The Best MCT Oils, According to Keto Pros

If you’re looking for the best MCT oil, these are top picks from some keto experts.

But MCT oil in general is a tricky business. If you’ve jumped on the keto diet train, you’ve probably come across a ton of articles breaking down its pros and cons for boosting weight loss, especially when compared to good old coconut oil. So, before we get to specific recommendations, a little bit about MCT oil:

What Is MCT Oil & What Does It Do?

Dive a Little DeeperWhat Is MCT Oil?Quick science lesson: MCT stands for “medium chain triglycerides,” a fatty acid that’s absorbed differently from the more common type in our diet, long-chain triglycerides or LCTs. Most importantly for those on keto, these fatty acids pass much faster from the stomach to the liver than LCTs do. That means (theoretically) that a higher percentage is used as energy and far less stored as fat. There’s not a natural food source that only contains MCTs though, so to create a concentrated dose, companies extract them from coconuts to get a flavorless, colorless MCT oil.

Since MCT oil is really high in calories, it’s helpful for people who are in ketosis and trying to meet their fat intake goals (see also: fat bombs).

Other enthusiasts swear by MCT oil’s brain-boosting effects, since it’s easily absorbed and increases ketones, an alternative source of brain fuel. It’s also sometimes medically prescribed for epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease (though research on effectiveness has been mixed so far).

Related Reading: The Best Keto Snacks You Can Buy

Are There Any Drawbacks to MCT Oil?

There can be gnarly side effects from using too much MCT oil. Since it’s so high in calories, adding it when you’re not in ketosis will actually cause weight gain instead of weight loss. In addition, because MCTs are absorbed differently, going straight from the gut to the liver, a lot at once can cause upset stomachs.

“Some people have digestion issues with MCT oil,” says Craig Clarke, the founder and manager of the keto website Ruled.me. “So it’s best to start with around 1 to 2 teaspoons of MCT oil and see how it goes.”

Choosing a high-quality MCT oil is crucial too. The most important thing to look for is third-party certification, according to Ginger Hultin, a Seattle-based registered dietician who also runs the blog “Champagne Nutrition.”

“Supplements aren’t regulated,” explained Hultin, “so if they’re a good supplement, they can pay out of their own pocket to have an outside company come in, test their products, and put their stamp of approval on it.”

The Best MCT Oils to Buy

Not sure where to start? Overwhelmed by the millions of different brands out there? We dug through certifications, pored through blog posts, and spoke with keto specialists to round up a few top picks.

Related Reading: The Best Keto Costco Buys

Onnit MCT Oil, 24 ounces for $24.95 on Amazon

Amazon

The only MCT oil certified by NSF Certified for Sport, Onnit is also a favorite of keto food and fitness bloggers. The Keto Cookbook named it their top choice, as did Biohackers Lab and Ketovale, for its smooth texture and clean taste. Many fans noted that Onnit released new emulsified MCT oils, like the fancy vanilla and herbs de provence varieties, that are even easier to stir into stuff like salad dressings and coffee. It’s important to note that the emulsified types have preservatives though, and only the original flavorless MCT oil is NSF-certified.Buy Now

Sports Research MCT Oil, 32 ounces for $27.95 on Amazon

Amazon

You can’t go wrong with Sports Research. The company has been in the supplement game since the 1980s and is especially trusted by fitness buffs. Its MCT oil is certified by Informed Choice, one of the top third-party certifiers. It’s got a slew of other certifications too, including vegan, paleo, and non-GMO. Like other pure MCT oils, the smoke point here is 320 degrees, so it’s best suited for drinks like Bulletproof coffee, smoothies, and salad dressings. It’s also slightly less pricey per-ounce than Onnit. If you want a reliable, high-quality MCT oil for pre- and post-workouts, then Sports Research is a great choice.Buy Now

Now Sports MCT Oil, 32 ounces for $17.70 on Amazon

Amazon

If the first two options are a bit out of your price range, Now Sports is the way to go. It’s certified by Informed Choice and, like Onnit, is a favorite for keto food bloggers. Also like Onnit, Now Sports has two flavors—chocolate mocha and vanilla hazelnut—that could give Starbucks a run for its money. Like the pricier brands, Now Sports is a blend of C-8 and C-10 MCTs, the two types of MCTs that Clarke recommends looking for when you’re picking an effective oilBuy Now.

Protocol for Life Pure MCT Oil, 32 ounces for $25 on Amazon

Amazon

Protocol for Life specializes in dietary supplements for healthcare professionals, so their MCT oil is another reliable, third-party certified option if you spot it at your local health foods store. Like many of the other oils, Protocol for Life is especially well-suited for boosting your morning cup of Bulletproof coffee. It’s also non-GMO verified, if that’s something that you’re looking to limit (though you might not really need to).Buy Now

Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil, 32 ounces for $44.95 on Amazon

Amazon

Disclaimer: Bulletproof is the only MCT oil on this list without third-party certification, but we included it because it’s one of the most well-known names in MCT products. It was the OG pusher of the Bulletproof coffee trend a few years back. Lots of people like Bulletproof’s MCT oil because it has a slightly different fatty acid makeup. While most other oils are a mix of C-8 and C-10, Brain Octane is pure C-8, which Bulletproof claims to be the most effective for producing ketones and fueling the brain. At $48.95 for 32 ounces, it’s also nearly twice as expensive as some other products on this list.Buy Now

Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, 54 ounces for $17.99 on Amazon

Amazon

We know, we know: This isn’t an MCT oil. But because MCT oils have low smoke points, they actually aren’t the best for recipes that need heat. “If you do want to get MCTs into your cooked or baked foods,” says Clarke, “coconut oil would be the best bet.” Nutiva is a favorite of food and beauty bloggers because it’s unrefined and has a milder coconut flavor than others. If you’re on keto and (somehow) sick of butter, take advantage of the natural sweetness of coconut oil for these chocolate coconut macaroons or this low-carb coconut shrimp. If you’re prescribed a pure MCT oil, though, it’s best to go with another option on this list. “Keep in mind that coconut oil is typically around fifty- to sixty-percent MCTs,” Clarke added, “and takes much longer to digest fully.”Buy Now

Keto Concerns

Is the Keto Diet Bad for Your Heart?

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Valentine’s Day 2020 Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Food Lovers

Love it or hate it, the heart-shaped boxes of chocolate roll out right after New Year’s, and it’s never too early to start looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

It’s not too late (yet) to make a reservation at the hottest spot in town, but you could always plan to cook something romantic at home. And you may as well lock down the perfect present for your boyfriend, girlfriend, just plain friend, your mom, or even yourself, ASAP (because you know soon it’ll be Feb. 10 and you’ll wonder where the time went). Even if you hate Valentine’s Day with a passion, it’s still a great excuse to show a little love.

These Valentine’s Day gift guides are full of exciting, adorable, inspiring, and just plain delicious options for her, for him, for you, for everyone—whether you crave something sweet, savory, expensive, practical, or just plain unusual. We’ll be updating each individual guide below throughout this week (an on through Valentine’s Day—and Galentine’s Day 2020), so you’re sure to find the perfect present to show you care.

For True Food Lovers

Give them something amazingly delicious and they’ll remember it forever.

Most Romantic Food Gifts for Valentine’s Day 2020 — updated

Veuve Clicquot

From boutique macarons and pink Champagne to couples cooking classes, these gifts will make any food lover’s heart rate spike. See our Valentine’s Day 2020 Gift Guide: Most Romantic Food Gifts.

Best Luxury Food Gifts for Valentine’s Day 2020 — updated

Bobbi Lin/Food52

Have a Valentine with expensive tastes? These high-end food and drink gifts will make them swoon. See our Valentine’s Day 2020 Gift Guide: Best Luxury Food Gifts.

Budget Bae

While it is certainly the thought that counts, it can feel really nice to give (and receive) a little something tangible. These gifts won’t break the bank, but will melt hearts.

Best Valentine’s Gifts Under $25

Amazon

You can find plenty of sweet, funny, and thoughtful gifts for $25 and under (sometimes way under), as these items prove. And most are available on Amazon Prime, so you can get them on short notice too! See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Gifts Under $25.

Best Valentine’s Day Food Gifts Under $50

Mouth

If you have a little more cash to drop, check out these under-$50 options, all of which happen to be edible. See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Best Food Gifts Under $50.

Sweet Treats

Valentine’s Day chocolates are classic, but these are truly exceptional. (And for those who like a sugar high but don’t do cocoa, we’ve got options for them too.)

Unique Chocolate Options for Valentine’s Day

Everyday Parisian

If your Valentine won’t be satisfied with the usual chocolate bonbons, no matter how high-quality, look to more offbeat chocolate options like these. See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Unique Chocolate Treats.

Best CBD Chocolates and Candy for Valentine’s Day

AUR

For those who like to Netflix and chill (but literally), these CBD-infused sweets are sure to please. See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Best CBD Chocolates and Treats.

Best Valentine’s Day Treats to Send Long Distance

Southern Baked

Show someone affection from afar by sending them a surprise gift that’s sweet in more ways than one. See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Best Mail-Order Treats to Have Delivered.

Practically Romantic

From the best cookware to the best cookbooks, these gifts will be used again and again.

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Cookbook Lovers

Bake From Scratch

Whether your S.O. is into cooking or just loves reading cookbooks like novels (try it; it’s fun), they’ll adore any of these additions to their bookshelves. See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: For Cookbook Lovers.

Heart-Shaped Kitchen Tools for Valentine’s Day

Nordic Ware/Amazon

The way to one’s heart is through one’s stomach, but sometimes the reverse is also true. For your sweetheart who likes to cook with love, these heart-shaped kitchen tools are just the thing. See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Best Heart-Shaped Kitchen Items.

Valentine’s Gifts for Passionate Home Cooks

Blue Apron Market

If your S.O. is immune to the charms of heart-shaped goodies and just wants to get down to business in the kitchen, give them something they’ll use all the time. See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Best Gifts for Home Cooks.

Potent Potables

Cocktails, mocktails, beer, or wine—whatever your sweetie likes to sip, there’s a perfect present for them below.

The Most Romantic Valentine’s Day Cocktail Ingredients

Hudson & Lee/Facebook

Got a mixologist main squeeze? Give them these decidedly romantic cocktail ingredients for their bar cart, and maybe you’ll sip something sweet together. See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Most Romantic Cocktail Ingredients.

Valentine’s Day Beers

Carton Brewing

Give your favorite craft beer fan some chocolate stouts, sure, but don’t sleep on beers brewed with oysters, roses, and even Champagne yeast and caviar. See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Best Picks for Craft Beer Lovers.

Wonderful Wine Subscriptions for Your Valentine

Shutterstock

Only have eyes for an oenophile? Give them a wine subscription that suits their style and they’ll be drunk in love. See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Best Wine Subscriptions.

Mocktail Must-Haves

Belvoir Fruit Farms/Facebook

Have a zero-proof paramour who still likes to get fancy? Treat them to some marvelous mocktail ingredients so they can make top-notch tipples without the alcohol . (Because true love is intoxicating enough.) See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Best Mocktail Ingredients.

Galentine’s Goodies

Honestly, pretty much any and everything from all of these guides would be great to give your gals (or pals) to show you care, but in honor of the occasion…

Best Galentine’s Day Gifts for Your Girls

Tea Forté

Lovely gifts for your favorite ladies, because you should never underestimate the importance of girlfriends; be sure to remind them you know how lucky you are to have your besties in your life. See our Galentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide.

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts

Your Amazon Prime account can save you from a snafu (can’t always say the same for the grocery store candy aisle). Lots of the other guides on this list also include Prime-eligible options, but these two are dedicated to last-minute gifts that don’t seem like they are.

Best Gifts for Her on Amazon

Jonathan Adler/Amazon

Don’t let the “for her” stop you from nabbing any of these charming gifts for whoever is on your shopping list. Seriously, there’s something for everyone, from design/art nerds to tea lovers and home bakers. See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Best Last-Minute Gifts for Her on Amazon.

Best Gifts for Him on Amazon

Marcato/Amazon

Ditto these more traditionally “masculine” gifts that appeal to a wide array of people, passions, and styles. See our Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide: Best Last-Minute Gifts for Him on Amazon.

Related Video: How to Make a Valentine’s Day Cocktail with Kombucha to Show You Care

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Luxury Food Gifts for the Valentine with Expensive Tastes

Looking for the best luxury food and drink gifts for Valentine’s Day 2020? You’re in luck, because we’ve rounded up a drool-worthy collection.

So show your girlfriend or boyfriend or that special someone in your life how much he or she really means to you in a love language that pretty much everyone understands: expensive food. From fresh truffles to lobster mac, below you’ll find the perfect, and perhaps most indulgent, Valentine’s Day gift ideas for him and her and maybe yourself.

The best part? You can order all of these stylish treats online now and save yourself from the last-minute Valentine’s Day gift-buying panic that will surely overcome the ill-prepared. Because let’s face it—a teddy bear from the mall or a cheap box of chocolate-covered strawberries won’t cut it for the foodie in your life this year.

Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Brut Gold Champagne, price & availability varies on Drizly

Armand de Brignac

A bottle of Champagne is de rigueur for the occasion, but if you want to splurge, a bottle of Armande de Brignac Ace of Spades will set you back about $300 and (according to experts) be worth every penny. It receives high scores across the board, and it comes in a golden bottle to boot. Would you expect any less from a label that’s owned by Jay-Z? This is probably what Beyoncé’s drinking on Valentine’s Day—and maybe Reese Witherspoon too.Buy Now

Champagne Lover’s Cheese Collection, $85 at Murray’s Cheese

Murray’s Cheese

Want to avoid February 14th restaurant chaos? This cheese collection comes with everything you need for a romantic indoor picnic: three types of artisanal cheese; Castelvetrano olives; sour cherry spread; olive oil flatbread kissed with gray sea salt; and chocolate-covered almonds for dessert. Designed to pair perfectly with Champagne (see above), just add a bottle of bubbly and a blanket.Buy Now

USDA Prime Dry-Aged Sweetheart Strip Steak, $94.95 at Lobel’s

Lobel’s

Wear your heart on your, um, grill this year with a 20-ounce USDA Prime steak that’s been dry-aged and butchered by one of the best names in the business. It’s a beautiful cut and a tender way (literally, this meat is pretty tender) to show how you’re feeling towards your boo. A rib steak option is also available; either way, each steak feeds two.Buy Now

New England Breakfast, $64.95 on Stonewall Kitchen

Stonewall Kitchen

Stuffy Valentine’s Day dinners are overrated. Instead, do a delicious breakfast in bed, and take it to the next level with fluffy pancakes, real maple syrup, jams, coffee, and—we said next level and meant it—cinnamon buns. They’re all included in this genius Nantucket-style basket.Buy Now

Kolikof Caviar Russian Sturgeon Gift Set, $450 on Sur La Table

Sur La Table

Go big with a sampling of the fanciest fish eggs around. This caviar gift set contains 1.75-ounce tins of imperial kaluga, imperial ossetra, and Russian ossetra caviar; 16 blinis; 7.5 ounces of crème fraîche; and 3 mother of pearl spoons.Buy Now

Mikuni Wild Harvest Black Perigord Winter Truffle, $120 per ounce on Food52

Bobbi Lin/Food52

We don’t need to tell you what to do here, but just in case: Shave a few small slices of this delicacy (flown in from France twice each week) over a just-from-the-oven pizza, on top of pasta, or even to top your morning scramble.Buy Now

Terroir of Japan Steak Flight, $879 on Goldbelly

Goldbelly

The meat lover in your life will lose his or her mind over the luxe selections in this pack some of the most coveted cuts in the world (approximately 13 ounces each), all from Japanese farms and ranches. Each cut is from a particular region that affects its taste and texture: Chateau Uenae Hokkaido Strip; Omi Ribeye; Bushugyu Ribeye; and Miyazaki-Ozaki Strip.Buy Now

Jacques Torres’ World Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies, 12 for $69.95 on Goldbelly

Jacques Torres

Most New Yorkers already know that James Beard award-winning pastry chef Jacques Torres makes a mean chocolate chip cookie, the kind that causes around-the-block lines. But now you can order up to a dozen of his perfectly thin and chewy specialties—mixed with his 60 percent dark chocolate baking discs—for your sweetie, no matter where you are.Buy Now

Hancock’s Lobster Mac and Cheese Casserole, $179 at Goldbelly

Goldbelly

OK, so technically this five-pound tray serves a dozen people, but we won’t judge if you and your honey heat the whole thing up and use your forks to eat the award-winning mascarpone-cheddar mixture right from the dish. Love means never having to explain your over-the-top obsession with everything lobster.Buy Now

Visit our Valentine’s Day 2020 Gift Guide headquarters for even more delicious ideas.

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Cabbage Soup

Here's an easy, nourishing cabbage soup for cold winter days. Made with just a handful of ingredients and ready in under an hour, the soup is simplicity at its best.

Continue reading "Cabbage Soup" »

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The Most Romantic Gifts for Your Food-Obsessed Valentine

It’s been said that the best way to a person’s heart is through one’s stomach, which means that come February 14, food is of the utmost importance. Here you’ll find a variety of gourmet gift options guaranteed to satiate your significant other on Valentine’s Day.

Rockport Romance Lobster Dinner for Two, $179.95 at Lobster Anywhere

Lobster Anywhere

Thanks to Lobster Anywhere, you and your partner can enjoy a memorable multi-course meal at home and avoid that obnoxious Valentine’s Day tax that restaurants love to levy. Not surprisingly, the main event is a pair of live Maine lobsters—perfect for replicating that classic awkwardly romantic “Annie Hall” crustacean confrontation—with creamy clam chowder to start, and Harbor Sweets‘ gourmet chocolates rounding out this classic New England seafood feast.Buy Now

Gift Cards for Cooking Classes $10-$500 at Sur la Table

Sur La Table

Preparing a meal with your partner is a surefire way to heat things up. But if your technique needs some improvement, then consider gifting an in-store cooking class at Sur La Table which has over 100 locations in the U.S. There are multiple classes available every month covering everything from French desserts to cast iron cooking techniques, but be sure to keep an eye out for their signature “date night” options, which are especially geared towards couples.Buy Now

La Dolce Vita Cheese Collection, $100 at Murray’s Cheese

Murray’s Cheese

Want to go all-in on a cheesy Valentine’s Day gift? Well, this just might be your best bet. Murray’s has been in the fromage game for nearly 90 years, so you can trust that their selections are top-notch. We’re keeping an eye out for the return of their Valentine’s Day Collection, but this Italian option is equally great. Included are four classic Italian cheeses, sopressata and prosciutto, Castelvetrano olives, and crispy taralli crackers.Buy Now

Valentine’s Chocolate Heart Luxury Gift Box, $99.95 at Compartes

Compartes

Luxury Los Angeles chocolatier Compartes has several Valentine’s offerings for the chocolate lover, but this eye-popping heart-shaped box full of truffles, bon bons, and caramels will really make them swoon.Buy Now

Chocolate Macarons 24-Piece Heart Set, $54 on Etsy

Pastreez/Etsy

Another, less expected sweet treat, this mix of red heart-shaped chocolate macarons and sweet vanilla macarons are baked in California and shipped anywhere in the U.S.Buy Now

Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Fondue Set in Cherry, $94.95 on Amazon

Amazon

Party like it’s 1979 with this stylish fondue set. Though the package comes with six long-stemmed forks, just two will do for a romantic evening of bubbly gruyére and creamy cocoa. Cheese, chocolate, and Barry White record sold separately.Buy Now

Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne, price & availability varies on Drizly

Veuve Clicquot

Champagne is always a good bet for a celebration, but rosé Champagne is particularly apropos for Valentine’s Day. Veuve Clicquot’s version can’t be beat, a bubbly blend of red and white wine that is fruity and full-bodied. If you can find the 2008 vintage, opt for that.Buy Now

USDA Prime Dry-Aged Sweetheart Steak, $74.95-$82.95 at Lobel’s

Lobel’s

If your significant other hearts steak, then this 20-ounce slab of meaty heaven is sure to impress. Both the strip and the slightly fattier and more tender rib versions of New York institution Lobel’s heart-shaped sweetheart steak are prepared with dry-aged, USDA prime, corn-fed, Midwestern beef. Basically, you can’t go wrong with either cut.Buy Now

Caviar Showcase for Two, $280-$590 at Petrossian

Petrossian

Petrossian is among the most recognized purveyors of caviar in the world, so if you’re looking for the ultimate Valentine’s Day food splurge, they’ve got you covered. This luxury gift set is perfect for couples, complete with two mother of pearl caviar spoons, a pair of vodka flutes, and, of course, a tin of the good stuff with several options to choose from (if money is no object, opt for the Royal Ossetra). Buy Now

“Bestia: Italian Recipes Created in the Heart of L.A.”, $20.99 on Amazon

Amazon

This cookbook from husband and wife team Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis features delectable recipes from their hit sensation Bestia, which is among the best Italian restaurants in Los Angeles. Terrific eats and some couples cooking inspiration await.Buy Now

Visit our Valentine’s Day 2020 Gift Guide headquarters for even more great ideas.

Related Video: How to Make a Valentine’s Day Cocktail with Kombucha

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The Chili Garlic Sauce Our Readers Cant Stop Talking About

You can secure the right cookbooks, find the very best recipe and arm yourself with the best kitchen gadgetry around but if you don’t have the right ingredients, that dog just won’t hunt. Just ask the Chowhound faithful who take to the message boards to discuss their favorite pantry ingredients.

Maybe you thought your pantry was fully stocked but you might want to think again. From lemongrass stir-in paste to coffee flour and this cult-favorite chili sauce, these are the top 25 most-discussed pantry items on Chowhound.

For more, check out our full list of 100 Most-Discussed Cookware, Cookbooks & Kitchen Products ever.

Tahitian Vanilla Beans, $29.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Vanilla consistently proves to be one of my personal favorite flavors in sweet applications, and it seems to be the case for our readers as well. These fancy Tahitian beans come whole (dried) and vacuum-sealed for freshness.Buy Now

Spanish Squid Ink, $12.99 on Amazon

Amazon

For a fast hit of umami and mysterious black hue, squid ink is a really fun ingredient to have lingering around your pantry, especially during Halloween. But it’s definitely not something you’ll want to harvest yourself. Luckily, this Spanish squid ink can add depth of flavor to a sauce, risotto or soup, is reasonably priced, and has a long shelf life.Buy Now

Sir Kensington Organic Mayonaisse, $7.79 on Amazon

Amazon

If you didn’t think mayo could get any better, check out this organic spread from the fancy condiment kids, Sir Kensington’s. This mayo is made with 100 percent USDA certified organic sunflower oil, free-range eggs, organic lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper.Buy Now

Related Reading: This Vegan Mayonnaise Is Even Better Than the Real Thing

Chili Garlic Sauce, $2.19 on Target

Target

California’s Huy Fong Foods might be most famous for Sriracha, but for my money, the chili garlic sauce is where it’s at, and it seems readers agree with the sentiment. A teaspoon of this doesn’t just add heat—although there is plenty—but also a healthy punch of sweet garlic, too.Buy Now

Runamok Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup, $18.95 on Amazon

Amazon

Bourbon and maple are two O.G. American-made products that take time to produce but are very much worth the wait. They also happen to be awfully complementary to one another, as in this 100 percent pure organic Vermont maple is aged in bourbon barrels, adding a touch of whiskey spice. Drop a splash in your coffee or a more traditional pancake breakfast and thank us later.Buy Now

Star Dust Dipping Powder, $4.95 on My Panier

My Panier

While this might sound like something Hunter S. Thompson might have sprinkled under his tongue in the sixties, it’s actually a medium heat chili lime seasoning that would make any chicken breast or skirt steak pop. You can only get it on this online retailer which carries a slew of interesting small food brands.Buy Now

Montavo Red Wine Vinegar, $18.98 on Amazon

Amazon

Aged in wooden casks this Red Wine vinegar from Italy makes for deep and delicious sauces, salad dressings, marinades, and more. A low-calorie way to add lots of zesty, flavor to food.Buy Now

Sahadi Whole Cous Cous, $2.50 on Sahadi

Sahadi

This quality whole-wheat couscous is made from durum semolina and cooks up to a perfect al dente to host your favorite Mediterranean flavors or on its own as a hearty side dish.Buy Now

Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter, $9.78 on Instacart

Instacart

Cultured butter is a European style made form fresh cream but with added live bacterial cultures which eventually results in a deeper, richer, nuttier butter that you can use for cooking but is especially good just spread onto a slice of good sourdough.Buy Now

Related Reading: What Is the Difference Between Butter and Ghee?

Paella or “Bomba” Rice, $10 on Sur La Table

Sur La Table

We’ve written plenty about paella before, and one of the key elements to a good one—if you ask most Spanish chefs worth his or her weight in chorizo—is the rice. Bomba rice is the rice to use as it both holds plenty of delicious and flavorful broth like a sponge but is also able to caramelize, creating that oh-so-tasty soccorat on the bottom of the pan.Buy Now

Lousiana Crawfish Boil Seasoning, $9.98 on Amazon

Amazon

It may not be prime crawfish boil season but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep some shrimp crawfish and crab boil seasoning on hand for whenever the moment strikes.Buy Now

California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $9.39 on Target

Target

A little birdy told me that Italian olive oil imported from Greece and Italy is not as well-regulated as California. This could explain why our readers are into this California blended EVOO which you can snag for less than $10 for 17 ounces at Target.Buy Now

Rind Superfood Snacks (pack of 3), $19.39 on Amazon

Amazon

Now, this may not be a pantry ingredient in the truest sense of the word but you’ll be glad to have a few bags of these around for quick snacks with exactly no bad stuff added. Just dried fruit rinds and skins (where a lot of the nutrients are), and adds a nice sweet pop to summer salads.Buy Now

Lemongrass Stir-In Paste, $4.67 on Amazon

Amazon

Are you a lemongrass addict? Don’t worry this is a safe space. It’s one of my favorite flavors and having a little stir-in paste blended with oils and lemon juice is the easiest, breeziest way to add this delicate flavor to soups, stir-fries, or sandwiches.Buy Now

Alabama White BBQ Sauce, $9.95 on Sur La Table

Sur La Table

Boring old tomato BBQ sauce is so last year. This peppery Alabama spin on the classic Southern condiment has been making a splash. Read more about Alabama white sauce here or snag a bottle from Sur La Table below.Buy Now

Hempe Hemp Tofu (7-pack), $70 on Amazon

Amazon

I still remember being coerced into eating tofu as a child by my mom’s vegan friend so it does come as a bit of a shock to know there is a tofu substitute. So meta, you guys. Hemp tofu strikes similar tofu chords with regard to texture and taste to the original stuff but is completely safe for a soy-free diet.Buy Now

Organic Chicken Stock, $6.99 on Thrive Market

Thrive Market

When the stock is the base of your soup, sauce or a key player in your risotto or another dish, make sure it’s a good one like this organic chicken stock sold exclusively Thrive Market.Buy Now

Liquid Egg Whites, $6.49 on Instacart

Instacart

If you’re on a high protein, low-fat diet egg whites are one of the better foods to incorporate as much as possible for easy breakfast and mid-day snacks. These organic valley egg whites are pasteurized and ready to hit the pan. (No cracking required).Buy Now

Related Reading: Why Do We Call Deviled Eggs ‘Deviled’?

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, $8 on Amazon

Amazon

The uses are endless for ACV and include salad dressings, marinades, sauces and more. This time of year, consider making fire cider to ward off colds and keep your immune system chugging. This stuff is a superfood and it’s no wonder there’s interest in it year after year.Buy Now

Miso Salmon Grilling Rub, $1.95 on World Market

World Market

Where my umami-heads at? This miso rub gets right down to business perfect for fish of all sorts, but especially a rich oily salmon filet and fresh lemon to cut it all. Perfection.Buy Now

Coffee Flour, $8.95 on Amazon

Amazon

Coffee flour is made from the oft-discarded fruit of the coffee plant that surrounds the bean and can be used in bread, muffins cookies and added to smoothies or a roasted citrus flavor.Buy Now

Related Reading: The Best Coffee Subscriptions for Every Type of Coffee Drinker

Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, $19.98 on Amazon

Amazon

Vanilla extract is one of those things it’s just wise to spend a little extra money on. The good stuff can make a dish great while the cheap stuff just falls flat. Nielsen-Massey is the decidedly good stuff and, in addition to their classic vanilla, have this Madagascar Bourbon extract to play with.Buy Now

Maldon Sea Salt, $5.49 on Amazon

Amazon

A full flavor salt harvested from the coastal town of Maldon, England this is a perfect finishing salt for just about anything, really. Its rich richness melts into food in a way other salts don’t and you’d be wise to have a box on hand at all times.Buy Now

Pomi Chopped Italian Tomatoes, $3.69 on Target 

Target

Nothing worse than getting all set up to knock out your famous Sunday marinara and realizing you don’t have crushed tomatoes. Pomi shelf-stable boxed and bottled tomatoes are a favorite to have on hand in those moments and you’d be wise to stock up while you’re thinking of it.Buy Now

Ortiz Anchovy Fillets, $14.79 on Amazon

Amazon

Anchovies make for an easy weeknight meal chopped and tossed with pasta garlic, and good olive or on top of the flatbread with shaved parmesan. A good jar of Ortiz Anchovies or “Anchoas” in oil will be your new go-to pantry favorite.Buy Now

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