RatedXI.
← All categories

Food & Drink

59 picks

Food & Drink · Acquired · 2024
“Dandelion Chocolate. These people are the best. The factory is so freaking cool, and the chocolate is absolutely amazing. They are a part of the bean-to-bar movement... If you're looking for any late holiday gifts or just any good chocolate, I can't recommend Dandelion enough.”
Ben Gilbert, who made this pick
Ben Gilbert, Co-host, Acquired

Dandelion Chocolate

Single-origin, bean-to-bar chocolate from the San Francisco maker he and David toured — some of the best chocolate you'll taste, and a great gift.

Read Ben's full pick on Acquired →View product →
Food & Drink · Acquired · 2024
“specifically the Dandelion advent calendar... This is the single greatest advent calendar that has ever been created in the history of mankind. The artwork, the design, the presentation... every day is an ornament that can go on the tree... Then the chocolate inside.”
David Rosenthal, who made this pick
David Rosenthal, Co-host, Acquired

Dandelion Chocolate Advent Calendar

The single greatest advent calendar ever made, in his telling — each day an ornament for the tree, with chocolate from chocolatiers around the country inside.

Read David's full pick on Acquired →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2022
“They're just a little too pricey to be an everyday nut butter, which makes them the absolute perfect gift.”
Rand Fishkin, who made this pick
Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO, SparkToro

Ground Up nut butters

Small-batch nut butters in cashew, macadamia, and cardamom blends, priced as a treat rather than an everyday staple.

Read Rand's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2022
“You're trying to get your cheese-based sauce to maintain consistency through temperature fluctuations.”
Rand Fishkin, who made this pick
Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO, SparkToro

Sodium Citrate

The emulsifying salt that turns grated cheese and pasta water into a silky, foolproof cacio e pepe sauce.

Read Rand's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2022
“Chorizo Bilbao is a pain to find in stores. Only one place in Seattle sells it.”
Rand Fishkin, who made this pick
Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO, SparkToro

Chorizo Bilbao

Hard-to-find Spanish cured chorizo for paella, stews, and tapas, now available to order online.

Read Rand's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2022
“Kabuto's soba, while not quite as good as the mountaintop spot in Karuizawa, is very delicious.”
Rand Fishkin, who made this pick
Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO, SparkToro

Kabuto soba (buckwheat) noodles

Buckwheat soba with a markedly better texture than supermarket brands when cooked al dente and shocked with ice.

Read Rand's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2022
“If you've been to Calabria, Naples, Sicily, and eaten the spicy foods of those regions, you've had Calabrian chili. This stuff.”
Rand Fishkin, who made this pick
Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO, SparkToro

Calabrian hot chili powder

Authentic Calabrian chili powder for genuinely spicy Mediterranean dishes, not an American stand-in.

Read Rand's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2022
“Cha Cha Matcha provides exactly that: ceremony-grade matcha sourced from Uji, Japan.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Cha Cha Matcha ceremony-grade matcha

Ceremony-grade matcha sourced from Uji, Japan, for drinkers wary of lower-quality green teas.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2022
“These Momofuku noodles are now a pantry staple for me, and I do use the provided seasoning.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Momofuku instant noodle variety pack

An instant-ramen variety pack good enough to keep as a pantry staple, seasoning packets included.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2022
“A flick of Liquid Sunshine on any vegetable, roasted, poached, whatever. I mostly use the Deep Black in marinades.”
Andrew Bohrer, Bartender and cocktail authority

Rhea Goods cooking concentrates (Liquid Sunshine, Deep Black)

Concentrated cooking bases like fermented black garlic and preserved lemon that season vegetables and marinades fast.

Read Andrew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2022
“This brand is the best. Or, at least, my most consistent favorite.”
Rand Fishkin, who made this pick
Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO, SparkToro

Fiasconaro panettone

A consistently excellent Italian panettone, shelf-stable and worth treating like a gifted bottle of wine.

Read Rand's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2022
“This gift box has become my go-to gift for new parents, sick loved ones, and any friend who needs a little extra support.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Soup, bread, and cookie gift box

A soup, bread, and cookie gift box with a metal ladle, a go-to for new parents or anyone under the weather.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2022
“This Latina-owned small business makes delicious canned agua frescas. My personal favorite is Mango Habanero.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Canned agua frescas

Latina-owned canned aguas frescas in flavors like mango habanero, refreshing with a mild spicy kick.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2022
“The macarons are delicious, and Kayla's Cake's various ecommerce options make their goods easy to buy.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

French macarons

French macarons that ship nationwide, with easy ordering on the bakery site or Amazon.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“Reliable, exceptional quality, beautifully packaged Italian pastries that cost more and are worth every penny.”
Rand Fishkin, who made this pick
Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO, SparkToro

Marchesi panettone

A reliably exceptional, beautifully packaged Italian panettone that ships well and is worth the splurge.

Read Rand's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“In particular, I'm recommending the alfajores. If you're not sure where to start, I like Havanna and Cachafaz.”
Rand Fishkin, who made this pick
Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO, SparkToro

Alfajores (Havanna, Cachafaz)

South American alfajores from an extensive importer, with Havanna and Cachafaz as solid starting points.

Read Rand's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“We tasted all of the different heirloom kernels, and they do have different flavors.”
Andrew Bohrer, Bartender and cocktail authority

Amish Country Popcorn variety gift set

A sampler of heirloom popcorn kernels with subtly different flavors, a simple shareable treat.

Read Andrew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“This gift set offers a taste of single-origin chocolate from three different countries, wrapped in stunning packaging.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate 3-bar gift set

A single-origin chocolate gift set spanning three countries, wrapped in standout packaging.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“Hatch chiles are one of the United States' best contributions to the spice world.”
Rand Fishkin, who made this pick
Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO, SparkToro

Hatch green chiles

New Mexico Hatch green chiles in whole, chopped, powdered, and salsa forms for the best green chile dishes.

Read Rand's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“They also carry Torres' to-die-for potato chips in flavors like truffle, foie gras, and caviar.”
Rand Fishkin, who made this pick
Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO, SparkToro

Torres premium potato chips

Spanish premium potato chips in indulgent flavors like truffle, foie gras, and caviar.

Read Rand's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“For about a hundred bucks, you get a porkload of cured ham and a countertop stand.”
Scott Heimendinger, who made this pick
Scott Heimendinger, Culinary inventor; founder, Seattle Ultrasonics

Noel Jamon Serrano with stand and knife

A full leg of cured Spanish serrano ham with a countertop stand and knife, a statement piece for a crowd.

Read Scott's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“When it comes to cooking with saffron, you'll know that a little really does go a long way.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

La Mancha Saffron

Premium La Mancha saffron, a splurge ingredient where a couple of strands go a very long way.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“Nonalcoholic options are essential for the modern host.”
Andrew Bohrer, Bartender and cocktail authority

Noughty Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Chardonnay

A non-alcoholic sparkling chardonnay good enough to keep on hand for hosting, no apology needed.

Read Andrew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“It is truly one of the most ethereal aromas that a human can enjoy and it comes in a pretty tin good for gifting.”
Andrew Bohrer, Bartender and cocktail authority

Harney & Sons Dragon Pearl Jasmine Tea

A jasmine pearl tea with an extraordinary aroma, packaged in a giftable tin.

Read Andrew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“They're the GOAT, and David Schomer is responsible for myriad innovations in coffee.”
Scott Heimendinger, who made this pick
Scott Heimendinger, Culinary inventor; founder, Seattle Ultrasonics

Espresso Vivace coffee beans

Single-order beans shipped within a day or two of roasting, with a subscription for peak freshness.

Read Scott's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“You can buy this classic Mexican fermented, pineapple, sugar, and cinnamon flavored beverage here in America now.”
Andrew Bohrer, Bartender and cocktail authority

Tepache Sazon Pineapple

A ready-made take on classic Mexican fermented pineapple, cinnamon, and sugar, no risk of a kitchen explosion.

Read Andrew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“Why not try some sal de gusano? They are delightful. They are a delicacy.”
Andrew Bohrer, Bartender and cocktail authority

Gran Mitla Sal de Gusano (agave worm salt)

A traditional Oaxacan agave-worm salt, a spicy-savory rimming and seasoning delicacy.

Read Andrew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“A couple of dashes mimics the acidity of about a half ounce of lime juice.”
Andrew Bohrer, Bartender and cocktail authority

Acid phosphate

A non-alcoholic acidulant that mimics citrus tartness in drinks and cooking, with a soda-history PDF included.

Read Andrew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“One of my go-to gifts is kolaches. They're kid-friendly and I have a connection with them through my mom's southern roots.”
Matthew Brown, Guest contributor; Portland-based picky eater

Kolaches

Kid-friendly Texas kolaches that several bakeries will ship out of state, a warm and personal gift.

Read Matthew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“I like buying people fancy-ass salt. Jacobsen salt is my favorite, it's from the Oregon coast.”
Geraldine DeRuiter, who made this pick
Geraldine DeRuiter, James Beard award-winning food writer

Jacobsen Salt Co. sea salt

Oregon-coast finishing salt, an affordable indulgence that works as a gift for almost anyone.

Read Geraldine's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“I've bought it for so many people who get hooked and can now no longer enjoy the crappy store brands.”
Rand Fishkin, who made this pick
Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO, SparkToro

Benedetto Cavalieri Spaghettoni

An artisan Italian spaghettoni so good it spoils recipients on supermarket pasta for good.

Read Rand's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“Recently, I sent a dozen red velvet cupcakes to a cousin on the east coast who was thrilled to wake up to the sweet treats.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Sprinkles red velvet cupcakes

Beverly Hills red velvet cupcakes shipped to a faraway friend, a sweet taste of the sender's hometown.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“These little cheese and butter-covered brioche buns are extra good with coffee, and they're one of my go-to gifts.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Ensaymadas

Filipino American cheese-and-butter brioche buns that pair beautifully with coffee, from a family-friend bakery.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2023
“It's practical, consumable, and is a loving act of service for someone you care about.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Boobie Bars

Lactation snack bars that double as a practical, consumable gift for new and nursing parents.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“I've sent out a couple of these gift baskets and they are overkill, but nobody complains.”
Andrew Bohrer, Bartender and cocktail authority

Zabar's Hanukkah Gift Basket

An over-the-top Hanukkah gift basket from Zabar's that reliably pleases, with no shopping-around required.

Read Andrew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“It's always valuable to take the time to seek out some real honey from real beekeepers.”
Andrew Bohrer, Bartender and cocktail authority

Dos Manos Honey

Small-producer honey from a beekeeper with a thoughtful, low-intervention philosophy on the hive.

Read Andrew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“I ordered a box of sampler cheese from their homeland, mostly so they could do what everybody wants to do with their food: share and explain it.”
Andrew Bohrer, Bartender and cocktail authority

Wisconsin Sampler Cheese Gift Basket

A sampler cheese basket meant to be shared and talked over, a taste of Wisconsin to gift.

Read Andrew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“Buy spices and smaller amounts less often and share them with your friends for freshness.”
Andrew Bohrer, Bartender and cocktail authority

Diaspora Co. single-origin spices

Fresh, single-origin spices from growers, best bought in small amounts and shared with friends.

Read Andrew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“Isigny Beurre de Baratte (French and full of crystals).”
Scott Heimendinger, who made this pick
Scott Heimendinger, Culinary inventor; founder, Seattle Ultrasonics

Isigny Beurre de Baratte

A crystal-flecked French churned butter, the standout in a flight of European gourmet butters.

Read Scott's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“These make for nice treats for your loved ones who are trying to make healthier drink choices.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Suja fresh pressed juices and shots

Fresh-pressed juices and wellness shots, a nice treat or care-package staple for healthier sipping.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“Their canned drinks are one of my faves to pop open after a long work day.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Recess sparkling drinks

Canned and powdered drinks with adaptogens and magnesium, a favorite end-of-workday wind-down.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“Pathfinder fills that void as well or better than any of the other NA spirits we've tried.”
Scott Heimendinger, who made this pick
Scott Heimendinger, Culinary inventor; founder, Seattle Ultrasonics

Pathfinder Hemp & Root non-alcoholic spirit

A non-alcoholic spirit with the bitter, herbaceous bite of an amaro, for the less-alcohol crowd.

Read Scott's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“Chill and serve them at your next party, or toss 'em into foodie gift baskets for some extra flair.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Assorted mini fruit jelly cups

Nostalgic assorted mini fruit jelly cups, best chilled and served at a party or tucked into a gift basket.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“Next up: radish and carrot chips which we shall call 'Santa Claus Chips.'”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Three-colour radish and carrot veggie chips

Radish and carrot veggie chips, a playful way to coax a picky eater toward new vegetables.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“When my mom hosts small parties, she likes to serve this almond and honey brittle.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Alicante Turron Candy

A Spanish almond-and-honey brittle turron, easier to eat than it looks, lovely on a party plate.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“The flavors are rich and amazing (truffle is my favorite, don't @ me), and you can even assemble your own custom box.”
Geraldine DeRuiter, who made this pick
Geraldine DeRuiter, James Beard award-winning food writer

BjornQorn popcorn (truffle)

Solar-popped popcorn with rich flavors, truffle the favorite, with a build-your-own custom box option.

Read Geraldine's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2024
“A couple of times a year I send him a gift certificate to Force of Nature.”
Andrew Bohrer, Bartender and cocktail authority

Force of Nature frozen meats

Regeneratively raised frozen meats, a thoughtful gift certificate for a friend who cooks often.

Read Andrew's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2025
“Yup, the hot sauces from the show. Buy the season 27 kit (at the time of this writing, on sale for $120!) for friends, loved ones, or even your significant other.”
Amanda Natividad, who made this pick
Amanda Natividad, VP Marketing, SparkToro

Hot Ones Season 27 Kit

Ten-bottle hot-sauce flight from the YouTube show — built for date-night dares, from gentle to face-melting.

Read Amanda's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2025
“Not for the faint of heart, but definitely for anyone who loves pepper flakes or spicy foods. They go beyond your basic pizzeria-style red pepper flakes. Varieties like Dark & Smoky, Calabrian Chile, and Sweet Heat mean there's a pepper blend for every meal.”
Kristy Morrison, Chief-of-Staff, SparkToro

Flatiron Pepper Co. blends

Pepper-flake blends that go far beyond pizzeria red — Dark & Smoky, Calabrian Chile, Sweet Heat — for people who actually love spice.

Read Kristy's full pick on SparkToro →View product →
Food & Drink · SparkToro · 2025
“I didn't know I could have a new favorite salt. Created by a process that sounds positively elven, this finishing salt adds flavor, texture, and bright salinity that make my other fancy salts seem… unseasoned.”
Scott Heimendinger, who made this pick
Scott Heimendinger, Founder, Seattle Ultrasonics

Blackthorn Natural Sea Salt Crystals

A Scottish finishing salt with bright salinity and crystal texture that outshines other premium salts.

Read Scott's full pick on SparkToro →View product →