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Tuesday, June 25, 2019
10 Unusual Things to Grill This Summer
If you fire up the grill most evenings during summer, there’s a chance that burgers, dogs, chicken, and steak will lose their luster at a certain point. There are so many things in this big world worth grilling, and just because you won’t find them in an average grocery store or butcher shop, doesn’t mean they can’t be had. That’s why we rounded up these interesting alternative meats to grill this summer, from alligator sausage to ostrich filets.
There are also more mischievous motivations. If you’re anything like my dad, seeing the uneasy look on peoples faces when they’re told the thing on their plate is something they’ve never eaten—and probably never thought they’d eat—is your version of winning a James Beard award.
We’ve already given you a crash course on grilling romaine lettuce, but what about some unexpected meats (and a few vegetarian proteins) to drop over the charcoal this summer. Here are a few ideas guaranteed to generate “ooohs” and “aaahs” and perhaps even the occasional “umm…?” at your next summer BBQ.
Rabbit Sausage (pack of 2), $19.99 on Amazon
Amazon
Rabbit is healthy and lean, has a mild flavor, and more protein than beef or chicken. Because of its tame flavor profile rabbit would do well with a brine or marinade—really anything that works for grilled chicken would be a win with a rabbit, too. Or cut to the chase with these already seasoned rabbit sausages, mixed with chicken, pork, bacon, and white wine.Buy Now
Read More: The Best Meat Delivery Services in 2019
Beef Cheek (pack of 4), $69.99 on Amazon
Amazon
Beef cheek is a relatively tough cut of meat so just slapping it down on the grill isn’t the greatest plan. Instead, treat beef cheek more like brisket and slow smoke it, then finish it on the grill for those photogenic grill marks, and a tasty char on the outside.Buy Now
Alligator Sausage (pack of 5), $52 on Amazon
Amazon
Down on the bayou and in swampy Gulf states, if there ain’t alligator at the barbecue, it ain’t no barbecue. Alligator has a fairly mild taste, often compared to chicken, but this flavor-packed sausage is smoked and mixed with ground pork and Cajun spices so there’s nothing mild about it. Buy Now
Game Sausage Sampler, $34.99 at D’Artagnan
D’Artagnan
Tough time choosing? Or have a big group to feed? This game sausage sampler nets you four packs of five different gourmet sausages: Duck & Armagnac, Lamb Merguez, Rabbit & Ginger, Venison & Cherry, and Wild Boar—something for everyone (well, except vegetarians).Buy Now
Venison Burgers, (8 4-ounce patties) $28.18 on Amazon
Amazon
Venison is ubiquitous in some parts of the country but less popular on the coasts and in cities. With a full flavor, similar to beef but leaner, venison makes a good candidate for burgers.Buy Now
Bread Cheese (pack of 2), 37.99 on Amazon
Amazon
Bread cheese is in the halloumi family. A mild, firm cow’s milk cheese that holds up when cooked, meaning it won’t melt down into the charcoals. A fun and different option for vegetarians who might be over the veggie burger vibes by the time July 4th rolls around. Or grill it and top with fresh fruit and maple syrup for a quick BBQ dessert.Buy Now
Ostrich Filets (pack of 4), $119.95 on Amazon
Chowhound
Ostrich is like a very lean red meat, so you’d be wise to pair it with a rich sauce, flavorful rub, or marinade. Treat these tender filets as you would a filet mignon.Buy Now
Read More: Chowhound’s 13 Most Popular BBQ Recipes
Wild Boar Ribs (pack of 4), $97.50 on Amazon
Amazon
Sure, we’ve all done baby back or spare ribs but consider wild boar for your next summer shindig. Boar meat is quite similar to pork, but a bit darker, with a more robust and intense flavor. It’s also leaner but you should treat these ribs like you would any rack of normal pork ribs.Buy Now
Beyond Meat, 5.99 at Target
Target
Meat substitutes get more and more meat-like with each passing summer. Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods’ meat are two that are leading the charge and while Impossible meats are still mostly only available at restaurants, you can find Beyond Burgers and Beyond Sausages in specialty stores nationwide. These burgers are fully plant-based but your guests might never know it.Buy Now
Meatballs
Chowhound
I likely don’t have to explain to you what meatballs are but cooking them on the grill instead of a frying pan is a good idea for a summer BBQ. The fire adds a smoky char and sexy grill marks, too. Call on a favorite recipe but make sure you’re using a semi-firm ball that won’t fall apart on the grates.
Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Grilling & BBQ
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Grilling Tips, Techniques, Tricks, and Tools: Everything You Need to Know About BBQ
Grilling and barbecuing are synonymous with summer, and appeal to some primal part of us: meat, fire, feasting outdoors. What’s not to love? Whether you’re a self-proclaimed pitmaster, backyard griller extraordinaire, or just an avid eater of BBQ, there’s a lot to learn about the art and science of grilling. From the differences between wood and charcoal and the knowledge of when to use the lid on your grill, to the nuances of regional barbecue sauce styles and international BBQ techniques, we’ve got everything you need to know about grilling and barbecue right here.
We kicked off grilling season 2019 back on May 13 with BBQ Week, in conjunction with our sister site, CNET, and updated some of our best BBQ content, plus posted brand new grilling guides, all of it corralled in this master directory—but while the week has come to a close, summer has only just begun and the 4th of July is nearly upon us, so refer back to these handy links all season long.
Below, you’ll find a wealth of information broken down into the following categories:
- Grokking Grilling: BBQ Basics
- The Best Grills, Grilling Accessories & BBQ Tools
- Getting (Barbecue) Saucy
- The Joy of Grilling Fruit, Veggies, Pizza & Dessert
- The Meat of the Matter: Protein Pointers
Dig in!
Grokking Grilling
Before we branch out into all the finer points of barbecue, let’s get back to BBQ basics.
Grilling 101
If you’re new to BBQ (or at least to grilling), start here—this handy guide will cover all the bases so you can grill with confidence even if it’s your first time. See our Guide to Grilling: How to Become a Barbecue Expert.
Shutterstock
Barbecuing vs. Grilling: What’s the Difference?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they are entirely different things. Learn the important distinctions so you can school everyone at your next cookout. What Is the Difference Between Barbecuing and Grilling?
When Should You Use the Lid on Your Grill?
It’s not just for desperately smothering flare-ups. Find out the ideal times to close it up even when the food’s not on fire: When to Use Your Grill Lid.
Which Is Better: Gas or Charcoal for Grilling?
Everyone prefers one or the other, but is one objectively better? We break down the differences to help you settle the score—or at least decide which type of grill is right for you. Read about The Difference Between Charcoal and Gas for Grilling.
What’s the Difference Between Wood and Charcoal for Grilling?
Yet another question of fuel: wood vs charcoal. Which is better? That depends—and sometimes they’re best when they’re working together. Find out about The Difference Between Wood and Charcoal for Grilling.
What Grilling Really Means in the Midwest and South
The American south may be the first place you think of when you think BBQ, but the Midwest has its own grilling traditions too. James Beard Award-nominated chef Thomas Boemer explains, and gives some great tips on barbecuing (wherever you are). Learn about What Grilling Means in the Midwest.
A Guide to Barbecuing Internationally
The rest of the world also has delicious BBQ and grilling customs, from Korean barbecue to South African braai. Take a virtual world BBQ tour and try a global grilling recipe next time you fire up your barbie. See our Guide to International Barbecue Styles.
How to Use Your Wok on the Grill
While we’re on the subject of trying new things, if you’ve never used your wok on the grill, now is the perfect time. It makes for some of the best stir-fry possible at home. See our Guide to Grilling with a Wok.
Neil Tierney
The Best Grills, Grill Accessories, BBQ Tools & Services
When you’re ready to get into the grilling game, you need the right equipment. From the best grills to the best marinades, and even prime meat delivery services, this should help set you up for success.
The Most Popular Grilling Products on Amazon
Harness the wisdom of the crowd to help you find a new grill and everything to go with it. See The Best-Selling Grilling Tools and Accessories on Amazon.
All the Other BBQ Tools You Need
Get chef recommendations on a few more grilling essentials for the season. Check out The Best Grill Accessories for Summer.
A Guide to Different Types of Grills
Trying to decide which type of grill to get? See the pros and cons of all the major options—and not just gas and charcoal. Get our Guide to Different Types of Grills.
The Best Gas Grills
In an effort to pick the best of the best, CNET tested a lot of gas grills. See which ones came out on top: The Best Gas Grills of 2019.
Chowhound
The Best Small Grills for Apartment Dwellers
Because sometimes good things—and good grills—come in small packages. Get our picks for The Best Compact Grills for Small Spaces.
The Best Meat Delivery Subscription Services
Don’t have a good local source of high-quality meat? No problem, since you can have it delivered right to your door. See our round-up of The Best Meat Delivery and Butcher Subscription Services.
The Best Marinades You Can Buy
A good soak (or dip) in a flavorful marinade improves most meats, seafood, and veggies. So get our picks for The Best Marinades You Can Buy for Steak, Chicken, Pork, and More.
Chowhound
The Best Dry Rubs You Can Buy
Go on, rub it in. In the case of grilling, it’s a good thing. Check out The Best Dry Rubs You Can Buy for Every Type of Meat and Seafood.
The Best Grilling & Barbecue Cookbooks
Never wonder what you should grill tonight again—at least not for long, when you have one of these fantastic BBQ cookbooks to consult. See our picks for The Best Summer Grilling & BBQ Cookbooks.
Getting Saucy
What is BBQ without BBQ sauce? Ideally, still pretty delicious, but who doesn’t love getting slathered in saucy goodness? Break out the Wet-Naps and dive right in.
A Comprehensive Guide to Barbecue Sauce Across the Country
From Kansas City style BBQ sauce to Alabama’s white sauce, get to know Regional Barbecue Sauce Styles Across America.
A Brief History of Barbecue & Barbecue Sauce
Stepping back for a minute, where did barbecue as we know it even come from? Did it have a single origin, a one true birthplace? Find out in A Brief History of BBQ.
Chowhound
Guide to Barbecue Sauces of the Carolinas
North and South Carolina BBQ sauces are each distinctive, and delicious. Grab a roll of paper towels and get elbow-deep into our Guide to Carolina Barbecue Sauce.
What Is White Barbecue Sauce?
Most barbecue sauce is some shade of red, maybe mustard-yellow in S.C.—but go to Alabama and it’s likely to be bright white. How did that happen (and what’s in it anyway)? Find out All About Alabama White BBQ Sauce.
BBQ Battle: The Best in the South
You could argue all day about which style of BBQ is best (well, some people could), but we’re picking one fight in particular: Georgia vs South Carolina. Choose a side and join in on our Battle of the Barbecue: Best BBQ in the South.
The Best Keto Barbecue Sauces You Can Buy
If you’ve gone keto (or paleo), you may have said bye-bye to BBQ sauce, since most kinds are sugar-heavy. But you do have options for slathering your meat in sticky, delicious sauce that won’t break your diet. Check out our round-up of The Best Keto BBQ Sauce You Can Buy.
How to Grill Fruit, Veggies, Pizza, Dessert & Everything That Isn’t Meat
Meat may be the star of the show at most BBQs, but there’s a whole lot else you can grill. Here’s how.
How to Grill Romaine Lettuce
Like to start your meal with a salad? You can grill that too. See our Guide to Grilling Romaine Lettuce.
Chowhound
How to Grill Corn on the Cob
Summer corn is essential, and summer corn on the grill is chef kiss-worthy—if you do it right. Here’s How to Cook Corn on the Grill.
How to Grill Watermelon
Another summer produce all-star, watermelon happens to take surprisingly well to the fire. See How to Make Grilled Watermelon.
How to Grill Fruit
Because watermelon is only the beginning; open that gateway and you’ll want to throw everything on the grill, from cherries and peaches to strawberries—and you should. Learn How to Grill Summer Fruit.
Chowhound
How to Grill Pizza
Unless you have a wood-fired pizza oven (in which case, can we come over?), your grill is actually the best place to cook your pizza at home. Learn all the fundamentals of Grilling Pizza.
How to Cook Cheese on the Grill
In case you want to ditch the crust—give “grilled cheese” a whole new meaning when you cook everyone’s favorite dairy product directly on the grill. Find out How to Grill Halloumi and Other Cheese.
How to Grill Lobster Tail, Shrimp, Oysters, Crabs, and Other Shellfish
Is fish meat? Sort of, but…sort of not—salmon steaks are in a whole ‘nother realm than porterhouses, at least. So when you’re in the mood for surf over turf, learn How to Grill Seafood.
Chowhound
How to Grill Satisfying Meatless Meals
When meat is not on any part of the menu, there are still lots of meatless BBQ options, from tofu to veggie burgers. See some pointers on Grilling Meatless Meals Everyone Will Love.
How to Grill Dessert
Fruit is not the only sweet treat you can grill (but it does appear in a lot of these desserts, because it’s seriously so. Good). When dinner’s done, see How to Grill Dessert.
The Meat of the Matter
Naturally, we must give meat its due (and some would say we saved the best for last—but we also pay respects to meatless alternatives, because BBQ is for everyone!).
How to Marinate Different Types of Meat for the Grill
We spoke to some chefs about pairing marinade ingredients with their perfect protein partners. See our primer on How to Marinate Meat for Grilling, According to Chefs.
Chowhound
What Is the Difference Between Rubs and Marinades?
Beyond the obvious, do you know what each one does for your meat (and veggies)—and when you should use which? Learn all about The Difference Between Rubs and Marinades.
Smoking Meat 101
Smoking meat can be intimidating for beginners, but here’s a basic overview so you can DIY with confidence. Learn How to Smoke Meat.
The Best Way to Smoke Brisket According to a Pitmaster
Got smoked chicken down but nervous about handling a whole packer? Allow an expert to walk you through the process of perfect smoked brisket. See our Guide to Smoking Brisket Like a Pro.
Shutterstock
A MasterClass with Aaron Franklin
You also have the option of signing up for a 16-part pro course in Texas BBQ from barbecue guru Aaron Franklin—but he shared some tips and tricks with us too. See Aaron Franklin’s Texas BBQ Tips.
Chowhound’s Most Popular Grilling & BBQ Recipes
We can’t pick favorites, but our community sure can—here are the grilling recipes they’ve loved most over the years. See The Most Popular Grilling & BBQ Recipes on Chowhound.
Interesting Sides for Summer BBQs
Yes, potato salad and pasta salad are always welcome, but branch out and try adding a few more interesting summer sides to your BBQ spread too. Get our Best BBQ Side Dishes for Summer.
Best Wines to Pair with BBQ & Grilled Food
And don’t forget wine pairings—wine can be tricky to match with barbecue, but we picked the best bottles for the job. See The Best Affordable Wines to Serve with BBQ and Grilled Food.
The Picture Pantry/Lisovskaya Natalia/Getty Images
The Most Interesting Proteins to Grill This Summer
Tried of hot dogs and plain old steaks? See some more interesting (and potentially divisive) options for your next barbecue. Check out 9 Unusual Things to Grill at Your Next BBQ.
The Best Meat Alternatives You Can Buy for Grilling Season
From the Impossible Burger to good old veggie sausages, there are plenty of options for meatless grilling—but some are far better than others. See our picks for The Best Meat Alternatives to Grill This Summer. (And if you like to DIY, check out some of the best veggie burger recipes.)
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What Is the Difference Between Campari and Aperol?
Think aperitivo and chances are the words Campari and Aperol will follow soon after. The iconic herbal liqueurs are called for, often interchangeably, in recipes designed as pre-meal cocktails intended to whet the appetite. But what really distinguishes these bitter, red-tinted cousins? Let’s take a look at Aperol vs Campari and the differences between them.
In a battle of the adjectives, sweet doesn’t typically lose to bitter. Unless, of course, you’re talking cocktails. Behind the bar, the sharp, abrasive, and astringent are celebrated, and we owe the Italians a lot of credit for helping bring the profile to prominence.
Aperitivo Origins
Aperitivo liqueurs—bittersweet wine- or spirit-based beverages flavored by a blend of citrus, spices, roots, and herbs—have been in production in Italy for over a century and, in typical fashion, recipes vary according to region. Campari is the older of the two, having been created in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in Milan. Aperol, meanwhile, was introduced by Paduan brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri in 1919. While both remain separate brands, the latter was actually purchased by the Campari Group and became one of its subsidiaries in the early 2000s. (Talk about cornering the market.)
Chowhound
Both Campari and Aperol are part of the amaro family (amaro means “bitter” in Italian), which are often consumed neat as an after-dinner digestif (or before a meal as an aperitif, designed to stimulate one’s appetite), but can also be used as ingredients in complex cocktails.
Read More: How to Host an Italian Aperitivo That Puts Happy Hour to Shame
In the Glass
Once in the glass, it is fairly easy to taste the difference between the two beverages. Though still technically bitter, Aperol is the distinctively sweeter liqueur of the two, with a higher sugar count. Coming in at a mere 11% ABV, its signature blend is dominated by bitter and sweet oranges and rhubarb, in addition to the secretly guarded ratio of herbs and spices. Campari, on the other hand, is significantly more bitter and boozy at 24% ABV, with a profile marked by orange zest and a pronounced herbaceousness, as well as some intense quinine, floral, and tart red berry flavors.
All of these factors affect how the liqueurs are used in cocktails: Lighter, sweeter, and easier, Aperol is the more versatile of the two, and doesn’t need a balancing component like sweet vermouth to cut through the bitter like Campari typically does. Both can also be simply mixed with soda for a fizzy, non-alcoholic refresher. (And if you like shortcuts, you might want to try Sanbitter, which tastes like a lot like a Campari and soda but has no alcohol.)
Chowhound
Colorful Comparison
Of course, if you doubt the prowess of your palate, you can always differentiate the two based on color alone. Aperol has a significantly lighter, orangey red hue, whereas Campari is noted for its bold, electric red tint. Fun fact: Up until 2006, the latter’s signature crimson was achieved by dying the liquid with a pigment extracted from the cochineal beetle, a common practice in the category, but has since switched over to non-bug-based coloring agent.
Other Herbal Liqueurs: Green Chartreuse vs Yellow Chartreuse
Campari and Aperol Cocktail Recipes
Enjoy celebrating the differences between these two unique beverages in the following cocktail recipes.
1. The Classic Negroni
Chowhound
According to cocktail wiz Matt Seigel, a vet of New York’s Eleven Madison Park and NoMad, the secret to perfecting this 1:1:1 cocktail (equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth) is balance of flavor, a well-chilled glass, and the timing of when to add the ice. This simple but timeless aperitif should be a staple in the repertoire of any legit home bartender. Get our Negroni recipe.
2. Negroni Sbagliato
Chowhound
The name may literally translate to “mistaken” or “imperfect” Negroni, but trust us, there is absolutely nothing wrong about this refreshing variation that trades the bold kick of gin for light, fizzy Prosecco. Get our Prosecco Negroni recipe.
3. Slushy Negroni
Chowhound
Break out from your frozen Margarita and Strawberry Daiquiri routine this summer and give this delightful, grown-up slushy a spin. Plus, the added ice and texture help temper the bitterness of the Campari for those who usually find it a bit abrasive. Get our Slushy Negroni recipe.
Read More: Top-Notch Negroni Recipes to Try
4. Boulevardier
Chowhound
More of a brown spirits fan? Try this Negroni-Manhattan mash-up for something with a rounder, richer profile to balance out the bitter Campari. While this rendition features rye for a little punch of spice, you can also substitute bourbon for something a bit smoother. Get the Boulevardier Cocktail recipe.
5. Aperol Spritz
Chowhound
This low-ABV number is the quintessential starter sipper (remember: cocktail parties are a marathon, not a sprint). A mellower, slightly sweeter interpretation of the Sbagliato above, it’s the perfect guilt-free, appetite-whetting primer (and it works just as well with Campari if you prefer). Get our Aperol Spritz recipe.
6. Aperol Cosmopolitan
Chowhound
The oh-so-dated Cosmo of “Sex and the City” yesteryear is made fresh and relevant once again by ditching the cranberry juice and triple sec and subbing in bittersweet Aperol. Get the Aperol Cosmopolitan recipe.
7. Aperol Tequila Swizzle
Chowhound
The bright orange peel profile of Aperol plays nicely with punchy blanco tequila, coming together in a drink that is citrusy, savory, and effortlessly refreshing. Get the Aperol Tequila Swizzle recipe.
8. Gin-Campari Sour
As much as we love them, there’s more to do with Campari than a standard Negroni variation. Take this frothy sour, for example, which softens the bitter and acidic edges of the main ingredients by shaking in an egg white. Get the Gin-Campari Sour recipe.
9. Plum Blossom Cocktail
Chowhound
A summery puree of plums, lemon, and simple syrup meets Champagne and Aperol for an ultra-refreshing warm weather cocktail. Get our Plum Blossom Cocktail recipe.
10. Chardonnay Cover-Up
Chowhound
Got a bottle of wine that’s a bit too oaky for your taste? Turn it into this delicious summer cocktail with a splash of Aperol and a dash of bitters. Get our Chardonnay Cover-Up recipe.
11. Americano Perfecto
Dylan + Jeni
This cocktail comes from Brooklyn’s Grand Army Bar by way of the “Spritz” cocktail book, and reimagines a traditional Italian aperitivo as a French-influenced shandy. In it, Campari meets two types of vermouth (Carpano and Dolin Rouge) and is topped off with a malty pilsner. Get the Americano Perfecto recipe.
Spritz: Italy's Most Iconic Aperitivo Cocktail, $12.88 on Amazon
With 50 recipes for classic and updated spritz cocktails, this will keep you hydrated all summer long.
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Sakara Review: I Tried a Superfood Detox Meal Delivery Service and Didn’t Starve
Sakara is a pre-cooked meal delivery service that is 100% plant-based, organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Celebs like Chrissy Teigen, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Lily Aldridge are among the brand’s fans so needless to say, I was intrigued. I tried the company’s most popular option, the 3-day Sakara Signature program. After three days of living the Sakara Life, my biggest takeaway was that (contrary to my previous belief) I don’t need to snack all day in order to stay full. And eating this cleanly made me way less bloated – my stomach was noticeable flatter.
So, is Sakara worth it? If you have the money (it comes out to about $23-27/meal) then I’d say 100 percent yes – especially if you’re new to healthier eating or super busy and want quick, convenient and clean meal options. Keep reading for my detailed review – from the unboxing to what it was really like giving up caffeine, sugar and alcohol.
Sakara 3-Day Signature Program, $189 with discount (regularly $239) on SAKARA.COM
Use our code “CHOWHOUND50” to receive $50 off your first organic meal program.
What I Tried
I chose to try the company’s most popular option, the 3-day Sakara Signature program. This option contained breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days, as well as detox tea, “Beauty Concentrate” and “Detox Concentrate,” and an energy bar. See below for a full rundown of the specific meals I received, and keep scrolling for my in-depth review.
Day 1
Breakfast: Avo-Cacao Probiotic Pudding with Lavender Tea Biscuits
Lunch: Moo Shu Veggie Wraps with Tamarind Sauce
Dinner: Sakara Cobb Salad with Avocado and Coconut “Bacon”
Snacks/Drinks: Beauty Water, Detox Tea, Detox Water
Day 2
Breakfast: Maize Muffin with Probiotic Berry Coulis
Lunch: Red Beet Burger with Seed Bread and Daily Greens
Dinner: Wild Rice Salad with Citrus Miso Dressing
Snacks/Drinks: Beauty Water, Chocolate Sea Salt Energy Bar
Day 3
Breakfast: Sakara Glow Granola with Pink Silk Mylk
Lunch: Sichuan Noodles with Sesame-Roasted Rainbow Carrots
Dinner: Pink Peppercorn Tomato Bisque with Superfood Swirls
Snacks/Drinks: Beauty Water
Kristin Cassidy
Sakara In-Depth Review
Sakara Guidelines
Sakara encourages you to only eat the designated meals throughout your program and to stay away from snacking if possible. However, if you catch yourself feeling hangry, they do allow anything from their “clean boutique” (think energy bars), organic low–glycemic fruits, water (LOL) or tea, organic low-glycemic raw vegetables, or a small handful of raw walnuts.
Beyond the above listed rules and no-nos, there are some other major foods they suggest you stay away from. You already know meat, dairy, and processed foods are a no-go, but in addition to that Sakara also says you should try to give up caffeine and alcohol during the program. According to Sakara, all of these things can be taxing on your body’s systems (i.e. dull skin, sluggish digestion, mood swings, excess weight, and low energy). If you’ve ever had a hangover, then you can’t totally disagree with the above statement. And we all know how rough caffeine (especially coffee) can be on our digestive system.
Prior to my Sakara detox, I would say I ate 80 percent of the “Sakara Life” way 90 percent of the time, with the exception of daily coffee, nightly chocolate, and weekly wine consumption. Since I already ate pretty cleanly, the Sakara way of doing things was not a huge shock to me. However, if you typically consume a lot of meat or processed foods, Sakara would be a big change.
Sunday: Unboxing
I received my shipment on a Sunday night, which was perfect timing as I was very motivated to eat extra clean since I was leaving for Miami at the end of the week. Typical to other meal delivery services I’ve tried, everything arrived in a big insulated box with ice packs at the bottom. Although I wasn’t home when the delivery arrived, all of the food remained cold and I was immediately impressed with how fresh everything looked. I organized everything into each day’s meals and was pleasantly surprised at the amount of food—no hangry pre-panicking yet. I did notice that there was a beet burger for lunch on day two and I’m not a huge beet fan (they taste like dirt…don’t @ me) but other than that, things looked like they were off to a good start.
Kristin Cassidy
Monday: Day 1
I woke up and made a cup of the Beauty Water, which contains silica (maximizes cellular hydration), rose (calms the adrenals and reduces inflammation), and 72 trace minerals. The concentrate comes in a small bottle with a dropper, so all you have to do is add a couple drops to a glass of water and you’re set. Drinking this water made me feel like I was at the spa, which was a nice feeling to have on a busy Monday morning.
Sakara Beauty + Detox Water Drops, 2 for $39 on Amazon
Try it a la carte if you're intrigued.
I practice intermittent fasting and don’t usually eat breakfast until between 10:30-11:00 a.m., so I packed my breakfast to take with me, as well as the lunch and dinner since I’d be eating all three meals on the go that day. Sakara provided an insulated tote bag that makes it convenient to tote your meals across town—or in this case from your apartment, to Pilates, to the office, to an event, and back home.
Once I was at my desk I immediately wanted coffee and was feeling very groggy. I know this was mostly due in part to my routine—I crave coffee most on weekdays at work versus weekends—but even after a great Pilates workout my mind still felt blurry and I really wanted coffee.
Kristin Cassidy
I finally cracked into the Avo-Cacao Probiotic Pudding with Lavender Tea Biscuits at 10:30 a.m.. I felt like they must purposefully start you off with the best tasting meal to trick you into thinking this whole thing was going to be easy, but either way this breakfast was amazing. The pudding was smooth and creamy, and it honestly felt like I was eating dessert. I prefer sweet to savory breakfast, so I was in heaven. I also thought the breakfast was very filling, and I struggled to finish the whole thing.
After breakfast I made my first cup of Detox Tea which contained red rooibos, lemongrass, and rose. It was slightly fruity and bright. I enjoyed it.
Kristin Cassidy
At 2:00 p.m. I ate lunch, which was Moo Shu Veggie Wraps with Tamarind Sauce. It was a huge portion of vegetables with some leafy greens, which made sense as Sakara says its meals pack four to six cups of greens per day in order to promote a healthy gut and microbiome. Sakara touts tamarind as a superfood, as it contains fiber to beat bloat and aid in digestion, and it also contains the antioxidant tartaric acid which boosts your body’s absorption of nutrients. The sauce was super flavorful but I wished there was more, as it wasn’t quite enough to cover everything. I was only able to finish 80 percent of the meal and put the rest away to eat as a snack later in the afternoon.
Kristin Cassidy
By 4:45 p.m. I was pretty sure I was DYING due to lack of coffee. I made some Detox Tea instead, and also decided to heat up the leftovers from lunch (although I was more tired than hungry).
I don’t typically eat dinner at 9 p.m., but due to my schedule that’s when I had the Sakara Cobb Salad with Avocado and Coconut “Bacon” for dinner. It was fine, just a pretty run-of-the-mill salad. I would have personally preferred to have a hot dinner and a salad for lunch (switching the two meals) but it got the job done.
I got home at 10 p.m. and made a glass of Detox Water, which contains magnesium (gently aids digestion), chlorophyll (detoxifies/oxygenates the body), and 72 trace minerals. It was tasteless, but I felt like a superhero drinking this mysterious healthy beverage.
Tuesday: Day 2
I woke up feeling very tired—not sure if it was due to the lack of caffeine from the day before or from my crazy Monday schedule. Either way I made a cup of Beauty Water to start the day and then got ready for Pilates.
I ate breakfast at 10:45 a.m. and Sakara knocked it out of the park again. Today’s breakfast was a Maize Muffin with Probiotic Berry Coulis and I was (again) obsessed with it. I warmed the muffin up so it was nice and fluffy, and the berry coulis was extremely flavorful—tart and not too sweet. This meal’s “superfood spotlight” was on cornmeal, as Sakara says the fiber helps to control blood glucose levels and the antioxidants are “beautifying.” Once I ate the last bite I was immediately sad it was gone. I was still a little hungry after this meal.
Kristin Cassidy
At 11:45 a.m. I was still hungry so I decided to try Sakara’s Energy Bar. My bar of choice is typically an RX Bar (specifically the Chocolate Sea Salt) and I didn’t think the Sakara bar was as tasty, although it only contained seven grams of sugar compared to RX Bar’s 13 grams (both bar’s sugars are from all-natural dates). The Sakara bar had organic raw dark cacao (contains theobromine which enhances alertness), organic raw hemp protein (a clean soy-free plant protein), and vitamins B12 and L-Theanine (provides sustained energy). I’d say the bar was sufficient, but wasn’t something I’d look forward to eating with immense anticipation.
Kristin Cassidy
At 2:15 p.m. I ate the dreaded beet burger—the Red Beet Burger with Seed Bread and Daily Greens. And of course this ended up being my favorite lunch of the week. The beet taste was pretty mild, and the seed bread was very filling. Instead of coming with a side of fries (obviously) it came with a big pile of leafy greens, which Sakara says will help you digest everything better. I couldn’t believe how fresh the greens still were and the dressing was tangy and delicious. I’d give this meal a nine out of 10.
Kristin Cassidy
I had another super busy day so unfortunately didn’t get to eat dinner until 10:00 p.m.. This dinner was a Wild Rice Salad with Citrus Miso Dressing. I liked this salad better than the dinner salad from the day before, and was glad there was the addition of rice in this one.
Wednesday: Day 3
On my final day of the Sakara program I made the Beauty Water before I headed out the door to hot yoga. I still really missed coffee, and would say it was the hardest part of this detox.
At 10:45 a.m. I made breakfast and it was the most Instagrammable meal of the nine—Sakara Glow Granola with Pink Silk Mylk, aka a bowl of granola with dried berries and pink “milk” that gets its hue from Albizia, traditionally used in Chinese medicine as an adaptogenic herb to help support supple skin. This breakfast was extremely sweet (almost too sweet) and was so cute I couldn’t help but feel happy eating it. I felt very full afterwards.
Kristin Cassidy
At 2:00 p.m. I heated up lunch which was Sichuan Noodles with Sesame-Roasted Rainbow Carrots. We all know eating the rainbow is a sign of a healthy plate due to the diversity of nutrients, and just looking at this beautiful plate full of food was an easy sign this was an extremely #superfood lunch. The key ingredient spotlight was on wakame (found in the sauce) which contains iodine, and iodine is needed for a healthy thyroid. This was another lunch I’d rate 9/10.
Kristin Cassidy
At 8:00 p.m. I ate my final meal, a Pink Peppercorn Tomato Bisque with Superfood Swirls. At first I was a bit weirded out by the soup’s gritty texture, but the taste was good so I got over it. The “swirls” were like mini savory rolls and were AMAZING. I could have eaten 10 more of these little glorious herby bites. The herbiness was due to rosemary, which Sakara says detoxifies, beautifies, and supports memory.
Kristin Cassidy
Main Takeaways
My biggest overall takeaway from doing the Sakara detox was that I don’t actually need to snack all day in order to stay full. I am a serial snacker, and while my typical snack of a handful of almonds or an apple isn’t unhealthy, I realized if I filled up on bigger portions of vegetables during lunch that I wouldn’t be hungry for a snack later in the afternoon. This will be something I try to maintain.
Drinking a hot cup of tea in-between meals is a soothing act of self-care, as it reminds us to take a breather (even for just five minutes) in our hectic days. While the tea was great and I will continue drinking tea in-between meals, giving up coffee was…not great. I have no plans of giving up coffee for the long run, regardless of the health benefits of doing so.
Sakara Superherb Herbal Tea for Detox and Metabolism, 20 teabags for $20 on Amazon
If you want to try the tea, it's available as a one-off purchase on Amazon, along with several other Sakara products.
Now that I’ve put extra nutrients into my water via the Beauty/Detox Water Concentrate I feel like it’s a missed opportunity to go back to drinking plain old water. Adding extra minerals to your water is an easy, convenient, and relatively cheap way of maximizing your daily nutrition.
I didn’t actually lose any weight while on this meal plan, but it’s pretty hard to lose any weight in only three days (especially when eating this way wasn’t a drastic shock to my system). However, I did notice a lot less bloat, particularly in my stomach. I struggle with stomach issues and eating this cleanly definitely made my stomach flatter. I felt confident and healthy at the beach at the end of the week (even if I did have a spicy margarita in hand).
So, is Sakara worth it? If you have the money, then I’d say 100 percent yes. It is pricey—Sakara’s 3-day Signature Program is $239 (which works out to $26.56/meal) and the 5-day Signature Program is $349 (about $23.27/meal). However, I feel the quality of the food and the expensive superfood ingredients merit higher prices.
While it might not be realistic to eat this way all of the time, I think the Sakara superfood detox would be great for someone new to healthier eating, for a busy new mom (or anyone) looking for quick and convenient meal options, or for a bride looking to reset before the big day.
If you want to try Sakara for yourself, use our code “CHOWHOUND50” to receive $50 off your first organic meal program. From June 10 to July 12 you can try special menu items created by Mike Bagale, former Executive Chef at Alinea – his take on cacio e pepe and mole tacos are not to be missed.
Sakara 3-Day Signature Program, $189 with discount (regularly $239) on SAKARA.COM
Use our code “CHOWHOUND50” to receive $50 off your first organic meal program.
Eat Clean, Play Dirty: Recipes for a Body and Life You Love, $19.49 on Amazon
The founders of Sakara Life have also written a cookbook, which is a cheaper way to try their recipes at home—available for pre-order, it releases on April 9.
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from Food News – Chowhound http://bit.ly/2ZK0JbN
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