As a girl who loves a good drink and snack, here's a roundup of the food and beverage brands I can't get enough of right now

Del Real Foods, based in Jurupa Valley, California, focuses on refrigerated, ready-to-heat Hispanic dishes. They offer tamales, carnitas, salsas, pupusas, and more — all crafted by hand with fresh ingredients and no artificial additives — with a strong connection to the Mexican heritage of the Cardenas family, who founded the company. Their Birria & Cheese Pupusas were recently named a winner in Progressive Grocer’s 2024 Editors’ Picks Awards.

My recommendation: You've got to try the salsa. Seriously, it's so tasty I could drink it! I haven’t tried everything they offer yet, but the tamales were amazing, and I can’t wait to explore more of their delicious products after how impressed I was with their others!

Check out their products at Del Real Foods.

Fly By Jing was founded by Jing Gao, inspired by the incredible flavors of her hometown, Chengdu, and the city's renowned fly restaurants — known for their "soulful hole-in-the-wall eateries so popular they draw in customers like flies," as described on their website. Fly By Jing stands apart from conventional ideas of value, flavor, or tradition. It tells one person's story, through one person's recipes and vision. I put their Sichuan Chili Crisp on everything — from rice and eggs to noodles and soups! They also offer products like hot pot soup bases, aged vinegar, and even canned smoked salmon with zhong, a sweet and spicy flavor created in collaboration with Fishwife. Everything I've tried has been amazing, and I'm excited to try more in the future.

My recommendation: In addition to the classic Sichuan Chili Crisp, don't miss their Chili Crisp Noodles! They're a quick and easy meal that's packed with flavor.

Check out all of their products on Fly By Jing.

MiLa is a contemporary Chinese food brand offering restaurant-quality dumplings, ice cream, and more, all made with premium ingredients and ready to enjoy at home. They recently introduced potsticker-style dumplings, building on their already delicious soups, noodles, and sauces.

Jessica's pick: My top choices include their beef soup dumplings, beef potstickers, and dan noodles! I'm also obsessed with their scallion oil sauce — it's so good I could drink it straight.

Explore all of their offerings at Eat MiLa.

Sauz is a modern take on tomato sauce, aiming to disrupt tradition by bringing creativity, bold and unexpected flavors, and an aesthetic touch to the jarred tomato sauce aisle. I thought I had found my favorite jarred tomato sauce brand, but Sauz changed my mind. Founded by childhood friends Troy and Wilson, Sauz emerged from their frustration with bland, uninspiring tomato sauce while in college. Their flavor range includes Hot Honey Marinara, Creamy Calabrian Vodka, Summer Lemon Marinara, Wild Rosemary Marinara, and their newest addition — Cracked Pepper and Parmesan.

My recommendation: You absolutely need to try the Hot Honey Marinara. I cannot emphasize enough how incredible it is. Trust me— you won’t regret it.

Check out all their offerings on Sauz or at your local Target.

Nguyen Coffee Supply is the first specialty Vietnamese coffee company in the U.S. to import coffee via direct trade and roast it in Brooklyn. They collaborate with a fourth-generation farmer who operates his family farm in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, with a mission to "change the future of coffee through diversity, sustainability, and cultural integrity."

If you've been following my gift guides for a while, you’ll know how much I adore this brand. I’ve been a loyal customer for years, and while nothing beats Vietnamese coffee from local shops, Nguyen Coffee Supply offers top-notch beans that are incredibly accessible. My go-to blend from them is the Loyalty blend, and I’ve been using their stainless steel phin for years, always with great results.

My suggestion: I highly recommend their Loyalty blend, as well as their limited-edition Moka blend (when it’s available). And their ready-to-drink cold brews are perfect for a quick, refreshing drink on the go.

Explore all their offerings on Nguyen Coffee Supply.

Mizu Lab was created by founders Angelina and Soomi, who realized they weren’t drinking enough water daily and wanted to offer refreshing, Asian-inspired flavors. The brand focuses on hydration, offering products that are zero sugar, non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free. Flavors like Lychee & Mangosteen, Yuzu & Mango, and Asian Yogurt Drink & Strawberry give a twist to traditional hydration options. As someone who always strives to stay hydrated, I love how convenient these are to throw in my bag, and the unique, delicious flavors make hydration more enjoyable.

Jessica's suggestion: You’ve got to try the Yogurt Drink & Strawberry flavor — it's my favorite! My boyfriend is also obsessed with the Yuzu & Mango flavor.

Explore all their products at Mizu Lab.

FitBites offers bubble tea-inspired whey protein powders that bring a sense of nostalgia to the Asian community. The brand has a range of flavors such as Milk Tea, Taro, Stanky Durian, Black Sesame, Honey Dew Melon, and more. 

My suggestion: I'm in love with the honey dew melon and milk tea flavors — if you're a fan of melona bars or earl grey tea, you'll definitely enjoy these!

Check out all their products on Amazon or FitBites Protein.

Laoban Dumplings, founded by Patrick Coyne and 5x Michelin-starred Chef Tim Ma, are hand-crafted with a focus on rich flavors, using only natural, high-quality ingredients that everyone can enjoy, anywhere. Their menu includes various dumplings, including a vegetarian choice.

My suggestion: The pork and chive dumplings are delicious, and their spicy mala beef dumplings offer a bold, one-of-a-kind flavor that you won’t typically find in pre-made dumplings.

Check out their products on Laoban Dumplings or Amazon.

Though I'll always love my coffee, sometimes I switch it up for a different source of caffeine. On those days, or when I’m pressed for time, I grab a Yerba Mate from Guayakí. Yerba Mate is a traditional South American drink that has surged in popularity, with Guayakí leading the charge. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for my midday energy dip!

My suggestion: My favorites are Revel Berry, Bluephoria, and Peach Revival!

Explore all their products at Guayakí or Amazon.

Simple Mills was founded with the goal of helping people leverage the power of wholesome food to feel their best. Katlin Smith, the founder, created Simple Mills after experiencing personal health improvements from transitioning to a whole foods-based diet. Simple Mills offers an array of crackers, sweet thins, baked snack bars, and baking mixes.

My suggestion: I'm absolutely in love with their Farmhouse Cheddar Almond Flour Crackers. They taste like Cheez-Its but with far superior ingredients. Seriously, I can’t help but eat an entire box in one sitting — they’re that good!

Check out all their products on Simple Mills.

Sanzo is a Filipino-owned company based in New York with a goal of bridging cultures through authentic flavors. They proudly celebrate Asian heritage by using real fruit and offering drinks without any added sugars or artificial flavors. As someone who enjoys sparkling water, Sanzo is my go-to option for flavored bubbles. Not only do they offer exciting flavors, but they also give me the chance to support a local, Asian-owned business.

My suggestion: You should try the Lychee, Mango, and Yuzu flavors — they're my absolute favorites!

Check out all of their products on Sanzo.

For years, I've been loyal to Kettle Brand chips, and they continue to be my top choice. Their Salt and Vinegar flavor is a classic favorite of mine, but every other flavor I’ve tried has been equally amazing. I could easily finish an entire bag of these chips without much hesitation — they're that tasty, and I can’t complain even when my stomach feels it later!

My suggestion: If you love salt and vinegar chips, Kettle's version is a must-try. I also highly recommend their Himalayan Salt and Salt and Pepper flavors!

Check out all their products and flavors on Kettle Brand.

Doughlicious was an unexpected delight! This cookie dough, made with oats, surrounds creamy gelato and is coated with a soft cookie crumb. Plus, it's gluten-free and relatively low in calories (if you're into that kind of thing), making it a perfect snack or post-dinner treat.

My suggestion: The Mint Chocolate Chip flavor is a personal favorite, but I’m also eager to try their Strawberry and Cinnamon Churro flavors soon!

Check out all their product offerings on Doughlicious.

Whisps creates a variety of cheese and pretzel bites in exciting flavors like honey mustard, garlic herb, Asiago, and pepper jack. Honestly, once I start munching on them, it’s hard to stop — they’re that irresistible!

My suggestion: I’m a huge fan of the Parmesan and Cheddar flavors, but I’ve yet to taste a Whisps flavor that I didn’t like!

Check out all of their products on Whisps or Amazon.

If I’m being honest, I’ve always had a soft spot for jams and spreads. I often call myself a "sauce girl," so anything condiment-related is right up my alley. When I stumbled upon GOOD GOOD, with their sugar-free fruit preserves, peanut butters, and chocolate spreads, I was immediately intrigued. Their products are perfect for anyone looking to cut back on sugar without sacrificing flavor.

My suggestion: The Belgian Choco Hazel, Strawberry Jam, and Creamy Peanut Butter are must-tries! I’m also intrigued by their Lemon Curd and Chili Fig Jam.

Check out all their products on GOOD GOOD.

Sugar Bowl Bakery is a Vietnamese-founded brand that creates mouthwatering baked goods such as madeleines, palmiers, duet bites, brownie bites, cake bites, and more! You can find their treats at Stater Brothers, Costco, Aldi, Albertsons, and more— and trust me, once you start enjoying them, you’ll be hooked!

My suggestion: While I've loved everything I've tried, my personal favorites are definitely the duet bites and madeleines— they’re incredibly moist and make the perfect sweet snack!

Check out all of their offerings on Sugar Bowl Bakery or on Amazon.

LesserEvil produces popcorn, space balls, and snacks for toddlers that are free from seed and vegetable oils, offering a healthier, less processed, and environmentally-conscious snacking alternative.

My suggestion: Honestly, I love all of their popcorn, and I’m known to finish an entire bag by myself if left alone. I highly recommend starting with their Himalayan Pink Salt and Homer Blend (a garlic and parmesan mix).

Check out all of their products on LesserEvil or Amazon.

Here’s a little secret: I’m all about tinned fish. I grew up on tuna sandwiches, and I’m still sticking with it as an adult. My go-to is mixing a can of tuna with kewpie mayo, sriracha, and sesame oil to make a spicy tuna salad, perfect with rice and roasted seaweed sheets. Or sometimes, I’ll just whip up a classic tuna sandwich. No shame here, I’m that girl and proud of it.

Wild Planet is all about sustainable seafood, with a mission to transform the industry by making it more compassionate and planet-conscious. They offer a variety of products, from Albacore Tuna to Sardines, Sockeye Salmon, Smoked Salmon, Mackerel, and more delicious seafood options.

My suggestion: The Albacore Wild Tuna is a must-try, and I’m super curious about their ready-to-eat meals for a quick lunch solution.

Check out all their products on Wild Planet.

Mark Sisson founded Primal Kitchen with one clear goal: to change how the world eats. Their condiments and sauces are made with high-quality ingredients, making meals easier and tastier. As someone who loves condiments (I’m basically a sauce girl), I’m grateful for Primal Kitchen because it offers a healthier alternative to the typical store-bought sauces.

My suggestion: If you’re only going to get one item from Primal Kitchen, make it the Chicken Dipping Sauce. Trust me, it’s so good you’ll finish the bottle in no time because it’s irresistibly delicious.

Check out all their products on Primal Kitchen.

Sweety Ice Cream is a family-run business that blends traditional family recipes with cherished Asian flavors such as red bean, ube, and matcha to create delicious mochi ice cream.

My suggestion: While all of their flavors are fantastic, I highly recommend trying the Alphonso Mango and Strawberry varieties. The outer mochi shell can be a little tough right out of the freezer, so let it sit for a few minutes before enjoying it.

Explore all their offerings on Sweety Ice Cream.

Although I'm primarily a coffee lover, I enjoy switching up my morning routine with a matcha latte from time to time. I can definitely feel the difference on the days I opt for matcha over espresso, and Jade Leaf is my preferred choice.

My suggestion: For a classic matcha latte experience, I recommend their ceremonial-grade matcha powder! I’ve also tried their Hojicha Powder, which was a hit with everyone who tried it.

Discover all their products on Jade Leaf Matcha or Amazon.

At its core, Kencko emphasizes wellness and sustainability. Their products, packed with fruit and vegetables, not only boost your daily nutrition but also support eco-friendly practices with sustainable packaging and reduced food waste. Using Freeze-drying technology, Kencko preserves the nutrients of fresh produce in a shelf-stable form, which reduces spoilage and helps consumers waste less by up to 30%.

My suggestion: Though I’m still exploring their full range, my current favorite is the "reds" smoothie blend, which is packed with vitamin C and perfect for the winter months when I feel like I’m always fighting off a cold.

Check out all their products on Kencko.

Lady M is a luxurious New York-based confections brand that masterfully blends French pastry techniques with Japanese flavors, creating exquisite cakes with 20 layers of soft cream and delicate French crêpes.

My suggestion: Any of their Mille Crepe cakes will certainly impress! And from the bon bons I’ve tried, I’ve loved every single one. At the moment, I’m especially curious about their Strawberry Matcha Mille Crepe cake and the limited-edition Year of the Snake Gift Set.

Check out all their products on Lady M.

A-Sha is a Taiwanese-owned noodle brand with roots in both Taiwan and California. Known for their authentic 100-year-old noodle recipe from Tainan, A-Sha's products are widely available at Costco, Target, H-Mart, Walmart, and other stores. They offer dry noodle dishes and snacks that bring the authentic flavors of Taiwan right to your kitchen, in an easy-to-make form.

My suggestion: If you’re looking for a great option, try the Hakka Style Noodles with Chili Sauce. They also have some fun collaborations with brands like Hot Ones and BT21, and those sound absolutely delicious!

Check out all their products on A-Sha.

Unreal Snacks is answering the call for healthier alternatives to candy. Founded by a passionate food science enthusiast, Unreal worked with experts to develop delicious snacks that maintain the familiar flavors we love, but with up to 51% less sugar than traditional options. From personal experience, I can confidently say that Unreal's candies satisfy my sweet tooth just as effectively as their higher-sugar counterparts. If you're looking for a midday or evening treat, I highly recommend them.

My suggestion: The Dark Chocolate Covered Coconut Bars are my absolute favorite! And you can't go wrong with their chocolate-covered almonds either.

Check out all their products on Unreal Snacks.

After overcoming cancer in her early twenties, Loren Castle founded Sweet Loren's, which is now the top-selling natural cookie dough in the U.S. Her battle with cancer inspired a major dietary change to focus on whole, natural ingredients and eliminate heavily processed foods. Unable to find a cookie that met her dietary standards, she took matters into her own hands and created her own.

My suggestion: You can't go wrong with the timeless Chocolate Chip cookie! Sweet Loren's also has many delightful varieties like Salted Caramel Chocolate, Oatmeal Cranberry, and Fudge Brownie. Plus, they’ve teamed up with Barbie for a fun Valentine's Day collaboration!

Discover their products at Sweet Loren's or at your local grocery store.

Kola Goodies is a Sri Lankan American-owned brand that was born out of the need for more cultural representation in the wellness industry. Founder Sajani left her tech career to collaborate with Sri Lankan farmers and source authentic products. While I can't speak to all the health claims, I can tell you that these products are incredibly tasty and so simple to prepare on a lazy day. I often use them as an afternoon energy boost during my work-from-home routine. The ingredient list is short, and everything is familiar, so I feel good knowing there are no hidden sugars or fillers involved.

My suggestion: Their Sri Lankan Milk Tea and the limited-edition Maple Chai Latte are my favorites! Plus, their new LazyCup makes brewing even more convenient.

Explore all their products at Kola Goodies.

Brami was founded by first-generation Italian American Aaron Gatti, who developed a deep passion for lupini beans as a child visiting his grandparents' farmhouse in Umbria. Brami celebrates this Mediterranean superfood, which was once used to fuel Roman warriors and has been prized for its health benefits for centuries. Brami’s two main product lines are lupini bean pasta, crafted in Italy with just two ingredients: durum wheat semolina and lupini beans. This pasta delivers 60% more protein and three times the fiber compared to traditional pasta. They also offer snackable lupini beans that are pickled and spiced for an irresistible treat.

My suggestion: Any of their pasta shapes are great choices, and they offer a variety to suit all your pasta cravings! Their snackable lupini beans come in many flavorful varieties, such as Sea Salt & Vinegar, Chili & Lime, Hot Calabrian Pepper, and more!

Explore all their offerings at Enjoy Brami.