In the past few years, organic meal delivery services have changed the way we think about home cooking—we can now cook healthy and organic meals while also limiting our food waste. Recent studies show that meal delivery kits have a significantly smaller carbon footprint than meals bought from a grocery store and prepared at home.

The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 31 percent of food in America is thrown away, and more than two-thirds of that waste occurs in our kitchens. Instead, these healthy and organic food delivery services are equipping our homes with pre-portioned ingredients to limit this waste while still getting our fruits and veggies in (some even have breakfast delivery!).

We’ve interviewed, taste-tested, and scoured reviews to find the best and most sustainable meal delivery companies that simplify shopping needs, while aligning with our ethics and environmental values. We also put together a list for organic baby food deliveries, if you’ve got a little one at home!

If you’d rather cook from scratch, check out the best organic produce delivery boxes (and upgrade your cookware while you’re at it!).

Best Overall | Best Vegan | Most Affordable

1. Purple Carrot

Best For | Plant-based, vegan meals
Ingredients | Vegan, non-GMO and organic when possible
Price | Starts at $13.25 per meal (serving)

Purple Carrot offers plant-powered meal kits and frozen meals that are delivered to your door in recyclable insulated boxes with nontoxic ice packs. The company offers tips on upcycling packaging and even suggests composting plant waste like banana peels and carrot shavings! Customize your food delivery options by selecting both the number of meals and servings you desire per week. Choose from breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack meal kits or from an array of delicious prepped meals ready to go in two minutes. Meal kits include all of the necessary ingredients, labeled for easy use, plus a booklet filled with globally inspired recipes. Purple Carrot delivers anywhere in the contiguous US.

What Reviewers Say | “Purple Carrot gives me really delicious 100% plant based options that I NEVER would imagine trying to make on my own.” —Aly Raisman

2. Sakara

Best For | Targeted nutrition programs
Ingredients | 100% organic, gluten- and dairy-free
Price | Starting at $31 per meal for a 2 day delivery; subscriptions available

For a plant-based, organic, nutrient-dense plan, Sakara’s got you covered. With a rotating weekly menu that can be purchased one time or on a subscription for a discount, you can choose a minimum of two meals for as little as two days, or choose from one of their longer-term options. There’s no question that this service is on the pricier side, but their supplements, vitamins, and wellness teas in addition to meals give you more bang for your buck. With plans targeting gut health, metabolism, and more, enjoy a science-backed, carefully designed meal plan that helps you meet your goals. Sakara ships nationwide.

What Reviewers Say | “Sakara has redefined my relationship with food and has empowered me to see that what we choose to fuel ourselves, impacts us on every level— physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” —Carly S.

3. Territory

Best For | Meals from local chefs
Ingredients | Real Food Certified ingredients, free of dairy, gluten, and refined sugars
Price | Prices vary by meal and location

Territory delivers fresh, seasonally-based menus from local chefs, delivered twice weekly for ultimate freshness. It’s easy to customize to whatever your preferences and dietary needs might be, with vegetarian, Keto, paleo, and Whole30 (just to name a few!) plans available. Picky eaters welcome– rate your meal each week to help the service pre-slot suggestions for the next week (love that!). For an in-depth look, check out what our editor thinks about Territory with our review of their meal kits.

What Reviewers Say | “Honestly, if you’re terrible at cooking (me) or just want healthy meals prepared fresh, check out Territory.” —Kaila, Verified Buyer

4. Hungryroot

Best For | Personalized recommendations; dual grocery & recipe service
Ingredients | All food is free of partially hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and artificial preservatives
Price | Starts at $65 per delivery

Half-grocery store, half-meal delivery service, Hungryroot makes cooking convenient and delicious. After taking a quiz to help determine your taste buds, dietary needs, and more, Hungryroot creates a customized plan and fills your cart with suggested groceries and chef-crafted 10-minute recipes; they’re made with whole ingredients and are free of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup. The boxes are recyclable, the ice packs biodegradable, and if Hungryroot ever ends up with excess food stock, 100 percent is donated to local food banks. They deliver to the contiguous US. Sounds like a win for us all—and our bellies.

What Reviewers Say | “For me it’s actually saving me money, and my mental health. I would buy groceries with good intentions and be way too burnt out to cook them at the end of the day. Hungryroot makes it so simple I can’t justify not cooking anymore.” —Micheala P. (Reviews)

5. Thistle

Best For | Globally inspired, ready-to-eat meals
Ingredients | Gluten- and dairy-free, organic when possible, plant-based
Price | Starting at $12 per meal

For a subscription service that takes the work out of flavorful meals packed with superfoods, Thistle’s got you. With plant-based, nutrient-dense menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, wellness shots, and juices, you can get on with your busy life and know that nutrition is handled. They currently deliver to select locations on the east and west coast, delivering twice a week to guarantee freshness. If you’re excited about global flavors and superfoods (think maca, reishi, moringa) but not so into the idea of tracking down the ingredients, Thistle wants to hook you up. Can’t beat that!

What Reviewers Say | “We love that the meals use high-quality ingredients and are never boring.” —Thistle customer

A Bonus Option

Winc Wines

Price | Starts at $60/month
Delivers To | Throughout the USA, where the shipment of wine directly to consumers is permitted
Best For | Natural, organic, & sustainable wine; personalized wine recs

For your organic wine fix to pair with your meal, check out Winc! Winc is a personalized online wine club that asks you a series of questions about your palate profile and lets you personalize your monthly wine deliveries—with wine sourced from organic and sustainable grape vineyards. The majority of wines have low sulfites or sugar, too.

Winc’s “zero-waste” philosophy continuously looks for ways to decrease its carbon footprint through the grape-to-glass process. The team also gives back to sustainable causes via 1% for the Planet. Sip a crisp Chardonnay or sustainable semi-sweet—there are thousands of wonderful wines to choose from.

What Reviewers Say | “Their wine selection is amazing! Mostly small-batches from nearly unheard of wineries…Whether you’re a connoisseur, a wine-lover, or just an occasional grape-drinker, you’ll find something for you!” —Mandy R.

Featured image from Sakara

The post 5 Best Food Delivery Services For Organic Meal Kits appeared first on The Good Trade.

Looking to freshen up your plate this year? Why not start with an organic produce subscription box. They’re great for the environment (less international shipping), fantastic for local farmers (less food waste), and good for your budget. No shade to conventional grocery stores though; shop where you can, however works best for you!

Our editors have rolled up their sleeves and dug up the five best produce delivery companies for organic fruit, vegetable, and protein boxes right to your door. We’ve paid special attention to finding produce boxes in a wide range of locations, from Los Angeles and New York to Minneapolis, Tulsa, Houston, and many others.

Some of the organic grocery delivery subscription services on this list work with surplus fruit, while others sell “ugly” vegetables that don’t sell in stores. These boxes are bringing fresh, seasonal goods to the forefront, rescuing produce from landfills, and making delivery more convenient than ever. Win-win.

If you’re looking for full meal delivery, check out our guide to organic meal delivery services, and our CSA guide to learn more about community-supported agriculture. If it sounds like something you’d like to try, you can search Local Harvest to find one near you.

(Psst! Have you made the switch to sustainable cookware or eco-friendly knives, yet?)

  Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best Nationwide Delivery

1. Misfits Market 

Best For | Accessible organic produce delivery across the US
Price | Boxes start at $30+ with flat-rate shipping
Delivers To | Contiguous US (See all)

Misfits Market finds fresh, certified organic produce that major stores can’t sell due to scarring, surplus, or cosmetic blemishes, and ships boxes directly to you at up to 40 percent off regular costs. (Think onions that are too small, oddly shaped squash, or twisted carrots.) With up to 22 pounds of organic produce delivery coming your way, this biz uses compostable plant-based bags, eco-friendly insulation, and recycled cardboard. Box minimums start at $30 to minimize packaging and carbon emissions, and MM delivers to nearly all zip codes across the contiguous US.

Misfits Market Review | “I love saving food so it doesn’t go to waste. And I love the challenge of creating meals out of the products that are available each week.” –@chefjennyben (Read all reviews)

Sign Up For Misfits Market

2. Farmer Jones Farm

Best For | Fresh greens, supporting regenerative & sustainable farming practices
Price | Boxes start at $69
Delivers To | Nationwide (See more)

Farmer Jones Farm is a second-gen family farm as part of The Chef’s Garden in Ohio. The team invests in organic and regenerative farming practices such as rotating field plantings between produce and multi-species crops, which benefits both the plants and the soil. In addition to one-time produce boxes such as “powerhouse vegetables” and “high-nitrate fresh greens”, Farmer Jones Farms has robust subscription options as well, with a five percent discount. You can also donate fresh vegetables locally to tackle food scarcity!

Farmer Jones Review | “The most amazing assortment of beautiful veggies. Things I’ve never heard of before, like oca. And the flavors! NOTHING like what you get in the stores. Doesn’t even compare.” – Mary L (See all reviews)

Sign Up For Farmer Jones Farm

3. Hungry Harvest

Best For | Waste-free produce
Price | Boxes start at $15
Delivers To | Maryland, Washington, DC, Greater Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey, Northern Delaware, and Raleigh, North Carolina. (Check your zip code)

Hungry Harvest wants us to use every part of every plant. By working with farmers to rescue fresh, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste, the company delivers fresh produce to our doors instead. Starting at $15, the boxes come in a variety of sizes and Hungry Harvest shares simple recipes, storage tips, and kitchen hacks so that we can make the most of our produce. It’s worth noting that every delivery saves at least 10 pounds of food from going to waste.

Hungry Harvest Review | “I love getting fresh food delivered. I know my money is going to people who truly care about the community.” – Eileen (Read all reviews)

Sign Up For Hungry Harvest

4. Oddbox

Best For | Affordable, varied produce deliveries
Price | Boxes start at £12
Delivers To | The UK (See all)

Oddbox, a certified B Corp based in the UK, ethically sources fresh produce from dozens of fairly paid farmers and suppliers across the country. Delivered overnight to minimize excessive emissions, Oddbox’s fruits and veggies arrive at your doorstep in recyclable packaging. Weekly sustainable produce boxes start at £12 perfect for a couple, or you can opt for a large family-sized box for £23. Leftover produce is donated to orgs fighting food poverty in the UK.

Oddbox Review | “It’s great to test your ideas for the week incorporating the latest group of veggies and fruits from oddbox whilst knowing you are helping to reduce unnecessary waste. Brilliant initiative.” – Deborah L. (See all reviews)

Sign Up For Oddbox

5. Farm to People

Best For | Vegetarian, paleo, & omnivore boxes, protein & dairy add-ons
Price | Boxes start at $25
Delivers To | NYC & Jersey City/Hoboken (See all)

Farm to People brings the farmer’s market experience to NYC’s door with its organic, seasonal produce, protein, and groceries. The produce, in particular, is sourced from GMO-free, organic, and regenerative farms. Best yet, half of every food dollar raised goes directly to the farmer or small-batch maker. You can go a la carte or opt for a subscription—and swap with items you don’t want and add the ones you do. Paleo, omnivore, and vegetarian diets are also accommodated with specific boxes.

Farm to People Review | “I’ve been using Farm to People for over 2 years now. I love the fact that the produce is sourced locally, which reduces travel time, waste, and emissions. It’s also a great way to support local farms & farmers.” – @thevicstyles (Read all reviews)

Sign Up For Farm To People

The post 5 Produce Delivery Boxes For Fresh Fruits And Veggies (2023) appeared first on The Good Trade.

Alcohol is a tricky bag to unpack for me, and for others that I know and love. Some days and weeks, I don’t care a lick for it; others, I care a lot of licks. It’s easier than most of us will admit to default to a glass of wine or a beer out of habit. Soon, we’re reaching for another glass or can.

Others among us are evaluating their consumption carefully; it doesn’t matter the reason, and it doesn’t matter the duration. Some people will be sober their whole lives (or the rest of their lives), and some may dabble in sobriety throughout various seasons. 

To start building a better relationship with ourselves, we can try to be more intentional about how and when we drink—or don’t. I know I am trying to after this hellscape of a year. Wherever you are on the spectrum of sobriety, know that you’re not alone. Now, especially, is a difficult moment. No matter your reason (pregnancy, mental health, don’t like the taste, or otherwise!), I hope you understand that your experiences are valid.

Here are some of my favorite ways to connect and unwind—with 0 percent ABV.

Psst! For a mindful way to start your day, subscribe to The Daily Good, a 30-second read delivered to your inbox each morning with sustainable recipes, podcasts, artists, articles, and more.🌿

Beyond habits, alcohol addiction is serious and has severe consequences for the communities it impacts. If you or someone you love is struggling, using alcohol to numb feelings regularly, or is regularly and negatively affected by drinking, seek out a local support group or call a hotline to find the best ways to help.

1. Establish a daily meditation or mindfulness habit—you can schedule it for moments when you are particularly craving a cold one.

2. Get good at crafting mocktails. You can make simple syrups (here are seven unique ones), use your SodaStream, and add beautiful garnishes for the full treatment. Here are some fun recipes to start with.

3. Go on a photo walk and see your neighborhood through a new lens. Bring a pal along and make it a social call.

4. Participate in a community cleanup and meet your neighbors. Here is a resource for our Los Angeles friends, but here is a handy guide to planning a cleanup no matter where you’re at.

5. Go camping, even if it’s only in your backyard (or on your patio, if it’s safe to do so). Hey—who says you can’t cook s’mores over a candle? 

6. Kick back and read a collection of poetry, and allow yourself to read slowly and reflect on the experience and meaning of each poem.

7. Or if you’re feeling inspired, give writing your own poetry a try. It doesn’t have to be good—just try putting pen to paper and see what you discover!

8. Drop some eucalyptus oil in the diffuser, and give yourself a professional-grade facial at home (here’s how).

9. If you are out and about and find yourself at a bar, ask the bartender for soda water with lime. You’ll have an inconspicuous drink to sip on through the evening!

“Go camping, even if it’s only in your backyard (or on your patio, if it’s safe to do so).”

10. Go to your temple, church, or mosque. Or spend the evening at home in prayer. This does not have to be connected to a particular religious practice—quiet reflection and gratitude are universal. Learn more about creating a spiritual practice even if you aren’t religious.

11. Plan a trip, or make a moodboard for your dream vacation.

12. Break out an old game, book, or activity you enjoyed as a child (Pokémon or mini-golf, anyone?).

13. Give yourself the gift of having an event to look forward to, by browsing sites like Groupon. Schedule a spa day, class, or outing based on what deals you can find.

14. Start a Substack newsletter about a topic you’re passionate about. Spend your free time learning more about it so that you can share even more info!

15. Become a volunteer or a mentor for youths. (Psst—you can even volunteer online).

16. Sip on some of these non-alcoholic beverage alternatives instead.

17. Go to breakfast; if you can, snag takeout from your favorite local diner and set up a brunch picnic in the nearest park. This’ll have you awake and walking first thing—just not the “walk of shame.” 😂

18. Or, host brunch at your home with elaborate fixings. You can make a waffle bar, offer fresh-squeezed orange juice, and finally break out that good coffee you’ve been holding on to (better to share with friends, no?).

19. Or, skip the food altogether and host a coffee or tea cupping. Invite your guests to bring their favorites and discuss the experience together.

“Do a mental health check in. How are you, really?”

20. Do a mental health check in. How are you, really? Write it out or talk it out with a friend (or your voice memos app).

21. Go to a playground and rediscover your favorite youthful pastimes like swinging and hanging on the monkey bars (just don’t steal the slide from the kiddos, okay?).

22. Keep a basket for garments that could use a little TLC. Instead of sipping on a boozy beverage while you watch your favorite show, give them a new life by darning them.

23. Or, make something new by picking up a stress-relieving fiber-based art—whether that’s sewing your own clothes, crocheting, embroidery or otherwise.

24. Make body butter or other zero waste toiletries.

25. Spend time pampering yourself in private. (These sex toys are a fun addition!)

26. Pack some hot cocoa (and a sweater since it’s getting chilly) and catch a sunset at the highest point in town.

27. Explore your family tree by contacting your family members to preserve their stories or via Ancestry.com.

28. Get inspired to live minimally by joining me in my love for the Never Too Small channel on YouTube.

29. Start a scrapbook and enjoy the walk down memory lane.

“Pack some hot cocoa (and a sweater since it’s getting chilly) and catch a sunset at the highest point in town.”

30. Have a bonfire (make sure it’s contained properly and check current fire regulations for your area first). Spend time with your loved ones—or just have a quiet evening alone.

31. Start learning a new language with one of these apps.

32. Go through your clothes and have a fashion show for yourself—what still fits? Which pieces suit your lifestyle? Only keep the pieces you love and resell or donate the garments that still have life left.

33. Set up a still life or find a beautiful location for inspiration, and dive into watercolor painting. 

34. Need a little metaphor for picking up scattered pieces right now? Give puzzles a go.

35. Brush up on your basic survival skills and create preparedness plans for any emergencies in your area.

36. Get to those home repairs and projects that have been on your list for a while. (I’m looking at you, half-assembled TV stand.)

37. Follow a makeup tutorial online. (Seriously, someone please teach me how to use eyeliner.)

38. Take archery lessons and head to an archery range to practice what you’ve learned.

39. Get on a bike! It makes everyday local errands much more fun and fruitful, plus it’ll cut down on your gas usage.

40. Call your parent or grandparent, cousin, aunt, nephew—you get it. Get in touch with your family (chosen family works too!), and ask them how they’re feeling right now.

“Set up a still life or find a beautiful location for inspiration, and dive into watercolor painting.”

41. Or, write a letter to a dear friend who hasn’t heard from you in a while.

42. If you’re forgoing the price of drinks, why not order yourself an appetizer with your next takeout? Or better yet, get dessert. 🍰

43. Host a craft night. This is something you can do solo or with friends (even virtually!), and what you make is up to you. Giving yourself something to do with your hands is a helpful deterrent for habitual sipping.

44. Have you misplaced the hot glue gun, or just plain not into crafting? Grab some supplies for an at-home manicure and pamper yourself a bit.

45. Have a music sharing party. Ask for contributions to a Spotify playlist and spend an evening listening and sharing what’s on your heavy rotation.

46. Attend a sound bath, or listen to one virtually.

47. Set yourself up for an evening of reaching out to your elected officials, signing petitions, and advocating with others in your community (remember those high school classes that could have been improved? Reach out to your former principal!).

48. You can always write gratitude notes to your local officials as well. (Yes, even to that same former principal!)

49. Light a candle, then make your own candles! Repeat indefinitely. 🕯️

“Explore a new area of town and meet folks through Meetup’s sober activities in your city.”

50. Explore a new area of town and meet folks through Meetup’s sober activities in your city.

51. Take up gardening, whether it’s in a little window herb planter or a full-on indoor vertical garden. 

52. DIY a little punch-needle rug for your bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen—tutorial here.

53. Explore your surroundings in a surprising new way by going geocaching or becoming a Randonaut.

54. Clear out your inbox. Delete what you don’t need, file what you do, and unsubscribe to everything you’re not finding useful. While it may not sound fun, it has mental wellness benefits. 

55. Do an exercise outside of your usual movement routine; try out yoga, dance in the kitchen, or do slow and steady hill repeats. 

56. Take an afternoon nap! Bonus points if you have a person, pet, or cozy blanket to snuggle up with.

57. Video chat with someone in a different time zone than you. Have a friend or family member overseas? Stay up late or plan to wake up super early to chat with them and catch up.

58. Get your game face on and host a board game night. Don’t be afraid to try a new game. (These are some of my favorites, and Catan is always a winner, too!)

59. Do yourself a favor by prepping the chopping, marinating, and pureeing for all of the meals you will eat next week. Pop some dry beans into the crockpot while you’re at it—you’ll thank yourself later!

“Get your game face on and host a board game night.”

60. Or, cull down your food waste and toss your veggie scraps and ends into the freezer, then make a stock! Let ‘er simmer all day long and enjoy the aromas that come with it.

61. Play trivia with your friends or family—or just listen to a podcast like Triviality for casual and less competitive trivia.

62. Take a creative writing workshop, or organize a writing group of your own. Communicating about each other’s work and facilitating feedback are excellent skills to practice. If you’re not sure where to start, check out these writing prompts.

63. Plan a date night around cooking a new dish together. It can be as elaborate as you’d like—just put on your favorite playlist and enjoy doing something tactile with the person you love.

64. If you’re not feeling date night, bake yourself a loaf of bread. There’s nothing more satisfying than hand-kneading a gooey dough, smelling the yeast as it rises, and eating a slice of bread you made from scratch.

65. Take your sweet tooth to the next level by making candy at home. Toffee, truffles, and fudge, oh my!

66. Go to the library and browse for something new. If your local branches don’t stay open into the evenings, snag a book you’ve been meaning to read and head to a café or park with ample seating. 

67. Or, support a local bookstore and peruse the aisles. Be sure to ask the staff for their favorites!

68. Take in some art and wander the halls of the closest art museum. Museums may be open into the evenings, or you may be able to find virtual versions of interesting exhibits.

69. Share an evening of massages with your partner. If you’re flying solo, you can always do a self-massage! 

“Take in some art and wander the halls of the closest art museum.”

70. When it’s safe for you to do so, go bowling. It’s a stimulating, challenging, and competitive way to spend a weekend night. You can even join a league for a social outlet. Not your style? Maybe lace up and go roller skating instead.

71. Create a vision board. How often does a social night out get in the way of your grounding routines? If you’re an introvert like me, spending a couple of hours alone can help recharge and reset you on the path towards your goals.

72. Go down the YouTube rabbit hole. Catch up on late-night comedy, follow along with someone’s daily life, or even get involved as a vlogger. Why not?

73. Host a clothing swap. Here are some tips on how to do it.

74. Host your own painting night. Have everyone chip in a few bucks and snag some canvases and paints from a local craft store. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks top it all off.

75. Whether it’s old-school Nintendo or you’ve somehow secured a PS5, break out the controller and get gaming. This is a great hobby to do solo, or hop online and connect with friends and new people! Here are some game suggestions for mindful play.

76. Take yourself to dinner and a movie, and enjoy your own company for an evening. (It’s more fun than it sounds.)

77. Catch a game from a local sports team, whether it’s a high school team, college athletes, or an intramural league. You might even end up joining them next season!

78. Or craft an elaborate snacking spread full of your favorite fruits and cheeses (if that’s your thing) and watch a game at home with your friends.

79. Look for jazz cafés, open mic nights, or community bands playing. Many cities and towns will have live music in public spaces, especially during the warmer months.

“Look for jazz cafés, open mic nights, or community bands playing.”

80. Go to a late-night yoga or fitness class, or take one virtually. It can be a pain when all you want to do is veg out on the couch, but you’ll sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed.

81. Borrow a shelter pup for the afternoon and take them on a walk. (Ask your local shelter if they do this.) Or if you have the time, space, and energy, foster a pet in need.

82.  Have some spare shipping boxes that haven’t gone out to recycling yet? Make a castle for your pets, or just have fun improvising a cardboard creation.

83. Dye your hair or try cutting it at home. (It’s not so scary, I promise—but it’s also great to trust a professional!)

84. Create care packages to send to seniors or folks in need in your community.

85. Put together a playlist, turn on a disco light, and grab your dancing shoes. Yep—it’s a dance party at home! You can even take dance classes online.

86. Try your hand at tie-dyeing or freshen up an old t-shirt with this guide to DIY natural dyes. 

87. Give birdwatching a go. 🐦 👀

88. Extend your to-read list using this website or by exploring glowing reviews on Goodreads. You can even sign up for a book subscription service and let someone else curate your list for you.

89. Then start a book club, whether in-person or virtually and discuss your favorites with a group of your peers.

90. Find a local chapter of Toastmasters and confront your fear of public speaking (or fine-tune your already-fabulous skill!).

“Put together a playlist, turn on a disco light, and grab your dancing shoes. Yep—it’s a dance party at home!”

91. Paint a room in your home a color you’ve always been nervous to try out—if it doesn’t work, you can paint it back. (Or try one of these peel-and-stick wallpapers instead.)

92. Take a factory tour of a local production business. (Strangely, touring a pickle factory has been one of my favorite adventures with my family.)

93. Have a pizza-making party. Let your friends and family each toss their own crust and add their toppings of choice. You can also make the dough from scratch, though we don’t have to be overachievers. 😉

94. Read and subscribe to a magazine in your field of interest—you may even be able to find ‘zines made by members from your community at the local bookstore.

95. Lace up your hiking boots, whether you’re going with a group or for a solo hike, and find scenic trails near you for a good ol’ afternoon hike.

96. Then learn how to forage safely, sustainably, and successfully. Teach others to do it as well! 

97. Join a sober group on Reddit or Facebook, if that’s your jam. This may take some careful vetting to find one that works best for you.

98. Whether it’s a guitar, piano, or that old recorder you had in fourth grade, pick up a musical instrument and a beginners book. (You can find lots of instruments secondhand online.) You may be bad at first, but you’ll get better. Toot, toot! 

99. Go. To. Bed. Early. Tuck yourself in earlier than normal and wake up feeling fresh and being fully rested at your own pace. If you want extra motivation to get to sleep, plan an early morning meetup with a friend.

Emily Torres is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. Born and raised in Indiana, she studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, caring for her rabbits, or gaming.

The post 99 Sober Activities To Do This Weekend Instead Of Drinking appeared first on The Good Trade.

To elevate our at-home dining experiences, we’re turning to wine for the perfect touch. Reds are for our cozy evenings indoors, and sparkling whites make for the most bubbly happy hour at the park. But with thousands of wines around the world, it’s hard to know which one to choose—we can’t be the only ones overwhelmed in fancy bottle shops, right?

The below winemakers, sommeliers, and connoisseurs doing the hard work for us. These wine clubs and subscription services curate the best natural, sustainable, or organically farmed wines and then deliver them directly to our doorsteps! We can pour ourselves varietals responsibly sourced from around the globe, from California to Italy, and all in our tiny apartment kitchens! We’ll cheers to that. 🥂

Looking for more options for your table? Here are our guides to organic meal kit delivery and the best nonalcoholic elixirs.

Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Organic

1. Mysa

Best For | Direct-to-consumer natural wines
Standout Ethic | Gives back to environmental causes
Ships To | USA
Price | Starting at $85/month for 3 bottles

For natural wines you’ll never find in restaurants or fancy wine stores, women-owned Mysa is our go-to subscription. This direct-to-consumer wine importer works with small producers (making less than 5,000 cases per year) and shares their stories, tasting notes, and food pairing suggestions with you. Choose three, six, or a dozen bottles to be delivered on a monthly or quarterly basis, and experience natural additive-free wines the way they were meant to be enjoyed!

2. Plonk Wine Club

Best For | Customizable wine cases
Standout Ethic | Organic, biodynamic, small-production, and seasonal wines
Ships To | USA (free shipping)
Price | Starting at $110/month for 4 bottles

Curious to learn more about sustainable, small-batch wines? Plonk Wine Club is for you. This subscription is curated with both novice and sophisticated wine lovers in mind, and it includes organic, biodynamic, and seasonal wines grown by small-scale farmers around the world. We especially love the use of undiscovered native grapes from lesser-known appellations, and that you can customize your shipments. Choose between a mixed, red, or white wine box, with up to 12 bottles per box.

3. Avaline

Best For | 100% organic and natural wine with no added sugars or other additives
Standout Ethic | Full ingredient and producer transparency
Ships To | Continental US
Price | Starting at $244/case (choose delivery for every month, two months, or three months)

Avaline was born when founders Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power realized that they didn’t actually know what was in their favorite wines. It turns out that the wine industry isn’t legally required to disclose a lot about what’s in their bottles, or even how it’s produced. Avaline wines are guided by an ethos of full transparency— their ingredients and contents are listed on every bottle, and they work with eco-conscious and ethical producers to create their 100% organic and natural wines without any of the 70+ common additives found in other bottles. With a subscribe and save model that allows you to build a case at a delivery frequency that works for you, we say sign us up!

4. WINC

Best For | Choosing your bottles
Standout Ethic | Accessibility
Ships To | USA
Price | Starting at $39/month for 3 bottles

WINC believes wine should be accessible, simple to get, and easy to enjoy. This personalized wine club offers hundreds of sustainable wines from quality farmers around the world, and at $39/month for three bottles (that you get to choose!), it’s one of the most affordable options on our list. Don’t want to commit to a shipment every month? The company offers flexible subscriptions, so you can skip a month whenever you need.

5. McBride Sisters

Best For | Canned wine
Standout Ethic | Largest Black-owned wine company in the US
Ships To | USA
Price | Starting at $89/12 cans every 6 weeks

The duo behind McBride Sisters, Robin and Andréa, grew up continents apart—the sisters didn’t know the other existed until 1999! After seeing their parallel upbringings in and around vineyards, they knew they could craft something magical. Today, the McBride Sisters is the largest Black-owned wine company in the country. With a focus on sustainable, affordable wines, and by investing in other Black women-owned businesses, this label is making the wine industry more inclusive and accessible. We love the can club option!

6. Usual Wines

Best For | Rosé & Brut subscriptions
Standout Ethic | Sustainably made in the USA
Ships To | USA
Price | Starting at $48 for six large glasses

Grown among California’s various microclimates, Usual Wines offers sustainably farmed and small-batch wine made without preservatives. With each wine order, you’ll receive six to 24 full glasses worth of wine in stunning glass bottles—sans added sugar or sulfites. If you love it, you can sign up for a monthly delivery of the Red, Rosé, Brut, or Mixed Pack, with a sizable discount off a one-time shipment.

7. Lady of the Sunshine

Best For | Seasonal subscriptions
Standout Ethic | Organic & biodynamic wines
Ships To | USA
Price | Starting at $150 for 6 bottles twice a year

Only about 10 percent of wineries and vineyards are women-owned and operated, a devastatingly high disparity. That’s why we’re big fans of Lady of the Sunshine, run by Gina Giugni, a second-generation biodynamic farmer and winemaker in California. Sign up for this wine club if you’re more of a seasonal drinker: You’ll receive two shipments a year in the spring and fall, along with access to small production bottlings, cellar tastings, winemaker dinners, and more. This wine club is a true testament to California’s golden sunshine.

8. Wanderlust Wine

Best For | UK wine subscription
Standout Ethic | Vegan wines
Ships To | Mainland UK
Price | Starting at £24/every 2 months for 4 bottles

If you’re based in the UK, you’ll love Wanderlust Wine’s subscription service, which features sustainable and organically farmed wines from across the globe. The service offers a variety of tiers up to 12 bottles a quarter, showcasing some of the finest red, white, and mixed varieties, alongside ongoing discounts and VIP invitations to events. Best of all, this company offers vegan-friendly options that don’t use animal-derived byproducts—cheers to all the cruelty-free and conscious wine connoisseurs.

9. Orange Glou

Best For | Skin-contact wines
Standout Ethic | Natural, organic and biodynamic wines
Ships To | USA
Price | Starting at $105/month for 3 bottles

For a truly unique wine subscription, Orange Glou is our go-to. Each box is curated by Doreen Winkler, named by Forbes as one of “America’s Top Sommeliers.” And in addition to sourcing wines that offer the purest expression of the grape and terroir, Doreen is also passionate about orange wine (yes, orange!)—so anticipate the most interesting and distinct orange wines in the world, delivered right to your doorstep.

10. Leon Circle

Best For | Finding a wine you love
Standout Ethic | Low-intervention wines
Ships To | USA
Price | Starting at $79/month for 3 bottles

Leon Circle is a new wine club on a mission to help you become a more savvy wine drinker. Every month, owner Chris Leon curates a selection of 3 highly personalized low-intervention, expressive wines from some of the most quality-driven small producers around the world. His goal is to help you figure out what you love—and what you don’t! Think of it as demystifying wine drinking.

Share your tastiest, most favorite wine in the comments below! 🍷

The post 10 Natural Wine Club Subscriptions Delivering to Your Door appeared first on The Good Trade.

For many of us, our days begin with a ritual: Brewing that first cup of coffee. A warming beverage that gifts us with energy and a bit of structure first thing in the morning, coffee is more than just, well, coffee; it’s an active part of our lifestyle.

That’s why we’re thrilled to share these coffee clubs and subscription services bringing freshly roasted and fair trade beans straight to your door. Many of these companies work with farmers in coffee-growing communities around the world, investing in small-scale roasters, cafes, and artisans. 

Now, more than ever, it’s so easy to join a coffee club—so we can fuel our days without even leaving the house. If you’re looking for a post-work beverage, check out our guide to organic wine delivery companies!

Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best Coffee Alternative

1. Bean Box

Standout Ethic | Supports 35+ artisan roasters
Ships To | USA, US Territories and military addresses, Canada
Price | Starting at $17/month (tasting subscription)

Coffee-curious? Bean Box is the perfect subscription box to start with. The company has some of the world’s best coffees curated in one place and, by partnering with artisan roasters, Bean Box delivers some of the richest blends from around the world every month while supporting small businesses. Start your mornings with full flavor.

2. Driftaway Coffee

Standout Ethic | Compostable shipping and plastic-free coffee bags
Ships To | Worldwide
Price | Starting at $16 for one bag (8 oz.)

For a personalized experience, check out Driftaway’s customized coffee subscription. Start with four coffee profiles to review, from light to medium-dark roast, and the company will send you coffees matching your taste, sourced from all around the world. Order more of the ones you love, avoid the ones you don’t, and support small-scale farmers all along the way sustainability program. (We also love their virtual tastings!)

Subscribe to Driftaway Coffee

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The post 9 Organic & Fair Trade Coffee Subscriptions (2023) appeared first on The Good Trade.

Between park picnics and backyard BBQs, outdoor blankets are a must-have. Luckily, it’s never been easier to find an upcycled picnic blanket that’s sustainable and super soft. We’ve found the best outdoor options available in the US, UK, Australia, and beyond. Some offer waterproof blankets, while others merge sleeping and picnic blankets into one. So however you plan to get outside this summer, we can promise you’ll want to pic(nic) any of these!

Just don’t forget your picnic basket and eco-friendly outdoor dishes. Let’s get to lounging. 😎

1. Rumpl

Best For | Sleeping bag-inspired blankets
Materials | Recycled plastic & post-consumer materials
Price Range | $60–$235

Rumpl is a certified B Corp offering dual-purpose blankets that are for so much more than just picnics. Inspired by sleeping bags, these sustainable blankets are made (and filled) with recycled plastic water bottles to keep you warm and cozy wherever you are. To date, Rumpl has recycled over five million water bottles to create its insulated and water-resistant products. In addition, Rumpl donates to environmental initiatives annually and is fully climate- and carbon-neutral.

2. Made Trade

Best For | Bold, colorful blankets
Materials | Organic cotton, Turkish cotton, recycled materials, wool
Price Range | $42–$488

Made Trade‘s picnic blankets are not only beautiful but are also sustainable, high quality products you’ll find yourself pulling out for years. Artisan-made and women-owned, these colorful blankets are often made with upcycled thread and organic materials, so you can feel good about the low-impact production costs on the earth. These colorful beauties are sure to make any picnic feel like a party.

3. Parks Project

Best For | Blankets that support parks conservation
Materials | Recycled materials, organic cotton
Price Range | $100–$120

Parks Project is on a mission to help preserve our nation’s parks. With a goal to leave it better than they found it, the Certified B Corp engages hundreds of volunteers to help bridge the gap that a lack of funding and the climate crisis has created for the wildlands. Partnering with National Parks, REI, and National Geographic, the group has managed to donate over $2 million to nonprofits on behalf of parks. We love their recycled polyester camp blanket and whimsical organic cotton ‘shrooms blanket, the sales of which support their vital mission.

4. Little Unicorn

Best For | Kids’ outdoor blankets
Materials | Polyester
Price Range | $55–$75

Any parent knows how handy it is to have a blanket with you on the go, ready to transform any playground or backyard into a cozy, safe play zone for your little one. Little Unicorn‘s line of outdoor blankets comes with a convenient over-the-shoulder travel bag, making it a cinch to pack and stow these super cute, highly functional, waterproof blankets in any diaper bag or stroller. Even better? They are durable, wipeable, and machine washable. So while they are made of polyester, you know they will be able to handle your active family’s needs for years to come.

5. The Tartan Blanket Co

Best For | Classic wool tartan blankets
Materials | Recycled wool, recycled mixed fibers
Price Range | $125–$132

Designed in the UK and made lovingly in India, The Tartan Blanket Co makes picnicking a dream with beautifully designed blankets. All kinds of sizes are available from king to baby, but the picnic-sized ones are perfect for one to two people. Each waterproof blanket is made with recycled wool mixed with durable, longer fibers and finished with a resistant coating. Choose whether you’d like to add a strap or monogramming. Shipping is available worldwide, and the brand covers all international duties.

6. Trek Light Gear

Best For | One-of-a-kind blankets
Materials | Post-consumer recycled materials
Price Range | $180

From the mountains to valleys, rivers to backyards, Trek Light Gear has adventure blankets we love. A small business with a big heart, each blanket is ethically handwoven in Mexico by Indigenous weavers using upcycled and recycled materials, like cotton and acrylic. And because they’re artisan-made, no two blankets are completely alike. One tree is planted for each blanket sold, so know that you’re trekking light(ly) in every way possible. 

7. Weaver Green

Best For | Striped blankets
Materials | Recycled plastic bottles, non-toxic dyes
Price Range | $105–$115

Weaver Green’s picnic rugs are made with 300 recycled plastic bottles each, making them the perfect accessory for a zero waste picnic. Available in three patterns and gorgeous pastel colors (a total of 38 varieties), these large blankets also come with water- and stain-resistant coating and fringe. Did we mention these are also machine washable?! These picnic rugs are currently available in Australia and New Zealand.

Featured image is from The Tartan Blanket Co

The post 7 Sustainable Picnic Blankets For Spring 2023 appeared first on The Good Trade.

We’ve often heard of collagen for our health and beauty routines, but what actually is it? Collagen is the protein that supports our skin, bones, cartilage, and even our hair and nails. We lose our body’s natural collagen as we age, starting in our early 20s.

Enter collagen supplements. Some collagen comes from bovines, fish, and seafood, while others are vegan powder alternatives (not actual collagen, but supplements) that boost our natural collagen production.

We’d like to also note the recent findings about deforestation that are linked to the increase in popularity for collagen in supplements and beauty products. Brands such as needed., use collagen from bovines in New Zealand, while vegan sources from GOLDE, Ora and Moon Juice are great sustainable options. Whichever you prefer, there are clean collagen options out there for you! 

Here are the best collagen powders, capsules, and formulas we’ve found from natural and ethical brands. Whether you add it to your morning coffee or afternoon smoothie, your body will love this healthy diet addition. For even more supplements to nourish your skin from within, check out these ingestible beauty supplements for a glowing complexion and healthy hair.

1. GOLDE

Best For | Vegan collagen supplements
Ingredients | Coconut milk powder, bamboo extract, hyaluronic acid, biotin, organic vanilla, monk fruit
Price | $18 for 3.97 oz; available at Target & Ulta

GOLDE crafts plant-based superfood blends and formulas that support our best selves. Its Coconut Collagen Blend supplements our body’s own natural collagen production, using vegan biotin, coconut powder, and bamboo extract. With a subtle vanilla and coconut taste, it’s a great addition to your smoothie, latte, or morning oats without being overpowering. Support this Black woman-owned, sustainable and cruelty-free brand and enjoy the benefits both inside and out.

2. needed.

Best For | Pre & postnatal collagen
Ingredients | Bovine collagen
Price | $50 for 16 oz; discounted subscriptions available

If you’re an expecting mama (or hoping to be!), look no further than needed’s Collagen Protein. This editor-approved powder is made specifically for pre- and postpartum to support pelvic floor tissue, postpartum hair, and more. needed sources its hydrolyzed collagen from hormone-free bovines in New Zealand, and each batch is third-party tested for safety and efficacy. Not only is it good for you (and baby), but for the planet too: needed is climate-neutral, a certified B Corp, and gives back to environmental initiatives.

3. The Nue Co.

Best For | Dry skin
Ingredients | Bovine collagen, gelatin, aloe leaf powder, grape & wheat seed extracts, plant-based Astaxanthin, hyaluronic acid
Price | $45 for 30 capsules; discounted subscriptions available

The Nue Co. understands how important our gut health is—and how connected our own bodies are to Mother Earth. That’s why the team develops ethical and sustainable supplements that benefit both people and the planet. If you’re turning to collagen for clearer, more hydrated skin, then you’ll love The Nue Co’s Skin Hydrator. Each capsule contains a mix of hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen, astaxanthin (an antioxidant from microalgae), and a proprietary blend that gets right to work. Take one dose every morning with breakfast and expect results in just a few weeks.

4. Thrive Market

Best For | Non-GMO collagen
Ingredients | Bovine collagen peptides
Price | $24 for 20 oz

Thrive Market is your one-stop shop for sustainable, organic, and natural products, including its beloved collagen peptides. This unflavored formula is sourced from pasture-raised cows in South America and is free of GMOs, added sugars, or synthetic hormones. This certified B Corp will send your shipment via carbon-neutral packaging. Get ready for a (grass-fed) glow.

5. Ora

Best For | Vegan flavors, sample size
Ingredients | Organic pea protein, acerola cherry, aloe vera gel powder, bamboo extract, vitamin E, coconut sugar & milk, vanilla
Price | $37 for 8.47 oz; discounted subscriptions available

If you’re not quite ready for a full-sized collagen tub, you may like Ora’s Aloe Gorgeous powder. Available as a vegan collagen-boosting powder—in four delicious flavors—you can try just one serving at a time to see if it’s for you. Aloe Gorgeous combines aloe vera, pea protein, vitamins C and E, and has USDA certified organic ingredients for a healthy addition to any drink or meal. Buy now, thank us later. 😉

6. mindbodygreen

Best For | Beauty & gut health
Ingredients | Bovine collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C & E, biotin, L-glutamine, turmeric
Price | $70 for 14 oz; discounted subscriptions available

For a powerful daily supplement that can do it all, we like mindbodygreen’s sugar-free beauty & gut collagen+. Not only does this formula include two types of collagen from pasture-raised Brazilian bovines, but it also includes extra nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactives, too. The result? Better skin hydration, stronger hair, and healthier intestinal lining. Pro tip: Use the unflavored supplement while cooking and baking, and go for the chocolate for drinks and oats. Yum!

7. Moon Juice

Best For | All-natural supplements
Ingredients | Rice bran, silver ear mushroom, hyaluronic acid
Price | $32 for 4.5 oz; discounted subscriptions available

Moon Juice is “fueled by plants, science, and wisdom.” Its vegan collagen supplement, Collagen Protect®, is made with just three natural ingredients to boost natural collagen production (instead of including external collagen in its formulas). Using rice bran, silver ear mushroom, and salt from hyaluronic acid, your skin will feel better than ever—the all-natural way. We love Moon Juice’s commitment to ethical and responsible sourcing, virgin plastic-free packaging, cruelty-free ethics and transparency.

The post 7 Clean Collagen Powders With Organic Ingredients appeared first on The Good Trade.

Seafood is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3s, iron, and vitamins B and D, and it’s one of the most carbon-efficient foods on the planet. If you’re looking to increase your seafood intake or learn some new cooking techniques, try checking out the free digital Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) 2023 Ocean Cookbook, featuring sustainable fish recipes from all over the world, utilizing seafood like scallops, cod, shrimp, and tuna.

Whether it’s in a gooey tuna melt or rolled up into a maki roll, tuna is one of the most versatile kinds of seafood. It’s that versatility that makes the fish the third most popular seafood in the US, after shrimp and salmon, says Chef Adrienne Cheatham, whose tuna tonnato salad is featured in MSC’s 2023 Ocean Cookbook. “Given its popularity, it’s important to know how to look for sustainable tuna choices,” says Cheatham, “so we’re ensuring healthy fish populations now and for our future generations.”

What makes seafood sustainable?

According to the MSC, in order to be considered environmentally sustainable, seafood must come from healthy fish populations, have minimal impact on the marine ecosystem, and be properly managed (so no overfishing). Sustainable seafood can be harvested in perpetuity while still maintaining a healthy environment. That’s what “sustainable” means, after all — able to be sustained.

While most of the fish we get here in the states is wild caught, seafood harvested via aquaculture is the fastest-growing form of food production worldwide according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Note that not all wild caught seafood is sustainable, and neither is all aquaculture seafood.

Because most of our fish comes from the ocean, it’s especially important to purchase sustainably fished seafood to ensure healthy fish and marine populations in the future. “I’ve worked with seafood for the entirety of my cooking career and am incredibly passionate about making sure we have access to it for years to come,” says Cheatham.

How do you know if your seafood was harvested sustainably?

In short, read the labels! One of the easiest indicators to look for is the MSC blue fish label, meaning the product has been certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard. The MSC blue fish label provides assurance that the seafood is wild-caught and comes from a certified sustainable source.

Another way to determine your seafood’s sustainability? Research the company that makes it. Companies with sustainable practices want you to know about them, so it doesn’t take long to Google a seafood producer and find out if it puts sustainability at the forefront of its business model.

The Perfect Tuna Salad Recipe for Earth Month

For MSC’s 2023 Ocean Cookbook, Cheatham crafted an easy meal with sustainably fished tuna in the spotlight. Her tuna tonnato is full of pantry staples like relish, mustard, and tuna, along with a few fresh veggies for a “light, bright dish that’s perfect for spring and summer,” she says.

Find the full recipe here, which uses lemon, celery, onion, eggs, and potato to liven up tuna salad, bringing it from sad desk lunch territory into “a great lunch or a patio snack to fix for guests, or dinner on a night in,” says Cheatham. She serves the tuna mixture over greens and alongside some satisfying, crusty bread. My local grocery store didn’t have any endive, so I heaped the tuna salad over a bed of spinach and arugula instead—it was one of the best lunches I’ve made in a long time. 

Cheatham notes that while the dish looks light, it’s packed with protein from the tuna and eggs. And she emphasizes the importance of buying canned tuna with an MSC label on it.

MSC’s 2023 Ocean Cookbook features dishes from seventeen different chefs representing cuisines from all over the world, like Smoked Salmon and Mango Salad and Steamed Hake with Vegetables. Each recipe is paired with a quote from a fisherman who catches the seafood variety to help “make the connection back to the ocean,” says Cheatham. 

“Sustainability includes our future, is the way I think about it,” said Jack B. Vantress of the American Albacore Fishing Association in Cheatham’s recipe. “So it’s important to choose sustainable seafood because this is our future.”

THIS STORY IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR FRIENDS AT THE MARINE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. When she’s not writing about art, food, or sustainability, you can find her biking to the farmers’ market, baking, sewing, or planning her next Halloween costume. Say hi on Instagram!

The post How To Ensure Your Seafood Is Sustainable, According To The Marine Stewardship Council appeared first on The Good Trade.

Looking to support your gut health? Us too. Gut health is essential to wellness and feeling good in our bodies, and “our microbiome actually helps to shape our immune system,” according to transplant gastroenterologist Dr. Shilpa Ravella. The below brands are the best of the best when it comes to science-backed and clinically proven pre-, pro- and postbiotics. From third-party testing to sustainable production to superb ingredients that ensure our guts are healthy and happy, these gut health supplements keep everything regular and flowing. 😉

**This review is not health advice. Please talk to your OBGYN or healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your diet.

1. Seed

Natural & Organic | Vegan; free from gluten, dairy, soy, nut, shellfish, corn, and sesame; glyphosate/AMPA-free, no binders or preservatives; prop-65 compliant
Standout Features | Ships in boxes made from biodegradable algae paper, refillable glass jar, bio-based trays for shipping
AFU (Active Fluorescent Units) | 53.6 billion
Price | $49.99/month

Seed‘s daily synbiotic (probiotic + prebiotic) is formulated with strains to support digestive health, gut barrier integrity, gut immune function, and even cardiovascular and dermatological health. The brand has set the bar incredibly high with production standards, testing, biofermentation, and survivability—Seed’s ViaCap technology ensures the probiotic makes it to your colon while still alive. This is the best of the best when it comes to caring for your gut health and microbiome. Even better, the brand has impressive sustainability initiatives and subscription options (monthly refills come in biofilm sachets!) so you never miss your daily dose.

2. Ritual

Natural & Organic | Vegan, gluten-free and allergen-friendly, non GMO, third-party tested
Standout Features | Monthly subscriptions, recycled packaging, traceable supply chain
CFU (Colony Forming Units) | 11 billion
Price | $54/month

Ritual‘s Synbiotic+ is a 3-in-1 clinically-studied prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to support a balanced gut microbiome. It includes 11b CFUs for digestive support, plus two of the world’s most clinically studied probiotic strains. We love that Ritual uses Made Traceable® ingredients and that you only have to take one capsule—which is formulated as a delayed-release capsule so it reaches your colon while still alive.

3. AG1

Natural & Organic | Vegan; organic ingredients; non-GMO; free of fillers & preservatives; free from gluten, corn, eggs, peanuts, dairy, and animal by-products
Standout Features | Independently tested, monthly subscriptions, travel packs for on-the-go
CFU (Colony Forming Units) | 7.2 billion
Price | $99/month (discounted subscriptions)

Our editors are big fans of AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens) for daily greens, vitamins and nutrients, and—yes—pre- and probiotics. One yummy scoop of this green powder (mix with water or add to your morning smoothie) includes 75 superpower ingredients for gut and whole body health—including nutrient-dense extracts, herbs, and antioxidants, digestive enzymes, phytonutrients, multiminerals, and so much more. We love that AG1 can be enjoyed as a morning beverage, especially if you have difficulty swallowing pills. The travel packs make it an easy option to take with us on the go so we never miss our daily serving.

4. Perelel

Natural & Organic | Gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO
Standout Features | OBGYN-founded, reduced carbon footprint, additional line of multivitamins and prenatals
CFU (Colony Forming Units) | 10 billion
Price | $24.50/month

Perelel Health is the brand we love for our conception journey, whether we’re trying. to get pregnant, currently growing a baby, or recovering from postpartum. Founded specifically by an OBGYN, the brand has a line of prenatal vitamins with bioavailable ingredients specific to each trimester (including a men’s multi-packs) for the most effective supplements, as well as a daily probiotic for maximum gut support. Thanks to a Carbonfree partnership, Perelel supports carbon offset projects and uses eco-friendly packaging, which is better for you and the planet.

5. Needed

Natural & Organic | Non-GMO, allergen friendly, third-party tested
Standout Features | Monthly subscriptions and bundle options; B Corp certified
CFU (Colony Forming Units) | 30 billion
Price | $59.99/month (save with subscription options)

Needed is another one of our editor-tested and approved brands for daily vitamins, including prenatals and probiotics that target microbiome support for you and your baby. Formulated in partnership with leading perinatal and microbiome experts, this pre- and probiotic includes clinically studied spore-forming and non-spore-forming strains and supports key perinatal needs like vaginal balance, digestive comfort, and iron absorption. Needed is a certified B Corp and we love the subscription options, as well as the various plans to save on monthly supplies of vitamins and supplements for both partners.

Featured image by Seed

The post The Best Probiotics For Women For Gut Health appeared first on The Good Trade.

When Made In began showing up on my feeds more frequently, their notable ads caught my eye. There was no over-Pinterestification of these pans; instead, the focus was on quality, longevity, and testimonials from chefs and home cooks alike who use Made In products.

Founded in 2017 by childhood friends Jake Kalick and Chip Malt, Made In’s mission is to bring restaurant-quality cookware into everyday kitchens. Kalick comes from a long lineage of restaurant suppliers, which means the brand has maintained deep connections with the finest craftspeople and suppliers in the industry. Made In’s stainless steel collection is produced here in the US and France, while the bakeware, knives, and carbon steel pieces are made using local materials in France.

To put it simply: Made In knows what quality cookware looks like and also partners with craftspeople who are the best in the biz. I had the opportunity to test products from each of the brand’s bestselling collections: stainless steel, non stick, carbon steel, and cast iron. Here are the details:

What I tested:

• Stainless clad saucier ($149)
• Blue carbon steel wok ($99 currently)
• Stainless steel non stick frying pan ($129)
• Enameled cast iron dutch oven ($199)
• 8-inch chef knife ($119)

I’ve been using these Made In products for three months, and I have to say I’m delighted. Read on for more info about each product and what I thought!

The two quart saucier

The saucepan size is a staple in my household. Our previous one rarely saw storage—it was either in use, waiting to be washed, or drying on the rack. So when I tested Made In’s saucier, I was thrilled to find it was dishwasher-safe! 

First of all, it’s helpful to know that there is a difference between sauciers and saucepans, which have in the curved vs flat sides respectively. The curved sauciers are good for dishes that need consistent stirring or for finishing pasta in its sauce and getting an even distribution. Perpendicular-edge saucepans are great for quick heating thanks to the fully flat bottom, so are a good fit for reducing stocks and cooking grains. You learn something new every day, right?

This mighty little saucier is an expert task-switcher. I haven’t made any saucier-specific dishes in this one, but I’ve successfully made soft-boiled eggs, barley, rice, and more (even the occasional exhausted day mac and cheese.) The rolled lip at the top is designed to make pouring easier, which resulted in less mess than usual, and the whole piece cleans up quickly without lasting residue. I especially like the lightweight lid; it doesn’t have the air vent I’m used to, but it’s easy enough to balance across the top when I need to release some steam.

A couple of thoughts on this one; the stay-cool handle works as long as you don’t grab too close to the pan (rookie mistake, that one’s on me). I also hadn’t fully anticipated how small two quarts really is. I have my eye on adding the four-quart size saucepan ($139) to my kitchen rotation so I can cook multiple elements simultaneously.

The 12.5″ wok

My parents have had the same wok for well over thirty years, and I’ve been envious of its quality ever since my cheap Target wok’s handle fell off. Not ideal! Made In’s wok came packaged with a protective canvas bag and is a sight to behold (am I the only one who thinks woks are one of the most elegant cookware items?) It’s on the heavier side, which is something I’d say about many of Made In’s pans, but I am also used to flimsy, unreliable cookware. 

To test out this wok, I made this crispy tofu I’ve been thinking about since I shared it in The Daily Good a few months ago. I’m wary of frying anything, thanks to many summers working alongside flippant fry cooks at Sonic Drive-In, but this wok made it so easy. The heat was even and consistent, the handle stayed cool (as long as you don’t grab too close to the heat), and any splash was well-contained thanks to the generous size of the wok.

The heat was even and consistent, the handle stayed cool (as long as you don’t grab too close to the heat), and any splash was well-contained thanks to the generous size of the wok.

I was able to easily pour out the oil after I was done and transferred in the next batch of ingredients without any burns or blisters. That sizzle when I incorporated everything together…there’s nothing like it. When I cleaned up after, the wok did have darker and lighter marks on it, but that’s how my parents’ wok looks, and I think it’s generally a part of the seasoning lifecycle of the pan.

You can get this wok for $99 at the time of writing, but the regular price is $139. I think it’s a deal either way, as I know how much use I’ll get out of this pan, and I know it’ll last me a lifetime.

The 10″ frying pan

My previous cookware had a nonstick coating, which was significantly scratched in less than a year of use (I still kept using it despite the warnings not to). The coating on Made In’s nonstick frying pan is 100% nontoxic and made without PFOAS, according to the brand, which is nice to know given the increased awareness around the materials we’re using in our homes. I especially like that the brand doesn’t try to sell you on “ceramic” coating, which isn’t the natural material you think it would be. 

To test out this frying pan, I made my cooking nemesis: overeasy eggs. No matter how many tutorials I watch, I struggle to keep them consistent. Sadly, I can’t say that Made In’s frying pan solved my problems, at least aesthetically.  The color, taste, and texture of my eggs were all on point—they just weren’t pretty and didn’t slide gracefully off the pan as I always see in commercials. We’ve made various pasta dishes in this pan too, though, and I love how easy the surface is to clean!

Ultimately, I think I’d opt for one of Made In’s stainless steel options for a frying pan since I’m not great at maintaining Non Stick pans. The product itself is lovely—it’s made in the USA, has great construction, and offers easy and consistent heating. But as to whether this pan in particular will last me my entire life, I’m not sure.

The 5.5 quart dutch oven

My family used Lodge cast iron dutch ovens every night on our summer camping trips, sometimes stacking them on top of one another with coals sandwiched between them. Yet, I never had one of my own until now. 

Made In’s dutch oven is a robust and flexible addition to my kitchen. We’ve made several dishes in the dutch oven, including my favorite chicken chili and a heavenly apple crisp. I especially like how evenly it distributes heat and how the light interior finish helps me get a good look at how the colors of my dish are developing.

Made In’s dutch oven is also only $199, compared to the same size from Le Creuset at $420. So, half the price, but still maintaining the French-made tradition and quality. If this investment isn’t on your radar right now, you can find even more affordable pieces on sites like shopgoodwill.com and eBay (keep an eye out for good condition and be wary of fakes).

The chef’s knife (8”)

When I got married nearly a decade ago, we received this $20 set of six brightly-colored knives off of our Amazon registry—a major upgrade from the flimsy steak knife I used through college. Now, though, the grip is wearing from the plastic handles, and my sharpening efforts are beginning to show reduced returns.

The Made In chef’s knife came packaged like it came straight from a skilled and proud craftsperson—minimal, gleaming in its newness. The brand notes that it is “full tang and fully forged,” which means the steel extends from the blade and into the handle so it won’t break out of a flimsy handle. After using this chef’s knife for a couple of months, I can happily say it makes cooking way more enjoyable. It cuts smoothly, feels sturdy, and has a nice weight to it that helps me balance speed and pressure. 

After using this chef’s knife for a couple of months, I can happily say it makes cooking way more enjoyable. It cuts smoothly, feels sturdy, and has a nice weight to it that helps me balance speed and pressure. 

While $119 for one knife is way more than my old Farberware set, I’m really excited to care for this knife for many years to come. (I have a honing rod for small blade adjustments at home but plan on finding a nearby place to sharpen it for me, like a Sur La Table or Williams-Sonoma. Here’s a full guide to caring for your knives!)

The last note I’ll make about this knife is that this baby is SHARP. For all my YouTube-refined knife skills, I still cut my finger on day one or two. I haven’t had any more mishaps, but it’s worth noting that if you’re used to dull knives, this will have a learning curve! Just move slowly and mindfully.

Overall, this cookware is a huge win. While it’ll run you a higher cost than some of the cutesy cookware sets on the market, I don’t think I’ll have to replace any of these pieces anytime soon. I will keep a sharp eye (and a wooden spoon) on the Non Stick pan to ensure it doesn’t get damaged, but that’s my only hesitation. 

Skip the trending pots and pans, and invest in a set from Made In—your kitchen will thank you.

Key Takeaways:

• Made In is professional quality cookware at prices that are more accessible for the everyday home cook, and the pieces are made in the US and France with premium manufacturers. The cookware is also nontoxic and comes in a wide range of materials based on your cooking preferences.
• My favorite pieces were the chef’s knife and the wok—both are extremely standout and I am so excited to add them to my kitchen rotation. I also tested the nonstick frying pan, cast iron dutch oven, and stainless steel saucier and found them all to be high quality and much better than any “cheap” cookware I’ve ever used from Amazon or Target. I absolutely recommend this brand!
• The cookware can be a little heavy, and not all of it is dishwasher safe! Just be sure to check weights and wash instruction if you want to make sure they fit your cooking needs.
• Made In cookware can also be purchased in bundles for additional cost savings, and thanks to its durability, the cost per use feels on-par with some of the more “Instagram-popular” cookware brands out on the market.

Emily Torres is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. Born and raised in Indiana, she studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, caring for her rabbits and cat, or gaming.

The post We Review Made In Cookware—The Best Balance Of Quality & Price appeared first on The Good Trade.