The midnight snack is a habit I’m actively trying to curb, but that doesn’t mean my cabinet can’t be stocked for other occasions. Here’s what’s currently on my snack and drink roster.
For the charcuterie board: Clif Family
While Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford are most famous for the Clif energy bar, they have another venture close to their heart. Clif Family Winery & Farm started as a small family garden just outside Napa. It’s since turned into a B Corp business committed to organic food, sustainable practices, zero waste, and conserving natural resources.
In addition to a nice selection of wine, Clif Family offers honey, oil, nut mixes, and preserves. I personally love the Organic Rosemary Almonds & Pistachios ($9). The rosemary flavor is strong without tasting like Thanksgiving. If you don’t want to order online, Clif Family has a few NYC stockists, including the TIN Building in FiDi and R&D Foods in Prospect Heights.
For a bubbly buzz: Illicit Elixirs
What’s more dope than dopamine? Illicit Elixirs is putting a twist on health and wellness through their functional medicine approach. Dopamine is the hormone in charge of mood, memory, motivation, and more, and every can of this fizzy drink includes ingredients like ginseng and vitamin C to support its production.
Packed with real fruit juice, antioxidants, and no artificial sweeteners, the elixirs are a fun alternative to alcohol or CBD drinks ($14.75 for a pack of 4). With flavors like Late Night Fruity Call and Vegas Debauch-a-Berry (my favorite), Illicit Elixirs is bound to get the party started.
For a feel-good treat: Date Better
I always need something sweet to close out dinnertime, and these stuffed dates from Date Better are a great all-natural dessert. Medjool dates—known as nature’s candy for their caramel texture—are filled with nut butter and covered in 85% organic chocolate. The result is a soy-, dairy-, preservative-, and palm-oil-free treat that has less than one gram of added sugar.
Date Better currently has 5 different flavors, ranging from a classic peanut butter to a more adventurous lime cashew ($36 for 12 dates). My favorite is the Almond Java Crunch, which has bits of espresso beans for a little coffee kick.
Pro tip: keep them in your fridge so they don’t melt!
For a gutsy fizz: Culture Pop
Probiotics and natural ingredients are the girlies’ answer to a market that’s oversaturated with sugars and artificial flavors. Culture Pop combines organic fruit juices, spices, and herbs to make this soda alternative. Every can also contains live probiotics that support gut health and digestion.
Even though Culture Pop sounds healthy, it still tastes amazing. Black Cherry or Lemon Lime are your best bets for soda standards. I adore the more adventurous flavors like Strawberry & Rhubarb and Ginger Lemon & Turmeric. Pack them for a picnic, or pair them with your lunch for a little pick-me-up.
For a special occasion: Sakuraco
These subscription boxes may have the most exclusive snacks of all. Every month, Sakuraco partners with makers and artisans to curate a selection of goods from different areas in Japan. Many of the products can only be found in the local region since they come from family-owned businesses.
My most recent box focused on Hakone, a city in the mountainous Kanagawa Prefecture ($35.50/month for 3 months). The White Miso Financier was a beautiful balance of sweet and salty, and a slightly sweet yellow bean paste filled the Tsuru no Sato Marshmallow. I enjoyed my snacks with a warm cup of ryokucha, this month’s special tea. Sakuraco is a lovely way to learn more about Japanese culture and experience local delicacies—without having to leave your home.
