Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut

The Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut is fantastic value for money (depending on where you are it will run around $20 a bottle). “Kirkland brand should never be slept on. Costco champagne is better than any champagne I can find for the same $20 price point (which these days outside of wholesale is none),” one shopper said. “Brunellos and Barolos are definitely way below average for the categories, but at their price points still manage to hit pretty hard.”

Member’s Mark Moscato D’Asti

Member’s Mark Moscato D’Asti ($8.98) is highly rated by shoppers. “This is a very good sparkling wine. We had a name brand one and wanted to see if Member’s Mark was just as good. It was very comparable!” one Sam’s Club member said. “Great value! My daughter wanted sparkling wine instead of Champagne at her wedding and this worked perfect!” another commented.

California Roots Cabernet Sauvignon

Target’s private label California Roots Cabernet Sauvignon ($5.00) is a fan-favorite wine. “This is one of their best tasting wines. I’ve tried all of the California Roots! This one is my #1, then the red blend, then the Moscato and Pinot G is a tie for me Cheers loves!,” one shopper wrote. “This wine is my go to red. It’s tasty and extremely affordable! Always a hit when I use it for gatherings as well,” another said.

Kirkland Signature Prosecco DOCG

The Kirkland Signature Prosecco DOCG ($8.79 in Los Angeles) is an absolute steal, shoppers say. “My fiancé and I are in the process of purchasing alcohol for our wedding in a few weeks. In our opinion, the Kirkland brand Prosecco is superior as far as quality and price,” one member said.

Bota Box Pinot Grigio Box

BJ’S shoppers love the Bota Box Pinot Grigio Box ($19.99). “Wonderful dry white wine. Basically the only wine I drink. The boxed wine is good quality,” one shopper said. “Not too sweet and great for a large party. Much better than some other boxed white wines that are super sweet,” another agreed.

California Roots Sangria Red Wine

The California Roots Sangria Red Wine ($5.00) is a firm fan-favorite with Target shoppers. “I go to expensive wineries all the time. This is a great sangria. Freeze it and enjoy. I do!” one shopper said. “I’ve purchased this Sangria twice now, and it does not disappoint. I prefer sweet wines and this one is delicious, but not too sweet,” another raved. “I also feel nice and mellow after a glass, never had a hangover from it, even when going for a glass and a half, also, you simply can’t beat the price point for such a good wine.”

The post 6 Big Box Wines Shoppers Say Taste as Good as Expensive Ones appeared first on Eat This Not That.

“In consultation with the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA) in Belgium, and with the Luxembourg and food Luxembourg administration (ALVA), we are recalling a number of products due to an overly high content in chlorate,” the company says.

The recall includes all the variants (incl. Zero and Light) of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Fuze Tea, Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, and Tropico in cans and in recorded glass bottles carrying a production code ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE, according to Coca-Cola.

Chlorate is a Hazardous Substance

Chlorate is a hazardous substance used for making herbicides, explosives, dyes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paper, and other chemicals, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. It can damage the kidneys and liver, and high levels can “reduce the blood’s ability to transport oxygen, causing headache, fatigue, dizziness, and a blue color to the skin and lips (methemoglobinemia). Exposure to very high levels can cause trouble breathing, collapse and even death.”

RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Drink a Coke

According to a 2015 study by The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), “levels of chlorate in drinking water and in foods were too high and could result in potential serious health effects (impaired functioning of the thyroid due to inhibition of iodine uptake), especially among infants and children.”

An investigation is underway in the United Kingdom to make sure none of the recalled bottles and cans are being sold there. “The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is investigating if any Coca-Cola products containing ‘higher levels’ of a chemical called chlorate are on the UK market,” says Anne Gravett of the FSA, via The Independent. “If we identify any unsafe food, we’ll take action to ensure it is removed and alert consumers.”

Coca-Cola does not believe the levels found are dangerous, but is recalling the drinks out of caution. “Independent expert analysis concludes that any associated risk for consumers is very low,” a spokesperson told the BBC.

“Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belux asks consumers not to consume the products with these codes and bring them to the point of sale to obtain a reimbursement,” the company says in a statement.

A Full List of the Drinks Recalled

The affected products include Fuze Tea varieties such as Black Tea Peach Hibiscus, Green Tea Mango Chamomile, and Sparkling Black Tea Lemon, as well as Fanta flavors like Orange, Zero Sugar Orange, Agrumes, Exotic, Lemon, and Zero Sugar Pineapple Grapefruit. Minute Maid’s Multivitamins and Apple juices, along with Coca-Cola’s Original Taste, Zero Sugar, Zero Sugar No Caffeine, Light, Cherry, Zero Sugar Cherry, and Zero Sugar Vanilla, are also included in the recall.

Additionally, Nalu’s Energy Green, Exotic, Botanical Yuzu Rosemary, Frost, and Botanical Strawberry Rhubarb, Royal Bliss Tonic Water and Agrumes Ylang Ylang, Sprite’s Lemon-Lime and Zero Sugar variants, and Tropico L’Original are impacted. The recall applies to products with production codes ranging from 328GE to 338GE and includes packaging formats such as 200ml and 1L glass bottles, as well as 150ml, 250ml, and 330ml cans.

Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to check the production codes and avoid consumption. Further details on the recall and potential risks associated with the affected batches can be obtained from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgique.

The post Coca-Cola Issues Urgent Recall After ‘Unsafe’ Chemical Found in Popular Drinks appeared first on Eat This Not That.

The new-and-improved Slice is available in a bunch of flavors, Grapefruit Spritz, Lemon Lime, Orange, and Strawberry flavors, at select Target, Costco, Albertson’s, and HEB stores. Classic Cola, Ginger Ale, and Grape will join the lineup later this year.

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“That’s right. Slice Soda has officially hit shelves. Real soda. Real benefits. Real refreshing,” reads the caption of a January 6 Instagram post. “Slice Lemon Lime Healthy Soda is rolling out at @costco, @heb, @albertsons, @vons, @pavilions, @safeway, and more!”

RELATED: 26 Best & Worst Sodas on Grocery Shelves, According to Dietitians

Suja Life maintains that the taste will resemble the OG Slice. However, the improved gut-healthy probiotic and prebiotic ingredients will be all-natural and offer superior nutrition, function, and taste while remaining low in sugar and calories. There is no high-fructose corn syrup involved and each can has 5 grams of sugar.

Fans of the OG soda shared their joy on social media. “We need the original Orange Slice forget the healthy alternative.. orange slice is the greatest orange pop that ever existed,” commented a fan of Instagram. “Welcome back,” added another. “True nostalgia in a can,” a third chimed in.

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How much will the rebranded Slice cost? According to the website, a 12-pack of any flavor retails online for $35.99, so $3 a pop. It will cost significantly less at the grocery store, according to those lucky enough to find it near them.

Laura Jayne Lamb of Costco Hot Finds shared an Instagram Reel of her local discovery. “Slice Healthy Soda is at Costco in the Southeast Region for a limited time with an 8 pack of Lemon Lime and Orange flavors,” she wrote in the caption. She claims that she got a variety pack of 8 of the “grown-up” version of the classic for just $12.99. “I have to say this tastes just like I remember it,” she says in the video.

The post This Iconic ’80s Soda Is Back With a Surprising New Twist appeared first on Eat This Not That.

Followers of the account were thrilled with the news, with one commenting “this seems amazing”. Another pointed out how good the original is compared to regular Sprite. “Personally, I stocked up on Sprite Chill when it came out. To me, it didn’t go flat as quick as regular Sprite. I’m curious as to how good this new flavor will taste!” “Ooooooo, I’m all for strawberry kiwi trending again,” one commenter said. “Last minute drops like this are the most exciting leaks tbh,” agreed another.

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Despite overwhelming excitement about the new Chill flavor, some Sprite fans expressed disappointment about not having a zero-sugar option. “*cries in zero sugar*,” one disappointed Instagrammer said. “No zero I guess I’ll try a bottle but I won’t get any 12 packs,” said another. Despite the lack of diet options, the general consensus is the new Strawberry Kiwi flavor will be delicious. “Okay, now this is something I’ll need to stock up on!” one commenter gushed. “I can’t wait to try this,” another said.

RELATED: 26 Healthy Soda Alternatives Dietitians Love

Sprite calls the original Sprite Chill the “coldest in the game”. Each can has 140 calories and 38g of added sugar. “Just when you thought Sprite couldn’t get any colder, this groundbreaking flavor is here to push the boundaries of refreshment in ways you’ve never tasted before,” the company says. “Thanks to a special cooling innovation, this Sprite has a cold that runs deep—in every sip, a sensorial experience that defies all expectations and helps keep you refreshed. It’s an invigorating burst of crispness paired with a unique blend of citrusy and cherry flavors that’ll leave you shook—and coming back for more.”

Soda fans love the Chill so much they want it available forever. “They should just discontinue regular Sprite and chill just be Sprite now. It’s so much better,” one Redditor said. “I legit think Sprite Chill is better than the original,” another agreed.

The post Sprite’s “Amazing” New Flavor Is Coming Soon and Fans Are Rushing to Walmart appeared first on Eat This Not That.

“Just saw someone mention it on tiktok and google brought me here. I’m HYPED,” one excited Redditor said.

Although the official release date is not until next week, some customers have been spotting the new drinks already in stores. One Redditor found the Wild Cherry and Cream flavor at a Target in Queensbury, NY, and admitted they were getting over a cold and couldn’t really taste much. “They definitely leaned on the vanilla flavor to create the cream soda taste,” the person said. “That’s good to know because we already have a wild cherry standalone flavor so I rather have something more vanilla tasting or cream balanced,” another responded.

According to Pepsi, the Wild Cherry and Cream has a “familiar, initial burst of sweet Pepsi cherry flavor,” and the “sweet, fruity effervescence is followed by a smooth, creamy vanilla swirl, delivering a practically silky mouthfeel. It’s a refreshing and satisfying blend that’s sure to delight your taste buds and make every sip a moment of pure enjoyment.”

It remains to be seen just how similar Pepsi’s Wild Cherry and Cream is to the Coke Cherry Vanilla, which was discontinued due to “consumers’ taste preferences and lifestyles constantly changing. As a Total Beverage Company, we are always searching for ways to evolve our product portfolio to bring consumers the beverages they want,” Coca-Cola said. Coke loyalists are already planning to jump ship if the taste is good.

“It’s gotta taste like Cherry Vanilla that got discontinued if it does I’m getting 32 cases,” one hopeful Redditor said. “I’ll try it. Wild cherry is the best cherry cola to me, and I’m mainly a coke guy. I really miss the soda shoppe black cherry that one was so good,” another added.

Pepsi’s new offering is very on-trend for the “dirty soda” phenomenon popular in Utah and made mainstream via viral TikTok posts and other social media. The viral soda is usually a non-alcoholic drink of soda mixed with creamer and syrup, depending on personal preferences.

“I gained 20 lbs living across from a Sodalicious my sophomore year at BYU. Everyone needs a vice,” one Mormon Redditor said about their dirty soda addiction. “The soda scene is largely influenced by LDS Church culture. Historically, members would avoid ‘hot drinks’ such as coffee and tea,” according to the Utah Valley blog. “With this unique diet, soda mixes appeal to the general crowd as a perfect refreshing beverage. Enter dirty soda, which quickly became a beloved alternative for members looking to get their sugar or caffeine high without breaking their religious dietary guidelines.”

The post Pepsi is About to Release a “Wild” New Flavor and Fans are “Hyped” appeared first on Eat This Not That.

When shopping for a protein powder, it’s important to look beyond grams per scoop. Check out the entire Nutrition Facts label, especially the ingredients list. Remember, these powders are supplements, not replacements for real food. Opt for products with fewer ingredients,no added sugar, and few artificial ingredients.

We found eight protein powders on grocery store shelves that deviate from the qualities we look for in a supplement and may not want to add to your cart.

Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder Cookies & Cream

Body Fortress’s Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder offers a hefty 30 grams of protein per scoop, making it seem like the perfect choice for muscle building. However, the protein boost comes with a side of preservatives, fillers, and artificial ingredients commonly found in ultraprocessed foods, nutrient-poor foods linked to obesity, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.

The protein powder is also calorie- and carb-heavy and may lead to unwanted weight gain if you don’t modify your workout or eating plan to compensate for the extra energy. Further, the Body Fortress protein powder has the highest amount of saturated fat on our list, meeting 13% of the daily recommended needs. High saturated fat intake can elevate blood cholesterol levels, increasing risk of heart disease and stroke.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Protein Rich Chocolate Fudge

Recent studies show that eating more plant proteins are good for your heart, gut, and weight, leading you to believe that the plant-based protein powders make a healthier choice. But sodium and saturated fat in Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Protein may cancel out potential benefits you may get from the plant proteins.

We like that the supplement uses a plant protein blend to improve amino acid balance, but it contains 540 milligrams of sodium, over 20% the daily limit. Getting too much sodium may lead to high blood pressure and increase risk of heart disease and stroke. Americans already consume more sodium than recommended from food and may not think about sodium content in a supplement.

Optimum Nutrition’s plant protein powder uses coconut oil as a source of fat, meeting about 10% of the daily value (DV). Though early research suggests the saturated fat in coconut oil doesn’t raise cholesterol like saturated fat in butter, health experts recommend limiting intake since little is known about how it may affect risk of cardiovascular disease.

RELATED: 10 Best Protein Powders in 2024, According to a Dietitian

Seeq Fruit Punch Clear Protein

If you prefer a juice-like protein drink, Seeq Clear Protein might catch your eye. With tasty flavors like fruit punch, strawberry lemonade, and blue razz freeze, this protein powder quenches and boosts protein intake. It’s also fat-free and low-carb.

But, Seeq includes silicone and polysorbate 80, synthetic food additives generally recognized as safe. However, the effects of long-term excessive intake of these food additives is unknown.

Regulatory agencies like the FDA require food makers follow a controlled production process when using additives like silicone. However, the FDA doesn’t oversee or test dietary supplements like food, leaving it up to the manufacturer to ensure safety for the consumer. Choosing supplements with more natural ingredients may reduce exposure and potential risk.

Quest Vanilla Milkshake Whey Protein Powder

Quest Nutrition products are a grocery store staple, but their Vanilla Milkshake Whey Protein Powder contains ingredients you may not want in a supplement like carrageenan, a food additive that helps the powder mix better with liquids. Though recognized as safe by the FDA, animal studies indicate that carrageenan may negatively affect gut health and increase risk of inflammatory bowel diseases.

The Quest Nutrition protein powder also contains erythritol, a sugar alcohol associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. A 2023 cohort study published in Nature Medicine found that people with higher blood levels of erythritol were more likely to develop blood clots and at greater risk of having a cardiovascular event. More research is needed, but limiting intake of the sugar alcohol may benefit heart health.

SixStar 100% Whey Protein Strawberry Smoothie

SixStar 100% Whey Protein is another high-protein supplement designed for muscle building, packing in 30 grams of protein per scoop. But it contains a long list of questionable ingredients, including the artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium (AceK).

Artificial sweeteners improve flavor and limit sugar, carbs, and calories in the supplement. People use the calorie-free sweeteners to support weight management and reduce risk of weight-related health conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, research suggests that the calorie-free sweeteners may not help with weight management or reduce risk of disease.

Muscle Milk 100% Whey Protein

Muscle Milk 100% Whey Protein contains fewer ingredients than other grocery store supplements, but it still uses artificial sweeteners and flavors. It contains.protease and bromelain, digestive enzymes that may reduce gastrointestinal side effects like gas and bloating.

Protein powders may contain added active ingredients, like digestive enzymes, that affect the body or interact with medication and something to keep in mind when shopping for a supplement. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for individualized recommendations and guidance.

Ghost Whey Nutter Butter

Gone are the days of protein powder flavors limited to two options: chocolate or vanilla. Ghost Whey stands out with many fun flavors inspired by popular treats, including Nutter Butter, Oreo, and Chips Ahoy!. While these flavors may make it easier for you to enjoy your post-workout drink, the trade-off is added sugar and artificial ingredients.

The Nutter Butter protein powder from Ghost lists three sugars in the ingredients — sugar, corn syrup solids, and high fructose corn syrup, supplying 2 grams of added sugar (4% of the DV). It also contains artificial flavors and sweeteners.

RELATED: 15 Best Protein Shake Recipes for Weight Loss

Equate Plant-Based Protein Supplement

Walmart’s Equate Plant-Based Protein is an affordable option with a straightforward ingredient list. However, its high sodium content — 490 milligrams —  meets more than 20% of your daily sodium limit. It also contains carrageenan and sucralose.

Choosing the best protein powder for you depends on many factors, including nutrition goals, budget, and taste preferences. However, protein powders with added sugar, artificial ingredients, and overly processed formulas make a less than idea choice for health-conscious consumers.

The post The 8 Unhealthiest Protein Powders You Can Buy Right Now appeared first on Eat This Not That.

The limited-time menu, titled Sonic Iconic Drinks by Paris and Nicole, features two vibrant beverages that are meant to reflect the pair’s distinctive personalities. Available at Sonic locations nationwide, each drink is priced at $3.99 for a medium.

RELATED: The 26 Unhealthiest Sodas—Ranked by Sugar Content

Bold Flavors Meet Celebrity Appeal

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Hilton and Richie allegedly “personally” curated the drinks, ensuring they embody their unique styles.

• The Nicole is a sleek and sweet concoction featuring Dr Pepper, sweet cream, vanilla flavor, and real strawberries, topped with whipped cream and more strawberries for an extra touch of indulgence.
• The Paris, meanwhile, delivers a fruity and playful vibe with Sprite, dragon fruit flavor, and real lemon and lime fruits, finished off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of Nerds Candy.

In a promotional ad campaign, Hilton and Richie visit a Sonic location to brainstorm names for their creations. After considering an array of playful ideas, they settle on the most “iconic” names of all—their own. Sounds about right.

A Personal Connection

Hilton expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting in a press release, “We have a long history with Sonic; it was actually our very first job, so it only made sense that it adds two drinks to its menu that celebrate us.”

Richie added, “We had a blast partnering with Sonic and bringing these drinks to life and coming up with something that reflects our personalities. When we thought about what’s truly iconic, it was clear—it’s us, Paris and Nicole!”

Ryan Dickerson, Chief Marketing Officer of Sonic, emphasized the alignment of the collaboration: “They’ve been a part of pop culture history, and Sonic history, for so long, and they are legit Sonic fans, so it was a no-brainer to partner with them to bring these iconic drinks and campaign to life.”

YouTuber Taste Test

So are the beverages good, or just a craven marketing ploy? YouTuber Grace Smith (@GraceSmith) tried the new signature drinks in her latest video, titled “Trying the NEW Sonic Paris Hilton Drink Collab?! Not What I Expected.” In the video, Grace starts by sharing her excitement after spotting the collaboration online. “Obviously we have to go try it,” she says, heading to her local Sonic to pick up both drinks. After a quick taste test, Grace declared her preference: “I think my favorite out of the two might be the Paris. Y’all have to let me know if you try them.”

Grace praised the Hilton-inspired beverage for its fruity and refreshing combination, saying, “That’s so good. I mean, how could this not be good looking like what it looks like?” She also enjoyed The Nicole, highlighting its “strawberry cream soda feeling” as a win for Dr Pepper fans. “I’m a big Dr Pepper girly,” Grace admitted. In the comments, @kaylafannumber1uwu said, “I need to try these,” while @Thatteen-t7u added, “I need to go.”

RELATED: No, Dr Pepper Wasn’t Actually Created By a Doctor

Meanwhile, YouTuber The Southern Snack, who covers “the newest snacks and food out there,” dove into his own taste test, beginning with the Paris Hilton. “Very tropical. Very tangy,” he said, describing its combination of Sprite, dragon fruit, and Nerds. However, the tanginess was “a bit much” for his taste, earning the drink a 7 out of 10.

The Nicole Richie, however, was a clear winner in his eyes. Comparing it to the strawberries and cream Dr Pepper available in stores, he called this version “a burst of natural strawberry and vanilla.” The Southern Snack gave it a glowing 10 out of 10, declaring it the “star of the show” and jokingly telling Paris Hilton to “move aside” for Nicole Richie’s drink.

User @amandapiacenza7281 commented, “These sound so good. Too many new drinks at Sonic to try. Thanks for the review :).” Another viewer, @jennysprouse9726, added, “Thanks for the review. I was wondering what the heck that might taste like!.”

The post Dr Pepper and Sprite’s New Flavor Combos Have Fans Flocking to Sonic: ‘These Sound So Good’ appeared first on Eat This Not That.

The immune system is the body’s natural defense network comprised of cells, tissues, and organs that help protect the body from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful substances. The immune system provides a barrier to prevent the invaders from entering our body, but also has an intricate system of cells to fight off the pathogens if they do find a way to enter the body.

A healthy overall lifestyle that ensures plenty of high-quality sleep is essential for strong immunity. Eating right and drinking beneficial beverages can also help bolster your body’s immune system.

Read on to learn about some immune-boosting drinks you can enjoy to prepare your body for the winter season, and for more healthy eating tips, check out the 10 Best Foods to Boost Your Immunity.

Water

Since our bodies are around 60-70% water by weight, and every single bodily function requires water, drinking adequate amounts of H20 is a good place to start to keep your immune system functioning. When your body is dehydrated, it can promote the growth of bacteria and viruses. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you drink the optimal amount of water for your body’s needs every single day.

A good rule of thumb for how much water is to drink half of your body weight in fluid ounces. If you weigh 150 pounds, your goal would be 75 ounces of water a day.

Some of the ways that water helps support the immune system is by aiding the absorption of nutrients and maintaining the mucous membranes in your nose, mouth, and throat that are often the first line of defense against a pathogen and a natural barrier to infections. Water is also an essential component of lymphatic fluid, which delivers white blood cells that help fight infections.

A study published in the journal Medical Hypotheses reported that individuals who were noted as being dehydrated prior to contracting COVID 19 were at increased risk of dying from COVID-19. The authors recommend that there should be public health recommendations to drink more water to help prevent and have better outcomes in fighting COVID-19.

RELATED: 8 Best Foods to Help You Sleep

Green tea

Green tea is another great beverage to enjoy to bolster your body’s natural defenses. Green tea is rich in beneficial polyphenol flavonoids that provide myriad health benefits, from reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers to managing systemic inflammation.

According to a study published in the journal Molecules, green tea strengthens immunity through its antioxidants that help protect cells against oxidation and reactive oxygen species. Green tea is thought to protect against diseases and infections by its antioxidant capacity as well as many other proposed pathways. It is also calorie-free and has a long history of being enjoyed for its numerous health-promoting benefits.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented, yogurt-like beverage made from different types of milk, such as cow, sheep, and goat. Like yogurt, kefir is rich in different beneficial probiotics that help keep your GI tract microbiota balanced. Kefir’s main beneficial bacteria is Lactobacillus kefiri, while traditional yogurt’s main probiotics are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.

A review article published in the journal Nutrients reported that kefir provides antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and many other health benefits.

RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Berries Every Day

Lemon ginger tea

Whether you make your own or purchase a brand of lemon ginger tea at your supermarket, this herbal tea is a great choice to help keep your immunity up. The tea is made by combining freshly grated ginger and lemon juice in hot water. Nationally available brands are made with lemongrass, lemon peel, and natural ginger. Some even have added probiotics for more immune-boosting benefits.

Lemon ginger tea is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that is known to help protect cells against oxidative damage. Vitamin C also provides anti-inflammatory properties and helps turn down negative immune responses, according to research published in the journal Antioxidants.

Ginger also possesses more than 100 bioactive compounds that help fend off nausea, reduce risk for certain cancers, improve blood lipids, reduce inflammation and much more, according to research published in the journal Nutrients.

100% orange or grapefruit juice

Orange juice is often promoted as a beverage of choice if you’re trying to fight off a cold or flu virus, and there is significant scientific support to drink citrus juice for your immune system.

According to a study published in Frontiers in Immunology, the vitamin C and folate in citrus juices sustain the integrity of the immune barriers and protect many types of immune cells, including natural killer cells and T-cells. What’s more, the bioactive compounds in citrus have anti-inflammatory effects to support immunity.

Both orange and grapefruit juice are nutrient-rich and provide more than 100% of the total vitamin C you need a day in one serving. These 100% fruit juices also provide vitamin A and folate. When buying orange juice, you can even find options that are fortified with vitamin D, a nutrient long known to be essential for healthy immunity.

RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Soup Every Day

Tomato juice

Like citrus fruit, tomatoes are rich in vitamin C as well as lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant carotenoid that possesses many health-promoting properties and is known to help tamp down systemic inflammation.

Tomato soup is often recommended when you have a cold or flu for it’s vitamin C, but refreshing tomato juice will provide similar amounts of vitamin C. What’s great about tomato juice is that eight ounces has just 50 calories, no added sugar, and nearly 100% of the vitamin C that you need in a day. To keep sodium levels in check, look for lower-sodium tomato juice.

The post 6 Best Immune-Boosting Drinks to Fight Off Sickness appeared first on Eat This Not That.

No type of food or drink exists that can beat belly fat on its own, but some items contain certain compounds, vitamins, and nutrients that research has shown can aid in losing abdominal fat as part of a balanced diet. For example, you can eat foods higher in fiber, as this is a nutrient that has been linked to the reduction of abdominal fat, but doing this on its own will most likely not give you the results you’re looking for.

The same can be said for drinking tea for belly fat. Teas naturally contain many different antioxidants and plant compounds that have been linked to a variety of health benefits, some of which have specifically been found to help in losing fat around your stomach.

Read on to learn about some of the specific types of tea that research shows can help you lose belly fat, and for more, check out the 20 Best Detox Waters.

Green Tea

Green tea may be one of the most notable teas for burning belly fat. According to a recent 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, participants who consumed large amounts of green tea—we are talking four or more cups a day—had a 44% lower risk of developing abdominal obesity than participants who didn’t drink any green tea.

An older 2008 study published in Physiology & Behavior found that obese participants who regularly drank green tea lost more overall body weight than participants who didn’t drink any, and a 2009 study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that consuming green tea catechins—an antioxidant found in green tea leaves—can help reduce abdominal fat when paired with exercise.

But what gives green tea these belly fat-burning qualities? Research shows that most of its weight loss properties are due to its rich polyphenols, and a subgroup of these polyphenols known as catechins. The most abundant catechin found in green tea is ECGC, which has been linked to speeding up metabolism.

You can find EGCG in other types of tea, but green tea by far has the highest concentration of these metabolism-boosting plant compounds.

RELATED: 10 Healthiest Juices on Grocery Shelves, According to Dietitians

Oolong tea

Another tea that has been proven to help with abdominal fat is oolong tea.

Oolong tea comes from the same leaves where you’d find green and black tea, but it’s partially oxidized, whereas green tea is unoxidized, and black tea goes through full oxidation. Oolong is made by drying the leaves under the sun until they’re wilted and curled up.

Research shows that oolong tea also contains polyphenols linked to faster metabolism and reduced abdominal fat. One animal study published in The Journal of Nutrition showed that the polyphenols in green, black, and oolong teas all had the ability to help lower visceral fat tissue.

One 2020 study from the University of Tsukuba even found that oolong tea increased the breakdown of fat by around 20%, and continued to do so while participants slept.

RELATED: 7 ‘Healthy’ Iced Tea Brands With More Sugar Than a Can of Coke

Black tea

Fans of chai, English breakfast tea, and Earl Grey (all types of black tea) will be pleased to know that research has linked black tea to weight loss and reduced visceral fat.

A 2016 report published in the journal Molecules says that the polyphenols found in black tea have anti-obesity properties and can help with the reduction of body weight and visceral fat, while the animal study mentioned earlier from The Journal of Nutrition includes black tea alongside oolong and green for its effect on abdominal fat.

Participants from a 2014 study published in Food & Function who drank three cups of black tea every day for three months saw more weight loss and reduction in their waist circumference (AKA their belly fat) than those who didn’t drink the tea.

RELATED: 7 Best Teas To Drink for a Longer Life

White tea

We’ve already mentioned three of the four major types of tea groups: green, oolong, and black. The fourth group of tea is white tea, which is known as the most delicate and least processed type of tea.

White tea—along with green and oolong—has been found to speed up metabolism and increase fat oxidation, which may help with overall weight loss or management.

A recent 2023 report published in Food Safety & Health also concluded that white tea had a beneficial impact on weight loss as well as visceral fat in particular.

Pu-erh tea

Now that we’ve gone over the belly fat-melting benefits of green, oolong, black, and white tea, let’s look at a specific type within these categories.

One kind of fermented Chinese black tea known as pu-erh tea has been linked to weight loss or fat reduction in several studies.

A 2014 study published in Phytotherapy Research found that male participants with metabolic syndrome who drank pu-erh tea saw a slight decrease in body fat and BMI.

Another study from Nutrition Research discovered that extract from pu-erh tea helped lower body weight, BMI, and visceral fat in Japanese adults.

The post 6 Teas That Burn Belly Fat appeared first on Eat This Not That.

How we chose the unhealthiest coffee creamers

• Sugar content: Options with higher sugar content, typically 4 grams or more per serving, made this list. Added sugar can contribute to weight gain and health conditions, and is an empty source of calories.

• Low protein: Non-dairy creamers are generally very low in protein. In fact, most options provide zero grams of this important nutrient. While your coffee drink doesn’t need to include protein, a few grams of this nutrient could contribute to satiety and stabilize blood sugar.

• Preservatives and additives: Non-dairy creamers can stay on shelves for quite some time. This is partially due to the preservatives and additives they contain. Some of these ingredients have been documented to lead to concerning health outcomes, making them unhealthy options.

The 7 unhealthiest non-dairy coffee creamers

Adding 30 calories to your coffee may not sound like much, but when you use multiple servings on a daily basis, this can add up. Not only can this lead to excess calorie intake, but with the majority of calories in non-dairy creamer coming from sugar, more concerning outcomes are possible. Here are the seven unhealthiest non-dairy coffee creamers on grocery shelves. And for what to buy instead, don’t miss 9 Healthiest Non-Dairy Coffee Creamers on Grocery Shelves.

Coffee Mate Caramel Almond & Oat Liquid Coffee Creamer

Containing 5 grams of added sugar per serving, which is only one tablespoon, this Coffee Mate option has the highest sugar content amongst non-dairy creamers. Let’s be honest, most people will use more than one serving per cup of coffee, and many will have more than one cup in a day. This combination can lead to hundreds of extra calories per day from added sugar.

RELATED: 9 Unhealthiest Coffee Creamers on Grocery Shelves

Starbucks ® Non-Dairy Caramel Flavored Creamer

Another option with 5 grams of added sugar per serving, this Starbucks creamer packs a sugary punch. Although it is on the lower end of sodium content compared to other options on this list, that doesn’t make up for the sugar content. You’ll also find “natural flavors” in this option, which sounds reasonable, but has some questionable research behind it.

Silk Mocha Almond Creamer

This non-dairy creamer is another option with added sugar and natural flavors, and provides the highest sodium content on our list. While 30 milligrams of sodium leaves plenty of room to consume other sodium sources throughout the day, multiple servings of even small amounts can add up significantly.

RELATED: 11 Coffee Orders That Make Baristas Roll Their Eyes

SOWN Organic Oat Creamer Vanilla

At 35 calories per serving, this is the highest-calorie option on our list. This doesn’t inherently make something unhealthy, but, again, the majority of these calories come from added sugar. In fact, organic cane sugar is the second ingredient listed, behind organic oat milk. Being an organic ingredient may lead you to think this sugar is healthier than other options, but organic sugar can lead to the same negative health outcomes as conventional sweeteners.

Planet Oat Sweet & Creamy Oatmilk Creamer

This variety provides only 25 calories per serving, making it the lowest calorie option on our list. While this is a positive, these calories come almost entirely from added sugar. Along with this sugar, you won’t find any valuable vitamins or minerals, making this creamer an empty source of calories.

RELATED: 9 Tastiest Weight Loss Meals That Are 500 Calories or Less

So Delicious Sweet & Creamy Coconutmilk Creamer

With marketing phrases like USDA organic, gluten-free, and vegan, you may pick this option thinking it is a healthier variety. Although it may have slightly less sugar than other options, it still provides four grams per serving. You’ll also find organic glycerin in this product. While this additive is used in very small amounts in creamer, some research has linked it to headache and dizziness, amongst other symptoms.

RELATED: 12 Best & Worst Greek Yogurts, According to Dietitians

Almond Breeze Vanilla Almondmilk Non-Dairy Creamer

Last on our list, this almond-based creamer still provides four grams of added sugar per serving. Unfortunately, you won’t get any of the heart-health benefits from the almonds used as there is only a half gram of unsaturated fat in this product. The 25 calories it provides per serving is on the low end of what the creamers on this list provide, contributing slightly fewer empty calories. However, you are still better off looking for varieties with no added sugar.

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