The Wirecutter Show

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should filter your drinking water, this is the episode for you. Wirecutter senior staff writer Tim Heffernan, who covers air and water filtration, shares practical steps for deciding whether to filter your water. 

Tim discusses the most common contaminants you should watch out for, how municipalities filter your drinking water, and when it might be worth ponying up for a water test. 

This episode covers:

• Why you should look up your annual drinking water quality report: Tim explains how every utility must publish an annual water-quality/consumer confidence report (CCR)--  a free first step toward understanding the quality of your drinking water. You can also look it up via the EPA site.
• When you may want to test your water for contaminants: If you’re concerned about what’s coming out of your tap, Tim recommends getting your water tested using a send-away lab kit. He’d skip at-home color-strip tests, which are often hard to read.
• Why living near a polluted area doesn’t mean your water will be polluted: The pressure in the pipes should help keep contaminants out. Contaminants in the water are more about your water source and how that water is treated.
• The pros and cons of different filters: Pitchers are cheap and convenient, but they clog and have short lifespans. Faucet and under-sink units use household water pressure for denser filtration and often remove more contaminants–but they can be more expensive overall.

Products we recommend:

• Our favorite water pitcher: Brita Standard Everyday Pitcher
• Our favorite under-sink filter: Aquasana AQ-5200
• Our favorite upgrade under-sink filter: Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow
• Our favorite faucet water filter: Pur Plus Faucet Filtration System
• Our favorite water test kit: Tap Score Advanced City Water Test
• Our favorite water test kit for well water: Tap Score Advanced Well Water Test

Additional reading:

• The Best Under-Sink Water Filter for 2025
• The 5 Best Water Filter Pitchers & Dispensers of 2025
• The Best Water Quality Test Kit for Your Home
• The Best Faucet-Mounted Water Filter of 2025 
• I’m Wirecutter’s Water-Quality Expert. I Don’t Filter My Water.

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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This week, we’re exploring how to travel for less, and in this episode we discuss how to smartly augment a travel budget with credit card points. 

Brian Kelly—founder of The Points Guy and author of How to Win at Travel–pulls back the curtain on exactly how these programs work, the crucial pitfalls to avoid, and the little-known strategies for scoring the best deals on flights and hotel rooms. 

For more affordable travel advice, don’t miss our earlier episode with Elaine Glusac (aka the Frugal Traveler). And find our recommended travel gear below. 

This episode covers:

• Why you should pay down debt first: The points game only works if you’re debt-free. Any interest you pay on a carried balance cancels out the value of the points you earn.
• How rewards programs are funded: Credit card companies primarily make money through an "interchange" fee (usually around 2%) paid by vendors on every purchase. The credit card company then gives a portion of this money back to you as rewards.
• How to maximize everyday purchases: Audit your monthly expenses (groceries, eating out, gas, etc) and get a card that offers the highest rewards on those purchases.
• Why you may want to prioritize “transferable” points: Cards that offer transferable points (from major banks) can be converted to many different airline and hotel partners, giving you maximum flexibility for travel.
• When it’s worth using awards tickets: Flights booked with an airline's rewards program are often fully refundable and changeable up until departure at no extra cost, unlike standard cash-fare tickets.

ALSO: If you have a question about gifts, we want to hear from you for upcoming mini series! Send your question as a voice memo to [email protected]. 

Additional reading:

• Secrets to Cheap Travel from NYT’s Frugal Traveler
• The 6 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2025
• The 6 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for 2025
• The Best Suitcases for Checking
• The Best Gear for Travel in 2025

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Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we’re exploring how to travel for less. We dive into the best tried-and-true strategies for stretching your travel budget.

Elaine Glusac, a longtime travel journalist andThe Frugal Traveler columnist at The New York Times, joins us to share her best money-saving hacks, from timing your flight purchases just right, to negotiating directly with Airbnb hosts. 

She also explains how to leverage under-the-radar resources like Going.com for finding cheap flights and Costco Travel for car rentals.  Plus she shares how to navigate Black Friday travel deals for cruises, flights, and hotels. 

This episode covers:

• When to book flights for the best prices: Elaine breaks down the “sweet spots” for booking both domestic and international travel, plus why holidays require a different strategy.
• Why flexibility matters more than loyalty: Shifting your departure by just a day or two can save you money and stress—and sometimes matters more than which airline you fly.
• How to spot true airfare deals: Tools like Google Flights and Kayak alerts can help you track fares and avoid misleading “fake sales.”
• Why you should negotiate directly with hosts: Reaching out to Airbnb or Vrbo owners can unlock discounts you won’t find through the platform.
• When Black Friday travel sales are worth it: Some cruise lines and hotels run genuine deep discounts—but Elaine shares how to separate the hype from the real bargains.

The Frugal Traveler Columns We Discussed: 

• The Secret to Finding the Best Travel Bargains
• How to Avoid Paying Vacation Rental Fees
• Driving the Alaska Highway
• Credit Card Swipe Fees Are Going Down. Are Points Going With Them?
• Traveling Abroad? If You’re Paying With Dollars, Your Trip Is on Sale.
• Cheap Flights, Half-Price Cruises: This Travel Tuesday, Deals Abound
• Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck While Traveling Overseas
• Join the Club, Save Some Money

Additional reading:

• How The New York Times’s Frugal Traveler Packs for Any Trip Imaginable
• The 3 Best Travel Backpacks of 2025 
• The 6 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2025
• The Best Suitcases for Checking 
• Soft-Sided vs. Hard-Sided Suitcases: The Final Showdown

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Wirecutter Social and Website

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Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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We’re planning a special episode with Vaughn Vreeland from the NYT Cooking Team all about COOKIES!  Vaughn is coming out with a new cookie cookbook in October–so he’s the perfect person to answer your toughest cookie-baking questions. 

• Are you wondering whether certain baking gear is worth the investment? 
• Are you looking for a special cookie that will impress? 
• Is there a recipe you want advice on? 

Let us know! Record a voice memo on your phone and tell us your first name, where you’re calling from, and what your cookie question is. Then email it to us [email protected]. Your question may wind up getting answered on the show! 

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Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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Chef and cookbook author Samin Nosrat, best known for Salt Fat Acid Heat, joins us to talk about her new book Good Things—and how she keeps cooking joyful, even in a small home kitchen.

She shares the tools she relies on daily, the condiments that transform simple meals, and her approach to entertaining without burning out.

This episode covers: 

• How she organizes her tiny kitchen: Borrowing tricks from restaurant kitchens, Samin makes a small space efficient and inviting.
• The essential knives and sharpeners she recommends: Good blades (and the right sharpener) make prep faster, safer, and more fun.
• Tools she swears by for everyday cooking: From an immersion blender to a carbon steel pan, her kitchen MVPs do heavy lifting.
• When single-use tools are worth it: A food mill or Japanese mandoline can feel niche but save time and improve results.
• Condiments that elevate simple meals: Chili crisp, salsa macha, and preserved lemon paste turn basics into showstoppers.
• Her philosophy on entertaining: It’s about connection, not perfection—and choosing dishes that don’t leave you stuck in the kitchen.

Also, Samin shared more tips for hosting a stress-free dinner party with Wirecutter kitchen writer Maki Yazawatrio.

Wirecutter Picks in Samin's Kitchen: 

• The Y peeler Samin reaches for daily: Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler
• The sleek knife block in Samin’s small kitchen: Benchcrafted Mag-Blok
• The spatula she can’t cook without: GIR Silicone Spatula
• A handy and compact kitchen workhorse: Cuisinart Core Custom 4-Cup Mini Chopper

Other Products Samin Loves: 

• How she keeps pans spotless: Field Company Chainmail Scrubber
• A fancy at-home knife sharpener: Tormek Knife Sharpener
• Olive oil that supports a good cause: Seka Hills Olive Oil
• Another olive oil Samin counts on: California Olive Ranch
• A special condiment Samin loves: Kuali Salsa Macha

Samin says she also keeps a carbon steel pan, fish spatula, microplane, mandoline, immersion blender, and spice grinder in her kitchen for everyday use. Plus, a food mill for perfect mashed potatoes! Like us, she recommends home cooks start out with three basic knives: a chef’s knife, a serrated knife, and a paring knife. Here are Wirecutter’s picks for these handy kitchen staples. 

• The Best Carbon Steel Pan Made In Carbon Steel Frying Pan
• The Best Fish Spatula:  Winco Fish Spatula
• The Best Microplane Grater: Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester
• The Best Mandoline: Super Benriner
• The Best Immersion Blender: Braun MultiQuick 7 Immersion Hand Blender MQ7035
• The Best Food Mill: Oxo Good Grips Food Mill
• The Best Coffee Grinder (for grinding spices): OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
• Wirecutter's advice on how to build your own knife kit (along with picks for all three knife types Samin discusses)

Additional reading:

• Samin Nosrat's Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Dinner Party
• The Best Olive Oil You Can Buy At the Store
• Life’s Too Short for Bad Olive Oil 
• Build Your Own Knife Set

More Samin:

• Instagram: /ciaosamin
• Facebook: /samin.nosrat
• Website: https://ciaosamin.com/
• Podcast: https://homecooking.show/
• Samin’s new book: Good Things

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Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

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LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep from any fuel-burning appliance. If undetected, it can also be a silent killer–which is why most experts consider it crucial to have a CO detector in your home. Yet, many hotels, motels, and vacation houses aren’t required to have CO detectors.

While the risk of CO poisoning on a trip is low compared to something like a car crash, it can still happen. In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter travel writer Maria Adelmann about why you may want to consider traveling with a portable CO detector. Maria explains what to look for in a detector and how it can help mitigate your risk. 

This episode covers:

• The risk of CO poisoning while traveling: Even though carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of poison-related deaths in the US, only 14 US states have statues mandating CO detectors in temporary lodging, and these laws are not always comprehensive.
• A simple solution for avoiding CO poisoning: A portable, battery-operated carbon monoxide detector is a small, inexpensive, and easy way to get peace of mind and protect yourself and your family.
• Why you may mistake the symptoms of CO poisoning for other illnesses: CO poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea and many people may think they have the flu, food poisoning, or even a hangover. Sick individuals may opt to recover by shutting themselves in their room–which would be the worst thing to do in the case of CO poisoning. Instead, they should get to fresh air as quickly as possible.
• Where to place a portable CO detector: Experts recommend placing CO detectors in sleeping areas, because that's where you'll be most affected. For an entire house, the EPA recommends  putting one on every floor.

Products we recommend:

• A travel-size CO detector: First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Detector

Additional reading:

• This Portable Travel CO Detector Could Save Your Life
• Worried About Your Gas Stove? Here’s What to Do. 
• The 3 Best Basic Smoke Alarms of 2025

Correction: In the version of this episode that was originally published, we stated that when a carbon monoxide detector starts to beep at the end of its life, it’s because the battery is about to die. That is incorrect. The end-of-life alert we refer to, typically a series of chirps, indicates that the sensor is dying, not the battery.

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Wirecutter Social and Website

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TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we get nerdy about sheets—why you might be unhappy with your current set, how to pick ones you’ll actually love, and the marketing scams to avoid. 

Jackie Reeve, Wirecutter’s in-house sheets expert, enlightens us on everything you need to know to invest in a great set you’ll be happy with for years.

This episode covers:

• Percale vs sateen: Percale and sateen are terms that describe how sheets are woven, and the weave determines the feel of the fabric. Percale tends to be lighter and crisp (think nice hotel bedding), while sateen is woven to be drapier with a smooth, soft feel that hugs the body.
• Quality over thread count: Don’t let high thread counts fool you. While thread count describes the number of threads that fit into a square inch of fabric, retailers use hyper-inflated numbers as a marketing ploy. Instead, seek out high-quality cotton. Look for terms like “100% cotton,” “long-staple cotton,” and “extra-long staple cotton” on packaging. Good quality percale generally has 250 to 300 thread count, while sateen ranges between 400 and 600 (higher numbers are likely a gimmick).
• Judge sheets only after washing them: New sheets are treated with conditioners and finishes that make them feel soft out of the package. To get to the real feel of the fabric, you need to wash them a few times.
• Certifications and return policies: Certifications like Oeko-Tex guarantee that the fabric has been tested for certain harmful substances. Since you need to wash sheets to determine their true true feel, a good return policy allows you to return them if you don’t end up liking the texture.

Products we recommend:

• The best percale sheets: 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheets
• The best sateen sheets: JCPenney's Wrinkle Guard’s 400 Thread Count Sateen Sheets
• The best linen sheets: Cultiver Linen Sheet Set
• The best flannel sheets: L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set
• Jackie loves: Swoveralls 

Additional reading:

• The Best Sheets
• The Best Cotton Sheets
• Best Linen Sheets
• Best Flannel Sheets
• What Is the Best Thread Count for Sheets?

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Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apple’s September iPhone event usually comes and goes with only minor tweaks to the lineup. This year feels a little different. Alongside the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, Apple unveiled its first-ever iPhone Air—a super-thin model that promises Pro-level features without the massive price tag.

In this bonus episode, Christine talks with senior staff writer Brenda Stolyar, who’s been testing the new phones all week. They dig into what’s exciting, what’s lacking, and why upgrading may not be the best move for everyone. Plus, we cover the iOS 26 update, which brings fresh design touches, handy new tools, and real improvements to everyday use.

This episode covers:

• Why the iPhone Air feels different from past models: It’s Apple’s thinnest phone yet, but that slim design means trade-offs in durability and battery life.
• What the camera upgrades really offer: The Pro models now have a zoom that lets you look 5 times closer without the blur, but most people won’t notice big differences in everyday shots.
• What to expect from battery life: Brenda tested the lineup for a week and found the Air drains faster than Apple’s flagship phones.
  Why the Pro Max isn’t the best buy for most people: It’s powerful, but bulkier and more expensive than what most users actually need.
• How iOS 26 changes the feel of your phone: The new “liquid glass” design, upgraded Messages, and live translations make old phones feel refreshed.
• Why updating your software is worth it: Security patches and performance improvements mean you don’t need to buy new hardware to get a faster phone.

Additional reading: 

• iOS 26 Is Here. These Are the Best New Features 
• Which iPhone Should I Get?
• Stop Charging Your Phone to 100% — And More Tips to Make Your Phone Last Longer
• Apple’s iPhone 17 Event Recap: New iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods

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Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You’ve likely heard the adage that "sitting is the new smoking." Basically, that sitting all day at work or elsewhere is one of the most harmful things you can do for your health. 

But is it really all that bad? 

In this episode, we talk with Molly Mirhashem, an editor from the New York Times Well Desk, about the health risks of being too sedentary, what you should know about “dead butt syndrome,” and what you should be doing if you have a desk job.

Then we talk with Wirecutter's home office writer Arriana Vasquez, who shares what you should know about standing desks, walking pads, and other office gear that can help you stay more active during the workday.

This episode covers:

• The real health risks of too much sitting: Molly shares how sitting for more than even 30 minutes can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, and contribute to pain in your muscles and joints.
• Why you should schedule “movement snacks” in the day: Experts recommend getting up to stand or move around at least every 30 to 60 minutes. Even if you work out during the day, it’s important that you break up long periods of sitting as much as you can.
• Simple tips to get moving: We provide practical advice for incorporating movement into your daily routine without needing to invest in expensive equipment.
• The best office gear for movement: We discuss different types of home office equipment, including standing desks, walking pads, and under-desk ellipticals, and explain who each one is best for.

Products we recommend:

• Our favorite standing desk: Uplift V2 Standing Desk
• Our favorite standing desk converter: FlexiSpot AlcoveRiser Standing Desk Converter M7
• Our favorite walking Pads: Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill and GoYouth 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill
• Our favorite balance board: Fezibo Balance Board
• Arrianna’s favorite stepper: Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper

Arrianna also likes her Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper and as of this recording was testing the Cubii JR1, Cubii Move, Cursor, and Putnen ellipticals.

Additional Reading: 

• Tight Hips? These Moves Can Help.
• The 3 Best Standing Desks in 2025
• The 3 Best Standing Desk Converters of 2025
• You’re Probably Standing at Your Standing Desk Wrong. We Can Help.
• The 2 Best Under-Desk Treadmills of 2025

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Wirecutter Social and Website

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Threads: /@wirecutter

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Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trader Joe’s is more than a grocery store; it’s a cultural phenomenon with a fiercely loyal fan base. But with shelves full of ever-changing products, which ones are actually worth the hype?

In this episode, associate staff writer Antara Sinha on the kitchen team shares Wirecutter’s picks for the 18 best Trader Joe’s items, explains how TJ’s keeps prices low, and reveals why your favorite snack might disappear forever. She also gives insider tips on navigating seasonal drops and finding alternatives at local markets.

This episode covers:

• What’s actually worth buying at Trader Joe’s: After tasting over 70 snacks, frozen meals, and pantry staples, Antara Sinha shares Wirecutter’s top 18 picks—and why they stand out in a sea of seasonal gimmicks.
• How Trader Joe’s keeps prices low: Learn how the chain uses white-labeling and avoids slotting fees to make you feel like you’re getting gourmet products at bargain prices.
• Why your favorite item disappears without warning: We reveal the business strategy behind sudden product discontinuations (and how to spot them coming).
• The secret behind TJ’s cult following: Explore how the store’s “treasure hunt” vibe, quirky packaging, and rotating seasonal drops make grocery shopping feel like an event.
• How to stock up and find dupes: Insider tips on when to buy multiples, how to track seasonal launches, and what to do if your favorite Trader Joe's snack vanishes.

Products we recommend:

• A delicious rice roll from the freezer aisle: Trader Joe’s Kimbap
• A zingy, zesty tortilla chip reminiscent of Taki’s: Trader Joe’s Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
• A crowd-pleasing cheddar: Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese
• A plush cake for a birthday or any day: Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Ganache Mini Sheet Cake

Read about all the products Antara and the team liked best: 18 Best Trader Joe’s Foods: Our Favorite Things

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Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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