What I buy
I read labels for a living. Here's what passes.
30 things I actually buy with my own money: food, kitchen gear and everyday stuff.
Label checkedNo paid placements. Nothing here was sent free.
$ = commission. Your price doesn't change.
Recipe changes? It comes off the list.
The easy swaps
From the teardownsSkipThe tub of "cream cheese"
→
BuyThe foil-wrapped brick
The tub is cream cheese spread, a different standard that allows more water and adds gums. 21 CFR 133.133
SkipPre-grated parmesan in a can
→
BuyA wedge. Grate it yourself.
Grated cheese carries cellulose, and FDA found one "100% parmesan" with none in it. FDA report via Bloomberg
SkipA jar that just says "cinnamon"
→
BuyOne labeled Ceylon
"Cinnamon" on a label is almost always cassia. 21 CFR 182.10
SkipNon-dairy creamer, if you want cream
→
BuyHalf-and-half
The original creamer is water, corn syrup solids and soybean oil. Half-and-half is milk and cream. Ingredient statement, Sep 2026
Start here
If you buy one thing per aisleFood
12 picksKitchen
11 picksMisc
7 picksWant me to check something?
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