But you can live out your dreams with these Halloween M&M’s, which are the same as regular M&M’s except in spooky orange, green, and purple. Fill a bowl with these puppies and it’ll be scary how fast they disappear.!

Reese’s Werewolf Tracks

Halloween would not be the same without Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. They’re just one of those candies you’re guaranteed to consume an obscene amount of as soon as October starts (or maybe this is a year-round occurrence—we don’t judge). And when Reese’s unleashes new peanut butter cups that have a layer of vanilla creme that makes them look like a full moon? Well, that’s reason enough to add even more Reese’s to the mix of Halloween party snacks. They’re werewolf approved, guys.

Sensible Portions Ghosts & Bats Garden Veggie Snack Chips

If there’s one person who will never judge how many sweets you eat, it’s going to be me. But if you’re trying for a slightly more balanced table or you’re looking out for ghouls and goblins with dietary restrictions, these gluten-free veggie chips are a scary fun way to spice up your Halloween party snacks spread. They’re still pretty spooky—the Halloween shapes make sure of that—but they’re perf for people who don’t like sweets or suffer from the frightful effects of a gluten allergy.

Read our roundup of the best gluten free Halloween candy

Clancy’s Drizzled Maple Kettle Corn

Kettle corn is a classic fall treat. And I’ll be totally honest—there isn’t anything inherently spooky about this maple-drizzled popcorn from Aldi, but it is scary good (and scary cheap, too). It’s not too sweet (because we definitely get enough of that this time of year), with just a hint of that maple goodness that screams autumn. This stuff will make your Halloween party spread really pop off, pun intended.

Read our ranking of the best Aldi fall foods

Hebrew National Beef Franks in a Puff Pastry Blanket

Even if you’re angling for easy Halloween party snacks, you should have something more substantial than chips and candy on the snack table. We recommend these Hebrew National pigs in a blanket. Just heat ‘em up, slap a “mummy” or “disembodied fingers” label on them, and your protein requirement for a Halloween spread is complete. 

Read the full ranking of the best pigs in a blanket

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The Best Vegan Halloween Candy https://sporked.com/article/vegan-halloween-candy/ https://sporked.com/article/vegan-halloween-candy/#respond Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:56:37 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=43037 Scary things abound on Halloween: Ghosts, flesh-eating zombies, witches reserving their most heinous black magic for Halloween night. But the scariest thing for vegans? Winding up with a trick-or-treat bag full of milk chocolate candy bars and gelatin-loaded gummies. If you have dietary restrictions, it can be tough to steer clear of Halloween treats that...

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Scary things abound on Halloween: Ghosts, flesh-eating zombies, witches reserving their most heinous black magic for Halloween night. But the scariest thing for vegans? Winding up with a trick-or-treat bag full of milk chocolate candy bars and gelatin-loaded gummies. If you have dietary restrictions, it can be tough to steer clear of Halloween treats that aren’t vegan friendly. Fortunately, not every candy is off the gourd-littered table. Here’s some of the best vegan Halloween candy to indulge in if you’re vegan—or to stock up on if you want to put out a more inclusive Halloween candy bowl this year.

Note: We are taste testers, not nutritionists. If you are a strict vegan, please always check a product’s ingredients for yourself!

Reese’s Miniatures Plant Based Oat Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are one of the most coveted Halloween candies. And maybe I’m just young and naive, but it would be nice if they were vegan friendly from the get-go. Alas, the milk chocolate coating gets in the way. But Hershey’s is making it up to vegans with these recently released plant-based peanut butter cups. The chocolate coating is made with oat milk instead of regular milk, so it’s vegan friendly—and safe for people who are lactose intolerant, too. This vegan Halloween candy is a big win for dairy-averse peanut butter boys.

YumEarth Halloween Organic Gummy Fruits

These gummies make a lot of our best Halloween candy lists—because if something tastes good and just happens to be gluten-free, allergen-free, and vegan, we have to keep coming back to it. Most chewy Halloween candies are made with gelatin; these YumEarth fruit snacks manage to have a super satisfying chew without any gelatin in the mix. The best vegan Halloween candy could be confused for non-vegan candy, and YumEarth proves that.

Smarties

Have you ever contemplated eating drywall? That’s what Smarties remind me of sometimes. But they’re a classic all the same—and one of the best vegan Halloween candy options that you will most certainly find in your trick-or-treat bag. As sure as the sun will rise on November 1, there will be Smarties! 

Airheads

Airheads are one of my favorite things ever. I think the texture is perfect, even though some people would probably argue they’re so stiff they seem like they’ve been sitting around since last Halloween. And the White Mystery flavor? Don’t even get me started. If I were vegan and I found out that Airheads were vegan Halloween candy, I would be on cloud nine. I’m not vegan, and I’m still on cloud nine. No notes. Airheads are vegan. Be free—but also be aware that we’re only talking about the bars here; Airheads bites and gummies aren’t vegan.

Dum-Dums

Nothing harkens back to the old elementary school days quite like Dum-Dums do. There’s just something no nostalgic about being handed a lollipop on your way out of a classroom and sprinting to the playground to compare flavors and strike up some serious trade deals to get exactly the one you want. At least that’s what I remember—and I hope Dum Dums still bring the same joy to kids nowadays, especially those with allergies or dietary restrictions, considering Dum Dums are considered a vegan Halloween candy. The joy of learning about negotiation tactics at seven years old can continue for years to come. 

Dots

Finding gummy Halloween candy that isn’t marketed as vegan but actually us vegan is an undeniable conundrum. Finding a name-brand sweet that already makes their product vegan? Now that’s worth talking about. These things may get stuck in your teeth until the end of time, but I think the original Dots lineup being vegan is pretty neat. If you come across a little box of Dots in your trick-or-treat bag, rest assured they’re vegan. Oh and go ahead and make your next dental appointment now.

Red Vines

Both Red Vines and Twizzlers are considered vegan, but we’re on the West Coast, baby, and that means Red Vines are king. This classic movie-theater snack is also some of the best vegan Halloween candy. Licorice may not be up everyone’s alley, but Red Vines are generally a crowd-pleaser.

SweeTARTS

They’re sweet, they’re tart, and they’re vegan. SweeTARTS do contain calcium stearate, an ingredient that’s a red flag for vegans, but the company says theirs is plant derived. And steer clear of any of the chewy varieties of SweeTARTS—we’re talking about the classic crunchy guys here. This is a pretty standard candy to give out on Halloween, and it’s a vegan Halloween candy everyone likes at least a little bit.

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