Mouthing Off

Bacon tast test / © Maggie Mariolis

Depending on its smokiness, saltiness, fattiness and flavor, bacon can range from basic breakfast staple to pure porcine perfection. Food & Wine editors sampled both nationally available and mail-order artisanal brands to find out which bacon is truly the best. Read more >

 

Ice cream sandwiches combine two irresistible desserts into a tasty handheld package. Food & Wine editors sampled some of the most popular brands on the market to find the best >

 

The totally refreshing and often fat-free cousin of ice cream, sorbet can be creamy, light and completely satisfying.  Food & Wine editors sampled some of the most popular offerings on the market to find the best. Read more >

From classic cakes to salty caramels, many of this summer’s newest ice creams pay homage to our favorite desserts. Food & Wine editors sampled both nationally available and local artisanal brands to find out which dessert-inspired ice creams truly honor their plated counterparts. Read more >

 

While it’s easy to make a homemade dip, the right dry mix can expedite summer party prep. F&W staff sampled a variety of supermarket offerings, but found many of them to be too salty, too bland, or too processed-tasting. Two products earned top marks and feature the classic flavors our editors crave.

Full-Fat Fage Greek Yogurt

Indulgently thick, with up to double the protein of traditional styles, Greek yogurt now rules the dairy aisle. With so many brands dabbling in the strained category, choosing one can seem daunting. Food & Wine sampled a heap of plain-flavored supermarket offerings that ranged from non to full-fat in order to find the most luscious, satisfyingly tangy options available. The results. »

 

In the space of a few years, bottled coconut water went from surprising celebrity food product to supermarket staple, with new brands rushing to satisfy growing demand for the healthy refresher. F&W sampled the most familiar products, and while nothing replaces the pure flavor of a freshly tapped coconut, one brand comes close with a price to match. Here, the newcomer and other options to suit every buyer’s taste >

 

Think all vanillas are created equal? F&W staff sampled some of the most popular supermarket ice creams to find the creamiest, most deliciously vanilla offerings available for your summer pies. Here, the results >