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Earlier this month, the popular discount grocery chain 99 Cents Only Stores announced that it would be shuttering all of its 371 locations due to financial pressures. Now, consumers will also have to say goodbye to two additional grocers that just decided to wind down their businesses.

The small upscale grocery chain Dom's Kitchen & Market and the high-end convenience store chain Foxtrot Market abruptly shuttered all of its locations on April 23. Customers were informed of the closures through a statement posted this week on the websites of both companies, which announced a merger in November 2023.

"It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of a difficult decision we have had to make," the message read. "After much consideration and evaluation, we regret to announce that Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market will be closing their doors starting on April 23, 2024."

RELATED: 10 Grocery Chains Opening Dozens of New Stores in 2024

Prior to the closures, Dom's operated two locations in Chicago, while Foxtrot had 33 stores in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Dallas, and Austin, Texas. The message did not provide much insight into why the two specialty retailers had halted operations, apart from saying, "We explored many avenues to continue the business but found no viable option despite good faith and exhaustive efforts."

Dom's and Foxtrot both shut down their apps and voided all account credits and member perks on April 23. Hundreds of employees have found themselves jobless following the closures, CBS News reported, and many were reportedly blindsided by the news.

RELATED: Cracker Barrel Just Abruptly Closed 4 Restaurants

One Foxtrot team member ( @sadkiwigirl) claimed in a viral TikTok that she only learned the chain was closing while at work on Tuesday. She and her coworkers were tasked with telling scores of customers who were still inside the store that they had to leave.

Monica Perez, a Dom's employee who worked at the Lincoln Park outpost, also told CBS that workers received no advanced warnings about the closures.

"I didn't even get a call from a manager," Perez said. "I showed up like a regular day."

In the statement, Dom's and Foxtrot lamented the effect of the closures on their workers and patrons.

RELATED: The Best New Grocery Products of 2024

"This decision has not been made lightly, and we understand the impact it will have on you, our loyal customers, as well as our dedicated team members," it read. "We want to express our sincerest gratitude for your support and patronage throughout the years. It has been our highest honor to elevate the everyday and create a remarkable shopping experience for people who love food as much as we do. It has been a privilege serving you and being a part of your everyday lives." Dom's, Foxtrot, and 99 Cents Only Stores aren't the only major retailers shuttering locations in 2024. After closing a string of stores throughout 2023, Walmart has already shuttered a handful of additional locations since the start of 2024. Family Dollar and Dollar Tree also recently announced plans to shutter nearly 1,000 stores over the next several years.

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The post Two Upscale Grocery Chains Just Abruptly Closed All Their Stores appeared first on Eat This Not That.

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With more varieties of Greek yogurts in the dairy case than you can shake a bag of granola at, it's easy to get decision paralysis while surveying the options at the grocery store.

From whole milk to nonfat and plain versus flavored, it can be tough to decide which one to buy. It's difficult to swap from one brand to another when texture, fat, and even ingredients fluctuate wildly between them. It's harder still with "Greek-style" yogurts infiltrating the shelves between the real-deal thick-strained types. Even within the same brand, going from one line or fat percentage to another can lead to significant differences in taste and mouthfeel.

Then, when you add vanilla to the mix, more wild cards emerge. Different types and quantities of sweeteners, extracts, and natural flavors are all specific to each brand's yogurt formula, leading to the broadest of interpretations. What's sweet to one brand is considered low sugar for another, and a low-sugar recipe using a different type of sweetener, like sucralose versus stevia, can also lead to an amplified sweetness perception. To some, vanilla means birthday cake; to others, it means milkshake.

So, how can you choose the right healthy Greek yogurt that also tastes great? We previously asked dietitians to analyze the nutritional profiles of various popular options to identify the healthiest Greek yogurts available, and now, we're following up with a taste test of each to help you decide which gut-healthy snack is also the right fit for your palate.

Here's how each of the six RD-approved Greek yogurts compare based on taste, and ranked in descending order from worst to first.

The Greek Gods Plain Nonfat Yogurt

Admittedly, the Greek Gods don't technically make Greek yogurt; its products are Greek-style. That's because instead of using the traditional straining method that defines that type of yogurt, the Greek Gods make it in a traditional manner and add pectin to thicken it up. That's also why the brand's protein counts are lower, and the ingredient list is longer. However, that's also why this brand can boast of a lack of tang if tang's not your jam. I picked up a 24-ounce container of the brand's plain nonfat yogurt at Sprouts Farmers Market for $4.99.

The look: Under a tightly sealed, printed plastic lid and plain foil was a solid pressed cake of slightly graying, off-puttingly shiny yogurt haloed in liquid with a slight yellow cast. When I scooped out the testing portion, there was an audible squelching sound as the spoon sliced clean through, like silken tofu with the jiggliness of canned cranberry sauce. Once it hit the bowl, the liquid separation became more apparent, with small chunks floating in it. The mass of it, though, was disturbingly smooth and oddly unappealing.

The taste: The Greek gods are known for their cruel jokes, but calling this a Greek yogurt might go too far. I'm a good eater. I like most things and love yogurt, but this was—and I don't say this lightly—disgusting. I had to all but hand-whisk it vigorously to make it yogurt-shaped, and even so, my spoonful plopped gloppily in my mouth, and I needed to smush it down with my tongue while eating it. While there was no tang, per the brand's big promise, there was other unpleasantness going on that made me wish I had some distraction. A blubbery, unflavored gelatin taste and feel, for one, that felt hollow like it was missing something critical, and an undertone that brings to mind mild farmer's cheese but without the real-food texture. I didn't want to take a second bite, but I wanted to be fair. But no, the first impression was correct. This was objectively just not good.

RELATED: 25 Unhealthiest Greek Yogurts—Ranked by Sugar Content

Chobani Zero Sugar Vanilla

The top-selling brand in the U.S., the New York-originated brand Chobani has become synonymous with Greek yogurt, dominating dairy cases nationwide. Its various lines include the decadent dessert-inspired Flip, the new Creations, and the health-conscious Less Sugar and Zero Sugar collections. Choosing from within this brand isn't easy. Luckily, our dietitians did, opting for this version that uses ultra-filtered nonfat and regular skim milk for a lactose-free formula, three types of natural but non-sugar sweeteners, and plant-based thickeners that pull back the calorie count of classic strained. A 32-ounce container cost $5.99 at Publix.

The look: A clear plastic top that loosely floats over the thick printed foil lid protects a bright white yogurt on the watery side with a visible whey separation. It presented a bit gloopy and runny in turns, and little chunks of curd were visible, leading me to anticipate some graininess as it didn't look smooth. It was the runniest of all of them and the grittiest-looking, which is interesting since it has the most variety of thickeners of all six.

The taste: Sweet, light, and a little floral, this vanilla yogurt was closer to marshmallow fluff than frosting, with a hint of artificial sweetener that doesn't hit you upside the head. The allulose used has a higher note of sweetness that immediately dances across the tongue but fades into neutrality. Perhaps it's because the more aerated texture breaks up the concentration of the flavors that it doesn't ever feel like the taste sensations ever expand and coat the mouth. Or maybe the texture boosters make the flavors less dense, but it's fairly innocuous. After a while, it starts tasting a little weird, though—less vanilla and more marshmallow as time passes.

RELATED: The Best New Grocery Products of 2024

Two Good Vanilla

While our dietitians recommend the plain variety of this brand, it's a challenge to find it in stores, so I tested the vanilla. Both are thickened with additives, making them Greek-style only. It offers two strains of live and active cultures. The good news is that it has just as little sugar, only one more gram of carbs, 10 milligrams of sodium, and one gram less protein for the same serving size. The company donates to organizations that aid Americans in need while combating food waste. A 32-ounce container cost $7.09 at Publix.

The look: Packaged with a tight-fitting lid and a slightly thinner printed foil top that unfortunately ripped. The yogurt within was a creamy off-white instead of the brilliant white of the other vanilla flavors, with visible dark specks of vanilla bean, giving it distinctly dessert-like ice cream vibes. The body had some slight curds and graininess, but that stirred out easily, especially since there was barely any whey run-off to fold back in.

The taste: Also light and sweet, this gave elegant white cake with vanilla vibes and was much more dessert-like than the Oikos Triple Zero, tested below. The texture is rather fluffy with tiny, grain-sized crunchy bits of sweetener or vanilla bean to break up the buoyancy lent by using tapioca starch and gellan gum as thickeners. This gives it a mouthfeel between Greek yogurt's natural thickness and regular yogurt's looser structure. Refreshing and lovely, it was easy to eat a lot of this, especially since there's only a hint of tang in the aftertaste, slightly sour on the tongue while your other taste buds hold onto the sweetness of stevia.

RELATED: The 11 Best Yogurts for Weight Loss, According to Dietitians

Oikos Triple Zero Vanilla

The Oikos Triple Zero line of Greek yogurt is owned by Dannon, a classic company that has been serving creamy yogurty goodness since 1942. It's also beloved by the gym community. A strong, powerful image with a high-protein promise and no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or fat across the line, this leads the (fridge) pack in a collection that also includes Oikos Pro with ultra-filtered milk and added whey, Oikos Blended, and Oikos Remix with toppings. Its scant handful of ingredients discloses less than 1% of tapioca starch and stevia, but on the downside, like Two Good, which is also a Dannon brand, it only contains two types of live and active cultures. A 32-ounce container of this yogurt cost $5.99 at Lidl.

The look: Pulling off the clear plastic top, which fit nice and tight across the container, then the thick printed foil cover revealed a yogurt that was dazzlingly white and looked smooth, creamy, and thick. It was poured in evenly and presented perfectly settled and level with tiny curds and barely any liquid separation.

The taste: This was the smoothest flavored Greek or Greek-style yogurt of the entire bunch, mildly sweet with a mild tang, creating a flavor balance that was incredibly harmonious and well-blended. Every spoonful went down with effortless ease and consistent flavor and feel throughout. Its thick and creamy texture feels more natural than others with additives, probably because it is. It has to have more dairy to achieve that protein level. Because it is sweetened with stevia, there is a bit of a sweet afternote, but it dissipates fairly quickly. This would fit firmly under True Neutral on a moral alignment chart: inoffensive, generally pleasing, and unlikely to ruffle feathers. In other words, it's plain vanilla at its best—good but not boring, with the singular purpose of providing nutrition that isn't tedious.

Stonyfield Organic 100% Grassfed Whole Milk Yogurt, Plain Greek

Like Two Good's Plain flavor, the 100% Grassfed version of this brand's Greek yogurt is also not readily available across stores. The good news is that it's pretty reliably found in the higher-end "natural" markets, and (spoiler alert!) it's worth the extra cost and effort. The whole organic milk used comes from pasture-raised cows fed with pesticide-free grass only, and its two-ingredient list is even more impressive for how many billions of happy little probiotics are dancing in this high-protein dairy product. A 24-ounce container cost me $8.49 at Sprouts.

The look: Like many others, a tight plastic printed lid acts as the yogurt's first defense for freshness, but a departure from the norm is a clear plastic inner seal instead of aluminum foil. Once you pull that off, it's apparent that it's a warmer cream color than the others—which makes sense since grass-fed butter is often more yellow. This isn't as dramatic a difference, but it's noticeable in a lineup. There's a little wateriness and some visible curds, but only if we're being exceedingly nitpicky.

The taste: Grass-fed milk and butter taste different. It quickly became apparent that the same goes for yogurt. A few loose stirs and it sprang to life, lusciously and appetizingly creamy-looking. And the first bite was even better than it looked.

My first thought was, "Mmm, buttery!" followed by a very strong but smoothly transitioning tang, draping over my tongue like a cape on my shoulders. It tasted like sunshine and cream dancing together before switching positions with a deep sour note and savory sensation. It then came back to a creamy richness as the full fattiness coated every corner of my mouth. It woke my palate up with a feeling of sumptuousness that felt as plush as a cream sauce. Even the small, drier chunks broke down easily and rapidly melted away, like how a ribeye's marbling soaks into the meat. One bite and I immediately wanted another and another.

RELATED: 9 Healthiest Non-Dairy Yogurts, According to Dietitians

Fage Total 5%

The number-one brand in Greece, Fage is also the label you can thank for the breadth of yogurt selection now available in the U.S. Introduced here in 1998, it already has a great reputation in its homeland of Greece, the U.K., and Italy. Today, it continues to follow the family recipe that dates back to 1926 and maintains a three-ingredient list of milk, cream, and cultures—never thickeners nor preservatives—to create its protein-dense treat. A 32-ounce container of this yogurt cost $6.89 at Publix.

The look: Like Chobani's quarts, the printed thick foil wrap is protected by a bubbled-up, rounded-edge lid. But unlike any others, there's also a round of parchment paper over the yogurt (that many don't know is supposed to be removed after opening). This is to absorb secreted whey while the yogurt settles in transit. But once it's home, you can throw it away as you dig into a bright white Greek yogurt that's exceptionally thick and full-looking, with the peaks, dips, and—upon spooning—snowball curds that look like voluminous but heavy hand-whipped cream.

The taste: This yogurt requires only a very shallow stir; it rises in crags otherwise, again, just like whipped cream. But that's only where that particular comparison begins! It tasted mild at initial contact, then gently, gently crept the tang, sharp and slow-moving, staying with me longer than Stonyfield's, even after several eager re-tastes.

However, that sharpness was still a brief moment. The lasting impression was one of balance as a subtle sweetness and full-bodied, mature richness swept in and flooded my mouth with a fresh, clean dairy taste that tasted impossibly pure while maintaining lushness. Essentially, this is thick, heavy whipped cream with some sass.

Why is this the favorite? Choosing between the savory flavor and deeper tang of the Stonyfield Organic 100% Grassfed Whole Milk Yogurt, Plain Greek, and the sweetness and higher octave tang of the Fage Total 5% was tough. It's a draw that ultimately comes down to preference of depth. But after happily going back and forth between the two, the Fage won me over. To reevaluate where this whole taste test began, this one is a gift from the true Greek gods—Greek yogurt as the Greeks intended.

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Summer isn't quite here yet, but Sprite is already looking to help soda fans cool off. Yesterday, the soda giant rolled out a new limited-edition soft drink ahead of the upcoming season: Sprite Chill.

The new soda builds on Sprite's signature lemon-lime flavor but adds cherry-lime. For an additional twist, the drink features cooling agents designed to present "a uniquely elevated sensory experience," according to the Coca-Cola Company, which owns Sprite.

This cooling sensation is intended to grow with each sip, using technology similar to that used in confectionery and baking. According to Coca-Cola, Sprite Chill is "one of the first sparkling soft drinks" that presents a cooling sensation without mint flavor.

RELATED: I Tried 7 Cola Brands in Search of a Coke Classic Dupe & Only One Came Close

This new soda is sold in standard and zero-sugar varieties. These will be available in North America through July while supplies last.

Sprite Chill underwent multiple rounds of development and testing before the Coca-Cola Company reached an ideal balance of cherry-lime flavor and cooling intensity.

"Consumers today are looking for multisensorial beverage experiences, so we saw a unique opportunity to elevate the crisp, refreshing taste Sprite fans expect with a first-of-its-kind cooling sensation," Felicity Boucetla, the senior director of product development for sparkling flavors, said in a statement.

RELATED: The 15 Unhealthiest Sodas—Ranked By Sugar Content

To promote Sprite Chill, Coca-Cola partnered with Atlanta Hawks' point guard Trae Young, famously nicknamed "Ice Trae." In a new video advertisement, Young and an intellectual property lawyer deliver a "Freeze and Desist" to fans, imitating the NBA star's signature shiver move.

The advertisement concludes with Sprite Chill being called the "coldest-est in the game." Young has been a brand ambassador for Sprite since 2021.

As part of this soda launch, the Coca-Cola Company is inviting fans to submit their "coldest selfies" to the Snapchat Chill Cam challenge by using Sprite's custom filter. The company will select entries to feature on Sprite's social media channels and digital billboards in Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York City.

RELATED: The Best New Grocery Products of 2024

Beyond Sprite Chill, the Coca-Cola Company has released other limited-edition Sprite offerings, such as Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry and Sprite Lymonade Legacy. The brand also offers a few other varieties, including Sprite Tropical Mix, Sprite Lemonade, and Sprite Cherry.

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What's your absolute favorite go-to condiment? Some people go manic for mayonnaise, while others are hot sauce fiends living by the code of "the spicier, the better." Meanwhile, still others would say barbecue sauce is like liquid gold, the perfect accompaniment to almost any food. And, of course, some couldn't survive a single meal without a few squirts of ketchup— often cited as the most popular condiment in America.

As a Midwesterner, I'm partial to ranch dressing. It's a way of life here. But I can confidently say that ketchup has never let me down—it is always available as a trusty companion for fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, and even dishes like meatloaf.

Heinz was a popular choice in my household growing up, but off-brands were also common because, in my parents' words, "it tastes the same." At the time, I believed this. However, I have learned that this sentiment couldn't be further from the truth.

After testing eight different ketchup brands side by side—from big-time names to generic store variations—each product's finite differences began to ooze out. As I sampled, it became increasingly evident which ones were worthy of a dunk and which others were better ditched. Let's get into the juicy details of this tomato-based taste test, made possible thanks to a helping of seasoned wedges—hands down, one of the best kinds of spuds (don't fight me on this).

Read on to discover how eight popular store-bought ketchups fared, ranked in descending order from my least favorite to the #1 best.

Primal Kitchen Organic & Unsweetened Ketchup

If you're looking for some of the cleanest and most natural condiments on the market, look no further than Primal Kitchen. Started in 2015, the brand now carries every kind of product you could need for dipping, dunking, dressing, and more, and all are made with high-quality ingredients and no artificial sweeteners. Primal Kitchen's ketchup collection includes a few options, like the $6.49 Organic & Unsweetened bottle I grabbed. It's made with organic tomato concentrate, organic balsamic vinegar, less than 2% salt, organic onion powder, organic garlic powder, and organic spices. It may have been easier for the brand to preface the ingredient list because everything is organic, but I see what they're doing here. This way, it really hits home.

The look: The only ketchup in the taste test that came in an old-fashioned glass bottle—you know, the kind you have to ferociously pound on the bottom to get the last bits out? It slides out in an average shade of red–perhaps a hint darker than others—and it's a bit on the clumpy side.

The taste: Like thick pasta sauce that went bad. There's nothing to save this unsweetened product from the stark acidity. So, you end up with a tartness that smears across your tongue and ends in bitterness. Its appearance even starts to match its unappealing taste after sitting on the plate for a while, leaving a liquid ring around the edges. I would rather endure a few unnatural ingredients in exchange for something more edible.

RELATED: 5 Ketchup Brands That Use the Highest Quality Ingredients

Great Value Tomato Ketchup

Once again, Walmart delivers, well, a great value with this Great Value ketchup that cost me just $0.98—the cheapest ketchup of all. It claims to come with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. But, unlike Primal Kitchen, it doesn't waste time with organic elements. Instead, it consists of tomato concentrate, distilled vinegar, salt, less than 2% spice, onion powder, natural flavors, and both corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup.

The look: Like many others, Walmart's off-brand product is sold in a plastic bottle. However, it is the only one that isn't transparent—begging the question: What atrocities are they hiding inside? Turns out it looks like regular ketchup in a bright, ruby-red shade; yet, I was wary.

The taste: I immediately shook my head in distaste as this one hit my taste buds. Watered down with an artificial flair, it's more like a poorly executed tomato soup than a condiment to pair with your fries and chicken nuggets. I suppose if given the option of this or nothing, I would still indulge. But it's not an item I would add to the weekly grocery list.

RELATED: The Best New Grocery Products of 2024

Kroger Original Tomato Ketchup

Like Wally World, Kroger offers its own unique breed of ketchup. But America's largest supermarket chain takes it a step further by offering multiple bottles under its organic Simple Truth line and fancier Private Selection label, as well. I overlooked these spin-offs, however, and stuck with the generic store brand initially priced at $1.39 but on sale for $1.19. Its makeup is eerily similar to Walmart's, combining tomato concentrate, high fructose corn syrup, distilled vinegar, corn syrup, salt, and 2% or less of spice, onion powder, and natural flavors.

The look: A bit unnaturally bright, like Walmart's. Other than that, it's easy on the eyes with a sheeny and polished-looking texture.

The taste: Again, the resemblance to Walmart's sweet and sour condiment is uncanny. I wouldn't be surprised if the same supplier produced the two. It's thin, resembling a can of condensed tomato soup, and it may be a hair sweeter than its competitor—its only defining difference as far as I can tell. As a big fan of Kroger's generic store items, I'm sad to say this is one product that is not an adequate replacement for the real deal.

RELATED: I Tried 10 Popular Ranch Dressings & the Best Was Tangy and Delicious

Hunt's Tomato Ketchup

While Heinz specializes in condiments, Hunt's is the tomato tycoon. The brand carries every kind of packaged tomato product you can think of, from diced and whole tomatoes to flavored pasta sauce. Ketchup inevitably also makes the cut. It is composed of tomato concentrate made from vine-ripened California tomatoes, high fructose corn syrup, distilled vinegar, salt, and less than 2% onion powder and natural flavor. A 20-ounce bottle cost me $1.99–not bad for a big-name brand.

The look: The crimson red substance was hesitant to come out of the squeeze bottle. And, when it did, it looked coagulated and less blended than other offerings.

The taste: Closer to a tomato paste with an in-your-face and concentrated taste of the red fruit. The vinegar and acidity are also a bit harsh, and there's a separate sweet flavor or spice I pick up on but that I can't quite place. Other reviewers on Hunt's website say it's akin to cinnamon. I believe this sentiment is close, though not precisely what's going on here.

RELATED: 8 Best Hot Sauces to Try Right Now

Woodstock Organic Tomato Ketchup

We return to the organic grind with Woodstock's Tomato Ketchup. The puree is made with organic tomato concentrate from ripe California tomatoes, organic tapioca syrup (an all-natural sweetener, according to my quick research), organic vinegar, organic sugar, salt, organic spices, and organic onion powder. I also snagged the variety with 50% less sugar and sodium. Like many of Woodstock's products, it's non-GMO and certified USDA Organic, and as such, comes with an inflated price tag of $5.29 for a 19.5-ounce container.

The look: It's noticeably darker than other brands—closer to burgundy or maroon. But it's glossy with a uniform consistency.

The taste: Thin and slippery, it doesn't cling well to your dipping apparatus. When you do finally get a glob, however, the flavor is relatively mild. It's not as acidic as others and even tastes slightly sweeter despite its lower sugar count. What I found most strange, though, is that it starts to taste similar to a steak sauce or even Worcestershire sauce as you eat more and more. It is an interesting abnormality in the world of ketchup, but not necessarily a negative one.

RELATED: Every Wendy's Dipping Sauce, Ranked

Market Pantry Tomato Ketchup

Target describes its Market Pantry Tomato Ketchup as "rich and thick"—a promising combination if executed correctly. It doesn't stray from the norm of generic store-brand ketchup ingredients, with tomato concentrate, distilled vinegar, and both corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup at the helm. Salt, a bit of spice, onion powder, and natural flavors also can't be forgotten. The 20-ounce plastic container comes in at a very reasonable price of $1.19.

The look: If you look closely, you can see this one has a hardly discernable orange tint. It's less vibrant than Kroger and Walmart's ketchup but just as silky.

The taste: A unicorn in its price range. With a Goldilocks amount of sweetness and a toned-down tang, it's a major step above other generic store brands. I have nothing negative to say about it and can't get over its low cost. This is one bargain item I would happily stock in my fridge—just one more excuse for me to visit Target regularly.

RELATED: I Tried 11 Fast-Food Cheeseburgers & One Can't Be Beat

Heinz Tomato Ketchup

Heinz is the name Americans associate most often with ketchup. Established in 1876, the brand can be found at nearly every grocery store across the country, in packets at sports games, and at restaurants and fast-food chains like Chick-fil-A. You can now enjoy Heinz ketchup in flavors like jalapeno, pickle, and chipotle. For the sake of this standard taste test, I snagged a squeeze bottle of the original for $2.50—discounted from a retail price of $3.99. It sticks to the following ingredient list: tomato concentrate from red ripe tomatoes, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, salt, spice, onion powder, and natural flavoring.

The look: Devoid of faults in the most quintessential shade of cheery cherry red.

The taste: Bold with a pronounced tomato flavor, yet it's not overwhelming. The ketchup balances all of its components perfectly so that it doesn't end up too sweet, salty, or acidic—although you get a slight kick of vinegar at the end of each taste. Instead, everything works together to elevate the flavor of the ripened fruit. It's classic and nostalgic, and there's no denying it's one of the best options on the shelf.

RELATED: I Tried 7 Pickle Brands & The Best Was Crisp and Cold

Red Gold Ketchup

Based in Indiana, Red Gold is the largest privately owned tomato processor in the nation. Like Hunt's, it churns out a slew of tomato-based products, from sauce to paste, taking it a step further with wildcards like salsa, cocktail sauce, and tomato juice.

I purchased a bottle of its classic ketchup, which I could only find in a substantial 32-ounce container but for the low price of $2.99. A closer peek at the bottle revealed its ingredient list, which consists of tomato concentrate from vine-ripened tomatoes, high fructose corn syrup distilled vinegar, corn syrup, salt, and less than 2% spice, onion powder, and natural flavors (a shocking lineup, I know). What I found much more intriguing is that Red Gold partners with Folds of Honor. For every bottle sold, the brand donates to the organization to educate and support the families of fallen heroes.

The look: Distinctly thicker and more viscous than Heinz and other brands. It seemed to pile instead of pool onto my plate. The coloring leans more towards the darker side.

The taste: Heinz sets a high bar. But, as soon as I tasted Red Gold, I knew we had a contender. This product is on the same level as the ketchup king, yet it surprised me with an even more fresh tomato-like core. An extra touch of sweetness brings it up in the ranks, and its added layer of thickness allows it to adhere seamlessly to any surface—never any wateriness to worry about here. It's a tasty condiment through and through. And, what's more, I love that it's a ketchup for a cause. Keep on crushing it, Red Gold.

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If you were walking the aisles of Costco between the end of January and early February, you may have noticed the retailer's inaugural International Food Event. During these few weeks, guests could sample foods from around the world, ranging from coffee drinks to corn dogs.

According to new Costco CEO Ron Vachris, this international food event had a larger purpose. "One of the big benefits of doing business globally is the opportunity to bring goods from abroad to the U.S.," Vachris said during the company's annual shareholder meeting in January.

Which international imports you see may vary widely depending on your warehouse—and some you may not even realize are imports unless you look closely at the label. Some of the global treasure-hunt items highlighted in the call included CP Tom Yum Wonton Soup from Thailand, Astruc Pastry Tray and Macarons from France, and Noel Spanish Tapas Tray from Spain.

There are many items inspired by other countries at Costco, but if you want truly international brands, look for "Product of" or "Imported from" on the label.

I scoured the aisles of my Costco to see what I could find. Here are 13 global picks currently at the warehouse.

Sabatino Tartufi Truffle Mac and Cheese

Look beyond Kraft and Annie's boxed mac to find this gem imported from Italian truffle company Sabatino Tartufi. American-style mac and cheese meets black truffle for a luxurious take on a classic boxed meal. Your kids may shy away, but these boxes were flying off the shelf, even at a slightly more luxurious price of $16.99 for three 9.16-ounce boxes.

RELATED: 10 Best Costco Frozen Treats To Buy Right Now

Polenghi Italian Volcano Organic Lemon Juice

This isn't your average bottled lemon juice. This version, imported from Italy, is hand-harvested at the bottom of Mt. Etna in Sicily. It contains 100% organic lemon juice, so you'll want to keep it out of the sun and use it fast. You can grab two 33.8-ounce bottles for $9.49 at the warehouse.

Galler Spring Edition Mini Chocolate Bars

The candy and chocolate section had a few fun international picks, including these mini chocolate bars in flavors such as milk chocolate hazelnut, dark chocolate praline, milk crispy, dark coffee, and dark orange flavored, all imported from Belgium. The 36-count box will run you $12.99 at the warehouse.

RELATED: 11 Major Changes You'll See At Costco In 2024

Papouis Halloumi Cheese

Head to the cheese section for this sturdy cheese imported from Cyprus. Halloumi is a super-versatile cheese that is great for grilling or frying. Drizzle it with honey as an appetizer, throw it in a salad, or eat it as-is. Two 8.8-ounce packages are $6.99.

Halloren O's

These chocolate bites, bonbons, or whatever you want to call them, come from Germany's oldest and self-proclaimed "coolest" chocolate factory. The 22-ounce bag is filled with two different varieties, cookies and cream and brownie-filled bites—both enrobed in chocolate. You can try a bag for yourself for $7.97 at the warehouse.

RELATED: 10 Best New Costco Items You Can Score Right Now

La Vie Mediterranean Flatbread

Pizza meets pide in this Mediterranean flatbread from Turkey (imported via Lyon, France). I tried this one as a sample, and it's delicious. It would make a great appetizer to throw in the oven, and with 10 in a box, you'll always have one on hand. A 10-count box is $12.49 at the warehouse. You'll find it in the freezer section by the pizzas.

Dessert Italiano Tiramisu Cups

If you're looking for a ready-to-eat dessert, head to the deli section to grab these prepared tiramisu cups proudly displaying "Product of Italy" in the corner. No better place for Tiramisu to be from! You can grab a package of six cups for $12.89 on Instacart. If you're looking for a reason to reuse the glass cups they come in, Redditors have a whole slew of ideas, from poaching eggs to taking shots.

RELATED: 25 Fun Costco Summer Items to Snag Before They Sell Out

Pulmuone Crispy Potato Corn Dogs

This Korean street food, or K-street food, is labeled as a corn dog, but it doesn't contain any sort of hot dog or sausage. Instead, it's a jazzed-up mozzarella stick on a stick coated with chunks of potatoes—yep, it's vegetarian. Each is individually wrapped so you can keep them in the fridge for a while. A 19-ounce bag, or eight sticks, is $10.79 at the warehouse.

Pots and Co. Peach and Almond Crumble

These frozen peach and almond crumbles have popped up in Midwest Costco locations, but you may see the London brand's other desserts, like pot de creme, nationwide. These crumbles, found in the frozen treat section, are handcrafted by Michelin-starred chefs. The peach compote with crunchy almond crumble makes a great summer dessert. You can grab a two-pack for $13.99 at the warehouse to throw in the air fryer or oven.

RELATED: I Tried Every Costco Bakery Cookie & the Best Was Perfectly Chocolaty

Nutty & Fruity Tangerine Wedges

Costco always has a great selection of dried fruit, including some Kirkland brand varieties. This newer to (my) warehouse selection, dried tangerine wedges, comes from Thailand. They are a little tangy and a little sweet, making them a great addition to any cheese board or a good after-school snack. Instacart has a 20-ounce bag for $10.37.

Assi Rapokki

Ramen meets topokki rice cakes in this K-street mashup imported from Korea. It's not the healthiest option, but it is a convenient one that you'll find by the ramen, pho, and other noodle soups in the pantry section. Fill the cups with the provided sauces and water and microwave for four minutes. Instacart will deliver this one for $13.65 for a pack of six.

RELATED: The Best Costco Kitchen Gear You Can Buy Right Now

Nina Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes

Costco has several varieties of peeled, canned tomatoes, but the Nina version uses real San Marzano tomatoes from Italy. The price is excellent at $5.99 for a 106-ounce can, given many 29-ounce grocery store cans cost $3 to $4. If you can utilize 6 pounds of tomatoes for pasta sauce, pizza sauce, chili, or other dishes, it's a must-grab.

Botticelli Sicilian Eggplant Pasta Sauce

Botticelli sauce is another Italian product that recently debuted in Costco warehouses in parts of California and the Northwest and Northeast. This rich, chunky sauce is a blend of Italian eggplant and cherry tomatoes, plus basil, onion, and garlic. At the warehouse, you'll get two large 34.8-ounce jars for $11.49.

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Competition in the world of groceries is fierce nowadays between all of the popular, fast-growing chains available to consumers, like Trader Joe's and Costco. However, the natural and organic foods grocery chain Sprouts Farmers Market appears to be thriving amid all the rivalry as customers flock to its stores in droves.

The foot traffic platform Placer.ai recently dug into its data for Sprouts and compiled the findings into a new report published on April 18. One of the key takeaways from the report was that the chain's customer traffic is soaring.

Sprouts saw its year-over-year visits increase every single month in 2023, and the trend has continued into 2024 with 13.3% and 11.9% traffic increases in February and March, respectively. This means that the chain is consistently driving more patrons to its stores than it has in the past, signaling that it's "going through a growth spurt," Placer.ai wrote.

RELATED: 5 Most Expensive Grocery Items on Shelves Right Now

While there are probably a myriad of reasons at play, the report broke down several factors that may have contributed to Sprouts' stellar traffic performance. For one, it has been expanding rapidly and introducing the Sprouts brand to more markets. The chain opened 30 new stores in 2023 alone, bringing its total to 407 locations across 23 states as of the end of last year.

Another key reason could be the comparatively high income levels among Sprouts' fan base. According to the report, the median household income (HHI) in areas where Sprouts stores get their business are higher than the overall country's median HHI. This means that many Sprouts shoppers have the means to keep visiting and spending at the chain even at a time when food costs are elevated.

RELATED: The Best New Grocery Products of 2024

"The relative affluence of Sprouts shoppers means that this segment may not be as impacted by high food prices as other grocery shoppers – so the retail headwinds predicted this year are not likely to slow down Sprout's growth potential as the chain continues expanding its reach in 2024," Placer.ai wrote.

Sprouts reported a 3.4% increase in same-store sales in 2023 and anticipates seeing an increase of up to 3.5% in 2024. The chain is also poised for plenty of additional expansion with 35 planned store openings for this year.

"As the chain continues making its presence felt in newer markets, location intelligence suggests that Sprouts has plenty of room to grow in 2024 and beyond," the Placer.ai report concluded.

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When choosing your daily bread, you'll do your best to make it whole wheat. Besides its sturdy texture and filling fiber, whole wheat bread has many evidence-based health benefits. A 2021 study found that adding more of this food helped people with type 2 diabetes reduce body weight, blood sugar, triglycerides, and more. Other research has suggested that whole grains help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. With these benefits in mind, whole wheat bread should undoubtedly earn a place in your grocery cart (and in your belly).

To spot whole wheat breads (versus refined grain or multigrain options), start by turning over a loaf and checking out its ingredient list. A true whole wheat product will list whole wheat flour as its first ingredient. You can also look for products labeled "100% whole wheat"—dispelling any doubt of what's inside!

With the help of dietitians, we've rounded up the nine best whole wheat breads on the market today, plus two that aren't all they're cracked up to be.

How we chose the healthiest whole wheat bread:

• Whole wheat is the first ingredient. This is the gold standard indicator that what you see is what you get. Our list only features breads whose ingredient lists lead off with whole wheat.

• Recognizable ingredients. It really doesn't take much to make a high-quality whole wheat bread. Making it shelf-stable for the long term, however, is tricky. Many manufacturers add a host of preservatives and additives to their recipes. We steered clear of these since they increase the degree of processing.

• Plenty of protein. Believe it or not, bread can be a good source of protein! We looked for options with at least 3 grams per slice.

9 Healthiest Whole Wheat Breads

Best: Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Bread

" Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Bread earns a top spot for its simplicity and quality," says registered dietitian nutritionist Vandana Sheth RDN, CDCES, FAND. It starts with [sprouted] whole wheat flour, but that's not all it contains. "Made only from sprouted whole grains and seeds, it's free from added sugars and boasts a nutrient-rich profile. With ingredients like sprouted wheat, barley, millet, lentils, and soybeans, it's a wholesome choice for those seeking whole-grain goodness."

RELATED: 9 Best Whole Grain Breads on Grocery Shelves

Best: Dave's Killer Bread 21 Whole Grains and Seeds Thin-Sliced

For a moderately sized sandwich, choose Dave's Killer Bread's 21 Whole Grains and Seeds in the thin-sliced variety. "It's the perfect size for a single serving of bread," says Kim Kulp, RDN, a gut health expert from the San Francisco Bay area. The bread's first ingredient is whole wheat, but it's also packed with 20 other grains and seeds. "This helps you increase the variety of plant foods in your diet, which is so important for gut health!" Kulp says.

Best: Milton's Healthy Whole Grain Bread

Milton's isn't fooling when they put the "healthy" right there in this bread's name. It's made with whole wheat flour, then gets a dose of flax seeds, rolled oats, and oat fiber—totaling an impressive 4 grams of protein and fiber per slice.

RELATED: 10 Best High-Fiber Foods for Weight Loss

Best: Nature's Own 100% Whole Wheat Bread

"We buy Nature's Own Whole Wheat Bread often," says Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Health Insiders. "It's only 60 calories per slice, which is great for someone limiting calories or carbs in their diet." Plus, she points out that this one is another affordable option.

Best: Bread Alone Whole Wheat Sourdough

Did you know sourdough isn't always made with white flour? Bread Alone, a New York-based, Climate Neutral Certified brand, makes a mean sourdough with organic whole wheat flour. This one gets a thumbs-up from Malina Malkani, MS, RDN, CDN, owner of Malina Malkani Nutrition, and author of Safe and Simple Food Allergy Prevention.

"The fermentation process used to make whole wheat sourdough bread helps reduce the number of phytates that bind to certain minerals and impair their absorption in the body," she says. As a result, whole wheat sourdough bread is easier (and takes longer) to digest, which can help stabilize post-meal blood sugar levels."

Best: Dave's Killer 100% Whole Wheat Bread

Dave's Killer Bread wins again with its 100% whole wheat option. You won't find any refined grains here! And there are more benefits, too: "Each slice is only 70 calories, the ingredients are recognizable, and most are organic," says Michelle Rauch, MSc, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist for The Actors Fund.

RELATED: 10 Healthiest Whole Grain Pastas on Grocery Shelves

Best: Alvarado St. Bakery Sprouted Whole Wheat Thin-Sliced Bread

" Alvarado St. Bakery's Whole Wheat Bread makes it tasty and easy to increase whole grain intake," says Sheri Berger, RDN, CDCES. This choice packs 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber—not bad for a thinner-than-usual slice!

Best: The Stone Mill Bronze Honey Wheat

Sheth is also a fan of Stone Mill's Bronze Honey Wheat. "This bread stands out for its use of organic, fresh-milled whole wheat flour, offering a rich source of nutrients and whole grains," she says. "With ingredients like organic honey and extra virgin olive oil, it's packed with wholesome goodness without artificial additives or preservatives."

Best: Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Sliced Bread

Next time you're at TJ's, stop by the bread aisle for this classic loaf. Besides being low in calories and free of preservatives, it's got a light, nutty taste that's perfect for all sorts of everyday applications, from toast to garlic bread. It's also managed to maintain a low price point compared to many other pricier whole wheat breads.

2 Whole Wheat Breads To Avoid

Worst: Sara Lee Delightful Bread

"Yes, it may be low in calories and carbs, but this bread is very deceiving," says Mandy Enright, MS, RDN, RYT, The FOOD + MOVEMENT® Dietitian and author of 30-Minute Weight Loss Cookbook: 100+ Quick and Easy Recipes for Sustainable Weight Loss. "One of the key rules of thumb I always tell clients is to look for bread that offers 3 grams of fiber per slice. This bread offers 3 grams of fiber per serving, where a serving is two slices—meaning this bread only offers 1.5 grams of fiber per slice."

Meanwhile, Enright says the sugar alcohol in this bread adds to its questionable status. "Not only may it impact the taste, but sugar alcohols can also cause digestive distress, which is not what bread should be doing if you're consuming high-fiber, whole-grain options."

RELATED: The 30 Unhealthiest Snacks on the Planet

Worst: Pepperidge Farm Light Style Soft Wheat Bread

Enright says Pepperidge Farm's Light Style breads are another confusing (and less healthy) option. Their serving size is three slices, which doesn't reflect the one or two slices you're likely eating at a sitting. While it looks like you're getting 5 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein, this won't be the case if you make a regular sandwich with two slices of bread.

This choice also has a rather long ingredient list with numerous preservatives. Even though the label indicates that they each make up 2% or less of the bread's entirety, there are 13 such ingredients. In other words, it's possible they could account for over a quarter of the bread's total mass.

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Italian dressing is a classic go-to for salad lovers. Usually made with oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and a variety of herbs and spices, it's a simple complement to veggies that helps bring out their natural flavors.

The grocery store shelves are lined with varieties of Italian dressings. I picked up eight different brands to try them out and see which one was best.

Some of the Italian dressings I tried were low in calories, but I found that those were usually the ones lacking in taste. Instead of being fearful of caloric dressing, my policy is to use a truly delicious one, which will get you wanting to eat more salads and veggies!

I rated each of these Italian dressings on looks and taste and was surprised to see how this simple recipe varied so greatly between brands. Read on to see eight store-bought Italian dressings ranked from worst to best.

Organicville Italian Vinaigrette & Marinade

This salad dressing says on the bottle that there is no added salt and that it's "herbal with a hint of zest." It cost $4.99.

The look: This brown dressing had a sludgy appearance. From the looks of it, I would be wary to pour it on my salad. Maybe it would be OK as a chicken marinade?

The taste: This salad dressing had a strange, sweet taste, and that made more sense when I saw that the first ingredient in this dressing is organic apple juice. I am confused by this dressing and will not be eating it again.

Rating: 1/10

RELATED: 25 Unhealthiest Salad Dressings—Ranked by Sugar Content

Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing

This Italian dressing is the one you see at big parties poured over lettuce and tomatoes. It's anything but subtle and what most people probably associate with Italian dressing. It was priced at $2.99.

The look: Kraft Italian has a decidedly syrupy, orange look that's close in appearance to duck sauce with lots of visible spices.

The taste: This dressing was indeed zesty, but too vinegary and syrupy. I would sooner mix up my own dressing than pour this on a salad.

Rating: 2/10

Wishbone Zesty Robusto Italian Dressing

This dressing looks like a close cousin of Kraft. The bottle says they "added even more garlic, oregano and Italian zestiness." Whoa! It was priced at $2.19.

The look: This dressing looked thick and syrupy and had lots of visible spices.

The taste: Wishbone dressing was less vinegary than Kraft and a touch sweeter. It still made me think of motor oil, and I wouldn't choose to put it on my lunch.

Rating: 2.5/10

RELATED: I Tried 10 Popular Ranch Dressings & the Best Was Tangy and Delicious

Briannas Italian Vinaigrette Dressing

Briannas is one of my favorite dressing brands, so I had high hopes for this one, which contains chopped green olives and grated romano cheese. It was priced at $4.79.

The look: This dressing was very light in color, and I had to shake it vigorously to get all the spices into my taste test.

The taste: I liked that this dressing was less syrupy than many of the others I sampled, but the overwhelming vinegar taste hit the back of my throat in an overly aggressive way. In the end, this one was just too harsh.

Rating: 3/10

Stonewall Kitchen Classic Italian Dressing

Stonewall Kitchen says that this dressing is made with quality olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, and "just the right spices." At $8.49, it was the priciest dressing I tried (and also the most caloric).

The look: This dressing had a very thin consistency with lots of dark spices visible.

The taste: Stonewall Kitchen calls this a dressing or marinade, and it's very oregano-forward—so much so that it was the only spice I could taste. I think this would be better over pasta salad than on a regular salad.

Rating: 4/10

RELATED: 8 Best Salad Dressings at Trader Joe's, According to Customers

Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing

I hesitated to buy this Olive Garden-brand salad dressing due to some PTSD from eating too many breadsticks at the popular Italian chain, but I decided to give it a try. It costs $4.99.

The look: Olive Garden's dressing was an interesting opaque yellow color. It almost looked like the color of an egg yolk.

The taste: This dressing was surprisingly good! It was light and salty and just a touch too vinegary, and it made me think of going back to OG sometime for salad.

Rating: 5/10

Ken's Steakhouse Italian Dressing & Marinade

Ken's is known for great dressings, and this recipe was famously made by Ken's mother-in-law, who combined oil, vinegar, garlic, and onion for a winning combination. The price for this dressing was $2.49 on sale.

The look: This dressing looked clear in color—there were no spices to be seen, except maybe some garlic. This was a remarkable contrast to all the other dressings, which were dotted with spices.

The taste: This dressing was light, simple, and delicious with flavors of garlic at the forefront. I think it could have used some other spices, but it was good!

Rating: 7/10

RELATED: 10 Best & Worst Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressings, Say Dietitians

Newman's Own Family Recipe Italian

Newman's Own Italian is made with real cheese and looked the most appealing in the bottle with an abundance of spices settled on the bottom and oil on top. It was on sale for $4.69.

The look: This dressing looked thin, light in color, and very peppery.

The taste: Newman's Own had a delicious, light taste that would enhance any salad without overwhelming it. I could taste the pepper and the cheese, and both were delightful additions. When it came down to it, Newman's got the balance of Italian exactly right.

Rating: 8/10

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