Soy Sauce
Published September 1, 2016.
Savory, fragrant, umami-rich soy sauce is a staple in American kitchens. But choose the wrong product and all you get is a salt bomb.
Prepared Pesto
Published March 1, 2016.
We scooped up seven traditional basil pestos (also called pesto Genovese), priced from $2.99 to $11.49 per container. We sampled each pesto plain and tossed with hot pasta.
Supermarket Sauerkraut
Published February 1, 2016.
To find out which kraut is king, we tried six nationally available supermarket sauerkrauts plain, with hot dogs, and in pierogi.
Mild Jarred Red Salsa
Published February 1, 2016.
Piquant jarred salsas can add a little spice to any occasion. But what do mild salsas have to offer?
Hamburger Buns
Published October 1, 2015.
Which burger bun is the best?
Fish Sauce
Published September 1, 2015.
We gathered five products from grocery stores and Asian markets and sampled them over white rice, mixed into a simple Thai dipping sauce, and in our recipe for Vietnamese Caramel Chicken.
Tortilla Chips
Published August 1, 2015.
Can you judge a chip by its color?
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
Published June 1, 2015.
Until recently, you’d be lucky to find one brand of shredded coconut in the supermarket, but now there are lots of options—does it matter which one you choose?
Dijon Mustard
Published March 1, 2015.
What traits guarantee a Dijon mustard that packs a wallop of clean heat and balanced acidity? Youth and, surprisingly, a little fat.
Frozen Sausage Breakfast Links
Published December 1, 2014.
What makes great breakfast sausage? We link it all together.
Frozen Dinner Rolls
Published December 1, 2014.
When there isn't time to make fresh dinner rolls, the frozen variety can be a tempting alternative.
Apricot Preserves
Published November 1, 2014.
We tasted five top-selling products plain and in our Cook's Illustrated French Apple Tart.
Processed Artichoke Hearts
Published September 1, 2014.
With so many options on the market, selecting a brand of processed artichoke hearts is often a stab in the dark.
Frozen Pepperoni Pizza
Published August 1, 2014.
Frozen pizza has a bad rep, but a slew of new “artisanal” options promise pizzeria quality from the freezer aisle. Can any product deliver?
Supermarket Frozen Yogurt
Published July 1, 2014.
These days, supermarket frozen yogurts are flying off the shelves. Is that because they’re healthful and taste good—or because they simply sound that way?
Corn Tortillas
Published February 1, 2014.
Our top pick has both flavor and flex, thanks to plenty of salt and an ingredient none of the other brands use.
Blue Cheese Dressing
Published October 1, 2013.
Was it too much to ask for a blue cheese dressing that was thick, creamy, and actually tasted like blue cheese?
Frozen Straight-Cut French Fries
Published June 1, 2013.
Homemade fries are not usually an option for weeknight cooking—but was there a frozen brand good enough to earn a place in our freezer?
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.
Ice Cream Cones
Published June 1, 2012.
We tasted five supermarket sugar cones and waffle cones (after much debate, we decided to save cup-style “cake” cones for another day), both plain and filled with vanilla ice cream.
Supermarket Tortellini
Published April 1, 2012.
Is store-bought tortellini any 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?
Aerosol Whipped Cream
Published September 1, 2011.
Whipped cream in a can is convenient, but do the flavor and texture measure up to homemade?
Graham Crackers
Published June 1, 2011.
We tasted three top-selling national brands to see which came out on top.
