World Water Day Products That Give Back

For many of us, water is easy to take for granted—but as World Water Day on March 22 aims to remind everyone, millions of people around the world do not have reliable access to safe water, and as we’ve seen (most recently and publicly with the Flint Water Crisis), it’s not a given everywhere in the U.S. either. The solutions to the global crisis may not be simple, but one thing you can easily do is donate, either directly, or by purchasing from a company that contributes part of their profits to safe drinking water organizations. We’ve rounded up some fetching products that benefit Water.org in particular—but check out other water-oriented organizations like Charity: Water too and chip in a few bucks if you can.

Memobottle A5, $36 on Amazon

Memobottle/Amazon

Getting yourself a reusable water bottle is a great way to be more environmentally friendly—and to make sure you stay hydrated, which is pretty important. Luckily, there are so many styles out there, you’re bound to find the perfect one for you. The Memobottle happens to be flat, making it easy to slide into your overstuffed backpack, briefcase, or tote. It comes in a few sizes (the A5 being the largest; others are more like pocket flasks) and you can also get vegan leather sleeves and lanyards to accessorize them if you like. The company provides two months of clean water to one person for every bottle sold.Buy Now

d.stil Reusable Easy-Infuse Water Bottle, $9.99 on Amazon

d.stil/Amazon

This is a nice basic option in a more conventional shape; it’s also pretty cheap, available in several colors, and suitable for making infusions thanks to the wide mouth. The company donates one percent of profits to Water.org, and promises a lifetime warranty for their products, so what’s not to love?Buy Now

Drinkfinity Four Flavor Variety Pack with Bottle, $35 on Amazon

Drinkfinity/Amazon

If you just can’t give up your smart water but really want to reduce the amount of packaging you’re tossing away, Drinkfinity could be a good alternative for you. The reusable bottle is designed to work with their pods, which contain mixtures of dry and liquid ingredients (think natural fruit juices, vitamins, powdered spirulina, powdered dry extracts, and even chia seeds, of course) that flavor your water and boost its health benefits, without adding much sugar—and never any artificial sweeteners or flavors. The pods do contain plastic, but up to 65 percent less than a traditional single-use bottle, so it’s still a step in the right direction. And while they normally donate 1 percent of each transaction to Water.org, on World Water Day, they’ll increase that to $1.Buy Now

BOTA Backpacks, $59.40-$99 at Bota.com

BOTA

Hydration backpacks—the kind you might use while camping—aren’t usually super-stylish, but these marry form and function for sure. They come in several styles fit for festivals, beach-going, high-fashion hiking, or just walking around town. Each one comes with a 1.5-liter hydration pack that slips into the outer bag to hold your water (or whatever else you want to put in there) for hands-free sipping. Just like reusable water bottles, they cut down on plastic that goes into landfills. And they donate over three and a half years of water every time you post a photo of yourself wearing their merch with the hashtag #letsbota. Great excuse to take another selfie, huh?Buy Now

astrea ONE Filtering Water Bottle, $44.99 on Amazon

astrea/Amazon

This sleek bottle by astrea has the added benefit of a filter that removes lead and other heavy metals that may be present so you get bottled water quality from any tap. The pop-up lid means you don’t have to unscrew the whole thing just to refill it, which is a nice plus. Even if you don’t have concerns about the health of the tap water in your town (which really should be the case for everyone), this will still make it taste its best.Buy Now

OKO H2O Level-2 Advanced Filtration Water Bottle, $27.99 on Amazon

OKO/Amazon

OKO H2O is a more travel-oriented option (in case you couldn’t tell from the carabiner clip) that boasts “NASA nano-technology as used in the ISS”—some serious filtration, in other words. Good for backpacking, whether locally or internationally, and for adding to your emergency preparedness kit (you do have one of those, right?). They donate 50 cents to Water.org for each bottle sold.Buy Now

blk. Spring Water Infused with Fulvic Acid, 12 bottles for $24.97 on Amazon

blk. water/Twitter

Whether you’re intrigued by the touted health benefits of fulvic acid or just thrilled that there’s finally a goth-friendly water on the market, this naturally black spring water is worth a try for the novelty value alone. They also donate to Water.org, which is a clear bonus.Buy Now

Tea People Loose Leaf Tea (prices vary) at Tea People

Tea People

You can’t make tea without water, and Tea People takes every part of the process seriously, from sourcing their tea leaves to brewing them just right. When you buy their tea to steep at home, a portion of the profits will be donated to Water.org.Buy Now

KaffeeBox Nordic Roast Coffee Subscription, $16.50/bag and up

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If you’re more of a coffee person, KaffeeBox is a great coffee subscription option. The quality of the beans is top-notch, and every bag of beans that’s sold “provides three months of clean water to a person in a developing country.”Buy Now

Lanna Coffee Co. Clean Water Blend, $15/bag

Lanna Coffee Co.

Lanna Coffee Co. works with farmers in Northern Thailand to source single-origin, pesticide-free coffee, and part of their proceeds go toward providing clean water, healthcare, and agricultural opportunities to villages throughout Thailand. But buy their Clean Water Blend in particular and $4 goes to Water.org.Buy Now

Stella Artois Better World 2019 Limited Edition Mexico, Peru, and Tanzania Chalice Gift Set, 3 for $33 on Amazon

Stella Artois/Amazon

Moving on to stronger stuff, beer—like life itself—would be nothing without water. Stella Artois debuted three limited-edition chalices and will donate $3.13 from each sale, which equates to five years of clean water for someone in the developing world. You can buy the full set or purchase the chalices individually. If you’re good on glasses, you can simply head to Twitter and give them a re-tweet to donate one year’s worth of water. (Or hit up Instagram today and use the hashtag #PourItForward.)Buy Now

BROO Craft Beer Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner Citrus Creme, $15.20 on Amazon

BROO/Amazon

If drinking beer isn’t enough, you can even lather up with craft beer shampoo and conditioner—BROO promises to “nourish, repair, protect and soothe hair” with malted barley and hops flowers. Additional bonuses: they’re cruelty-free and vegan; they support clean water and hygiene initiatives worldwide; and you can finally truly say you’re a hop head!Buy Now

Giving back is certainly a worthwhile effort and something we should all try to do more of for its own sake, but it’s nice when we can get something good in the bargain too, isn’t it? At the very least, it can be the incentive we need to take action, so check out a full list of ways to support Water.org while you shop, and consider donating too—even a small amount helps do good in the world.

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.

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9 Healthy Soup Recipes for Spring

Spring may be in the air, but don’t put away those pots and ladles just yet; it’s still chilly, which means something warm to sip (or slurp) is still in order. But lightness suits the change of weather that’s now afoot. With a new batch of seasonal vegetables arriving in markets—or soon to!—it’s time to look toward brothy concoctions featuring the sweetest peas, the tenderest greens, or the most vibrant herbs. We’re talking spring soups, the kind that favor fresh produce and light bases over meaty chunks and gravy-thick stews.So let your produce drawer lead the way and keep simmering on. For some springtime soup inspiration, here are nine savory bowls that will keep things hot without weighing you down.

1. Quinoa Chowder with Spinach, Feta, and Scallions

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This recipe has flavor built right in. Its spring greens get lightly simmered to create the broth, releasing delightfully earthy and grassy tones that make for a comforting sip. Get our Quinoa Chowder with Spinach, Feta, and Scallions recipe.

2. Green Pea Soup

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Forget those dull, anemically colored pea soups of yore. This showstopper takes full advantage of fresh, sweet spring peas in all their vibrant and verdant glory, plus mint and leeks for good measure. (Fresh fava bean soup is another great green option.) Get our Green Pea Soup recipe.

3. Quick Vegetarian Pho

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This shortcut pho is a perfect way to showcase whatever tender, fresh vegetables start popping up first—or make use of stalwarts like spinach and mushrooms. When ramps appear, we recommend adding some of David Chang’s pickled ramps for a piquant garnish. Get our Quick Vegetarian Pho recipe.

4. Kale and Parmesan Egg Drop Soup

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Kale is one of those winter greens that you can rely on all year long, and it works in all sorts of preparations, including soup (try a smoky, garlic-heavy one in winter). A lighter broth and gently cooked eggs make this a perfect way to bring kale into the spring of things. Get our Kale and Parmesan Egg Drop Soup recipe.

5. Cream of Artichoke Soup

A little bit of cream never hurt an artichoke. This recipe pits the two together for a bowl that could best be described as pure silk. Get the Cream of Artichoke Soup recipe.

6. Asparagus Soup

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Asparagus gets along famously with butter and lemon juice, so they all teamed up for a pool party in a bowlful of steamy chicken broth enriched with a little crème fraîche. Get our Asparagus Soup recipe.

7. Cauliflower and Arugula Soup

Arugula is good for more than just salads. When wilted and pureed, it brings a pleasant and lively bitterness and spice, ensuring that this potato and cauliflower based soup doesn’t rest on creamy. Get the Cauliflower and Arugula Soup recipe.

8. Beet, Squash and Radish Moroccan Stew

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This is something of a transitional recipe, with one foot in the frosts of winter and another looking toward spring. It’s got plenty of steamy, hearty soul to cure any residual seasonal blues, while its bright, beet-dyed color and assortment of light vegetables keeps things on the perky side. Get our Beet, Squash and Radish Moroccan Stew recipe.

9. Basic Vegetable Soup

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No matter what you do with your farmer’s market haul for this season, don’t let the odds and scraps go to waste. Use that leftover produce in a bowl of soup. This flexible recipe will help you get the most out of your spring vegetable selection. Get our Basic Vegetable Soup recipe.

Japanese Spring Blossom Bowls, 4 for $32.99 on Amazon

Bring a little spring to your bowl itself with this hand-painted bloom-bedecked stoneware set.

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What Are Lupini Beans?

Chickpeas have long been hailed as the super bean. They are versatile, healthy, and are the star ingredient in one of the most popular snacks of all time, hummus. However, there is a new bean in town. Or rather, a very historic and old bean that is getting a bit more glory and much-deserved attention these days: the lupini bean.

What Are Lupini Beans?

Lupini beans (often called lupin beans) are seeds from the lupinus albus plant. They are a legume that remind me of a mix of a chickpea, edamame, soy bean, and fava bean. The lupini bean has quite the impressive history and has been providing a powerful protein punch for thousands of years. Found mostly in Mediterranean countries and South American cultures, archaeologists have actually traced lupini beans back to Ancient Egypt, and they were even a staple in the Roman Empire culture. It’s been said that these little beans fueled Roman warriors in battle. The Colosseum just got even more impressive.

Let’s Talk About Health

Lupini or lupin beans are truly like a superhero food in the days of low-carbohydrate and high-protein eating. Lupini beans are a powerful bean that are chock-full of plant protein content (one cup of boiled lupini beans has a whopping 26 grams of protein), making vegans and health-conscious eaters alike quite happy. They are filled with fiber and low in carbohydrates (zero net carbs, for you keto-lovers) and low in calories (just 60 calories in 25 beans), basically making lupini beans a superfood and healthy snack that you need to start incorporating into your diet now. Think of this bean as a wonderful addition to your snack “grab bag.”

How Can You Eat Lupini Beans?

The dried beans are often shelled and their seeds are then soaked and simmered or boiled in water. Some prepare a brine, but they may also be pickled, cooked, or marinated, which helps to soften the bitter beans and add flavor. They can be served as tapas or snacks, oftentimes alongside briny olives, and make a great addition to meals, such as salads, pastas, or pureed into a hummus-like dip.

Lupini beans can actually be toxic due to high levels of alkaloids, so they need to be prepared properly. You can prepare and cook your own lupini beans by buying dried lupin beans, soaking them in water, cooking them in boiled water, and rinsing repeatedly with fresh water, but the preparation can take several days of rinsing with cold water or even weeks. These days, I’m more apt to buy the beans cooked and ready to eat from my local grocery store. Lupini producer BRAMI offers a convenient vacuum-sealed pouch that can be stored in the refrigerator once opened; the airtight container keeps the beans fresher for longer. They showcase several varieties of Mediterranean-inspired flavors such as chili and lime; salt and vinegar; and garlic and rosemary.

BRAMI

“BRAMI is [a] shelf-stable, ready-to-eat, fresh veggie snack that isn’t baked, fried, or dried. It’s a marinated fresh Italian bean snack. BRAMI is different from other lupini beans because they’re sold in ready-to-eat pouches, made with clean ingredients and no artificial preservatives, and we are the only company that offers different flavors,” says Aaron Gatti, BRAMI CEO & Founder. BRAMI’s lupini beans are also soy-free, so a great alternative for those avoiding soy in their foods. BRAMI serves the beans intact in their shell. They can be eaten whole in one bite, seed and skin and all, or you can use your fingers or teeth to squeeze the seed out of the skin and into your mouth. Whichever direction you choose, it’s fun and delicious.

Personally, I like to munch on them as-is and they are great for eating on the go. Even my toddler loves popping  them in her mouth as an afternoon snack. Pack them in your backpack for your next hike or post-workout graze. The protein and fiber will fill you up! These beans make a wonderful salad topping, especially when paired with feta, and can be used in cooking to enhance pastas, soups, and stir fries too.

Looking for a few recipe ideas? We’ve got you covered. Below are two recipes; one for carnivores and one for vegans and plant-based eaters, which requires no cooking. Both recipes are chock-full of protein and fiber, which will provide you with some amped-up fuel and energy.

Swiss Chard, Sausage, and Lupini Beans with Feta

A healthy one-skillet dinner that serves two.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Marisa Olsen

Ingredients:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 chicken sausages, diced
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems separated from leaves, thinly sliced
• 1 package Garlic & Herb BRAMI lupini beans (or any prepared plain lupini beans that you season yourself)
• 2 ounces feta, crumbled
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon slice

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add olive oil to skillet. When oil is hot, add chicken sausage and sauté until browned, about three minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
2. Add Swiss chard stems and sauté for one to two minutes. Then add leaves and sauté until leaves start to wilt. Salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add lupini beans and sausages back into skillet to heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Add feta and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy.

Cento Ready to Eat Lupini Beans, $2.25 at Walmart

Ready to be seasoned however you like for snacking or adding to meals.

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Vegan Ceviche

This recipe, courtesy of BRAMI, is designed to showcase their beans, but you can also use other plain prepared lupini beans and add the seasonings of your choice to switch up the flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 Pouch of BRAMI (any flavor)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sweet or red onion
• 1/4 cup parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Dice BRAMI, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
2. Finely chop parsley. Mix all ingredients together.
3. Add lemon juice.
4. Salt and pepper to taste.

For Southwest flair: Use Chili Lime BRAMI; cilantro instead of parsley; and lime instead of lemon. Add diced jalapeño pepper and/or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

For Mediterranean flair: Use Garlic & Herb BRAMI. Add cumin, turmeric, and harissa seasoning.

BRAMI Lupini Bean Snack Variety Pack, 4 for $18.94 on Amazon

Indecisive? Try ALL the flavors.

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What Is the Difference Between Chow Mein and Lo Mein?

If you’ve ever opened a box of Chinese take-out and it turns out to be not exactly what you ordered, you may have mixed up your meins. That’s right, there is a difference between these two popular Chinese dishes—however, the difference is probably not what you think. While it may be easy to assume that the type of noodles is what makes the dish difference, we all know what happens when you assume. Yes, you’re actually incorrect on this one.

So, if not the noodles, what is the difference between chow mein and lo mein, and why do they take up so much room on the take-out menu?

The Similarities

Both chow mein and lo mein are made from the same ingredients. These dishes usually include the same style of thin egg noodles, mixed vegetables, a protein, and a savory sauce. The noodles are made in a similar fashion to an Italian pasta, with a base of eggs and flour. Fresh noodles are preferred for lo mein, but fresh or dried are equally fine for chow mein. Still, they basically seem like the same dish at this point, right?  Not for long.

The Differences

While both dishes contain the exact same components, the difference here is in the preparation, and by extension, the texture.

In lo mein, the dish is pulled together, including the vegetables and/or protein and sauce, before the noodles are added. Then, the noodles are placed into the finished dish and are tossed lightly (“lo mein” actually means “tossed noodles,” and “chow mein” means “fried noodles”). This method prevents the noodles from being greasy or saturated in too much sauce and they are slightly warmed through. While noodles help to pull lo mein together as a dish, they really aren’t the star of the show, as lo mein includes a hefty amount of vegetables and more sauce.

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Chow mein, however, is all about the noodle. After being parboiled til al dente, chow mein noodles are fried and tossed in a darker, thicker sauce that usually includes oyster sauce. And while this dish does contain vegetables and/or a protein selection, they are kept to a minimum so the noods stay front and center.

Chow mein noodles can be fried into a pancake-type dish, but even when they’re not fried crunchy, they have more of a tooth-resistant bite compared to lo mein noodles, which are always soft and perfect for fork twirling or slurping.

The flavors, too, are different. Since chow mein noodles are fried first, they add their own flavor to the other components of the dish, which blend together more. In lo mein, however, the vegetables and protein additions keep their distinctive flavors, enhanced by sauce, since the noodles don’t spend a lot of time with the other elements of the dish.

Wel-Pac Chow Mein Stir-Fry Noodles, $1.89 at Target

These are the kind of dried chow mein egg noodles that are best for stir-frying (and you can use them for lo mein too if you can't find fresh egg noodles).

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La Choy Chow Mein Noodles, 2 for $10.71 at Walmart

These crispy chow mein noodles are best for snacking, topping salads, and making desserts.

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Chow Mein and Lo Mein Recipes

Craving some noodles of your own? Break out your wok (or grab a really large skillet), and get cooking.

Beef with Broccoli Takeout Noodles

Not quite chow mein or lo mein, this make-at-home beef and broccoli dish with stir-fried Chinese noodles and cashews is nonetheless an easy weeknight meal or a great way to impress your friends at a potluck. Get our Beef with Broccoli Takeout Noodles recipe.

Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry

This shrimp stir-fry is a great way to showcase lo mein style noodles. Just quickly saute your snap peas or other veggies with some shrimp and toss in your “lo mein” noodles at the end (you can even substitute fresh egg pasta like linguine or spaghetti). It may not be authentic Chinese food, but it’s delicious. Get our Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry recipe.

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Chicken Chow Mein

You can buy canned chow mein, but why would you when the from-scratch version is already so quick? This one has chicken, cabbage, bean sprouts, carrot, and scallions. Want shrimp chow mein? Just switch out the protein. Vegetable chow mein? Cut the meat or seafood completely. Get the Chicken Chow Mein recipe.

Crispy Beef Cantonese Chow Mein

Crispy chow mein is the kind you often get when you order Chinese food, but this Cantonese dish isn’t difficult to make at home either. Not a fan of green peppers? Swap in another color, or even celery instead. Get the Crispy Beef Cantonese Chow Mein recipe.

Vegetable Lo Mein

This quick and easy veggie lo mein uses a simple sauce made from both light and dark soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar—and calls for ramen noodles, which is nice since you can pretty reliably find those at your average grocery store. Get the Vegetable Lo Mein recipe.

Americanized vs Authentic Chinese Food

What Is the Difference Between Lo Mein in China and in Chinatown?

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Monte Cristo Crepes

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Brown Sugar Baked Ham with Pineapple

Go retro with this Brown Sugar Baked Ham with Pineapple! Massage brown sugar and spices into the ham 24 hours before you serve it. Cover with pineapple and bake slow and low for a juicy, succulent Easter or Christmas ham.

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Shrimp Risotto

This simple shrimp risotto was inspired by a trip to Venice. It's made with tiny pink shrimp, shallots, parsley, and lemon zest. Super creamy! You'll think you're in Italy!

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