The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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Beyond pumpkin spice: 16 fall coffee drinks ranked from healthiest to unhealthiest Pumpkin spice season 2025 is in full swing, with the country’s largest fast-food chains rolling out new flavors alongside returning autumn favorites. You’ll find plenty of classic pumpkin spice lattes on this list, along with pecan, caramel, and even cereal-inspired flavors. But before you head to your nearest drive-thru, look at how each drink stacks up nutritionally. Hers analyzed 16 fall coffee drinks bas...
Introduction Baked spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the best elements of traditional spaghetti and lasagna. With gooey melted cheese, savory pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, it's a family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings. In this article, we'll walk you through a classic baked spaghetti recipe, provide tips for customization, and offer suggestions for serving. Ingredients • 12 ounces spaghetti noodles • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage • 1 small o...
October 4, 2025 - In kitchens across Alabama, few dishes evoke the warmth of home like a pan of Southern-style baked pork chops. Whether served on a Sunday afternoon with sweet tea and cornbread or plated for a weeknight dinner with collard greens and mashed potatoes, this dish is a staple of Southern comfort cooking-simple, satisfying, and steeped in tradition. 🧂 The Soul of the Recipe Southern baked pork chops are all about balance: savory seasoning, a hint of sweetness, and a golden crust th...
America’s Halloween sweet tooth: 2025 candy and decor trends from Instacart data These days, Halloween doesn’t wait for October — the season seems to sneak up sooner and sooner. From candy corn to cobwebs, consumers dive into the festivities well before pumpkins take over porches and store aisles. From sweet treats to spooky décor, Instacart data shows that October is one of the most festive times of the year, and candy takes center stage. Candy’s Biggest Day of the Year Halloween is, unsurprisi...
Is sodium good or bad for you? Hypertension has been an established heart disease risk factor for decades. When blood flows at normal pressure, your vessels stay strong and flexible. Cranked up too high for a long period of time, this pressure can damage your vessel walls, making them stiff and narrow — ultimately increasing your risk for a cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke. Where does sodium come in? You likely learned in high school chemistry that this mineral, a component of...
Few dishes embody the warmth and comfort of Southern cuisine quite like country fried steak. With its golden, crispy crust and fork-tender beef smothered in creamy gravy, country fried steak is a beloved staple on dinner tables and diner menus across the United States. Whether you're new to this classic or looking to perfect your technique, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the history, ingredients, and step-by-step process to make an unforgettable country fried steak in your own...
In Alabama, where gardens flourish and summer heat ripens cucumbers faster than you can harvest them, canning pickles isn't just a kitchen task-it's a seasonal ritual. From rural homesteads to suburban patios, families across the state gather around steaming pots and mason jars, preserving the crisp tang of summer for the cooler months ahead. Whether you're a seasoned canner or a curious newcomer, learning to pickle in Alabama means embracing tradition, science, and a whole lot of vinegar. The...
Introduction Cornbread, a golden, crumbly delight with a gentle sweetness and rustic charm, is a staple of Southern cuisine and a comfort food enjoyed across North America. Whether served alongside hearty stews, spicy chili, or simply with a pat of melting butter, cornbread's versatility and simple beauty make it an essential recipe for every home baker. This comprehensive guide will walk you through baking classic cornbread from scratch, with tips for achieving the perfect balance of texture...
New Africa // Shutterstock See how popular pumpkin spice is in Alabama While we're still in the thick of summer, many are already looking forward to what they consider the best time of year: pumpkin spice season. This iconic fall flavor often makes its debut while it's still technically summer, which inspired Instacart to explore how popular pumpkin spice products are in Alabama and when they're showing up in carts nationwide. Instacart Pumpkin Spice Seasonality If it feels like pumpkin spice...
8 egg recipes for breakfast and beyond to help fuel your body and mind Wellness doesn’t need to be complicated. We may not have time every day to cook elaborate meals or get in a long workout, but there are other easy ways we can prioritize our health and well-being amid our busy lifestyles. In fact, one of the simplest steps you can take toward better health? Reach for a carton of eggs — it’s one healthy choice that supports your strongest self. Just two eggs give you 12 grams of complete prote...
If you've ever wondered how to elevate your wild game grilling game, look no further than quail. These petite birds pack a punch of flavor and cook up fast, making them ideal for a summer cookout or a crisp fall evening by the fire pit. This recipe pairs grilled quail with a tangy South Carolina-style mustard barbecue sauce that clings beautifully to the skin and complements the meat's natural richness. 🛒 Ingredients For the Quail: • 8 whole quail, spatchcocked (backbone removed and flat...
Colleen Michaels // Shutterstock The Brine Boom: Pickles are popping off in grocery aisles in Alabama From crunchy spears to tangy cocktails, pickles are having a moment. Whether you're enjoying pickles in surprising combinations like a new sorbet, cooling down with a briny slush, or sipping on a pickletini for the first time, this flavor-forward trend is taking center stage. To find out what's fueling the pickle craze, Instacart dove into the data to see how Alabama and the rest of the country...
The Brine Boom: Pickles are popping off in grocery aisles From crunchy spears to tangy cocktails, pickles are having a moment. Whether you’re enjoying pickles in surprising combinations like a new sorbet, cooling down with a briny slush, or sipping on a pickletini for the first time, this flavor-forward trend is taking center stage. To find out what’s fueling the pickle craze, Instacart dove into the data to see how America is snacking on pickles, and which brands are topping the charts. Top...
Whether you're casting lines off the Gulf Coast or browsing the seafood counter in Moody, Alabama, flounder is a prized catch for its mild flavor and delicate texture. And when it comes to cooking it Southern-style, nothing beats a golden, crispy fried fillet served with lemon wedges and homemade tartar sauce. Why Flounder? Flounder is a flatfish found in both Atlantic and Gulf waters. Its lean, flaky meat makes it ideal for frying, especially when paired with a seasoned crust that locks in mois...
The cost of a Labor Day BBQ by city Labor Day weekend is prime time for backyard barbecues, but you might feel the heat before the grill even fires up. Prices for cookout staples like steak, chicken, and soda have jumped since last summer — and in some cities, the increase is steep. As of July, Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows grocery prices are up 2.2%year over year, continuing a trend that began with pandemic-era supply chain disruptions. In the months to come, there may be more price s...
When summer rolls through Alabama, gardens overflow with golden squash. Instead of the usual sauté or casserole, why not give this garden staple a bold twist? Fried squash croquets blend rustic charm with crispy indulgence, delivering bite-sized morsels that are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Here's how to make them sing. ✨ Ingredients - 2 medium yellow squash, grated - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ¼ cup finely ch...
6 longevity foods: Healthy aging guide Aging isn't just about the years in your life, but the life in your years. And to have more "life" in your years, you'll need to maintain your health status. This is known as "healthspan," or the period of life spent in good health. The good news is that there are many foods that can increase your healthspan, thanks to key nutrients that they contain, whether that's the polyphenols in green tea or the nitric oxide precursor that contributes to spinach's...
Close up hands holding burger at outdoor restaurant table. AKS-Stock Agency // Shutterstock 50 most popular chain restaurants in America Since A&W Root Beer became the first American restaurant to franchise in 1926, the United States—and the rest of the world—has been dominated by chains. Iconic establishments like the now-defunct Howard Johnson's trained customers to look toward its distinctive orange roofs for consistency and comfort, while McDonald's revolutionized the industry with its foc...
The scoop on America’s ice cream preferences , according to Instacart When the summer heat peaks, Americans turn to a beloved classic to stay cool: ice cream. As a toast to National Ice Cream Day on July 20, Instacart has got the scoop on how people satisfy their sweet tooth during the hottest months of the year. America’s Most Popular Scoops Call it plain or call it a classic, but Vanilla continues its reign as America’s most-ordered ice cream flavor on Instacart in summer 2024. In fact, Vanil...
From Wild to Wonderful: How to Prepare Feral Hog Barbecue If you've got access to fresh feral hog meat and a smoker begging for action, you're about to embark on one of the most satisfying journeys a pitmaster can take. Feral hogs-though wild and wily-make for delicious barbecue when prepped with care. Here's how to transform that rugged protein into a smoky, tender feast. 🧼 Step 1: Field Care and Cleaning - Chill Immediately: Cool the carcass ASAP after harvesting to prevent spoilage. - Trim Ge...
Dan Kosmayer // Shutterstock The scoop on Alabama's ice cream preferences, according to Instacart When the summer heat peaks, Americans turn to a beloved classic to stay cool: ice cream. As a toast to National Ice Cream Day on July 20, Instacart has got the scoop on how people in Alabama and across the country satisfy their sweet tooth during the hottest months of the year. Instacart America's Most Popular Scoops Call it plain or call it a classic, but Vanilla continues its reign as America's...
10 iced coffee drinks ranked from healthiest to least healthy Whether you need an energy boost on a road trip or you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up during a heatwave, hitting the drive-thru for an iced coffee drink may be tempting. While an orange-flavored energy drink or a protein latte seem like the right choice for a quick caffeine boost, these beverages often have hidden sugar or high fat content. That’s why Hers analyzed the nutrition data of the summer menus from the largest U.S. fas...
Jiri Hera // Shutterstock Top 5 uniquely popular potato chip brands in Alabama As backyard grills fire up and coolers get packed for long afternoons in the sun, the Fourth of July remains one of America's most festive and flavorful holidays. Instacart dug into purchase data from 2024 to compile the top 5 uniquely popular potato chip brands in Alabama. Instacart State-by-state chip contenders Chips are more than just a side — they're a Fourth of July staple. Whether paired with burgers, dips, o...
4 foods and beverages that help with bloating Have you ever gotten dressed in a pair of pants that fit perfectly when you left the house, but are much too tight around the waist and uncomfortable by the time you got home from your meal? They didn’t change size after dinner—but your belly certainly did! Chances are, you have experienced bloating at some point or another, whether after a big holiday meal or after ingesting a certain food trigger as simple as a carbonated beverage. Bloating is...
How to make meal prep easier and faster like Sarah Michelle Gellar For actress and entrepreneur Sarah Michelle Gellar, eating well has long been a priority. But, like many of us, she’s struggled to balance her health goals with the demands of a fast-paced career and a packed family schedule. “As a busy mom who's always working toward health goals, I was looking for a way to streamline my weekly meal preparation,” she says. That’s when she started using a meal planning tool to transform how she...
