All the Best Foods and Drinks We Tried at the End of 2024

There's no denying that 2024 was an iconic year, from the music and pop culture moments to the biggest style and beauty trends, and even big happenings in the world of food.

November and December were no exceptions, especially as we celebrated Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, enjoying everything from festive sweet treats and desserts to salty snacks, warming drinks and tasty meals from our favorite brands, old and new alike. They were kind enough to let us try their latest and greatest offerings, so we could share our editors' top picks of November and December 2024 with you, the reader, below.

Bawi

Austin, Texas-based beverage brand Bawi offers delicious, slightly carbonated canned aqua fresca featuring fresh and bold fruit flavors, and we think we've found our favorite yet in the form of their La Guayaba (or pink guava) flavor. Made with real fruit and zero artificial flavors and with 80 calories per can, it's a wonderful blend of sweet, tart and tangy tropical flavors, making it a refreshing sip no matter what the time of year.

(via Bawi)

 

Seven Sundays

We don't always have the time to sit down before work to fully enjoy a bowl of cereal, making Seven Sundays' new Cereal Snackies a super convenient (and good-for-us) time saver. These one-ounce single-serve packets come in both a Real Cocoa flavor with three grams of sunflower protein and a Simply Honey flavor with three grams of oat protein, both of which are delicious while providing the fuel you need to get your day started. They're also made with 100% upcycled ingredients and zero GMOs, and are ideal whether you're like us and prefer to snack on them right out of the bag or want to add milk for the full experience.

(via Seven Sundays)

 

High Mesa Chile Co.

As folks who love to douse everything in hot sauce, we're always looking out for new favorite brands, and High Mesa Chile Co. have wowed us with their iconic flavors of the Southwest. We got to sample their Flame Roasted Chile Hot Sauce Four Pack, making us realize just how much depth roasting peppers can bring to a sauce. Between the Roasted Fresno Hot Sauce, Roasted Serrano Hot Sauce, Roasted Habanero Hot Sauce and Roasted Hatch Chile Hot Sauce, they're all delicious—but for a bold, versatile heat that works with everything, we suggest trying the Habanero first.

(via High Mesa Chile Co.)

 

Also read about: 6 Delicious White Chocolate Recipes for the Ultimate Sweet Tooth

 

ENVY

Anyone who loves biting into a juicy, crisp apple knows that not all apples are created equal, and ENVY apples are a definite contender for the best of the best. Not only do they have an appealing look, with a vibrant red skin dappled with yellow at the stem, but the crunch, juiciness and flavor are all just right. They're sweet, with just a hint of tartness, and well-balanced, making them an unbeatable snacking apple.

(via ENVY)

 

kencko

kencko's all about making it easier to get in your daily fruits and veggies by basically "sneaking" real organic produce into smoothies, lattes and more, and the latest big addition to the lineup is oats. Coming in Choco Banana, Mixed Berries and Apple Cinnamon flavors, these wholesome oats make for an easy, hearty and tasty breakfast with four to five grams of protein, six grams of fiber and a full cup of organic fruit in every serving—all ready in less than three minutes.

(via kencko)

 

No Normal Coffee

No Normal Coffee is an innovative dissolvable coffee paste made in Switzerland especially for outdoor adventurers—but if you're more of an indoor person, like us, it's still just as tasty. Made with Arabica coffee beans and organic Swiss beet sugar, it can be added to hot or cold water for a tasty cup of coffee with a hint of sweetness, or even used as a spread, thanks to its flavor profile of cocoa and nuts. We love it as a super easy alternative to brewing a morning cup of coffee, with up to 20 servings in every tube, and it's also a dreamy addition to vanilla ice cream for the coffee fanatics out there.

(via No Normal Coffee)

 

Solely

We could munch on fruit snacks all day, every day, and we're grateful to Solely for elevating the classic treat with grown-up snacks made with 100% real ingredients and absolutely no added sugar. Each product has a maximum of three ingredients, allowing the fresh, bold flavors of real organic fruit to shine, whether you're snacking on Fruit Jerky, Fruit Gummies and Dried Fruits. More adventurous spirits will also appreciate their offerings with a hint of chili and salt for an unexpectedly delicious savory twist.

(via Solely)

 

Snack Factory

Years ago, Snack Factory's Pretzel Crisps, taught us that when it comes to pretzels, nothing beats a flat shape with plenty of surface area. All of this time later, we agree even more after tasting a selection of both savory and sweet options. There's the perfect amount of seasoning on their Buffalo Wing and Garlic Parmesan-flavored pretzels, made even better by the crisp bite of each one, and don't even get us started on their dessert options. For the holiday season, they had White Crème & Peppermint and Dark Chocolate & Peppermint Pretzel Chip flavors that were so delectable it was a struggle not to eat the entire four-ounce bags in a single sitting.

(via Snack Factory)

 

Dream Tea NYC

Dream Tea NYC is an organic tea brand beloved for its custom blends, and as astrology fanatics, we're especially enamored with the fact that they're creating zodiac-themed blends as each new sign rolls around. We celebrated Sagittarius season with their zodiac loose leaf tea blend for the sign, made with a dreamy chamomile tea base with a hint of mint, osmanthus and peach to create something sweet and vibrant, with a sunny, adventurous feel in contrast to the chilly weather outside. It's something we'll be sipping all through the cold of winter.

(via Dream Tea NYC)

 

Also read about: 20 Inspiring Quotes by Famous Sagittarians to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption

 

Zapp's

Whether we're snacking on their kettle chips or Pretzel Stix, we can always depend on Zapp's to be big on flavor, and their recent releases don't disappoint. Their Big Cheezy Kettle Chips are a twist on a classic New Orleans flavor, blending cheddar cheese and sour cream with Cajun seasoning for to bellow out the boldness and spice with cheesy goodness. For something completely different, their Sweet Cinnamon & Sugar Pretzel Stix make for a luscious and warming dessert, like a tasty churro in pretzel form.

(via Zapp's)

 

Boulder Canyon

Anyone who loves snacking on chips shouldn't sleep on Boulder Canyon and their better-for-you versions of classic kettle-style potato chips, made with real avocado oil or olive oil. Their Canyon Cut Kettle Chips are especially crunchy and craveable, especially in their new Buffalo Ranch flavor, cooked in avocado oil. Not only is the crinkled texture extra crisp and satisfying, but the flavor, blending vinegary heat with the creamy zest of ranch, is just right.

(via Boulder Canyon)

 

HI-CHEW

We've loved the fruity, chewy flavors of HI-CHEW for over a decade now, so we can't believe we've gone this long with trying the brand's new take on caramel with HI-SOFT. Their Salted Caramel Chews are wonderfully soft and chewy, with just a hint of salt perfectly accenting the buttery sweetness of the caramel. We find that they're much better balanced than your average wrapped caramel, without being any less decadent. The brand also recently introduced a Blue Raspberry flavor of their classic chewy HI-CHEW, and with its vibrant and slightly sour berry flavor, it might be our favorite HI-CHEW yet.

(via HI-CHEW)

 

OSULLOC

While we tend to hear a lot about teas from China and Japan, Korea is also a major producer, with a rich tea-drinking culture going back over a thousand years. OSULLOC is one such company sharing its bounty of tea with the world, specifically with varieties grown on Jeju Island, with a mission of connecting customers with nature through the qualities of its teas. They offer a little bit of everything, from black, green and oolong teas to blends, kombucha and even matcha, as well as what they call "master's teas," made from carefully picked spouts for both formal occasions and daily sipping. We've tried a bit of everything from them, and if you're a tea lover, prepare to be enchanted by each flavor.

(via OSULLOC)

 

Simek's

Italian food will always be one of our favorite kinds of cuisine, and Simek's makes whipping up classic dishes fast and delicious with their frozen meatballs and entrees made with antibiotic-free, vegetarian-fed meat. The meatballs come in seven varieties, including beef, Angus beef, turkey and even breakfast sausage flavors, quickly and easily heating to perfection via microwave, oven, stovetop or even air fryer. Their varied lasagnas and baked zitis can also be baked or microwaved for a warm and hearty good-as-homemade meal.

(via Simek's)

 

Aura Bora

As lovers of unique festive flavors, the holidays are one of our favorite times of the year—especially when it comes to sparkling water brand Aura Bora. The last couple of months saw the return of two of our all-time favorite flavors—Chai Cranberry and Green Bean Casserole. Chai Cranberry takes the classic winter flavor of tart cranberry and elevates it with warming spices, while the usual Green Bean Casserole flavor has a deliciously vegetal flavor that's a little grassy—almost like an apple, minus both the sweetness and tartness. It may sound weird, but we honestly think it's one of the yummiest Aura Bora offerings there is.

(via Aura Bora)

 

Ayoh! Foods

The right mayonnaise can make the difference between a dry, sad sandwich and a flavorful work of art—even if mayo haters might say otherwise. Ayoh! Foods Is here to make you completely rethink mayonnaise, delivering on texture and flavor with their rich "Sando Sauces," to make Ayoh! as important to every sandwich as the bread and meat. They come in four flavors—Original Mayo, Tangy Dijonayo, Hot Giardinayo and Dill Pickle Mayo—boosting your favorite sandwiches from blah to beautiful in just seconds. They all have their roles to play, but we mostly find ourselves gravitating toward the Dill Pickle Mayo for a bold vinegary kick.

(via Ayoh! Foods)

 

Also read about: 5 Recipes to Make the Most of Your Pickles

 

Lotus Foods

The end of the year is the perfect time to indulge in warming soups and hearty noodle dishes, and Lotus Foods offers extra tasty organic versions of various Asian classics. From Organic Traditional Pad Thai noodles to Organic Traditional Pho Rice Noodles, Organic Brown Udon Rice Noodles and Organic Buckwheat & Brown Soba Rice Noodles, each variety has just the right bite and texture to be the star of your favorite Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese meals, made from the comfort of home.

(via Lotus Foods)

 

Stoked Oats

Stoked Oats is all about oat-based superfoods, including granola, oatmeal and more, and they're really changing the game with their newest offering, Stoked OatRice. This innovative spin on rice has twice the protein, five times the fiber and more natural vitamins and minerals than traditional white rice, while being naturally gluten-free. It has a hearty texture and a nutty flavor we can't get enough of. We've also been enjoying their Mountain Maple Superfood Oatmeal Blend, offering a classically sweet oatmeal flavor with all of the benefits that put Stoked Oats on the map.

(via Stoked Oats)

 

Dose

You might know Dose and their delicious, organic wellness shots as a favorite of Rihanna's, and while Dose for Your Liver might be her go-to, we're just as infatuated with their other varieties—For Immunity, For Your Skin and For Soreness. For Your Liver is wonderfully citrusy and zesty, packing a combo of turmeric, milk thistle, dandelion, orange and ginger for liver health and support. Meanwhile, For Immunity packs a lightly gingery punch with ginger, elderberry, lemon, acetone, amla, zinc, chamomile and licorice, and For Your Skin has a peachy citrus flavor with aloe vera, sea buckthorn, centella asiatica, orange, amla, licorice and peach. Finally, Dose for Soreness has a luscious mixed berry flavor while delivering benefits from turmeric, ashwagandha, green tea, cinnamon, ginger and licorice. All of them taste great while making you feel great, and it's no wonder the brand has been getting some celebrity attention.

(via Dose)

 

Crisp Power

We're not quite sure how Crisp Power's Protein Pretzels pack up to a whopping 28 grams of protein per 50 gram bag, but we're certainly not complaining. These baked pretzels come in savory Sea Salt, Sesame and Everything flavors, infused with a powerful protein blend of grains and legumes to keep you going, plus a high amount of BCAA acids for muscle development. They're also thin, crunchy and satisfying, whether you eat them on their own or with your favorite dips.

(via Crisp Power)

 

C4

C4's Whey Protein Powder is now available in three new mouth-watering flavors—Hershey's Milk Chocolate, Reese's Peanut Butter & Chocolate and Vanilla Bean. It's formulated with 25 grams of whey protein per serving with no added sugar, making it a great addition to your morning smoothies or post-workout for a delicious energy boost emulating your favorite indulgent treats.

(via C4)

 

Evolution Fresh

You might hear the phrase "Real Fruit Soda" and expect lighter or tarter flavors, but Evolution Fresh offers anything but. Their functional sodas are made with freshly squeezed fruit juice and sweetened with stevia leaf extract to pack a bold, fruity punch, without the need for added sugars. They also include both prebiotics and probiotics, with 45 calories or fewer in every vibrant can.

(via Evolution Fresh)

 

Magno Chocolates

We've tried chocolate from all over the world, and still, Magno Chocolates is a standout. The brand makes it offerings, including bon-bons, truffles, chocolate bars and more, with Colombian fine flavor cacao, beloved for its delicate profile. They look like tiny pieces of colorful art while boasting exquisitely rich flavors, including in their vegan options made with coconut sugar, making them feel doubly indulgent.

(via Magno Chocolates)

 

Also read about: 6 Copycat Snack Recipes to Make Your Favorite Grocery Store Treats at Home

 

Sip Herbals

For those of us who love the taste of coffee but can't handle caffeine, Sip Herbals is here to save the day. They offer teas with the rich and well-rounded body of coffee thanks to a combination of roasted chicory root, carob and dandelion root, boosting your morning routine without the jitters. They're also packed with gut-healthy prebiotics to heal your microbiome. With flavors inspired by barista classics, including Signature Toast, Salted Maple Blondie, French Vanilla, Cinnamon Roll and Dirty Chai, plus seasonal offerings like Pumpkin Spice and Peppermint Mocha, they've got all kinds of coffee lovers covered.

(via Sip Herbals)

 

Grace Farms Tea & Coffee

Grace Farms Tea & Coffee isn't your average brand, created by the not-for-profit Grace Farms Foundation as a means to create global change. Their tea and coffee is ethically sourced, with fully organic and fair-trade teas, and you can taste the quality in every sip. When it comes to coffee, they offer a Signature River Roast as well as single-origin coffee from Colombia, Ethiopia and Indonesia. They also have a diverse collection of teas, from blacks and greens to herbal teas, wellness teas and iced teas. Basically, if you love a pick-me-up in the form of a hot beverage, Grace Farms has something for you.

(via Grace Farms Tea & Coffee)

 

Oddball

Thanks to Oddball, craving a jiggly, fruity treat doesn't mean you have to eat gelatin. Instead, the brand utilizes agar agar—an algae ingredient traditionally used in Asian cooking—to get that classic movement and jelly texture for a fully plant-based snack. It's available in four flavors—Double Berry, Mango, Grapefruit and Grape—fully sweetened and flavored with real fruit in convenient, ready-to-eat cups to make it an ideal on-the-go dessert.

(via Oddball)

 

Apothékary

Given that the end of the year marks the most decadent of seasons, December couldn't have been a better time for Apothékary to drop their new Sugar Kick tincture. It uses natural ingredients from Japan, such as mulberry leaf, apple cider vinegar, bitter melon, hibiscus flower, mandarin peel and ginger root, to help you avoid sugar crashes, preventing glucose spikes and their unpleasant side effects. Not only is it delicious, tasting like tart ume plum, but it gets the job done. We recommend a dropper-full directly in the mouth, but you can also add one to your liquid of choice if that's preferred.

(via Apothékary)

 

Hu Chocolate

When you're hunting for a guilt-free way to satisfy your not-so occasional sweet tooth, then Hu Chocolate is for you. Omitting refined sugars for organic products, the brand prides itself on only using healthy ingredients for its yummy sweets. Plus, if you're still in the holiday spirit, their limited-edition festive collection boasts three delicious dark chocolate bars that we couldn't pick a favorite from even if we tried. The point is, whether you pick up their holiday collection or try out one of their standard flavors, you truly can't go wrong.

(via Hu Chocolate)

 

Big Mozz

We find ourselves craving mozzarella sticks more often than we'd like to admit, but until now, most frozen brands just didn't satisfy our needs. Big Mozz changes everything with their premium mozzarella sticks, consisting of whole milk mozzarella coated in a crunchy fried breading of toasted breadcrumbs and pecorino romano and seasoned with fresh garlic and parsley. They're crisp on the outside, with the type of cheese pull you usually only see in cartoons, and they're flavorful enough that no dip is needed—especially with their new Flamin' Mozz and Super Ranch flavors.

(via Big Mozz)

 

For even more on the tasty eats and drinks we loved last year, click HERE to check out our editors' choice list for October 2024.