All the Best Foods and Drinks We Tried in May 2023

The summer is so close we can almost taste it—but we can actually taste all of the most delicious new foods and drinks we've been sampling over the last month.

May brought us a little bit of everything, from new and eco-friendly ways to enjoy bottled water to frozen treats, energy drinks, scrumptious snacks, hearty meals and everything in between. To discover what tickled our tastebuds best, just keep scrolling for all the best foods and drinks we tried in May 2023.

Bowlcut x Ji Won Choi

We kicked off AAPI heritage month with the ultimate fusion of flavors in the form of a collaboration between Asian American sauce brand Bowlcut and the Korean American fashion designer Ji Won Cho. Together, the two created a limited-edition gochujang sauce celebrating their hybrid cultures, and it's the most mouth-watering version of the classic sweet, spicy and savory fermented chili paste we've had the pleasure of tasting, with extra tang and bold garlic. While we were at it, we fell in love with Bowlcut's classic chili Crisp and Char Siu BBQ, too.

(via Bowlcut x Ji Won Choi)

 

Pink Sauce via Dave's Gourmet

We don't blame you if you were initially wary of TikTok's viral Pink Sauce, but now that it's available in a vegan formula and produced at an FDA-approved facility using a hot-fill process, you have nothing to worry about from this colorful and unusual sauce. It comes courtesy of Dave's Gourmet, tasting like a zesty, slightly spicy ranch infused with sweet, fruity flavor, thanks to the inclusion of real dragonfruit. It's a surprisingly tasty complement to chicken strips and pizza, but we love it best for dipping fries. Plus, that vibrant pink color truly can't be beat.

(via Pink Sauce via Dave's Gourmet)

 

Eva's Helado Artesanal

With its incredible flavors inspired by the desserts of Mexico and South and Central America, Eva's Helado Artesanal is unlike any other ice cream brand we've tried. Every flavor is ridiculously smooth and dreamy, but what's really special about the brand is the unique flavors, from the cinnamon-sugary Horchata & Churro Swirl to the caramel lovers' delight, Dulce De Leche. Of course, our favorite has to be the Mangoneada, consisting of a smooth, tangy mango sorbet with ribbons of tamarind and chile chamoy, replicating the complex summertime treat to perfection.

(via Eva's Helado Artesanal)

 

Also read about: Eva's Helado Artesanal Transforms Mexico's Most Iconic Flavors Into Delicious Ice Cream

 

Terra Delyssa

Whether you primarily use olive oil for cooking or love it for drizzling over meats or dipping bread, Terra Delyssa needs to be on their radar. You truly can't go wrong with the award-winning brand, from the almost nutty taste you get from their great EVOO to the rich flavors instilled in their Chili Pepper, Garlic, Rosemary and Lemon olive oils. As the cherry on top, the brand is also focused on sustainability, with byproducts turned into green charcoal, soap and cosmetics, and they transform deserts into orchards by planting 100,000 olive trees each and every year.

(via Terra Delyssa)

 

Buchi

buchi is one of our go-to brands for tasty kombucha, packed with all kinds of gut-healthy bacteria and probiotics, and with their new Wild Pop line, we're even more in love. These sodas come in classic flavors, such as Cream Soda Swirl, Lemon Lime Fizz, Strawberry Cream and Root Beer Float, but with just five grams of sugar per can, plus nine grams of plant fiber as well as live, active probiotics, they satisfy your cravings while making your tummy happy.

(via buchi)

 

Dirtbag

Dirtbag certainly caught our attention with their unusual name, and kept it with their delicious, nutrient-packed chocolate snack bars that are good for you while tasting amazing. The bars combine whole food ingredients including dates, 100% dark chocolate, sunflower seeds and rolled oats to make a sweet, snackable bar that's gluten-free, vegan, organic and non-GMO. Even more, the brand dedicates 1% of all sales to Mental Health, an organization helping people across the United States get access to mental health care.

(via Dirtbag)

 

SPIRIT Almond

We're not kidding when we say SPIRIT Almond's offerings are seriously addictive. Each of the six Japanese-inspired flavors, from Koji Salt to Seaweed, Mustard, Curry, Miso and Black Garlic, is savory and perfectly balanced, bringing the very best out of the natural crunch and nuttiness of the almonds to be incredibly satisfying, as well as nourishing for the body. We were legitimately sad once we'd finished our last pack, and will definitely be placing an order for more in the near future.

(via Spirit Almond)

 

Acid League

Our lives have changed for the better ever since we incorporated more vinegar into our cooking and veggie preparation, and Acid League has allowed us to take all of it to the next level with their Living Vinegars. The Strawberry Rosé beautifully complements fruit and vegetable alike in any vibrant salad, while the Garden Heat adds a buffalo-like vinegary spice to any dish your heart chooses and the Meyer Lemon Honey is sweet, tangy and vibrant for a fresh splash to any style of cooking. Our favorite, however, just may be the Cabernet Port, which offers a smoother flavor than balsamic without losing its punch.

(via Acid League)

 

Proxies

The first thing we love about Proxies is that their drinks are so unusual. Each blend is designed to accompany meals, with flavors selected for their acidity, body and tannin content. The grown-up flavors are inspired by wine pairings while being something that anyone can enjoy, with juice, tea, spice and bitters all fused into bold, tart flavors. We've tried their Rich & Spicy Red with steak dinners and their Crisp & Zesty White with Caesar salad, and the pairings truly are fabulous.

(via Proxies)

 

Peak Cocktails

For a different approach to the all-ages cocktail, there are Peak Cocktails, packing superfoods, adaptogens and nootropics to relax the body and mind after a tough day. The blend of ingredients is designed to aid muscle recovery, improve sleep and lift moods, all with zero added sugar, no caffeine and just 35 calories per can. Whether you're enjoying the sour punch of the Tart Passion Fruit Margarita or the ginger-cayenne heat of the Juicy Blood Orange Spritz, you really can't go wrong.

(via Peak Cocktails)

 

Saffron Road

On the hunt for a crunchy, savory snack that's a lot more wholesome than chips? Lately, we've been munching on Saffron Road's Organic Crunchy Chickpeas, which harness the nutrition and nutty flavor of roasted chickpeas to make for a protein-packed, feel-good treat. Every serving has six grams of protein, and while the Sea Salt variety is perfectly simple, we can't get enough of the Bombay Spice flavor, blending all kinds of wonderful Indian flavors to perfection, as well as the Korean BBQ flavor. It turns out that bulgogi and chickpeas were meant to be.

(via Saffron Road)

 

Milton's Craft Bakers

Cauliflower crust pizza may sound a bit iffy, but believe us when we say that Milton's Craft Bakers pizzas have created the ultimate thin, crunchy crust of your pizza party dreams. It tastes just like classic pizza crust—if not better—and the brand tops its pizzas with only the best ingredients. You can't go wrong with their Four Cheese Pizza or Uncured Pepperoni Pizza, but we're extra fond of their new Grilled Chicken & Garlic Cauliflower Crust Pizza, topped with mozzarella, roasted red peppers, onions and grilled chicken, complete with a red garlic pepper sauce.

(via Milton's Craft Bakers)

 

Magic Spoon

No one has mastered recreating classic cereals with better-for-you recipes quite like Magic Spoon, and the two latest flavors in the lineup will soothe your inner child and satisfy your Cookie Crisp cravings all at once. The brand recently introduced limited-edition flavors Chocolate Chip Cookie and Oatmeal Cookie, available together in their new Bakers Double Bundle.  The Chocolate Chip Cookie flavor is full of chocolatey goodness, while the Oatmeal Cookie flavor has cinnamon-sugar warmth, and they're the perfect way to eat cookies for breakfast (or as a late-night snack), with at least 14 grams of protein, plus zero sugar and four to five net carbs in every serving.

(via Magic Spoon)

 

Kroma Wellness

When we're in a hurry, we love it when we can just mix powder with water to make a delicious and powerfully effective beverage, which is what's got us infatuated with Kroma Wellness and their Ultimate Vitality Latte. It's a delicious golden turmeric latte, complemented with spicy ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom, that also packs adaptogenic reishi to promote calm and boost moods. Turmeric is also said to have anti-aging properties, but we're most focused on the amazing taste and feeling great all day long. We also recommend adding it to your morning coffee to make it even simpler to incorporate into your pre-existing routine.

(via Kroma Wellness)

 

Late July

There's something so heavenly about a green goddess dressing, combining pungent basil and garlic with parmesan and lemon, and now, you can enjoy the iconic dressing in the form of a tortilla chip thanks to Late July. We love the crunch and texture of these yellow corn chips, and the vibrance of the seasoning is simply unmatched, making it all too easy to munch on a whole bag in a single sitting.

(via Late July)

 

Ithaca Hummus

Ithaca Hummus is the brand behind some of our all-time favorite hummus flavors, and when we heard that they were getting into the salsa game, we just had to try them. No surprise, they're delicious. Both the Mild and Medium versions of their Fire-Roasted Salsas make for the perfect accompaniment to corn chips or your favorite Mexican dishes, featuring real fire-roasted tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, onion and more to create a smokey and ultra-fresh dip you'll want to pour on top of everything.

(via Ithaca Hummus)

 

Jack & Annie's

Not all plant-based meat substitutes are created equal, so if you've tried vegan "meats" in the past but weren't wowed by the flavors, Jack & Annie's might have you singing a different tune. The key ingredient in each of their recipes is jackfruit, a simple, whole plant with a flavor and texture that can get shockingly close to real meat with the right preparation. We've tried both their wonderfully crispy Jack Nuggets and sweet and savory Jack Sausage Patties, and both are so close to the real deal that they make for easy, feel-good swaps anytime.

(via Jack & Annie's)

 

WILDE Protein Chips

Potato chips aren't generally the most nutritious snack around, but substitute those potatoes with high-protein chicken, and it's a different story. WILDE Protein Chips do just that, with the "chip" made from real chicken breast, egg and bone broth. That means that every serving packs at least 10 grams of protein while delicious seasonings keep you coming back for more. In addition to Himalayan Pink Salt, the brand offers Nashville Hot and Chicken & Waffles flavors, but we truly can't get enough of the brand-new Barbecue flavor, with the perfect smokey sweetness in every bite.

(via WILDE Protein Chips)

 

KIT KAT

We'll never turn down the opportunity to try a new KIT KAT flavor—especially when that flavor is as tempting as Churro. This twist on the classic wafer chocolate bar is as good as it sounds, with a cinnamon-sugar flavored churro creme coating and even more sweetness packed between the crunchy wafers. It truly does give off the full churro experience, and it'll officially be available on June 6, National Churro Day, so don't miss out.

(via KIT KAT)

 

Nixie

As the weather's begun to heat up, we've been turning to organic sparkling water brand Nixie to keep us refreshed with great flavors and plenty of bubbles to match. The newest flavor in the lineup is Black Cherry Lime,  beautifully combining the boldness of cherry with the tart brightness of lime, and it's just one of their great offerings. The Watermelon Mint and Lime Ginger are also standouts, featuring notes we don't see every day from sparkling water brands while quenching our thirst.

(via Nixie)

 

Signature SELECT

You may recognize Signature SELECT as one of the premium store brands available at both Albertsons and Safeway, and they're jumping on the sweet-and-spicy "swicy" trend in a big way in 2023, to our delight. We legitimately can't stop snacking on their Sweet & Spicy Bar Mix, full of honey mustard pretzels, cajun corn nuggets, cheddar corn sticks and more, and their Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce is rich, sweet and smokey all at once, and the perfect match for ribs, chicken and more prepared on the grill this summer.

(via Signature SELECT)

 

wildwonder

For those times you want to sip on something that tastes delicious and will make you feel fabulous, you can't do much better than wildwonder. The brand of prebiotic and probiotic sparkling drinks is inspired by founder Rosa Li's heritage, as she grew up with her grandmother brewing Chinese herbal and botanical tonics. The gut-healthy drinks only have 35 calories and six grams of sugar per can while featuring satisfyingly light flavors including Guava Rose, Mango Gold, Strawberry Passion and Peach Ginger, and it's a real challenge to pick a favorite.

(via wildwonder)

 

Just Date

Sometimes, it can feel like the only options for sweeteners are either packed with sugar or taste strangely artificial, but Just Date is neither. The brand was founded by a doctor who saw all the health issues caused by high-sugar diets and decided to channel her Indian roots and Ayurvedic tradition into creating better-for-you sweeteners made from organic dates. All of the brand's offerings deliver sweetness with fewer sugars and actual nutrients. Just Date Sugar tastes similar to brown sugar and can be substituted into all of your favorite recipes, while the Just Pomegranate Syrup is tart, fruity and great atop fresh-cut fruit or even pancakes. However, our favorite has to be the classic Just Date Organic Date Syrup, which we love to add to teas for a light dried fruit flavor or even coffees, with the date flavor disappearing completely and leaving just the sweetness behind.

(via Just Date)

 

Proud Source

If you only love flavored sparkling waters, Proud Source just might convert you. Their spring water is sourced from Mackay Springs, Idaho, and with zero additives, it's packed with naturally occurring electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, potassium and more while tasting light, crisp and refreshing, lacking the harsh bite of other sparkling waters (and making it about 100 times tastier than a "Pure" flavored LaCroix). In fact, it's so good that we think even people who dislike sparkling waters might fall for Proud Source.

(via Proud Source)

 

Grillo's Pickles

We've been hearing buzz about Grillo's Pickles for a while, but we didn't truly believe the hype until we were able to snap into these juicy and ridiculously crisp pickles ourselves. We'd never had a packaged pickle that quite replicated the crunch of the pickle spears that get served with great deli sandwiches, but Grillo does just that, and even their pickle chips are marvelously fresh and crunchy. If you like a bit of heat, you'll adore their new Sweet + Spicy Pickle Chips, which are packed with flavor and even have red bell peppers and jalapeños packed in for different flavors and textures. Just one warning—you want to open the tubs over the sink, because they're filled to the brim with tasty brine.

(via Grillo's Pickles)

 

Step One Foods

Step One Foods is another incredible food brand made by a doctor who saw a problem and set out to fix it with great food. When Dr. Elizabeth Klodas saw that patients' high cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar weighed heavily on their diets, she created Step One Foods. The brand offers tasty, easy-to-eat bars and oatmeal high in Omega-3s, plant sterols, fiber and antioxidants, which naturally lower bad cholesterol and help steer customers toward better overall health.

(via Step One Foods)

 

Lemon Perfect

With its light and refreshing lemony flavors, zero sugar and just five calories per bottle, Lemon Perfect is like liquid summer—and the brand just got even better with the introduction of a Watermelon flavor. The thirst-quencher has the perfect amount of sweetness, demonstrating that juicy watermelon and bright lemon are a perfect pairing while keeping you hydrated.

(via Lemon Perfect)

 

Laoban Dumplings

Dumplings are one of our all-time favorite food groups, and Laoban Dumplings allows anyone to cook their own restaurant-quality, delicious dumplings right at home. The frozen dumpling brand (available at Whole Foods) features Ginger Chicken Dumplings made from free-range chicken, Beijing Pork Dumplings made with Berkshire pork and delicious vegetarian Livin' on the Vedge Dumplings, all of which crisp up beautifully in a pan with oil and water. Our favorite offering, however, happens to be their Pork Soup Dumplings, which plump to perfection in a steamer. The soup inside is so delicious—but be careful not to burn your tongue.

(via Laoban Dumplings)

 

GOODONYA

Staying hydrated is extra important in the summer, and GOODONYA's HYDRATE powder may be the best delicious way to get the most out of your water this season. It's the only certified organic and glysophate-free electrolyte and mineral hydration powder out there, made with real food ingredients (including organic juice) and just one gram of sugar to hydrate your body like no one else. Plus, the lemony flavor makes it easy to get all the boosted water you need.

(via GOODONYA)

 

Open Water

Open Water doesn't just offer great-tasting, electrolyte-rich water—they're climate neutral, too. While plenty of other water companies continue to use plastic, each and every product in the Open Water lineup comes in recyclable aluminum packaging, putting them further on their mission to be the most sustainable bottled water in the world. That means you won't have to think twice about reaching for a bottle or can of their still or sparkling water, keeping your tastebuds happy and your body hydrated.

(via Open Water)

 

Popcornopolis

We know Popcornopolis best for its rich dessert options, coated in yummy flavors and sweet drizzles, but the brand is now getting into the everyday snacking game with the Nearly Naked line, and we couldn't be happier. Each flavor has less than 50 calories per cup, so you can nibble to your heart's content, with buttery flavors derived from natural coconut oil and light but flavorful seasonings. The Perfectly Salted flavor is truly classic, while the White Cheddar is wonderfully cheesy and the Jalapeño Lime has a tart kick with just enough heat to make it our favorite.

(via Popcornopolis)

 

GLOW Superfood

We had no idea that superfood could come in the form of ice cream, and after trying GLOW Superfood, we think it's time that it became the new trend. Their almond milk-based ice cream bars are dairy- and gluten-free while containing functional ingredients and adaptogens, from botanicals to mood-boosting mushrooms and MCT-coconut oil, so that in addition to being a delicious dessert, they also balance stress, improve focus and gut health and even lower cholesterol. Flavors include Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cup, Hazelnut Chip, Pistachio Wheatgrass and Vanilla Chai Latte, so there's a flavor out there for every dessert-lover—but the Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cup has to be our fave.

(via GLOW Superfood)

 

Hubbard Peanut Company

Hubbard Peanut Company is the oldest specialty peanut brand in the U.S., and once we got to taste their offerings, we can see why they've had such longevity. Their Honey Kissed Virginia Peanuts have just the right amount of sweetness to keep us snacking on them all day long, and their Happy Hour Mix blends sweet and salty flavors and plenty of crunch so that you'll never get bored of how it tastes.

(via Hubbard Peanut Company)

 

BEAM

Health and wellness brand BEAM makes it ridiculously easy to get the nutrients you need with their Super Greens formulations, packed with the nutrition of 26 different fruits and vegetables, and we're even more excited to get our daily dose of freshness thanks to their new collab with SunnyD. Super Greens: SunnyD Tangy Original may still be green, but its vibrant citrus flavor is unmistakably SunnyD, making you feel like you're sipping on a childhood favorite while boosting your immune system, energy and digestive system.

(via BEAM)

 

Catalina Crunch

If you had to drop your favorite cereal-based snack mix because it's packed with carbs, it's time to get re-obsessed thanks to Catalina Crunch and their Crunch Mixes. They taste just like the classic mixes you know and love, combining pretzels, mixed nuts and addictive cereal pieces with deliciously flavored seasonings, except they're 100% Keto-friendly. Somehow, these blends have minimal sugar without sacrificing flavor or crunch.

(via Catalina Crunch)

 

Marquis

Marquis is one of our favorite energy drink brands, featuring sparkling beverages that get their naturally-derived energy from a combination of green tea, green coffee and yerba mate. The result is a drink that gives you a solid boost of 100 mg of caffeine without any jitters or crashes and great flavors to boot. While the Marquis lineup previously consisted of entirely fruity flavors, the newest flavor is Lemon Lavender, with a natural-tasting floral flavor we can't resist, and that's sure to make it a fast favorite for those who prefer sips that don't taste like an energy drink.

(via Marquis)

 

Also read about: Marquis Drinks Provide Natural Caffeination, Without the Crash—and They REALLY Work

 

Biosil

You may not think of delicious beverages when you hear the brand Biosil, but their Liquid Collagen Drops are a key ingredient in the latest viral smoothie from organic L.A. grocer Erewhon. Mari's Bloom Bowl features matcha, raspberry coconut whip, sunflower butter and the collagen drops to boost hair, skin and nail health, and though we haven't yet had the chance to try the smoothie ourselves, we are infatuated with the drops themselves. We've been adding five drops of the clear liquid to our favorite beverages for all kinds of benefits from increased collagen production, such as thicker hair, healthier nail beds, smoother skin and better joint and bone health, all without changing the taste of our drinks in the slightest.

(via Biosil)

 

Not quite done shopping? Click HERE to discover all the best foods and drinks we tried in April.