The 9 Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Sip This Summer
Refreshing, hangover-free beverages for your best season yet

Boozy summer is all fun and games until 30 comes knocking on your door and suddenly the hangover lasts for days, your jeans don’t fit, and your back hurts… like all the time, even when you haven’t spent the night sleeping on a friend's futon.

This summer I’m sipping something different. These refreshing non-alcoholic drinks are checking all the boxes and will keep you feeling good, without the hangover, but still with a buzz or a deep sense of relaxation. Bring them in the car, to the pool, or pack them in a cooler for the beach or barbecue. Either way, you’ll thank me later.

Another go-to this summer is Recess. It’s been around for a while now, but the new flavor is everything I want in an easy non-alcoholic summer beverage. Orange Vanilla Mood captures all of the warmer-day vibes with a burst of fruity flavor. The snap and pop of the can, the sound of clinking ice — it all triggers something deep in my soul that is perfect on a hot day. Not to mention, it’s made with healthier ingredients, minerals, and herbs that help you relax.

Ingredients: Magnesium L‑threonate, L‑theanine, and lemon balm. It helps you unwind, it has zero added sugar, and the flavor just screams bonfires, sandy toes, and sunsets.
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Recipe: Serve it over ice and you’re golden. For a sweet treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dreamsicle dessert.

As someone who desperately tries to avoid gluten but loves a savory snack here and there, the Savoritz Everything Almond Flour Crackers at Aldi have become a must-have around the house. 

If you've sampled other brands that promise a crunchy, savory cracker that's made without gluten, you might be a bit hesitant. There are a ton of brands that get it wrong. But I'm here to tell you that you do not want to skip these. The flavor, the ingredients, the versatility, the texture, and the fair price hits all of the marks for a top-choice gluten-free product. That's why they took top spot in Daily Meal's ranking of the most underrated Aldi products. 

Any trip to Aldi calls for a box or two of these to have on hand, whether they're just for me when I need a midday snack or if I need to step it up on game night or at any other gathering and bring a treat that everyone will enjoy. They are tried and true for me, a no-brainer for gluten-free eaters, but they're a favorite for others as well. If you're still on the fence, just know that they're often compared to the classic, buttery Ritz Crackers, and for me, they win out every time.

As a person constantly on the hunt for good products that are priced fairly and on the healthier side, I know how challenging it can be to secure awesome food finds. Thankfully, Aldi is right around the corner, ​and it has become a go-to in my shopping routine to find not only different and exciting products, but also options with better ingredients; bonus points for the many gluten- and dairy-free discoveries. ​

If this supermarket chain is already a household favorite, then you've likely seen a few of these products. I'm here to give you the full breakdown of some underrated products that you should definitely reach for and exactly why they stand out and always have a place on my shopping list.

Some of these items are affordable and tasty, while others are healthier and are what I'd consider dupes for more expensive brands and items. You'll find gluten-free goods that hit all the marks, some versatile items that you should always have on hand, and some tips for using certain products in unexpected ways. I can personally attest to each and every one of these products and although you may have already heard of some of these tasty treats, they just don't get enough attention in my book.

If the thousands of easy recipes circulating on social media have not secured your place on the air fryer bandwagon, then tossing in a few oysters for the perfect crunchy, flavorful bite just might do the trick.

Whether you savor these seafood delights with a bit of easy homemade tartar sauce, slathered in butter, or with a simple squeeze of fresh lemon, the air fryer is the trick for preparing them either way. Don't let the idea of raw oysters scare you off. Just a few simple tips make air fried oysters a no-brainer.

All the fuss about air fryers is entirely warranted. At home, I have a Oster Compact Countertop Oven With Air Fryer and if I don't use it at least once a day, then I likely wasn't home that day. I personally try to avoid seed oils as much as possible, along with hydrogenated vegetable oils and similar products, but I absolutely crave a bit of fried food here and there. This is where an air fryer can save the day. Because they heat foods at a high temperature from all sides and through the basket, the results are evenly cooked oysters with a crunchy exterior. These tips will take an already simple dish to another level and you can skip the take out and make them right at home.

If you're looking for a quick alternative to fresh veggies, you may find yourself browsing the frozen food aisle but still hesitating to take the plunge. It's hard to compete with fresh produce, and if not prepared properly, frozen options can be seriously lacking in texture and taste. 

Fresh vegetables are not always available, can expire quickly, and often cost more, but thankfully there are a few tried and true methods for upgrading what you find in the frozen aisle. After speaking with Yasmeen Alsawwaf, a former food critic who is a trained chef and the culinary writer behind Yasmeen's Kitchen Diary, plus experimenting in my own kitchen, I've rounded up the best of the best tricks for mastering frozen vegetables.

Alsawwaf is a veteran in the food industry, and through personal experience she, like me, has come to the conclusion that frozen vegetables can often be just as delicious as the fresh options. However, success relies on using superior cooking methods, adding thoughtful seasoning, and avoiding bags that have thawed and been refrozen. "When vegetables thaw, their cell walls break down, causing them to lose their structure and release moisture," Alsawwaf says. This results in the dreaded mushy texture and a bland flavor. Instead, stick to these seven tips to upgrade your frozen vegetables.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1635700/ways-to-upgrade-your-frozen-vegetables/

Asparagus is recognizable by its vibrant green color and long stalk-like appearance, but is it something you hesitate to reach for in the produce aisle? If your experience with this fibrous vegetable brings to mind soggy textures and bland flavors, you've likely been preparing it all wrong. 

And by that, we mean boiling it. Boiled asparagus often results in a pungent smell and a lot to be desired in the texture department. The good news? Mastering this veggie is easier than you think. All you need is a bit of foil and a few simple ingredients to elevate this vegetable to an unforgettable side dish or even a meal's main attraction. The secret is the foil and the grill to create the perfect tender bite with the right amount of crunch.

This vegetable might look like an anomaly in the produce section thanks to its uniform stalks, but the plant actually dates back to ancient Egypt, where it used to grow on river banks in abundance. Today, the diverse vegetable is grown all over, including China, Peru, Germany, and North America, and really comes to life when prepared on the grill. The great taste and cheerful pop of color are not the only reason to add this veg to the menu. There are 14 varieties of asparagus, all packed with important vitamins and minerals and pair perfectly with bacon, parmesan cheese, garlic, and much more.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1606030/grill-asparagus-in-foil-tip/

Nothing quite beats the flavor and the fun of grilling during the summer. But if it's been a while since you've fired up the old grill, or you're simply looking to take the art of outdoor cooking to another level,

you might be asking yourself what to reach for at the grocery store: Wood chips or charcoal for grilling? The two options can pose a question of health and also flavor.

Why not consult an expert when it comes to deciding between the two? Take it from an experienced grill master: There are a few factors to ensure the best-tasting barbecue and avoid the potentially dangerous and not-so-healthy side of grilling. Silvio Correa is a Brazilian Grill Master and has years of experience working as a personal chef. In an exclusive interview, he told Daily Meal, "Although I have used charcoal all my life, after 24 years in Southern California, I have experimented with different types of wood for BBQ at home and with some chef friends who use wood." Research and personal experience have shaped this chef's perspective on grilling with wood chips and charcoal.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1599271/grilling-wood-chips-vs-charcoal-tips/

Craving a bite of fresh, flavorful seafood? Chances are, you probably don't think chain restaurants are the best option available. Seafood is at its absolute finest when it's as fresh as possible, and frankly, this isn't a virtue most chains prize. 

Some, however, do. The best consistently serve high quality seafood, even if the location in question is far from the shoreline, and we're here to celebrate them.

We assembled this list of high quality seafood chains through research and reviews; check the end of this article for more information on our methodology. Many of them offer thorough breakdowns of their seafood sourcing on their website. Some opt to use sustainable fishing practices. A few change their menu every season, week, and even day, to reflect the absolute best the ocean has to offer at any given time. Every single one of them offers delectable seafood. Get your lobster bib and tartar sauce ready, because we're checking out the nine chain restaurants that use the highest-quality seafood.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1578860/chain-restaurant-highest-quality-seafood/

Costco Wholesale is a wonderland of bulk options, but stepping into the freezer section can hit you with decision overload. The freezers are packed with products, and the best items won't necessarily jump out at you through those foggy glass doors. 

Buying a 5-pound bag of frozen fruit or a box of 24 veggie burger patties that you've never tried before can feel like an unnecessary risk, and the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. 

But you're in luck. After careful evaluations and taste tests, I'm sharing the hidden gems that I've discovered in Costco's frozen aisle that I recommend and will buy again. From savory and sweet snacks to side dishes and full dinners, these products check all of the boxes. Add these frozen items to your shopping list if you want to make your meal tastier and simpler, and if you love big flavors and exciting snacks.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1566206/hidden-treasures-costco-frozen-food-aisle/

The month of March is dedicated to celebrating women of all ages, races, and backgrounds and there's no better way to show your dedication than by supporting these 14 killer women-owned food brands. 

International Women's History Month, and every other month of the year, is a time to recognize the struggles that women have overcome, encourage equality, and bring awareness to discrimination that still exists. The women on this list have prevailed and found success in creating delectable and often healthy food products despite there being a time when women were not even permitted to attend college or vote. In fact, as recently as 1988, certain states still required that women have a male relative as a co-signer for business loans.

Today, these women and their brands are crushing the food and business game with everything from dehydrated mushrooms — they taste as good as potato chips but offer healthy benefits — to classic desserts like cookie dough that's delicious and nutritious. Even other food brands are partaking in the celebration. For example, Corto's Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Stanislaus' Baby Plum Tomatoes have partnered with Pizza University and Christy Alia, founder/host of Women's Pizza Month to create a high-quality pizza kit to show their support in March. Although there are so many brands worth mentioning here's a list of 14 women-owned food brands that are pushing boundaries, beating adversity, and offering up tasty treats that you'll want to stock up on immediately.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1542133/food-brands-owned-by-women/

Boxed cake mix is a tried and true method for whipping up a quick and easy dessert. These common recipes, whether they're Betty Crocker or store brands, are an affordable option when you need to serve up dessert without honing your baking skills to a professional level.

However, you don't need to sacrifice great taste or creativity when working with an easy and budget-friendly cake mix. By simply swapping out or adding a few ingredients to boxed cake mixes, you can take your dessert to a level that will impress your family, your guests, and your tastebuds.

Most cake mixes call for very few required ingredients, mainly oil, eggs, and water. However, this means that most of the hard work and science behind baking has already been figured out for you. You can swap out these basic ingredients, and they won't jeopardize the baking process. In addition, by swapping out and adding a few select ingredients, you can go above and beyond a boring cake. For example, you can transform a traditional mix into a moist, decadent layered cake that's fit for a restaurant menu. Or, you can take a simple cake mix flavor, such as chocolate, and turn it into a rich, complex combination of tastes that's anything but traditional. Pique your imagination and creativity with these simple swaps.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1515830/ingredient-swaps-box-cake-mix/

When it comes to freshly butchered meat, various cuts and grades can be complex. In the world of beef, we know that cuts like ribeye and filet mignon reign supreme. However, there exists an often-overshadowed cut known as the minute steak. 

​The idea of this ultra-thin steak — sometimes served dredged in flour, fried, and with gravy — might bring you back to your childhood, or this ingredient might be a mystery to you. Either way, this cut of steak is often misunderstood and overlooked in the kitchen. But we're here to tell you that this is not only an affordable and easy-to-prepare option, but it's also one that will impress your taste buds when prepared correctly. There are a wide variety of recipes out there that can transform this simple ingredient into a well-rounded meal. 

Still, there are several tips and tricks that are crucial to working with minute steak. From selecting the right cut to mastering cook times, experimenting with marinades, finessing the art of seasoning, and carefully monitoring temperatures, every detail plays a pivotal role in determining the tenderness and overall quality of your minute steak.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1486340/what-is-minute-steak-cut/

The holiday season, while filled with family and fun, can be an overwhelming time of the year. The whirlwind of juggling family gatherings, gift-giving, traditions, cooking, shopping, and finding time to relax during all of this can be an organizational nightmare at times.

Amidst all of the festivities, one of the biggest tasks looming on your to-do list might be serving up an unforgettable Christmas dinner that your friends and family will love but won't take hours of slaving away in the kitchen. There's nothing quite like settling down at the end of the day to enjoy a hearty meal to celebrate. However, not everyone has the time or the means to whip up a feast with all of the other tasks to manage. Wouldn't it be a sumptuous relief if your holiday dinner was delivered right to your door?

From well-known brands such as Harry & David and Neiman Marcus to lesser-known companies like Gold Belly and Table & Wine, we've selected the seven best options for dinner delivery based on verified customer reviews and feedback. There's no bigger mishap than your Christmas diner arriving after the big day, and we've paid special attention to the shipping times so you can rest assured that your feast arrives on time and with lots of flavor.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1466044/best-places-order-christmas-dinner-delivery-online/

Although more and more people are becoming aware of the side effects of gluten-heavy diets, it can still be tough to find replacements for your favorite snacks that have the same satisfying taste and texture.

Without gluten, certain foods can become crumbly, or they might even be extra dense in texture. Thankfully, a few brands have shown dedication by researching and experimenting to create genuinely delectable treats that will satiate your cravings and excite your taste buds, all without containing gluten.

As a person who doesn't eat gluten, I've been on the hunt for new, exciting snacks that I can enjoy myself, bring to gatherings, and replace old favorites. As an avid snacker and home cook, I have been searching high and low for the best items to replace my favorite snacks with healthier, gluten-free options. After tasting and testing each item, I've ranked these items based on affordability, the quality of ingredients, and the overall taste and texture compared to other gluten-free snacks. Some of these products are commonly found in grocery stores, and others you'll need to stock up online. You get what you pay for, and these snacks are typically a bit higher priced than regular pretzels and crackers, but it's worth every penny. These companies have done a great job creating tasty, healthy, and exciting snacks that will satisfy anyone on a gluten-free diet.


Some recommendations are based on first-hand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer/distributor/etc.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1452393/ultimate-ranking-gluten-free-snacks/

If you're traveling outside of the United States, don't be surprised if you can't find some of your favorite beverages for sale. In fact, these seven popular products that are common in supermarkets and households across the country are downright banned in other parts of the world.

Most of these drinks are not available because they have one or more ingredients listed in them that have been deemed unsafe or harmful to consume in other countries.

The Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. is the authority on food and medicine safety. This organization determines whether or not food and medicine are safe, the possible side effects, and any possible dangers and concerns, such as recalls and news updates that ensure public health. However, the FDA's standards do not always align with other entities. Each separate organization in each country has a unique set of restrictions, limitations, and requirements. For example, in Canada, the Canada Food Inspection Agency is responsible for monitoring food safety, while the European Food Safety Authority sets the standards in European countries. The latter of which has found that certain ingredients, such as titanium dioxide and brominated vegetable oil, pose some danger and restrict usage.

Foods and medicines are constantly analyzed and studied, and a particular ingredient can earn FDA approval at one point, only to lose it later. These particular products, such as Gatorade, Mountain Dew, and even U.S. milk, have raised concerns in other countries, and here are the specific reasons why.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1444202/drinks-banned-in-other-countries/

Warmy fluffy bread is the perfect snack or addition to meal times, but the process of making it can seem intimidating at first. Don't let proofing, rising, kneading, and rolling scare you off. 

In fact, bread making doesn't have to be a long tedious task at all, especially when you use your slow cooker.

Freshly baked bread is always satisfying. It's hearty and comforting with a bowl of soup or paired with salad, and it's even better when slathered with butter and honey. A warm loaf of bread can also be a simple way to contribute to a dinner party, or if you're a house guest. Try this easy breezy method and your baking will be enviable.

A slow cooker is one everyday kitchen appliance that's full of secrets when it comes to baking mouthwatering bread. Sandwich bread, cornbread, sticky gooey monkey bread, and so much more are not only possible but pretty simple in your slow cooker. Follow these 12 tips and tricks to take your bread to another level. Here, we're covering everything from how to prepare your dough, to what temperatures to reach, to how to prevent your bread from sticking, in an article that might have you racing to your pantry.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1420639/secrets-making-bread-slow-cooker/

Salty with a satisfying crunch, bacon is hard to beat in the morning, at lunch, and occasionally at dinner. That perfect crispy bite is a delicious complement to poached eggs, savory hash browns, or a stack of buttermilk pancakes.

Handling a greasy package and lots of splatter is only worth it when your breakfast is cooked to perfection. However, that's easier said than done. 

It's all too easy to overcook or undercook bacon. Thankfully, we've gathered 10 tried and true tricks and methods that will result in perfectly cooked bacon every time. Not only is well-cooked bacon a tasty surprise, but it's also necessary for food safety reasons and for attaining that ideal texture that might be the missing piece to your meal. 

To begin, it's important to understand what you're buying before you attempt to cook it properly. Bacon is available in various cuts, from thinly sliced to thick-cut, and is either lean or fatty. At first glance, you should be able to determine how much fat is on the bacon by identifying the pink versus white portions. The leaner cuts will have more pink than white. Undercooking your bacon could increase your risk of foodborne illness and also lack texture.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1402516/different-ways-to-cook-bacon/

Charcuterie boards are a festive way to offer a variety of snacks to your in-laws when they're in town for holiday meals and visits. By purchasing and using the right board to display cured meats, cheeses, nuts, and spreads, you're sure to impress them and earn bonus points.

Whether you have a large or small group, charcuterie boards are great because they encourage people to gather in a casual way and share good food. Although the trend has recently gained popularity, the idea is far from new. In fact, charcuterie actually dates back to ancient Rome, and was a way to meats that otherwise might have gone to waste in the pre-refrigerator era. The concept was later adopted by the French, who eventually brought about the charcuterie board, which was a simple, yet elegant way of presenting food to guests.

Be creative when putting a board together and consider the taste preferences and dietary restrictions of your in-laws and other guests. In addition to a variety of meats and cheeses, you could include olives, pickled vegetables, hummus, dips, and apricot jalapeno jam.

When buying a charcuterie board think about the size you'll need and if it comes with everything necessary to serve or if you'll have to buy accessories. There are plenty of charcuterie board options and we know you want to impress, so we're here to help by breaking down some of the best to buy.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1383580/best-charcuterie-boards/

Chicken breasts are a flavorful and versatile ingredient to have around the kitchen. However, if you take time to shred the poultry you'll have food that can be added to everything from salads and sandwiches to entrees and snacks.

Separating the meat often provides a better texture than just chopped meat and it absorbs more sauces and seasonings for bigger flavor. Not only is shredded chicken simple to prepare ahead of time, but its mild flavor gives you the perfect base to get creative.

Shredding chicken is also a great way to make the most of other cuts on the bone, such as chicken breasts and thighs. Cooking meat on the bone is a great way to get juicy, flavorful chicken. The bones keep the meat from drying out and there's added flavor; however, cutting around the bones can be difficult, but pulling larger chunks away from the bone after cooking is less complicated.

The only downside is the tedious task of getting the meat into strips. Thankfully, through trial and error, and with the use of new products, there are eight tips and tricks that make this task much easier. From using a standing mixer to employing a few trusty gadgets, these methods will save you time, effort, and cleanup.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1374152/ways-quickly-easily-shred-chicken/

Chiffon cake is a delicate dessert that is so light and fluffy that it's often described as having a cloud-like texture. Usually baked in a tube pan, this round, tall cake looks stunning on display and is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed all on its own with tea or coffee.

It also serves as a sweet, but not overpowering, base that tastes amazing when topped with icing or fruit or dished out with pudding or powdered sugar. The pale-colored cake is usually yellow or cream-colored inside with a spongy texture, whereas the exterior is typically slightly browned to form a very thin crust. Once removed from the tube pan, the cake is often so fragile that it has little movement to it. It is best served as a large thick slice to enjoy.


Not to be confused with angel food cake, chiffon cake has a similar texture and taste but is made with different ingredients. To master this recipe, you'll need separated eggs, white flour, vegetable oil, sugar, cream of tartar, and a few others that vary depending on the recipe. Although this popular dessert originated in the United States, it's now enjoyed all over the world and is known as a sweet, light, and fun dessert. Check out this guide to understanding everything about chiffon cake from where it originated to cooking tips, and how to freeze and serve this delicacy.

Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1370162/ultimate-guide-chiffon-cake/