Best Food Gifts 2017
Further proof snacks are always the answer
Even if you forgot to hit the mall for one last attempt at holiday shopping, there's still time to order ice cream that doesn't melt (really) or an olive oil subscription gift, because good snacks are always in style. Here are 10 ways to make sure everyone on your list ends up happy—and happily fed.
① Soom Foods Chocolate Sweet Tahini Halva
This spreadable treat is like the FedEx arrow: Once you see it—or taste it, in this case—you'll never be able to get it out of your mind. A two-pack means one jar for using in recipes, on toast and in smoothies, and another for eating straight with a spoon.
② K+M Chocolate Bars
What do you get when you combine the heads of three-Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller and olive oil expert Armando Manni? Single-origin chocolates that truly taste distinct depending on whether they hail from Ecuador, Nicaragua, Madagascar or Peru. Since it's the holidays, we suggest you go with the dark chocolate peppermint or milk winter spice bar.
Photo: K+M Extravirgin Chocolate
③ Snake River Farms Meat
Let one of Boston's top chefs do the shopping. Jamie Bissonnette has curated this box of various meat cuts, which comes complete with a recipe for each, black pepper-infused salt and harissa paste to dress it all up.
④ ReGrained Snack Bars
This innovative company takes spent grains from beer production and gives them new life as nutrient-packed granola bars. We're big fans of both flavors—chocolate coffee stout and honey cinnamon IPA—so do your friend a favor and get the six-pack sampler.
⑤ Cosmik Ice Cream
If this is what it's like to be an astronaut, sign us up. Give someone the seemingly impossible gift of ice cream that doesn't melt, thanks to this space food Kickstarter that was funded in just 71 hours. The sampler pack has it all, from peanut butter chocolate chip to cookies and cream.
⑥ Supernatural Rainbow Starfetti and Sequins
The number of things in life that aren't improved by sprinkles is pretty close to the number of things improved by bad-for-you ingredients. This Gail Simmons-backed company clears sprinkles of everything weird and artificial, leaving nothing but fun (and even traces of vegetables).
Photo: Supernatural
⑦ Instant Parlor Coffee
The Brooklyn-based roastery now sells a pre-ground version of its high-quality blends, meaning coffee goes from idea to mug in fewer steps—which is truly the ultimate gift.
⑧ Grove and Vine
Sorry, Trader Giotto's: This olive oil subscription, which delivers bottles from small producers around the world four times a year, is the clear winner for this pantry staple.
Photo: Leslie Brienza
⑨ Szechuan Chili Oil
Eleven spices and herbs go into this condiment, not to mention the types of chiles and Sichuan peppercorns, which add different levels of heat that seem to come at you from all directions. Needless to say, this oil is bound to make every meal more of an adventure.
⑩ Key Patisserie Gift Set
This one goes out to your friend who eats chocolate-covered everything. It's got cappuccino chocolate almonds, dark chocolate cherries and this Brooklyn company's signature, crunchy white chocolate golden raisins.