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10 Favorite Places to Buy Spices Right Now

Our 10 Favorite Places to Buy Spices Right Now

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Credit: Laura Flippen/The Kitchn

If there’s one part of your kitchen that you should put a little more thought into, it’s your spice cabinet. Aside from questionable sourcing practices, a lot of manufacturers simply don’t pack the potency and flavor that your dishes deserve. Spices create the foundations of flavor, so why not put as much thought into where you buy them from as you do with other ingredients that you purchase?

When I asked fellow Kitchen staffers for their favorite places to buy spices right now, I walked away with a whole suite of new options to support. Hopefully you will too!

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Credit: Laura Flippen/The Kitchn

1. Diaspora Co.

“There are a million reasons why I love Diaspora Co. It’s built on fair, equitable, and sustainable business and farming practices — and on top of that, their spices are so much fresher and more flavorful than anything else I have ever had. Using Diaspora Co. spices has changed my cooking routine and I can’t praise the company enough.” — Jesse Szewczyk, Studio Food Editor

Shop: Diaspora Co.

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Credit: Sahadi’s

2. Sahadi’s

“I’m lucky enough to live in walking distance of Sahadi’s, an iconic Middle Eastern grocery store in Brooklyn. In addition to their incredible variety of individual spices, they also have really fun seasoning blends. I’m a big fan of their falafel seasoning (it’s the secret to my favorite tofu) and their za’atar. Don’t worry — they sell everything online, too!” — Grace Elkus, Deputy Food Director

Shop: Sahadi’s

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Credit: Penzeys

3. Penzeys

“Wisconsin-based Penzey’s Spices is admirable for far more than their expansive spice portfolio. The company’s CEO, Bill Penzey, isn’t afraid to use his platform to voice his strong political beliefs on issues impacting our country’s most vulnerable. It makes me feel like I’m spending my dollars at a company with a conscience. Not to mention, the spices are super high-quality.” — Lauren Masur, Lifestyle Editor

Shop: Penzeys

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Credit: Kalustyan’s

4. Kalustyan’s

“I first set foot in this legendary New York City shop back when I was an intern on a wild goose chase for dried orange peels for a photo shoot. (I found them, by the way.) Immediately mesmerized by their endless aisles of fragrant spices and specialty ingredients, I vowed to shop here whenever I needed recipe inspiration. The good thing is, you don’t need to be an NYC local to shop here either — you can browse a whole selection of products on their website.” — Lauren Masur, Lifestyle Editor

Shop: Kalustyan’s

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Credit: Walmart

5. Walmart

“I usually make a weekly trip to Patel Brothers for all my spices, lentils, and Indian veggies, but during the pandemic I discovered that Walmart actually stocks a ton of Indian spices. I know, I was surprised too! The spices are a little bit pricey compared to Patel Bros. or other Indian grocery stores, but they’re always neatly packaged and conveniently delivered at my doorstep.” — Sholeen Damarwala, Associate Commerce Editor

Shop: Walmart

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Credit: Savory Spice Shop

6. Savory Spice Shop

“I fell for this shop when I was living in North Carolina and there was one down the block from me. Everything is super fresh and well-sourced and I love that you can buy small 1/2 cup pouches to ensure that your spice drawer is always fresh (although they have large 2-cup bags, too!) Plus, their rewards program is so fun — you get free spices on your birthday and frequent $10 coupons.” — Sheela Prakash, Senior Contributing Food Editor

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Credit: Spicewalla

7. Spicewalla

“I have never been disappointed by the quality or the assortment over at Spicewalla. I love that the brightly colored tins make it easy for me to find what I’m hunting for. And I like that the tins are small. See, I don’t have air conditioning, which means bigger jars of spices often get clumpy during the summer. These tins help with that and I can use up everything before any of it goes bad.” — Lisa Freedman, Lifestyle Director

Shop: Spicewalla

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Credit: Burlap and Barrel

8. Burlap and Barrel

“We’ve all had spices in our cupboard that, well, never really smelled or tasted like anything to start with. Which is why I love Burlap & Barrel‘s spices so much. The cinnamon is cinnamon-y! The cumin is cumin-y! All the spices are single origin and sourced directly from small farms. It shows in the flavor.” — Carey Polis, Interim Executive Editor

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Credit: Thrive Market

9. Thrive Market

“Recently, I’ve been adding spices to my Thrive Market order and I’ve been so impressed with their quality. I love that their spices come in a small bag that makes refilling my spice jars easy (with a little less waste than buying new jarred spices). I also love that they’re delivered straight to my door along with other pantry staples.” — Meghan Splawn, Food Editor

Shop: Thrive Market

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Credit: Costco

10. Costco

“Hear me out! Costco gets a bad rap for its spice selection — with good reason! Ground spices can lose their potency over time, which is why it’s not cost-effective to buy them in bulk. That being said, Costco is one of my favorite places to buy whole spices like peppercorn and cumin. Whole spices have a longer shelf life, so there’s not as much of a rush to use them. And the price is always right at Costco.” — Nicole Rufus, Assistant Food Editor

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Top 10 Most Valuable Beverage Brands

Top 10 Most Valuable Beverage Brands

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Every year, Brand Finance, a consulting company, creates a „Global 500“ list, its estimation of the world‘s 500 most valuable brands. A brand’s value is calculated by multiplying a brand’s strength index (BSI composites from investment, equity and performance of the brand), by an individual brand’s strength and a forecast of the brand‘s future revenues. Brand Finance has already released its most valuable brands list for 2016. Among 500 brands, there are 10  from the  beverage industry. Let me introduce you to those 10 top beverages of 2016.

1. Coca-Cola 

The company is celebrating its 130th birthday this year. Despite that, the brand’s value in 2016 fell 5%, which led it rank in 17th place. Last year it  was listed in–12th place. So, what happened? Consumers are looking for natural, healthier drinks, which is the reason why Coca-Cola sales are decreasing. Even though among cola drinks, Coca-Cola will probably always be a number one brand, consumers are searching for less sugar and more natural drinks. Company focus on young, creative audience encouraging their feelings and spreading the love.

2. PepsiCo

In 1893 Caleb Bradham challenged Coke and released its own cola brand. Due to the same trends that led Coca-Cola’s brand value to decline,  Pepsi dropped from 41st place in 2015 to 56th position this year.  PepsiCo‘s brand value declined 11%, which is more than double Coca-Cola‘s annual decline. It’s easy to notice that public image of the company centers on mega stars. It seems that Pepsi is still focused on attracting consumers who follow the latest trends, and fashion and are seeking to be more like their favorite celebrities.

3. Red Bull

The value of the Austrian brand created in 1987 declined by 38 places,  landing at 211th place this year. Due to public health concerns, energy drinks have been losing their popularity year by year. Over the years Red Bull has released 13 different flavors to satisfy any consumer‘s needs. One of biggest steps for the company has been the release of a sugar-free energy drink, which reflected the company’s concerns and desire to keep its  target market healthier. One thing for sure, you can disagree about energy drinks‘ benefits and damage to the human body, but encouraging customers to choose an active lifestyle is one of the strongest brands sides.

4. Bud Light

In 1982 Bud Light was introduced to consumers under Budweiser’s flag. Like   many beverage products that lost their places in 2016, Bud Light wasn’t an exception. Its brand value  fell from 270th to 287th place. Bud Light was known as a laughingstock of the beer industry for many years. It seems next year we can expect an upswing in its ranking due to huge changes in marketing strategy. Along with Amy Schumer, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd and Ronda Rousey, it seems Bud Light is ready to sponsor the biggest party of 2016.

5. Johnnie Walker

In 2020 the brand will be celebrating its 200th birthday.  With nine different standard blends, the brand‘s value unfortunately fell from 254th place in 2015 to 315th place. It’s the biggest decline among all 10 beverage brands among the Global 500 Brands list. Johnnie Walker is the only strong alcoholic beverage brand which managed to be on the list this year. Despite the decline, the company‘s marketing strategy is still spreading the joy of living the life ahead with advertisements featuring actor Jude Law.

6. Budweiser

The main advantage, which is obvious when talking about the Budweiser brand, is heritage. A German immigrant, Adolphus Busch introduced Budweiser to American in 1876. Ever since, the brand has been strong, huge and, most importantly, still made in USA. Due to loyalty and great taste, Budweiser is still a favorite beer brand in the United States. It’s the rare beverage brand that managed to rise in the list, from 350th to 326th place this year. Last month Budweiser release its newest commercial, once again declaring its size, locality and strength.

7. Heineken

Like Budweiser, Heineken‘s rank also rose this year: from 358th to 342nd place.  Right now, Heineken can be found in 192 countries, which suggests the popularity of this brand worldwide. The Heineken brand always has made snappy commercials, which make us laugh, smile and think about good times we spend with our friends. In 2016 Heineken started a new era of marketing by declaring that a true man, ,,a hero”, is a moderate drinker. Changing the strategy without changing the taste may accelerate the brand‘s value growth even more.

8. Gatorade

It’s the only sport drink brand with a value high enough to be among the other 499 global brands. Moreover, Gatorade manage to climb the chart, from 397th place in 2015 to 374th this year. Owned by PepsiCo., Gatorade has been on the market since 1965. It’s one of the most famous sports drink in the world and can be found in 80 countries. Gatorade promotes an active lifestyle and especially is intended to fulfill the expectations of athletes and other sports players.

9. Sprite

Sprite has been a soft drink that always promotes itself as the first weapon fighting the thirst. The  brand’s image is starting to crumble, however, because its brand value dropped more than 29 rank points this year. 2016 pushed the Sprite brand into 411th place; that means that the brand should step up its game. Compared to others brands listed in the Global 500 brands value list, Sprite is one of the youngest brands with a high potential to climb up again. This month Sprite began its new campaign, encouraging people to define themselves and make their own way in life. Among the brave people who made their way up, there is Chantelle Winnie, Eddie Huang and Vince Staple. We can only guess whether this will be enough to recover the brand’s value in 2017.

10. Fanta

It’s the only beverage brand which hasn’t changed its position (488 place) in the 2016 Global Brands list. It’s surprising how Fanta managed to keep its value, even after huge mistakes such as omitting  Israel from its website map of national markets — despite listing the Palestinian Authority. Moreover, it’s the second time Fanta committed the same mistake since 2013. Although the company hasn’t run big commercial campaigns in recent years, it seems that whatever it is doing, it must be right.

 

The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the Country

PopularWhiskey_Header The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the Country

Drams Across America: The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the Country

America’s thirst for whiskey is strong, and shows no sign of diluting. U.S. whiskey sales are up 4 percent in the past year, with American whiskey, Canadian whisky, flavored whiskey, and one very famous Irish whiskey rising to the top of this year’s best-selling brands.

These are the top 20 best-selling whiskey brands in America, according to IRI Worldwide, a market research firm that measures off-premise sales such as those in liquor, grocery, and convenience stores.

20. BUCHANAN’S SCOTCH WHISKY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_Buchanans The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryPopular in the States as well as Latin America, Buchanan’s 12 Year is noted for its honey toast, spice, and fruit flavors.

19. RICH AND RARE CANADIAN WHISKY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_RichRare The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryWhat’s in a name? In the case of Rich & Rare, not much — the widely available whisky averages $6 a bottle. Nevertheless, this Sazerac-owned Canadian staple nabs a spot on the list.

18. KESSLER AMERICAN WHISKEY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_Kessler The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryThis Beam Suntory-owned whiskey claims to be “smooth as silk,” which could contribute to its success in the American market.

17. WOODFORD RESERVE BOURBON WHISKEY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_Woodford The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryFrom a distillery that’s considered a National Historic Landmark, it’s no wonder Woodford Reserve made this list. The small-batch bourbon has aromas of spicy wood, sweet grain, and fruit-forward and peppery flavors on the palate.

16. DEWAR’S SCOTCH WHISKY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_Dewars The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryThis household name rose to television fame with offbeat ads, but is better known today for its White Label blend, introduced over 100 years ago.

15. CANADIAN CLUB WHISKY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_CanadianClub The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryClaiming to be the only Canadian whisky that’s blended before aging in white oak barrels, Canadian Club, owned by Beam Suntory, gets its flavor from rye, rye malt, and barley malt atop a base whisky made with corn.

14. CANADIAN MIST WHISKY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_CanadianMist The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryThis blended Canadian whisky from Brown-Forman once claimed the title of America’s best-selling Canadian whisky. Despite competition, it’s remained among the ranks for its relaxed, casual branding and fair oak and vanilla notes.

13. SOUTHERN COMFORT AMERICAN WHISKEY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_SouthernComfort The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryFor many years, Southern Comfort was a flavored liqueur with nary a trace of whiskey. It’s come a long way since Sazerac bought the brand from Brown-Forman in 2016. Today, the whiskey-based liqueur is still flavored with fruit and spice, but has a little more street cred.

12. BULLEIT BOURBON WHISKEY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_Bulleit The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryWith more rye in its malt bill and more booze in its bonnet, this 90 proof (45 percent ABV) bourbon continues to please American palates in a big way. Currently owned by Diageo, the Bulleit of today launched in 1987, but its history goes back to 1830, when current co-owner Thomas Bulleit’s great-grandfather, Augustus, bottled his first batch.

11. WILD TURKEY BOURBON WHISKEY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_WildTurkey The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryAvailable in 81 proof and 101 proof versions (we’re partial to the latter), Wild Turkey is a classic and inexpensive bourbon that packs heat, spice, and hints of oak and honey in perfect proportions.

10. JOHNNIE WALKER SCOTCH WHISKY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_JohnnieWalker The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryClaiming the title as the largest Scotch whisky brand in the world, Johnnie Walker — whether black, blue, or Jane — is a worthy legacy of its eponymous founder.

9. BLACK VELVET CANADIAN WHISKY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_BlackVelvet The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryThis approachable blend of whisky owned by Constellation Brands is a looker. Its black-and-gold label pops out to shoppers on the shelf, coming in at No. 9 on this list.

8. EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON WHISKEY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_EvanWilliams The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryHeaven Hill distillers’ Evan Williams brands abound in American bars and liquor stores. The budget bourbon we’re partial to is its 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond (look for the white label).

7. SEAGRAM’S 7 CROWN AMERICAN WHISKEY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_Seagrams The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountrySeagram’s 7 – appropriately at No. 7 – is perhaps best known for its signature drink, the 7&7 (1.5 ounces Seagram’s 7 Crown Blended Whiskey, 5 ounces 7UP, slice of lime). This blended American whiskey is owned by Diageo and is an American icon.

6. MAKER’S MARK BOURBON WHISKY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_MakersMark The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountrySweet and spicy, Maker’s Mark arguably became the first “premium” whiskey when it launched in 1958, claiming to be easier drinking than other whiskey brands.

5. JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_Jameson The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryJameson is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world, with 90 percent of its production exported. This rapid growth is attributed to its sale to French parent company Pernod Ricard in 1988.

4. JIM BEAM BOURBON WHISKEY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_JimBeam The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryFourth on the list in America, and best-selling bourbon in the world, Jim Beam has been producing its signature bourbon with the same proportion of corn, rye, and barley for more than 220 years. Today, it’s sold in 200 countries, with the U.S., Germany, and Australia topping the list of thirstiest nations.

3. FIREBALL CINNAMON WHISKY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_Fireball The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryDespite the fact that Fireball is not technically whiskey, and despite being recalled in Europe in 2014 for an antifreeze-adjacent ingredient scare, Fireball is burned into the top five as the No. 3 whiskey in America.

2. CROWN ROYAL CANADIAN WHISKY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_CrownRoyal The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryAs the name (and its slogan) suggest, Crown Royal is “fit for a king” — and was made for one. The flagship brand, Crown Royal Deluxe, was created in honor of King George VI. Its sales still rule.

1. JACK DANIEL’S TENNESSEE WHISKEY

PopularWhiskey_Internal_Jack The 20 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the CountryIt’s safe to say most people know Jack. It tops the list, with $309,725,503 in sales. The Brown-Forman brand is not only the most popular whiskey in America, it’s the best-selling spirit, period, in the country, and the fourth best-selling spirit in the world.

This story is a part of VP Pro, our free content platform and newsletter for the drinks industry, covering wine, beer, and liquor — and beyond. Sign up for VP Pro now!

Foods to Eat When You’re Pregnant

13 Foods to Eat When You’re Pregnant

Food Fix: What to Eat When Pregnant
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Pregnant? Hangry? Looking for a snack that will make your tummy and your baby happy? You’re probably hearing it a lot: Eating nutritious foods while pregnant is essential.

We’re here to make your pantry into a one-stop shop of healthy and delicious foods that will give your baby the best start to life.

When building your healthy eating plan, you’ll want to focus on whole foods that give you higher amounts of the good stuff you’d need when not pregnant such as:

Here are 13 super nutritious foods to eat when you’re pregnant to help make sure you’re hitting those nutrient goals.

1. Dairy products

During pregnancy, you need to consume extra protein and calcium to meet the needs of your growing little one. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt should be on the docket.

Dairy products contain two types of high-quality protein: casein and whey. Dairy is the best dietary source of calcium, and provides high amounts of phosphorus, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc.

Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, contains more calcium than most other dairy products and is especially beneficial. Some varieties also contain probiotic bacteria, which support digestive health.

If you’re lactose intolerant, you may also be able to tolerate yogurtTrusted Source, especially probiotic yogurt. Check with your doctor to see if you can test it out. A whole world of yogurt smoothies, parfaits, and lassi could be waiting.

2. Legumes

This group of food includes lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, soybeans, and peanuts (aka all kinds of fabulous recipe ingredients!).

Legumes are great plant-based sources of fiber, protein, iron, folate, and calcium — all of which your body needs more of during pregnancy.

Folate is one of the most essential B vitamins (B9). It’s very important for you and baby, especially during the first trimester, and even before.

You’ll need at least 600 micrograms (mcg) of folate every day, which can be a challenge to achieve with foods alone. But adding in legumes can help get you there along with supplementation based on your doctor’s recommendation.

Legumes are generally very high in fiber, too. Some varieties are also high in iron, magnesium, and potassium. Consider adding legumes to your diet with meals like hummus on whole grain toast, black beans in a taco salad, or a lentil curry.

3. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious cooked about a thousand ways, they’re also rich in beta carotene, a plant compound that is converted into vitamin A in your body.

Vitamin A is essential for baby’s development. Just watch out for excessive amounts of animal-based sources of vitamin A, such as organ meats, which can cause toxicityTrusted Source in high amounts.

Thankfully, sweet potatoes are an ample plant-based source of beta carotene and fiber. Fiber keeps you full longer, reduces blood sugar spikes, and improves digestive health (which can really help if that pregnancy constipation hits).

For a fab brekky, try sweet potatoes as a base for your morning avocado toast.

4. Salmon

Smoked on a whole wheat bagel, teriyaki grilled, or slathered in pesto, salmon is a welcome addition to this list. Salmon is rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids that have a host of benefits.

These are found in high amounts in seafood, and help build the brain and eyes of your baby and can even help increase gestational length.

But wait: Have you been told to limit your seafood intake due to the mercury and other contaminants found in high mercury fish? You can still eat fatty fish like salmon.

Here are the high mercury fish to avoidTrusted Source:

  • swordfish
  • shark
  • king mackerel
  • marlin
  • bigeye tuna
  • tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico

Plus, salmon is one of the very few natural sources of vitamin D, which is lacking for most of us. It’s important for bone health and immune function.

5. Eggs

Those incredible, edible eggs are the ultimate health food, as they contain a little bit of almost every nutrient you need. A large egg contains about 80 calories, high-quality protein, fat, and many vitamins and minerals.

Eggs are a great source of choline, a vital nutrient during pregnancy. It’s important in baby’s brain development and helps prevent developmental abnormalities of the brain and spine.

A single whole egg contains roughly 147 milligrams (mg) of choline, which will get you closer to the current recommended choline intake of 450 mg per day while pregnant (though more studies are being done to determine if that is enough).

Here are some of the healthiest ways to cook eggs. Try them in spinach feta wraps or a chickpea scramble.

6. Broccoli and dark, leafy greens

No surprise here: Broccoli and dark, green vegetables, such as kale and spinach, pack in so many of the nutrients you’ll need. Even if you don’t love eating them, they can often be squirreled into all kinds of dishes.

Benefits include fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, iron, folate, and potassium. They’re a bonanza of green goodness.

Adding in servings of green veggies is an efficient way to pack in vitamins and fend off constipation due to all that fiber. Vegetables have also been linked to a reduced risk of low birth weightTrusted Source.

Try this kale eggs Florentine recipe or blend some spinach into a green smoothie and you won’t even know it’s in there.

7. Lean meat and proteins

Lean beef, pork, and chicken are excellent sources of high-quality protein. Beef and pork are also rich in iron, choline, and other B vitamins — all of which you’ll need in higher amounts during pregnancy.

Iron is an essential mineral that is used by red blood cells as a part of hemoglobin. You’ll need more iron since your blood volume is increasing. This is particularly important during your third trimester.

Low levels of iron during early and mid-pregnancy may cause iron deficiency anemia, which increases the risk of low birth weightTrusted Source and other complications.

It can be hard to cover your iron needs with meals alone, especially if you develop an aversion to meat or are vegetarian or vegan. However, for those who can, eating lean red meat regularly may help increase the amount of iron you’re getting from food.

Pro tip: Pairing foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges or bell peppers, along with iron-rich foods may also help increase absorption.

Toss some vitamin C-rich tomato slices on that turkey burger or whip up this steak and mango salad.

8. Berries

Berries hold a lot of goodness in their tiny packages like water, healthy carbs, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Berries have a relatively low glycemic index value, so they should not cause major spikes in blood sugar.

Berries are also a great snack, as they contain both water and fiber. They provide a lot of flavor and nutrition, but with relatively few calories.

Some of the best berries to eat while pregnant are blueberries, raspberries, goji berries, strawberries, and acai berries. Check out this blueberry smoothie for some inspiration.

9. Whole grains

Unlike their refined counterparts, whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant compounds. Think oats, quinoa, brown rice, wheat berries, and barley instead of white bread, pasta, and white rice.

Some whole grains, like oats and quinoa, also contain a fair amount of protein. They also hit a few buttons that are often lacking in pregnant people: B vitamins, fiber, and magnesium.

There are so many ways to adds whole grains to any meal, but we’re especially liking this quinoa and roasted sweet potato bowl.

10. Avocados

Avocados are an unusual fruit because they contain a lot of monounsaturated fatty acids. This makes them taste buttery and rich — perfect for adding depth and creaminess to a dish.

They’re also high in fiber, B vitamins (especially folate), vitamin K, potassium, copper, vitamin E, and vitamin C.

Because of their high content of healthy fats, folate, and potassium, avocados are a great choice during pregnancy (and always).

The healthy fats help build the skin, brain, and tissues of your little one, and folate may help prevent neural tube defects, developmental abnormalities of the brain and spine such as spina bifida.

Potassium may help relieve leg cramps, a side effect of pregnancy for some women. In fact, avocados contain more potassiumTrusted Source than bananas.

Try them as guacamole, in salads, in smoothies, and on whole wheat toast, but also as a substitute for mayo or sour cream.

11. Dried fruit

Dried fruit is generally high in calories, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. One piece of dried fruit contains the same amount of nutrients as fresh fruit, just without all the water and in a much smaller form.

One serving of dried fruit can provide a large percentage of the recommended intake of many vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and potassium.

Prunes are rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin K. They’re natural laxatives and may be very helpful in relieving constipation. Dates are high in fiber, potassium, iron, and plant compounds.

However, dried fruit also contains high amounts of natural sugar. Make sure to avoid the candied varieties, which contain even more sugar.

Although dried fruit may help increase calorie and nutrient intake, it’s generally not recommended to consume more than one serving at a time.

Try adding a small portion to a trail mix with nuts and seeds for an on-the-go protein- and fiber-filled snack.

12. Fish liver oil

Fish liver oil is made from the oily liver of fish, most often cod. It’s rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are essential for fetal brain and eye development.

Supplementing with fish oil may help protect against preterm delivery and may benefit fetal eye development.

Fish liver oil is also very high in vitamin D, of which many people don’t get enough. It may be highly beneficial for those who don’t regularly eat seafood or supplement with omega-3 or vitamin D.

A single serving (1 tablespoon or 15 milliliters) of fish liver oil provides more than the recommended daily intake of omega-3, vitamin D, and vitamin A.

However, it’s not recommended to consume more than one serving per day, as too much preformed vitamin A can be dangerous for your baby. High levels of omega-3 may also have blood-thinning effects.

Low mercury fish like salmon, sardines, canned light tuna, or pollock can also help get you to your omega-3 goals.

13. Water

Say it with me: We all have to stay hydrated. And pregnant folks especially. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by about 45 percent.

Your body will channel hydration to your baby, but if you don’t watch your water intake, you may become dehydrated yourself.

Symptoms of mild dehydration include headaches, anxiety, tiredness, bad mood, and reduced memory.

Increasing your water intake may also help relieve constipation and reduce your risk of urinary tract infections, which are common during pregnancy.

General guidelines recommend that pregnant women drink about 80 ounces (2.3 liters) of water daily. But the amount you really need varies. Check with your doctor for a recommendation based on your specific needs.

Keep in mind that you also get water from other foods and beverages, such as fruit, vegetables, coffee, and tea.

Pro tip: Try keeping a reusable water bottle on hand so that you can quench your thirst throughout the day.

The takeaway

Your growing baby is just waiting to slurp up all those nutrient-dense foods from a well-rounded eating plan of whole grains, fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

There’s a whole world of delicious options that give you and your baby everything you’ll need. Keep your healthcare team informed of your eating choices and let them guide you on a plan with any necessary supplements.

This list should be a good start towards a healthy, well-nourished pregnancy.

QUICK TIPS FOR FOODS TO EAT WHEN PREGNANT

  • Dairy products, especially yogurt, are a great choice. They help you meet increased protein and calcium needs.
  • Legumes are super sources of folate, fiber, and many other nutrients. Folate is a very important nutrient during pregnancy.
  • Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, which your body transforms into vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for the growth and differentiation of cells in your growing baby.
  • Salmon contains the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are important for brain and eye development in your growing baby. It’s also a natural source of vitamin D.
  • Whole eggs are incredibly nutritious and a great way to increase your overall nutrient intake. They also contain choline, an essential nutrient for brain health and development.
  • Broccoli and leafy greens contain most of the nutrients that you’ll need. They’re also rich in fiber, which may help prevent or treat constipation.
  • Lean meat is a good source of high-quality protein. Beef and pork are also rich in iron, choline, and B vitamins, all of which are important nutrients during pregnancy.
  • Berries contain water, carbs, vitamin C, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and plant compounds. They may help you increase your nutrient and water intake.
  • Whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant compounds. They’re also rich in B vitamins, fiber, and magnesium.
  • Avocados contain high amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, folate, and potassium. They may help relieve leg cramps, too.
  • Dried fruit may be highly beneficial for pregnant women since they’re small and nutrient-dense. Just make sure to limit your portions and avoid candied varieties, to prevent excess sugar intake.
  • Drinking water is important as your blood volume increases during pregnancy. Adequate hydration may also help prevent constipation and urinary tract infections.

The Best Websites To Learn About Whisky from Around the World

The Best Websites To Learn About Whisky from Around the World

Whisky is a popular spirit with a long history stretching back thousands of years.  It even has its own unique vocabulary, including unusual terms like Dram, Draff, and Kilning.  Learning all of the whisky related terminology and understand the complex flavours found in whisky can take some time.

eating-scotch-eggs-dewars-whisky-miami-davidsbeenhere The Best Websites To Learn About Whisky from Around the World

Fortunately, there are plenty of online resources to help you learn more about whisky.  These websites and forums will teach you how to drink whisky correctly, what words like “Draff” actually mean, and which flavours that whiskies from different regions usually contain.  We’ve gathered a few of the best online resources in this article, to help you learn more about this delicious spirit.

Whisky.com Forums

The whisky.com forums are an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about whisky.  There are three main subforms:

  • Tasting, Opinions
    There are separate sections for single malt whisky, bourbon, Irish whisky, international whisky, and blended whisky. You can ask questions about specific whiskies or read what other people think about a particular whisky.
  • Whisky fairs, festivals, public tastings, masterclasses
    These forums will help you stay up-to-date with the latest whisky events including fairs, festivals, tastings, and classes.
  • About this forum
    This section contains general support forums and a useful FAQ section.

Whiskey Rocks

whiskey-on-rocks The Best Websites To Learn About Whisky from Around the World

Whiskey Rocks is run by a couple of whiskey enthusiasts who write about anything and everything to do with, you guessed it, whiskey.

Whether it’s a Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, Rye, or Japanese, Whiskey Rocks has you covered.

Check the site to discover:

  • What makes different whiskey types unique
  • In-depth reviews of various whiskeys
  • Guidance on the best ways to enjoy the beverage

Whiskey Rocks answers all the questions you may have about whiskey. Even the ones you didn’t know you wanted an answer for!

Whiskey Bon

Whiskey Bon is one of the leading whisky review websites on the Internet.  It reviews dozens of Scotch, Bourbon, Japanese, and Rye whiskies from distilleries like Jack Daniels, Four Roses, Glen Keith, Glenfiddich, and Macallan.  Each review lists the technical details of the whisky (ABV, Distillery, Age, Release), the nose, the taste, and the finish.  The information is presented in a simple format that even whisky novices can understand.

What-to-see-and-do-in-jackson-mississippi-davidsbeenhere-usa24 The Best Websites To Learn About Whisky from Around the World

The blog section contains useful information on the history of whisky, how to taste whisky, and much more.  The articles will also give you excellent background knowledge of the processes used to make whisky and which distilleries are currently producing the best whiskies.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience is a tourist attraction located at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.  They provide private whisky tastings, whisky training, and online whisky sales.  They also have one of the largest whisky collections in the world, with more than 3,500 different bottles of whisky.

whisky-blog-davidsbeenhere2 The Best Websites To Learn About Whisky from Around the World

The company’s website is packed with useful information about everything related to whisky, including the history of whisky, how whisky is made, and whisky terminology.

Whisky Whisky Whisky Forums

This is one of the busier online forums for whisky drinkers.  It has over 160,000 whisky related posts from more than 3,000 members.  The posts include discussions about distilleries, tasting notes, whisky events, whisky travel tips, and much more.

whisky-blog-davidsbeenhere The Best Websites To Learn About Whisky from Around the World

There are also some useful forums discussing beer, whine, and cigars.

Whiskey For Everyone

Whiskey For Everyone is the brainchild of Matt Chambers and Karen Taylor.  They are a married couple with a shared passion for whisky.  They created this website in 2008 with the goal of helping whisky drinkers learn more about the history of whisky, tasting whisky and the different whiskey distilleries.

Don’t forget to check out JetSet LifeStyle Blog!

whisky-blog-davidsbeenhere5 The Best Websites To Learn About Whisky from Around the World

The website has an excellent Whisky Basics section which has a whisky term glossary and a huge amount of information on the factors affecting the flavor of whisky.

Whisky Advocate Blog

Whisky Advocate is one of the largest American whisky magazines.  Their blog is an excellent source of information, particularly for learning about new whisky releases and how to taste whisky.

The Whisky Reddit
Reddit is one of the largest social media websites in the world.  Users can submit all kinds of whisky related content including news articles, reviews, questions, and product announcements.

whisky-blog-davidsbeenhere4 The Best Websites To Learn About Whisky from Around the World

Other users then upvote or downvote the post, based on how useful or entertaining it is.  You can learn a lot about whisky by using this reddit, particularly by asking questions of more experienced whisky drinkers.

The Whisky Barrel Blog

The Whisky Barrel is one of Scotland’s largest retailers of whisky.  They have created a blog which posts about new whisky releases, distillery visits, and general whisky news.  It is an excellent resource for identifying the whiskies which are worth trying.

Whisky Facebook Groups

whisky-blog-davidsbeenhere3 The Best Websites To Learn About Whisky from Around the World

There are quite a few Facebook groups devoted to whisky.  Some of the best include:

  • Single malt whisky group
    As the name suggests, this group mostly discusses single malt whiskies. It is a great place to ask questions about whisky and discover new whiskies you might enjoy.
  • The Whisky Investor
    Aged and rare whiskies often greatly increase in value over the years as they become scarcer. This Facebook group discusses which whiskies are valuable and worth collecting.
  • Whisky Blasphemy
    This popular Facebook group discusses whisky in a casual way. There is no whisky snobbery, just ordinary people talking about the whiskies they enjoy.

11 BEST ONLINE WHISKY / WHISKEY SHOPS (US & UK BASED)

11 BEST ONLINE WHISKY / WHISKEY SHOPS (US & UK BASED)

Whisky-Box-768x512 11 BEST ONLINE WHISKY / WHISKEY SHOPS (US & UK BASED)

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Here at WhiskeyBon we buy quite a lot of whisky / whiskey so we can then provide our amateurish but honest reviews.

We don’t accept bottles or samples to review, all bottles are bought out of our own pocket so this means two things:

  1. Our reviews are our honest opinions as we have parted with our own hard-earned cash
  2. We have bought whisky from a lot of places

Having used many online whisky / whiskey websites we have decided to pick our top ones based on the following criteria:

  • Range of whisky available
  • Pricing
  • If they stock any “harder to find” bottles
  • Customer service
  • Quality of packaging (very important when dealing with glass bottles!)
  • Website ease of use

These are our 11 favourite online whisky shops to order from (in both the USA and UK and many offer worldwide delivery):

SAUCEY

https://www.saucey.com

Based in: US

Delivers to: USSaucey-Home 11 BEST ONLINE WHISKY / WHISKEY SHOPS (US & UK BASED)

Saucey is a cool concept, they have a huge selection of spirits to order from and what I like about them is the price you see is what you pay, there are no delivery charges.

They ship to almost all the US States and also offer a speedy 30 minute delivery service to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Sacramento, & Oakland.

 

HARD TO FIND WHISKY

Based in: UK

Delivers to: Worldwide

https://www.htfw.com

Hard-To-Find-Whisky 11 BEST ONLINE WHISKY / WHISKEY SHOPS (US & UK BASED)

As the name suggests they have some hard to find and expensive whiskies available so it’s great if you are looking for a really special bottle. I really like the way that both Scotch and American are split by region so you can easily see what comes from where.

The delivery and service is great but the biggest reason I’ve included it is because of the amazing range of rare whisky bottles they stock, many of which you won’t find in many other places online. The prices are relatively good as well.

 

 

MASTER OF MALT

https://www.masterofmalt.com

Based in: UK

Delivers to: Worldwide (but not the USA)

Master-of-Malt-300x138 11 BEST ONLINE WHISKY / WHISKEY SHOPS (US & UK BASED)

I’ve ordered many times from MoM and it’s always an excellent service. They have a huge range of scotch whisky and a decent selection of bourbon and rye. They also tend to get in some of the harder to find bottles upon release and have a good selection of more hard to find whiskies too if you are feeling flush.

The prices are very reasonable too and what I like about them is you can order samples for many of their whiskies to try before you buy a full bottle. Not seen another retailer that offers this to the same extent they do.

Finally, they run Flash Sales every day where you can grab bottles with up to 50% off! Have a look at today’s offers here: >> MoM Flash Sales <<

Unfortunately, Master of Malt has stopped shipping to the USA recently which is a shame. Look below for some great options that do ship to the US though.

See here for our full Master of Malt review.

 

 

HOUSE OF MALT

Based in: UK

Delivers to: WorldwideHouse-of-Malt 11 BEST ONLINE WHISKY / WHISKEY SHOPS (US & UK BASED)

House of Malt is a whisky and spirits retailer with a huge collection of whisky from around the world. They have a lot of US whiskey and bourbon and have bottles from countries I didn’t even know made whisky (Taiwan for example!). They also have a lot of unusual and hard to find bottles on offer

I’ve ordered from them several times and the website is easy to use, the prices are competitive and delivery is top notch.

 

DRIZLY

Based in: US

Delivers to: US (shipping available to: California, Connecticut, D.C., Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia)

DR-Website 11 BEST ONLINE WHISKY / WHISKEY SHOPS (US & UK BASED)

Drizly is awesome.

It is not actually a store itself but is a website and app that allows you to shop from local liquor stores in the US. This is really handy as buying alcohol online in the US can be tricky and is prohibited in some States. Drizly has you covered if you are in one of the States where delivery is available, to find out just head over to the website and enter your address.

They have a huge selection of whiskey to choose from and also loads of other tasty beverages from wine to beer so you stock up from the comfort of your own home.

They also offer a 1-hour delivery service for some States.

THE DRINK SHOP

https://www.thedrinkshop.com/

Based in: UK

Delivers to: Worldwide

The-Drink-Shop 11 BEST ONLINE WHISKY / WHISKEY SHOPS (US & UK BASED)

The range of scotch whisky they have available is not bad, bourbon and rye are all in one American category and there is not a huge amount available but what is there is recently priced.

You can pick up BTAC here but it is massively overpriced. They also have a few Japanese whiskies. Delivery is fast and efficient and never had a problem ordering from here.

 

 

AMAZON UK

Based in: UK

Delivers to: Various

https://www.amazon.co.uk

Obviously, it is not a dedicated whisky shop but it is the place I buy most of my low to mid range bottles. The prices are very good and best of all they frequently offer large discounts, you just have to keep an eye out for them.

If you sign up to Prime you can also get even more bargains and free delivery on your bottles with some next day and same day delivery opportunities. Plus they have a LOT of whisky to choose from.

There are no spirits for sale on Amazon.com so that’s why we haven’t included it.

 

 

WAITROSE

https://www.waitrose.com

 

Based in: UK

Delivers to: UK

If you are in the UK you can’t go wrong with good ol’ Waitrose to pick up a select few bottles. The selection is very limited in fact, they have only 6 bourbons with a bit more choice in Scotch.

The reason they are on the list is the prices are good, delivery is excellent and what they do sell is always in stock they can be a reliable source of your favourite bottle. You can also order at the same time as your grocery shopping which is handy and they sometimes have some really good deals available.

 

 

DE WINE SPOT

https://dewinespot.co

Based in: USA

Delivers to: USA + Selected Others

Top Pork Producing States: Who Is the Largest Pork Producer in the U.S

Top Pork Producing States: Who Is the Largest Pork Producer in the U.S.?

pexels-barbara-barbosa-4636976 Top Pork Producing States: Who Is the Largest Pork Producer in the U.S

Pork is the third most popular meat in the United States after chicken meat and beef. In 2020, U.S. Americans consumed 52.1 pounds of pork per capita, accounting for almost a quarter of their average annual meat consumption.

Following China, the U.S. is the world’s second-largest producer of pigs. The U.S. pork industry is not evenly distributed but concentrated on a small number of states and counties in the Midwest and eastern North Carolina.

More than 98 percent of farmed pigs in the U.S. are raised on factory farms and many are concentrated in a handful of the top pork producing states. The intensification of pork production increases the profits of a few mega-corporations at high costs to animals, consumers, workers, adjacent communities, and planetary health.

 

Pork Industry Size And Value

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 129.9 million farmed pigs were slaughtered for food in the U.S. in 2019. The pork industry in the U.S. is currently estimated at a $19 billion market size, comprising 26,310 businesses and 53,236 employees.

During the last three decades, the U.S. has become one of the world’s main exporters of pork meat. Between 2014 and 2019, the pork industry sold an average of 22 percent of U.S. pork production—the equivalent of more than 1 out of 5 pigs—to international buyers. Pork exports continue to rise. In 2019, the value of U.S. pork exports reached a record $7 billion, and in 2020 a record 29 percent—the equivalent of almost 1 out of 3 pigs—of pork production was exported through September.

 

Who Is the Largest Pork Producer in the U.S.?

The largest pork producer in the U.S. is Smithfield Foods, a wholly-owned subsidiary of WH Group of China, formerly known as the Shuanghui Group. Based out of Smithfield, Virginia, Smithfield Foods has 55,000 employees, 40,000 in the U.S. and 15,000 in Europe. In 2019, Smithfield Foods generated $16 billion in sales.

Smithfield Foods consists of 530 company-owned and 2,100 contract farms in 15 states and produces nearly 18 million pigs annually. Sixty-five percent of farms owned by Smithfield Foods—203 and 139, respectively—are located in North Carolina and Missouri.

 

What Are the Top 5 Pork Producing States?

The top five states pork producing states in the U.S. are Iowa, Minnesota, North Carolina, Illinois, and Indiana. During 2020, these five states housed almost 70 percent of the 71.25 million pigs being raised for slaughter in the U.S. at any given point in time.

The top five U.S. states when it comes to pig breeding are Iowa, North Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri. During 2020, these five states housed 54 percent of the 6.37 million female pigs kept for breeding in the U.S. at any given point in time.

The five states where most pigs are slaughtered are Iowa, North Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri. In 2020, only five slaughterhouses based in these five states—Smithfield in Tar Heel, North Carolina, Triumph in St. Joseph, Missouri, JBS in Worthington, Minnesota, JBS in Marshalltown, Iowa, and JBS in Beardstown, Illinois—had the capacity to slaughter 33 million pigs annually, about one-quarter of all pigs slaughtered in the U.S. in 2019.

 

Which State Produces the Most Pork?

The top pork producing U.S. state is Iowa. In 2020, pork producers based in Iowa raised a third of the country’s pigs on 5,418 pig farms. At least 69 percent of pigs raised in Iowa are kept in farming operations with 5,000 or more pigs. Farms with more than 5,000 pigs comprise 20 percent of all pig farms based in Iowa. Five counties in Iowa, Washington, Sioux, Lyon, Hamilton, and Plymouth, hold 25 percent of the state’s farmed pig population. In 2019, Iowa slaughtered 39 million pigs—almost a third of all pigs slaughtered nationwide during that year.

 

How Many Pork Producers Are in the U.S.?

There are an estimated 60,000 pork producers in the U.S, a number that has fallen by more than 8000 percent from the 4.9 million U.S. pork operations recorded in 1920. Due to the intensification of pork farming, the U.S.’ 40 largest pig producers now own about two-thirds of female pigs kept for breeding.

In 2019, the 11 largest pork producing companies in the U.S. were:

Smithfield Foods Inc.: 1,241,000 sows

Triumph Foods: 487,200 sows

Seaboard Foods: 340,000 sows

Pipestone Veterinary Services: 251,000 sows

Iowa Select Farms: 242,500 sows

The Maschhoffs: 196,000 sows

Prestage Farms: 185,000 sows

Carthage System: 180,000 sows

JBS: 167,500 sows

AMVC Management: 143,000 sows

Maxwell Farms: 100,000 sows

 

Where Are The Most Pigs?

Most pigs in the U.S. are kept on farms in Iowa. With a population of 3.16 million humans and 24.6 million pigs, there are almost eight pigs per capita in Iowa.

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Image: Hogs on Factory Farms, © Food & Water Watch

According to the Census of Agriculture data (2017), the ten U.S. counties with the largest populations of farmed pigs are:

Duplin, North Carolina: 1,950,583 pigs

Sampson, North Carolina: 1,878,165 pigs

Washington, Iowa: 1,324,498 pigs

Sioux, Iowa: 1,220,743 pigs

Texas, Oklahoma: 1,094,823 pigs

Lyon, Iowa: 1,058,365 pigs

Hamilton, Iowa: 1,006,857 pigs

Plymouth, Iowa: 909,046 pigs

Martin, Minnesota: 824,258 pigs

Carroll, Iowa: 733,229 pigs

In the counties with the highest numbers of farmed pigs, the number of pigs ranges from 29.5 pigs per capita in Sampson, North Carolina, to almost 90 pigs per capita in Lyon, Iowa. The two counties with the highest population density of farmed pigs are Duplin, North Carolina, and Washington, Iowa, with an average of more than 2,300 pigs per square mile each. The third most densely populated county is Sampson, North Carolina with an average of almost 2,000 pigs per square mile.

 

Pork Production Costs

Pork production costs range from feeding, watering, housing, transporting, marketing, slaughtering, and processing pigs, including expenses for electricity, feed, additives, vaccines, labor, maintenance, rent, accounting, taxes, supplies, trucks, technological equipment, genomic selection, including frozen boar semen, and manure handling costs.

U.S. pork producers raise pigs from an average of 3.22 pounds at birth to a slaughter weight of around 280 pounds, and a producers’ profitability depends on whether they sell the body of a slaughtered pig at a higher cost than it took to breed and raise the pig for an average of five to six months. Due to varying pork and feed prices, pork production profits differ every month. In 2020, pork farmers in Iowa made a loss in eight out of twelve months, with losses as high as $23.30 for every pig sold.

In addition to the costs needed to sustain the animals, producers have to consider the high mortality rate among modern farmed pigs. Pigs who die before slaughter or are deemed unsellable for other reasons do not yield any returns for pork producers and are added on top of the costs for saleable pigs. According to Iowa State University, an estimated 30 to 35 percent—one out of three—of farmed pigs in the U.S. die before slaughter.

Pork producers increasingly need to consider potential legal costs too. Over the past years, pork producers in the U.S. faced a growing number of lawsuits by communities whose quality of life had been reduced due to the presence of a nearby pork operation. In 2020, Smithfield Food reached an undisclosed settlement with hundreds of residents of North Carolina after a judge had ruled that the company “persisted in its chosen farming practices despite its knowledge of the harms to its neighbors, exhibiting wanton or willful disregard of the neighbors’ rights to enjoyment of their property.”

 

Farm Characteristics Statistics

The most recent Census of Agriculture data (2017) recorded 66,439 pork farms in the U.S. 80 percent of pork farms in the U.S. keep less than 200 hundred pigs and only account for 1 percent of the total farmed pig population. 14 percent of pork farms house between 200 and 5,000 pigs, accounting for 26 percent of the total farmed pig population. Five percent of U.S. pork farms house more than 5,000 pigs yet account for 73 percent of the total population of farmed pigs.

In 2017, 12 percent of U.S. pork farms sold more than 5,000 pigs during the year. Those farms sold 94 percent of all farmed pigs and generated $23.8 billion in sales, accounting for 91 percent of total sales. Pork farms that sold fewer than 1,000 pigs accounted for more than 80 percent of pork farms yet generated only 1 percent of total sales.

In 2017, 86 percent of farms in the U.S. were independent pork producers, selling 34 percent of pigs. 14 percent of U.S. pork farms were run by farmers under contract by pork production companies, selling 66 percent of pigs.

Biggest drinks companies: Top ten by revenue

 

Biggest drinks companies: Top ten by revenue

  1. Anheuser-Busch InBev- $52.3bn
  2. The Coca Cola Company- $37.3bn
  3. Nestle-$31.5bn
  4. Pepsico- $30.8bn
  5. Starbucks Corporation- $26.9bn
  6. Heineken- $26.7bn
  7. Fomento Economico Mexicano-$26.7bn
  8. Suntory Holdings- $23.5bn
  9. Diageo-$16.8bn
  10. Asahi Group Holdings-$11.5bn

1. Anheuser-Busch InBev – $52.3bn

Image-1-Top-10-Drinks-Companies-2020-450x340 Biggest drinks companies: Top ten by revenue
AB InBev earned a total revenue of $52.3bn in 2019. Credit: Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is the world’s biggest brewing company with total revenue of $52.3bn in 2019. Its revenues grew by 4.3% compared with the previous year.

The total production volume of the company was 561.4 million hectolitres (Mhl) in 2019. With more than 80 offerings to cater to different occasions, the no-alcohol and low- alcohol beer (NABLAB) of the company accounted for approximately 7.0% of its global beer volume in 2019.

The global brands of the company Budweiser®, Corona®, and Stella Artois® delivered strong revenue growth of 8% outside their home markets in the US, Mexico and Belgium, respectively.

The Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, however, impacted the global brands and the total revenue of the company. AB InBev’s revenue declined by 12% in the first half of 2020 compared to the corresponding period in 2019.

Headquartered in Belgium, AB InBev operates 260 breweries. The company has a workforce of approximately 170,000 and presence in more than 50 countries worldwide.

2. The Coca-Cola Company – $37.3bn

Image-2-Top-10-Drinks-Companies-2020-450x340 Biggest drinks companies: Top ten by revenue
The retail value of Coca Cola in sparkling soft drinks segment increased by 6% worldwide in 2019. Credit: The Coca Cola Company.

The Coca-Cola Company reported $37.3bn in revenues in 2019, an increase of 9% compared to the previous year.

The increasing portfolio of the company with contribution from both sparkling and non-sparkling offerings led to its revenue growth.

In sparkling segment, the retail value of Coca-Cola increased by 6% globally, attributed to its innovative offerings such as Coca-Cola Plus Coffee.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the company’s net revenues declined by 9% in the third quarter of 2020. However, the business saw a steady recovery compared with the previous quarter, attributed to the company’s right brand portfolio, impactful marketing, innovation and strong organisational structure.

Based in the US, The Coca-Cola Company offers more than 500 brands to consumers in over 200 countries. The company offers diverse beverage portfolio such as water, enhanced water, sparkling soft drinks, sports drink, juice, dairy, tea, coffee and energy drinks. The non-alcoholic sparkling soft drink brands of the company include Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite.

3. Nestle – $31.5bn

Image-3-Top-10-Drinks-Companies-2020-450x340 Biggest drinks companies: Top ten by revenue
Nestle’s Starbucks products earned more than $308.9m in revenue in 2019. Credit: Shanti Hesse / Shutterstock.

Nestle generated net revenues of $95.3bn in 2019, of which the powdered and liquid beverages and water segments accounted for $31.5bn.

Nestle’s existing coffee portfolio was extended with the launch of a new line of coffee products under the Starbucks brand in February 2019. The Starbucks products generated a revenue of more than $308.9m in 2019 and are currently sold in more than 40 countries.

The strong demand for the Starbucks products, Coffee-mate and Nescafé contributed to the high sales in beverage category in 2019.

In the first half of 2020, the company had to incur an expense of $305.6m due to Covid-19, including bonuses to front-line workers, employee safety measures, donations and other related allowances. Nestle incurred an additional $126.4m due to the idle staff and facilities during the lock-down restrictions.

Based in Switzerland, Nestle is a food and drinks company with 291,000 employees worldwide. Some of its key brands include Nestle Pure Life, Perrier, Poland Spring in Bottled water segment, Nescafe Classic, Nescafe Decaff, Nescafe Dolce Gusto, Nescafe Gold in coffee segment.

4. Pepsico – $30.8bn

Image-4-Top-10-Drinks-Companies-2020-450x340 Biggest drinks companies: Top ten by revenue
Pepsico generated $30.8bn in revenue from its beverage portfolio in 2019. Credit: Pepsico.

Pepsico earned net revenue of $67.1bn in 2019, up 4% compared to the previous year.

The company’s beverage portfolio contributed to $30.8bn of the total revenue, which accounted for 46% of the net revenues in 2019. The remaining 54% was contributed by the food portfolio.

The Covid-19 outbreak did not impact the company significantly, primarily due to the resilience in its snacks and food business globally. The pandemic, however, moderately impacted global beverage sales.

Based in the US, Pepsico is a food and beverage company that serves consumers in more than 200 countries. It employs approximately 267,000 people worldwide. The top global beverage brands of the company are Pepsi, Pepsi Black, Mountain Dew, Tropicana, Lipton, Aquafina, 7Up, Mirinda, Brisk, Sierra Mist and Gatorade.

5. Starbucks Corporation – $26.9bn

Image-5-Top-10-Drinks-Companies-2020-450x340 Biggest drinks companies: Top ten by revenue
Starbucks Corporation operates more than 31,000 retail stores in 80 markets. Credit: Starbucks Corporation.

Starbucks Corporation generated total revenues of $26.9bn in 2019, primarily driven by the sales from company-operated stores. Revenues from the global comparable stores increased by 5% compared to the previous year.

The company opened its first Starbucks® Pickup store in the Penn Plaza of the New York City in November 2019. It plans to ramp up the Starbucks brand by three key strategies, including expanding in the US and China markets, increasing the brand through the Global Coffee Alliance with Nestlé, as well as by increasing the shareholder’s returns.

Temporary store closures and modified operations, along with reduced hours and customer traffic impacted the store sales during the Covid-19 crisis. The net revenues of the company fell by 38% in the third quarter of 2020 compared with the corresponding period in 2019.

The company operates more than 31,000 retail stores in 80 markets, which employs more than 300,000 people. Its brand portfolio comprises Starbucks Coffee, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Teavana, Evolution Fresh, Ethos Water and Torrefazione Italia Coffee.

6. Heineken – $26.75bn

Image-6-Top-10-Drinks-Companies-2020-450x340 Biggest drinks companies: Top ten by revenue
Heineken’s global brand, Heineken® reported strong volume growth of 8.3% in 2019. Credit: Karanik Yimpat/Shutterstock.

Heineken reported net revenue of $26.75bn with a net beer production volume of 241.4Mhl in 2019, representing a 5.6% increase in revenue compared with the previous year. The company’s global brand, Heineken®, reported strong volume growth of 8.3%, attributed to diverse markets, including Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, UK, Nigeria, Romania and Germany.

The international brands of the company include Sol, Tiger, and Desperados; low or no alcohol brands include Heineken® 0.0; international craft portfolio includes Lagunitas, and global cider range includes Strongbow apple ciders.

The company’s net revenue declined by 16.4% on an organic basis and beer volume witnessed an 11.5% organic decline in the first half of 2020 due to Covid-19 outbreak.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, Heineken is primarily a beer and cider brewing and marketing company. It offers more than 300 brands in 190 countries and employs more than 85,800 employees.

7. Fomento Economico Mexicano (FEMSA) – $26.8bn

Image-7-Top-10-Drinks-Companies-2020-1-450x340 Biggest drinks companies: Top ten by revenue
FEMSA’s beverage portfolio contains more than 169 soft drinks including brand Coca Cola. Credit: kiraziku2u/ Shutterstock.

Mexican beverage company FEMSA reported $26.8bn in revenue in 2019, a 7.9% increase over 2018.

The company holds 47.2% stakes in the Coca-Cola FEMSA, a publicly traded beverage company, which manufactures, distributes and markets certain Coca-Cola beverages in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Panama and Brazil.

The total revenue of the company declined by 10.7% in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the corresponding period in 2019, due to Covid-19 crisis. The Coca-Cola FEMSA reported a 10.2% decline in total revenues and a 7.2% decline in volumes in the second quarter of 2020 versus the same period in 2019, due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.

The company’s beverage portfolio contains more than 169 soft drinks, including Coca-Cola brands such as Jugos del Valle, Powerade, and Santa Clara, as well as the company’s premium coffee brand Andatti, which is exclusively available in its OXXO stores. The OXXO’s store base reduced by 40 units, including temporary closures in the second quarter of 2020 due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Heineken Group holds a 14.8% interest in FEMSA. Both the companies signed an agreement to extend their existing business relationship in February 2019. FEMSA also started selling Grupo Modelo beer brands in its OXXO stores in certain regions of Mexico, which will cover the entire region by 2022. It currently serves more than 320 million consumers across 13 countries.

8. Suntory Holdings – $21.4bn

Image-8-Top-10-Drinks-Companies-2020-1-450x340 Biggest drinks companies: Top ten by revenue
Suntory Holdings earned a combined revenue of $21.4bn from beverages and foods and alcoholic beverages segments in 2019. Credit: Suntory Holdings.

Suntory Holdings’ net revenue in 2019 was $23.5bn, grew by 2.1% compared to the previous year.

The company operates three business segments, including beverages and foods, alcoholic beverages, and others. The first two segments accounted for a combined revenue of $21.4bn in 2019.

The revenue from the beverages and foods segment increased by 0.4%, while revenue from alcoholic beverages segment rose by 3.2% year-on-year. The beverages and foods segment includes non-alcoholic beverages, health drinks, processed foods and other products, while the alcoholic beverages include spirits, beer, wine and others.

The company’s revenue in the first six months of 2020 fell by 10.7% compared to the same period of the previous year, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Based in Japan, Suntory Holdings comprises 300 group companies in Japan, Europe, The Americas and Asia, and Oceania territories. The company has a workforce of 40,210 people. Some of its popular brands include Suntory Tennensui, Boss, Pepsi Japan cola, Suntory Oolong Tea, C.C. Lemon, Yamazaki, Kakubin, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Courvoisier.

9. Diageo – $16.8bn

Image-9-Top-10-Drinks-Companies-2020-450x340 Biggest drinks companies: Top ten by revenue
Scotch accounted for 25% of the total net sales of Diageo in 2019. Credit: Diageo.

Diageo posted $16.8bn (£12.8bn) in revenues in 2019, an increase of 5.8% compared to 2018. Scotch contributed 25% to the net sales of the company, followed by beer (16%) and vodka (11%) in 2019.

The company’s performance was impacted significantly by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The organic net sales of the company in 2020 declined by 8.4% compared with 2019, primarily due to an 11.2% decrease in organic volumes.

Headquartered in London, Diageo sells more than 200 brands in over 180 countries. Its key brands include Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Crown Royal, JεB, Don Julio Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. The company has a workforce of 28,400.

10. Asahi Group Holdings – $11.5bn

Image-10-Top-10-Drinks-Companies-2020-450x340 Biggest drinks companies: Top ten by revenue
The alcoholic beverages and soft drinks segments of Asahi Group Holdings earned a combined revenue of $11.5bn in 2019. Credit: JR AK / Shutterstock.

Asahi Group Holdings generated $19.1bn in revenue in 2019, majorly driven by the revenues of alcoholic beverages business. It has four main segments, namely alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, food, and overseas.

The alcoholic beverages and soft drinks segments earned a combined revenue of $11.5bn in 2019, of which alcoholic beverages business, led by Asahi Super Dry, accounted for 40.5% of the net sales.

The on-premise consumption declined, while demand for products for home use increased in Japan, Australia, Europe, and other regions due to the Covid-19 impact. The company will promote premiumisation in the off-premise market to improve its profit margin in addition to the on-premise marketing of its core brands.

Based in Japan, Asahi Group Holdings currently employs approximately 30,666 people. Its core brands include Asahi, Ko Otsu Mixed Shochu, Black Nikka, Wilkinson Carbonated Drink, Mitsuya Cider, and Calpis.

THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE RECIPE EVER

This is the best chocolate chip cookie recipe ever! No funny ingredients, no chilling time, etc. Just a simple, straightforward, amazingly delicious, doughy yet still fully cooked, chocolate chip cookie that turns out perfectly every single time! 

 

best-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe-ever-no-chilling-1-e1549147195343-1-300x300 THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE RECIPE EVER

 HOW TO MAKE THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE RECIPE EVER (HOW TO MAKE EASY COOKIES FROM SCRATCH)

Like I said, these cookies are crazy easy, however here are a few notes.

  1. Soften butter. If you are planning on making these, take the butter out of the fridge first thing in the morning so it’s ready to go when you need it.
  2. Measure the flour correctly. Be sure to use a measuring cup made for dry ingredients (NOT a pyrex liquid measuring cup). There has been some controversy on how to measure flour. I personally use the scoop and shake method and always have (gasp)! It’s easier and I have never had that method fail me.  Many of you say that the only way to measure flour is to scoop it into the measuring cup and level with a knife. I say, measure it the way you always do. Just make sure that the dough matches the consistency of the dough in the photos in this post.
  3. Use LOTS of chocolate chips. Do I really need to explain this?!
  4. DO NOT over-bake these chocolate chip cookies! I explain this more below, but these chocolate chip cookies will not look done when you pull them out of the oven, and that is GOOD.

HOW DO YOU FREEZE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH (FREEZER-FRIENDLY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES)

Freezer-friendly. I always make a full batch of these cookies, roll them into balls, and freeze what we don’t bake right away.

How to bake frozen dough – thawing it first: I love having dough ready to go in the freezer for impromptu guests. When you want to bake them, simple remove the dough balls from the freezer, set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with a light cloth towel or napkin to let them thaw.

Once they reach room temperature (after about 1-2 hours depending on the temperature of your kitchen) bake as directed in the recipe. SO easy!

CAN YOU BAKE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH FROM FROZEN? 

I have tested baking this recipe from frozen more times than I can even count. I have gotten the best results when I place the dough on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Then, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (if you are baking the frozen dough) and put the cookies in the oven in the beginning of the preheating time. Set the timer for 15 minutes and remove the cookies after 15 minutes. The top will look a little more brown than usual, but they will still taste amazing.

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