All the Best Foods and Drinks We Tried in January 2023

The arrival of a new year means new goals and a renewed sense of enthusiasm for all aspects of life—and the chance to check out all kinds of delicious foods.

In January, we were introduced to all kinds of incredible eats, from new healthy snacks to beneficial beverages and decadent desserts and so much more. We try it all so we can pass along our favorites, so keep scrolling to discover what we loved in January 2023.

Taylor Chip Cookies

Cookie lovers of all kinds owe it to themselves to try out Taylor Chip Cookies. Not only are they massive, but the brand features unique flavors you don't see just anywhere, while also expertly nailing all of the classics. We tried their Everyone's Favorite Assortment box, which includes chocolatey delights such as S'mores, Chocolate Chip, half-brownie, half-cookie Brookie and Oreos & Cream, but our favorites had to be the ones that didn't have chocolate. The rich Snickerdoodle had the perfect balance of sugar and cinnamon, while their way-too-easy-to-eat-in-one-sitting Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookie was embedded with massive pretzel sticks and packed with caramel goodness in every single bite. They're also so gooey and delicious warmed up.

(via Taylor Chip Cookies)

 

Also read about: The Crumbl Cookie Flavor That Suits You Best, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

 

Frescos Naturales

While classic aguas frescas take fresh fruit juices and add water and sweetener to create a refreshing, tropical beverage, Frescos Naturales up the ante by adding bubbles, and they're our favorite take on the traditional drink yet. These awesome sparkling drinks are flavored with real juice, making them extra tangy with just the right amount of sweetness, while featuring the best Latin American flavors. While the Piña (pineapple) and Guayaba (guava) flavors were our favorites in the pack, they're all worth sipping to discover your own personal go-to.

(via Frescos Naturales)

 

Prospector Popcorn

If you're looking for a new favorite popcorn brand that has mastered sweet as well as savory flavors, Prospector Popcorn should be at the top of your shopping list. We got to try their "Some Like It Hot" Pack, and it's not quite like any other popcorn we've tried, with the perfect balance of flavor and heat to keep us coming back for more. The Sweet & Spicy flavor is a classic crunchy caramel corn, but infused with a potent hot sauce by Sticker Mule so that the habanero and scotch bonnet heat slowly builds on your tongue as you eat. On the other hand, both the Buffalo Cheddar and Buffalo Ranch flavors balance buffalo cayenne caramel popcorn with perfectly seasoned cheddar or ranch pieces for the ultimate complementary blends. Once you start nibbling, it's so hard to stop.

(via Prospector Popcorn)

 

Tattooed Chef

It's not every day that you stumble upon a bar that needs to be refrigerated, but Tattooed Chef's Oat Butter Bars are completely worth the extra step. The scrumptious plant-based and gluten-free bars come in Chocolate Chip, Brownie, Peanut and Graham flavors, with a decadent, dessert-like taste and texture, while delivering 12 to 14 grams of protein per bar. Even better, they're absolutely packed with adaptogens, including ashwagandha, holy basil and reishi—plus vitamin D3—and after eating them, we always feel like a million bucks. We feel the boost to mood and focus, so we don't mind having to go to the fridge to grab them.

(via Tattooed Chef)

 

Chosen Foods

Avocado oil has all kinds of benefits, from being a heart-healthy, unsaturated fat to working as an antioxidant, but the reason we're loving the avocado cooking oil, avocado oil spray and avocado oil-based classic mayo from Chosen Foods is that the results are absolutely delicious. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than most other cooking oils, making it ideal for pretty much any cooking application, and the spray makes for zero stickiness in our pans and baking trays—but the mayo is the one that really wowed us. It had just the right amount of creaminess, with a flavor that closely imitates egg-based mayonnaise in a better-for-you package.

(via Chosen Foods)

 

Explorer Cold Brew

Explorer Cold Brew has long been our go-to cold brew concentrate brand because of their tasty brews available at different caffeine levels, so when we found out they also had chai concentrates, we knew we had to give them a taste. They were kind enough to send a bottle of their Sunset Chamomile Chai Concentrate, and we were instantly hooked. The caffeine-free blend managed to capture the essence of our favorite chais thanks to the perfect combination of spices and honey sweetness—and all we had to do was add the milk.

(via Explorer Cold Brew)

 

Also read about: Explorer Cold Brew Co. Makes the Tastiest Cold Brew That Caters EXACTLY to Your Caffeine Needs

 

MadeGood

On the surface, MadeGood's snacks may look pretty standard. Their lineup includes everything from granola bars and bites to crispy squares, cheesy crackers and cookies, and while everything we've tried from the brand is delicious, it's what's inside that really makes the difference. In addition to being nut-free and gluten-free, as well as free from all of the most common allergens, they're also organic and loaded with vegetable extracts so that they're extra nutritious. You can't taste the spinach, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, beets and shiitake mushrooms packed into every bite, but you get all of their benefits of vitamins A, B6, C, D and E, plus thiamin, as you satisfy your cravings.

(via MadeGood)

 

DRAM

If you love the bubbles in sparkling water but are sick of artificial-tasting or overwhelmingly fruity flavors, we can't recommend DRAM enough. Like most sparkling waters, they're completely sugar-free, with zero calories, but these drinks are also non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan while being flavored with real plants. The result is a tasty collection of drinks with flavors that are complex yet delicate, and with just a hint of sweetness. We're also infatuated with their (clear) Adaptogenic Mushroom Cola and Holy Basil & Lemon Adaptogenic Sparkling Water, both of which boast incredible flavors and adaptogens that do wonders to improve mood and focus.

(via DRAM)

 

Hasu

Hasu really is unlike anything else we've ever seen, using 3D printed sugar from Sugar Lab 3D to create a mindfulness experience in the form of a micro-meditation tablet. It may look like a small candy, but truly, it's about a full, rich experience. Simply set some time aside in your day and ground yourself with deep breaths before getting out a Hasu tablet, taking a minute to simply take in and focus on its aroma. It's then placed on the tongue, where the focus is next pulled to the mouthfeel as the sugar slowly melts away to nothing—which, incredibly, takes almost precisely one minute—to create a sense of focused calm to bring with you into the rest of your day. While the tablets are beautiful, shaped like tiny lotus flowers in green, cream and tan, and they come in gentle mint, ginger and vanilla flavors, the taste is only one aspect of the experience. We were shocked at how grounding they really are, and can't wait to find other ways to work them into a meditation routine.

(via Hasu)

 

KLIMON

We've never met anyone who wasn't an ice cream fan, but we have met plenty of people who can't enjoy traditional ice cream for health, dietary or even ethical reasons. Unfortunately, lots of non-dairy ice creams just don't stack up—but KLIMON isn't one of them. The almond-based ice cream brand has perfected its formula to produce precisely the creamy, soft texture you can expect from great ice cream, without a weird aftertaste, making it almost too easy to devour all at once. The fact they only have five flavors in the lineup—Caramel Brûlée, Cherry Bomb, Mint Condition, Morning Brew and Sunrise Bang—means they're all honed to perfection, and no matter which pint you open up, you're going to be pleased with what you taste.

(via KLIMON)

 

TBJ Gourmet

As bacon lovers, the second we heard there was a bacon chocolate bar, we knew we had to get our hands on it, and TBJ Gourmet does not disappoint. The bar is quite dark, but balanced with sweetness and never bitter, working as the ideal complement to the bits of salty, crispy bacon and alderwood smoked salt embedded in every bite. It's a bar of contrasts, from the texture to the taste, making it a go-to when we want to indulge in something extra satisfying.

(via TBJ Gourmet)

 

RA.D8

RA.D8 is a unique sparkling tea infused with all kinds of unique ingredients to make it into a "skincare soda" of sorts, making it a fabulous addition to any skincare routine. It starts with Collactive, combining 100% marine-based collagen with elastin to perk up skin, minimize lines and help it retain moisture, while also including tomato oil extract to balance cell damage and sea buckthorn, which is packed with healthy Omega acids. They also come in Green Apple Ginger, Lemonade Thyme, Cool Pineapple and Blueberry Vanilla flavors that complement the ingredients well—though we will warn you that we occasionally got a hint of a slightly savory, almost fishy, taste, which might have something to do with the fact that marine collagen is derived from fish skin. The exception was the Blueberry Vanilla, which didn't give us this issue—and which quickly became our favorite.

(via RA.D8)

 

YES Cacao

If you haven't noticed already, we love when foods can make us feel as great as they taste thanks to the addition of adaptogens, and YES Cacao's unique vegan chocolate blends are all about their incredible benefits. According to the brand, chocolate made with great cacao actually helps the body absorb nutrients more easily, making these Ecuadorian cacao-derived bars the perfect delivery system for all kinds of good-for-you ingredients. First, we tried their Endurance bar, which includes maca, reishi and shilajit to improve brain function, reduce stress, boost immunity and enhance strength. This bar was dark, with just a hint of bitterness and a slightly grassy flavor, but we loved the way it made us feel ready to take on a long, tough day. The Bliss Out bar, despite being 84% dark chocolate, was quite sweet, with notes of vanilla and dried fruit, and did wonders for quieting our minds—making them the perfect before-bed nibble. But our favorite was probably the Brain Power bar, which tasted more like blonde chocolate with earthy notes and warming chai spices, while getting our minds in the zone to accomplish pretty much anything. Plus, the packaging also has little affirmations printed on it, going hand in hand with their powerful effects.

(via YES Cacao)

 

Lady M

After having our first taste of a Red Bean Mille Crêpes cake from Lady M, we cannot stop telling people all about it. This Lunar New Year dessert is made from layer upon layer of paper-thin handmade crêpes, layered with delicate yet rich cream and red bean to stack high into an impeccably light cake. And we don't even usually like red bean! Eating this was an experience, and while it's a bit expensive to get one delivered, it's fully worth the cost— and we think we won't be long before we head back to their online shop to try out another tempting flavor.

(via Lady M)

 

Also read about: 9 Tasty Treats Just for Celebrating the Lunar New Year

 

HIPPEAS

We're long-time fans of HIPPEAS and their vegan, chickpea protein-packed cheese puffs, but with more recent additions to the lineup, they've firmly cemented themselves as a go-to snack brand. Their veggie straws have just the right amount of crunch while coming in the tastiest savory flavors, while their tortilla chips seriously give Doritos a run for their money, while also including protein, iron, calcium and potassium in every chip. They recently added a Nacho Vibes flavor to the mix, nailing it once again with epic cheesy flavor and a satisfying bite that makes it okay if you fill up on chips.

(via HIPPEAS)

 

GORGIE

We could all use an energy drink made without all of the fake junk that comes in most popular brands, which is where GORGIE comes in. These drinks are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and free of sugar, aspartame and artificial flavors while boasting 150 mg of natural caffeine from green tea leaves. They also include immunity-boosting vitamins B6 and B12, biotin for healthy hair, skin and nails and stress-reducing L-Theanine, and while we love all of that, what really has us hooked is the taste. Their Sparkling Watermelon Crush, Sparkling Electric Berry and Sparkling Peachy Keen all have vibrant, fruity tastes that make them super sippable when you're at your busiest.

(via GORGIE)

 

Tony's Chocolonely

Tony's Chocolonely has long been one of our all-time favorite chocolate brands, thanks to their exquisite chocolate, as well as their mission to end exploitation in the world of cocoa, and their new Tiny Tony's have us more obsessed than ever. Tony's Chocolonely bars are famously huge, and for those times we don't want to break into a massive bar, the octagonal Tiny Tony's chocolates are the perfect way to satiate our chocolate cravings—though with their inch-wide diameter, we wouldn't exactly call them tiny. And while the classic Milk Chocolate flavor is dreamy and delicious, the Milk Chocolate Sea Salt flavor is even better thanks to bits of extra crunchy salted caramel bits.

(via Tony's Chocolonely)

 

Also read about: Tony's Chocolonely Leads By Example With Their Utterly Delicious, Slave-Free Chocolate Bars

 

The Pizza Cupcake

The Pizza Cupcake sounds like a match made in heaven, and these savory delights completely live up to their name. They ship frozen and heat up to perfection in the oven in just 12 minutes, resulting in fluffy, flaky and irresistible pizza bites filled with gooey, stretchy mozzarella and a flawlessly seasoned tomato sauce that will satiate any pizza craving. They're also available in both Margherita and Pepperoni varieties—though you can take the customization further with your favorite toppings and dips for the ultimate easy meal.

(via The Pizza Cupcake)

 

Reese's DiPPeD Animal Crackers

Animal crackers were already classic and irresistible enough on their own, but with the addition of Reese's chocolate and peanut butter goodness, they're a top-tier treat. Reese's DiPPeD Animal Crackers are basically a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup with a crispy cracker base, with both a texture and taste that will keep you popping critter after critter into your mouth.

(via Hersheyland)

 

Serenity Kids

We don't know about you, but it doesn't take long for us to get sick of the same smoothie flavors from every single brand, so Serenity Kids' brand-new Dairy-Free Smoothies are a breath of fresh air. Unlike pretty much every other smoothie on the market, they're not fully fruity and sweet, with flavors including Berry Butternut, Beet & Carrot, Sweet Potato Spice and Pumpkin Spice. In addition to including all kinds of veggies and being sweetened with only natural sugars, they have great, savory flavors, with coconut cream smoothness, while also being packed with nutrients and bovine collagen protein. They're also appropriate for all ages, and even though they're marketed as baby food, we actually love them as an easy on-the-go snack that isn't quite like anything else in our fridges.

(via Serenity Kids)

 

Minor Figures

When it comes to plant-based milks, oat milk has always been our favorite—and Minor Figures makes the best oat milk we've had the pleasure of tasting. While we've long been fans of their lusciously smooth canned oat lattes, we recently got the chance to try their oat milk on its own, and nothing really compares. Their Barista Oat (Light) blend is so creamy and delicate, with just a hint of sweetness coming through from the oats, and it's perfect for adding to coffees and teas (or even sipping out of a glass as you nibble on cookies). 

(via Minor Figures)

 

Blake's Seed Based

Not all granola bars are created equal, and the new Chewy Granola Bars from Blake's Seed Based are proof of that. On top of being allergy-friendly, gluten-free and seed-based, these bars are at once crispy and wonderfully chewy, making for decadent granola bars in Chocolate Chip, Birthday Cake and Apple Cinnamon flavors. Even though the bars aren't even one ounce, each one contains two grams of protein, and while the Apple Cinnamon is light and refreshing, Chocolate Chip is dipped in creamy chocolate, while Birthday Cake has a rich white chocolate coating. The flavors make them so easy to enjoy, whether you're eating them for an easy pick-me-up or enjoying as a tasty dessert.

(via Blake's Seed Based)

 

Fly by Jing

If you haven't yet experienced the incredible flavors of Fly by Jing, we think their Hot Pot Dip Set is the perfect introduction to the brand. It all starts with their Fire Hot Pot Base, adding fiery deliciousness as you cook meats, veggies and more in its tasty broth—and with the addition of their boldly flavored sauces, you can dial up the heat even further. Their Sichuan Chili Crisp had won various awards, combining spice, sweetness and savory punch, while their Chili Crisp Vinaigrette builds off the classic with sesame, vinegar and soy sauce for further complexity. Lastly, their brand new Sichaun Gold sauce is the hottest of the hot, with just a drop adding heat that's as intense as it is delicious.

(via Fly by Jing)

 

Sweet Aya

We'd never heard of tiger nuts before Sweet Aya, but now that we've tried them, we hope it's not long before they catch on in a big way. Tiger nuts are not actually nuts, but tubers—kind of like tiny, delicious potatoes—which gives them a unique chewy texture and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory flavors. Our favorite has to be the Smokey BBQ flavor, but the Sea Salt and the Dark Chocolate Covered varieties are also delicious. They also happen to be full of fiber and all kinds of vitamins and minerals, so you can feel good about snacking on them.

(via Sweet Aya)

 

If you loved this list, but want to go even further back, simply click HERE to discover the best foods and drinks we tried in December.