Steve Rosen

LIFE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER T E B S (N E W !) S FOOD TH E NNER! WI Stōk Un-Sweet Espresso Blend Black Cold Brew Coffee Too many cold brands mask the off flavors of crummy beans with added milks and sugars. Not Stōk, which offers just this potent yet balanced brew. FO R MEN Convenience, demand, and all those damn ads on social media are fueling the multitrillion-dollar market for grocery-store goods. We found what’s ACTUALLY WORTH ADDING TO YOUR LIST. PHOTOGRAPH BY ALEX LAU MEN’S HEALTH ­ |­ SEPTEMBER 2023 33 LIFE FILL UP HOW WE MADE OUR PICKS GOOD GOOD CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER Yasso Vanilla Bean Poppables Each year, we scan supermarket shelves (IRL and online) to find food and drinks with the most protein, fiber, and healthy fats and the fewest empty calories and added sugars. And we taste-test everything. They’re darkchocolate-covered bonbons made with a blend of milk and Greek yogurt. One contains 35 calories. CHEDDIES They have a Cheez-It vibe but are made with fresh—not powdered— cheese, so a handful has six grams of protein. They work as croutons, too. OCEAN’S SWEET SMOKED WILD MACKEREL This luscious spread has no added sugar and slathers on rich and creamy. It’ll dethrone whatever brand currently sits in your pantry. The tender, lightly smoky fish in an easy-open can has 15 grams of protein and is an excellent source of hearthealthy omega-3 fatty acids. Purely Elizabeth Honey Peanut Butter Cereal This mix of oats, quinoa, amaranth, chia seeds, peanut butter, and almonds is what so few good-for-you cereals are: satisfying. Real Good Foods Sausage, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Bowl This breakfast bake, studded with tater tots, has a fortifying 26 grams of protein per bowl. Top it with some salsa for even more flavor. Country Archer Zero-Sugar Original Smoked Sausages Barilla Al Bronzo Penne Rigate Pasta Not like stevia-sweetened “zero sugar.” No sweetener at all, so you can enjoy the taste in all its beefypeppery glory. It’s die-cut, which isn’t a gimmick. Those micro-grooves help sauces cling to the pasta better, meaning more good stuff in every bite. MUSH, APPLE CINNAMON They’re overnight oats without all the work and waiting. One five-ounce tub has 210 calories, six grams of protein, five grams of fiber, and no added sugars. LITTLE SESAME JAMMY TOMATO HUMMUS It’s supremely creamy hummus, elevated by a small mound of sweet-tangy tomatoes and roasted red peppers. It’s great as a salad “dressing.” 34 SEPTEMBER 2023 ­ |­ MEN’S HEALTH These formidable chips have a bracing heat that can stand up to beef bulgogi or bibimbap. They’re also pretty great to snack on straight out of the tub. Courtesy brands They hit the spot like chicken nuggets but have way more in the way of omega-3’s. All they need is a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Food styling: Pearl Jones (preceding page) ITHACA SALSA, MEDIUM This kinda-spicy dip has a finely chopped consistency and just-made freshness that make it well matched for both tacos and scrambled eggs. Steve’s Family Foods WildCaught Alaskan Salmon Nuggets Cleveland Kitchen Kimchi Pickles Dole Boosted Blends, Berry Spark Smoothies Just blend this preportioned mix of blueberries, bananas, and blackberries—along with small cubes that include acai, cherry, and flaxseed— with a liquid and go. For our list of all 50 winners, including 30 classics, head to menshealth.com/best-foods-2023. MEN’S HEALTH ­ |­ SEPTEMBER 2023 35