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Good Housekeeping/ Mike Garten Best Peppers
Nature Fresh Farms Sweet SNAP'S
Vibrant and refreshing, these gourmet SWEET SNAP'S Peppers boast a crisp exterior and juicy flavor superior to any others we have tried. Enjoy them raw, dipped, grilled or even air-fried.
LAB RESULTS: Chef and TV personality Alejandra Ramos was wowed by the quality of these peppers. "These crunchy sweet peppers were such a pleasant surprise. Crisp, refreshing and flavorful. Definitely a keeper!" And our dietitians love that the snack is naturally high in vitamins C and A and fiber to boot.
Best Blackberries
Driscoll's Sweetest Batch Blackberries
Out-of-this-world delicious, Driscoll's Sweetest Batch Blackberries are juicier and less tart than traditional blackberries. Available from November to April, this particular variety is grown in the Sierra Madre mountains and is filled with bold, multidimensional flavor.
LAB RESULTS: Each blackberry is consistently plump and juicy, and the flavor is next-level. One tester said, "I wasn't expecting much from these, but was so surprised in the best way. They are unbelievably good!" Another noted that they have tried other Driscoll's sweetest batch produce, like the blueberries, and said they were exceptional.
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Best Snacking Olives
Freestyle Snacks Olive Medley Mediterranean Herbs
This bold blend of crisp Green and rich Kalamata olives from Freestyle Snacks is marinated in aromatic Mediterranean herbs for the ultimate bright and savory bite. Best of all, they come in a convenient, resealable liquid-free pouch that makes them ideal for on-the-go.
LAB RESULTS: Taste testers loved the refreshing snack, and just how simple and nutritious it is. "The best part is that there was zero liquid, so it was super easy for on the go," one person said, with another parent commenting that it was great for taking on road trips and giving to kids.
Best Bananas
Chiquita Bananas Class Extra
With their vibrant yellow color and sweet flavor, Chiquita's Class Extra Bananas are a notch above. Not only are they packed with nutrients like potassium and vitamin B6, but they were superior in quality to others we tried in terms of flavor and freshness.
LAB RESULTS: Perfect on their own, Chiquita bananas also proved to work well in a variety of different snack recipes. "They ripened quickly and very well, holding their firm and sweet texture without becoming mushy for a long time, longer than most I have bought actually," one tester said.
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Best Veggie Tray
Earthbound Farm Pure Veggie Tray
Think veggie platter, but just for you. This individual snack tray from Earthbound features organic veggies including broccoli florets, celery sticks and carrots, plus preportioned zesty ranch for dipping.
LAB RESULTS: Testers and judges were impressed with just how fresh and high-quality the produce was, and they loved the convenient personal-size tray setup. "The vegetables were cut into the perfect bite-size pieces, and the portion was enough to satisfy my afternoon snack craving," one tester said.
Best Beets
Love Beets Classic Beet Salad Kit
Incredibly fresh and wildly versatile, this lettuce-free salad kit from Love Beets is both convenient and nutritious. It features precut and cooked beets (no mess needed!), goat cheese, walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette. You can enjoy it with or without greens for the perfect snack or mealtime side.
LAB RESULTS: Registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman pointed out how the kit makes it easy to enjoy folate-rich beets, adding that "it’s a total time-saver and a tasty, nutritious option when I’m short on time!" A taste tester commented on how much she loved both the freshness of the kit and the vibrant colors.
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Best Kiwifruit
Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit
Not your average kiwi, Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit has a juicy yellow flesh that's refreshing and perfectly sweet, with a smooth, hairless skin that is completely edible. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and is packed with over 20 different vitamins and minerals.
LAB RESULTS: A taste test favorite, even picky eaters devoured this vibrant kiwifruit that's available from late spring into fall. "It's sweet with a great texture, and juicy and delicious," influencer Yumna Jawad of Feel Good Foodie described. And our experts love that Zespri is a 100% grower-owned company dedicated exclusively to kiwifruit.
Best Fruit Gummies
Solely Organic Mango Strawberry Whole Fruit Gummies
Made with just two ingredients – sun-ripened mangoes and strawberries picked at their peak – these bite-size fruit gummies from Solely are refreshing, juicy and made without added sugars or gums.
LAB RESULTS: Chef and TV personality Alejandra Ramos loved the simplicity of the snack and commented that the strawberry flavor really shined through. "The texture was A+, chewy and perfect." Taste testers of all ages enjoyed the sweet treat, saying it was a great office snack for parents and lunchbox addition for kids.
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Best Fermented Olives
Kosterina Coriander and Pink Pepper Green Olives
Kosterina harvests their olives from the hillsides of Southern Greece, then cures them in sea salt brine for up to a year. This fermentation process imparts gut-health benefits, and the olives are flawlessly seasoned with coriander and pink pepper for a vibrant bite.
LAB RESULTS: Our food and nutrition pros appreciate that the olives are not only fermented but also dry, vacuum-packed – meaning they avoid any heat processing to retain their amazing taste, texture and nutritional benefits. "The olives themselves were quite beautiful. They glistened with a salt and peppercorn coating," one person said. "They would be absolutely stunning on a charcuterie board. And their beauty coincided with their taste."
Best Banana Bites
Dole Good Crunch Original Banana Bites
Dole gently dehydrates their bananas to lock in the flavor and nutrients for perfect bite-size pieces that have an ultra-craveable crunch.
LAB RESULTS: GH's nutrition pros appreciate that the bites are made without added sugar or oil, so the natural sweetness of the banana itself really shines through. "This snack could be great on a charcuterie board, or by itself if you're craving something sweet and nutritious," registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman said.
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Best Pomegranate Arils
POM Wonderful Pomegranate Arils
Delightfully sweet and tart, POM Wonderful Pomegranate Arils are little pearls of nutrition bursting with flavor. The antioxidant-rich pomegranate seeds come in a portable cup (no mess needed!) and are ready- to-eat on their own or added to your favorite yogurt parfait.
LAB RESULTS: Influencer Kevin Curry of Fit Men Cook loved how many pomegranate seeds were in each container and that the serving size is generous and something you can feel good about eating. Best of all, testers raved about their superior taste! You can enjoy them in season from late October to early January.
Best Fruit Snack
Nature's Garden Probiotic Fruichias Variety Pack
These unique fruit snacks from Nature's Garden are made with real fruit puree and chia seeds. The adorable individually packaged portions are a family-friendly treat, great for stashing in your purse or in school lunchboxes.
LAB RESULTS: Adults and kids alike gave it top scores for taste. And dietitian Valerie Agyeman praised the strawberry flavor in particular, describing it as "soft, slightly chewy texture that satisfies a sweet tooth in a wholesome way." She also pointed out the 2 billion microencapsulated probiotics and 4 g of fiber in each serving for ultimate gut-health benefits.
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A hybrid of mandarin, satsuma and orange, Sumo Citrus is known for its incredibly sweet yet balanced flavor and enormous size. It's seedless and incredibly easy to peel, making it the perfect go-to snack for the entire family. Enjoy the fruit when it's in season from January to April.
LAB RESULTS: Just one fruit meets your vitamin C needs for the day, which impressed our dietitians. And the flavor was off-the-chart delicious. "Delicious, fresh, juicy, flavorful, tart and sweet and just the perfect citrus fruit," food influencer Yumna Jawad said.
Best Fruit Twist
Member’s Mark Organic Fruit Twists
A supreme family-friendly snack, Member's Mark Organic Fruit Twists are perfectly portable and made from real fruit puree concentrate.
LAB RESULTS: Our dietitians like that the fruit snack is free from artificial flavors and synthetic colors. Taste testers described it as refreshing and flavorful, with one person saying, "I liked how it looked like licorice and the twists gave it a playful edge. The taste was heavenly, not too sweet or too tangy – it was just right."
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Best Cherries
Sweet Northwest Cherries
With their deep red hue, Sweet Northwest Cherries are bursting with both flavor and nutrition. The antioxidant-rich fruit is incredibly versatile – eat it fresh in the summer (it's in season from June to August) or try it frozen, dried, canned or even pickled to enjoy it year-round.
LAB RESULTS: Packed with anti-inflammatory and gut health benefits, our dietitians point out that these cherries are a potent natural source of antioxidants such as anthocyanins. "I love pairing them with nuts or seeds for a crunchy, protein-packed snack or topping them on oatmeal or yogurt for an added burst of sweetness and nutrients," registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman said.
Best Mandarins
Wonderful Halos
Not every mandarin can become a Wonderful Halos – they need to meet three important criteria: easy to peel, seedless and super sweet. The non-GMO citrus is the perfect size for kids' hands and a true family favorite, and available from November to May.
LAB RESULTS: Registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman loved how convenient they are and that they are packed with vitamin C to support immunity. Taste testers appreciated how easy the fruit was to peel and eat. "We are a big fruit family and always like to have fresh fruit in hand. Halos are an easy snack to have or something to grab in the morning during the rush," one parent said.
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Best Chopped Salad Kit
Taylor Farms Mini Chopped Salad Kit - Citrus Crunch
This mini chopped salad kit from Taylor Farms is conveniently portioned for one. It features a fresh blend of red and savoy cabbage, green leaf lettuce, shredded broccoli, diced almond, carrot and green onion, topped off with a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
LAB RESULTS: "The salad had the ideal combo of crunch and freshness, and the portion size was great for a single serving — such a smart way to reduce food waste," dietitian Valerie Agyeman said. "It’s light enough for a snack but also versatile enough to be a side salad or tossed with noodles for a quick, satisfying lunch."
Hungry For More?
Good Housekeeeping / Mike Garten
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition and Fitness Lab, where she oversees all nutrition and fitness-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University, as well as advanced certifications as a Women's Fitness Specialist and a Behavior Change Specialist. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

Alyssa is a senior editor for the Hearst Health Newsroom, where she has written research-backed health content for Prevention, Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day since 2017. She has more than 13 years of reporting and editing experience and previously worked as research chief at Reader's Digest, where she was responsible for the website's health vertical as well as editing health content for the print magazine. She has also written for Chowhound, Healthination.com, Huffington Post and more.
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