Proteins and Dairy
This real-food upgrade provides everything you love about American cheese—a creamy melt, nostalgic flavor, and simplicity. Made with just five ingredients, all recognizable, Sargento offers thin slices that separate easily; the use of waxed paper and not plastic for each slice keeps convenience eco-friendly.
LAB RESULTS: Testers loved the clean flavor and the perfect melt on grilled cheese and egg sandwiches, calling this cheese “better than other brands.” “I’d definitely buy this again,” said one, who praised it as a more natural take on the classic.
Volpi’s Italian-inspired bacon adds instant rich, savory flavor to any dish. Made from responsibly raised pork belly simply seasoned with sea salt, sugar, and spices, it delivers a bold, meaty taste without added nitrates or nitrites. Because it’s pre-chopped, it crisps up quickly in a skillet—perfect for sprinkling over salads or pastas or adding a salty crunch to soups and sides.
LAB RESULTS: In the GH Test Kitchen, we tested it side by side with chopped bacon and noted how evenly the pancetta crisped up. We ate it plain, tossed it into mac ’n’ cheese, and sprinkled it over salad, to which it added a quick hit of salt and satisfying texture. One home tester used it in making spaghetti with clams and praised how its richness complemented the briny seafood. Editors called it “a convenient, flavorful shortcut that delivers restaurant-level results at home.”
Crafted with just three ingredients—organic chicken bones, organic carrots, and filtered water—Butcher's Bone Broth’s slow-simmered broth replicates the depth and silkiness of homemade stock. With no added salt or alliums, this fresh (never frozen) broth is rich in collagen and flavor, ready to use in soups, sauces, or risotto or simply to be sipped.
LAB RESULTS: In the GH Test Kitchen, we heated and sipped each sample along with other chicken broths and stocks, assessing aroma, taste, and mouthfeel. This was the clear winner, both on its own and as a base for soups and stews. Testers praised its clean flavor and silky texture and appreciated being able to season it themselves instead of contending with added salt. One home tester simmered it with ginger and lemon for a comforting sipping broth, calling it “soothing, rich, and restorative.”
These organic garbanzos (also known as chickpeas) from Serious Beans Co. are lightly seasoned with Himalayan pink salt for a clean, subtle flavor. Ready to use, they make it easy to add plant protein and fiber to salads, soups, or quick bowls in seconds.
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked that the beans tasted fresh and well-cooked straight from the can—no tinny aftertaste. Their firm, slightly creamy texture held up in both cold and warm dishes. “They’re perfectly salted and really versatile,” said one taster. Editors praised the clean ingredient list and thoughtful packaging, calling these “a pantry essential that makes healthy eating seriously easy.”
Sourced from the cold waters of Alaska, Tonnino’s wild-caught silver salmon is hand-packed in extra virgin olive oil for a tender, buttery texture and a clean, rich flavor. Made with just three simple ingredients—salmon, olive oil, and salt—this shelf-stable staple offers premium quality straight from the jar. The elegant glass packaging preserves freshness and makes it as appealing on the table as it is in the pantry.
LAB RESULTS: In the GH Test Kitchen, tasters praised the salmon’s soft, flaky texture and mild, ocean-fresh taste. “I liked how tender and flaky it was—it felt like salmon, but wasn’t overly fishy,” said one tester. “The olive oil is a nice complement.” Editors agreed that it was a “gentle introduction for anyone hesitant about preserved seafood,” calling it “a ready-to-eat, high-quality option worth the splurge.”