Dried White Beans
Published May 1, 2014.
We’ve always been a little prejudiced in favor of dried beans over canned. But is that always true?
Jasmine Rice
Published March 1, 2014.
We put six brands of jasmine rice—from supermarket varieties to high-end mail-order grains—to the test.
Wild Rice
Published January 1, 2013.
Who knew wild rice was actually an aquatic grass? See which brand swam to the top of our list.
Supermarket Hummus
Published January 1, 2013.
This creamy chickpea spread has gone from health food obscurity to the No. 1 refrigerated dip. But some brands definitely aren't worth a swipe.
Flour Tortillas
Published September 1, 2012.
We gathered four national brands of 6-inch flour tortillas and put them to the test, tasting them plain and with fajitas.
Dried Rice Noodles
Published September 1, 2012.
We gathered three national brands, tasting them plain and in our Thai noodle stir-fry.
Ready Rice
Published August 1, 2012.
It’s called “ready rice” for a reason: Microwave it for less than two minutes, right in the package it comes in, and it’s ready to eat. No question it’s fast, but does it taste good?
Supermarket Potato Gnocchi
Published March 15, 2012.
When time is short, should you reach for vacuum-packed, shelf-stable gnocchi?
Supermarket Cheese Ravioli
Published January 1, 2012.
Store-bought cheese ravioli offer convenience, but would any pass muster?
Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles
Published September 1, 2011.
When last year’s whole wheat spaghetti tasting turned up more than one pasta that offered pleasantly nutty flavor and tender-firm chew, we wondered if the trend extended to noodle shapes like lasagna.
Macaroni and Cheese
Published April 1, 2011.
We tasted 25 boxed and frozen versions of mostly clumpy, gloppy, wimpy mac and cheese. Were there any we’d actually eat?
Dried Black Beans
Published March 1, 2011.
Canned beans may be convenient, but their flavor and texture never measure up to dried.
Stone-Ground Oats
Published July 1, 2009.
We tested one brand of stone-ground oats. Could they please our tasters' palates?
English Muffins
Published February 1, 2009.
Are there real differences among the four major national brands of English muffins? To find out, we got busy toasting.
Elbow Macaroni
Published August 1, 2008.
One candidate nudged out the rest of the competition.
Canned Chickpeas
Published May 1, 2008.
The top brands were notable for chickpeas that were tender, creamy, and well seasoned.
Whole Wheat Bread
Published October 1, 2007.
Our tasters wanted wheat, not sweetness.
Refried Beans
Published January 1, 2006.
We found three brands that might serve, in a pinch.
Farfalle Pasta
Published November 1, 2003.
Can American brands compete with pricey Italian imports?
