January is the perfect time to rethink how we eat, cook and nourish ourselves, but it doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour or fun. This year, we’ve been putting a range of kitchen staples and pantry favourites to the test, from snacks that feel treat-worthy to tools that make healthy cooking easier and more enjoyable. These are the products we reached for again and again, noticed real benefits from, and happily recommend if you’re setting healthier habits for 2026.
Whether you’re looking to snack smarter, elevate everyday meals, or introduce new flavour favourites into your routine, here’s what impressed us and why we think they’re worth a place in your kitchen.
New Forest Fruit Snacks
If you’re craving sweet snacks that actually feel good for you, these fruit snacks hit the spot. Made with simple ingredients and real fruit, we found them to be genuinely satisfying without the artificial aftertaste that many healthy snacks can have. They’re soft, flavourful and hit that sweet craving whenever it pops up, perfect for lunchboxes, gym bags or an afternoon pick-me-up.
What stood out most was how easy they were to enjoy regularly without feeling like a compromise. Even people in our office who usually prefer chocolate treats found themselves choosing these again and again.
Best for: Healthy snacking on the go
Buy yours HERE
OXO Good Grips – Handheld Mandoline Slicer
This nifty little tool has legitimately changed how we prep veggies. The OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Slicer makes it so easy to achieve uniform slices of cucumber, carrots, potatoes and more, perfect for salads, stir-fries and homemade chips.
We were impressed by how safe and simple it feels to use, even for tasks we used to dread. It’s sturdy, comfortable to hold and cuts precisely without requiring a lot of skill. Clean-up is quick too, which means healthier meals happen more often because we actually do them, not just plan them.
If you want to make veggie prep faster and more fun and elevate your home cooking, this tool is a kitchen game-changer.
Best for: Quick, precise veggie prep
Buy yours HERE
Hunter & Gather – Bone Broth Powder
Bone broth has become one of our go-to pantry staples, and this powder version from Hunter & Gather is a standout for its rich flavour and convenience. We love that it dissolves quickly into hot water or soups, offering that deep, comforting taste without hours of simmering.
Not only does it add depth to stews and sauces, but we found it especially nourishing on busy mornings or chilly evenings when we wanted something warm and soothing (hands down beating another beef drink out there on the market… naming no names). It’s full-bodied without being greasy and adds a nutritional boost that makes meals feel more wholesome.
Whether you’re making a broth bowl, cooking grains or just enjoying a cosy mugful, this bone broth powder brings serious flavour and nutrition.
Best for: Savoury flavour and nourishment
Buy yours HERE
Muush – Mushroom Soft Drinks
If you’re curious about functional drinks that support focus, calm and overall wellbeing, this option from Muush was a pleasant discovery. Subtle, earthy and comforting, it’s become a favourite mid-afternoon ritual for us, a moment to slow down without caffeine overload.
We noticed it helped settle our minds on busy days, and the flavours are more enjoyable than you might expect if you’re new to mushroom-based beverages. It pairs beautifully with a cosy corner and good book or makes a lovely alternative to your standard brew.
It’s simple to prepare and feels like a little act of self-care in a cup. Perfect if you’re exploring wellness beyond just food.
Best for: Calm focus and daily ritual
Buy yours HERE
The Groovy Food Co – Hot Honey
Hot honey has been everywhere, but this version from The Groovy Food Co genuinely impressed us with its perfect balance of sweetness and gentle heat. It’s rich, smooth, and layered in flavour, sweet enough to be comforting, but with a subtle kick that keeps it interesting.
What really stands out is how versatile and approachable it feels. It elevates everyday meals effortlessly, adding depth and personality without ever being overpowering. We found ourselves reaching for it again and again, not just as a condiment but as a little pantry treat that makes cooking feel more fun and flavourful.
A little really does go a long way, and its quality and taste make it feel premium while still being practical for daily use. If you’re looking for something that brings both excitement and balance to your kitchen, this is one we can’t recommend enough.
Best for: Sweet heat that lifts everyday meals
Buy yours HERE
Chilli No. 5 – Passport Piccante Gift Set
If you love a bit of spice but also enjoy discovering new flavours, this Passport Piccante Gift Set is a total treat. We spent a few weeks sampling each of the 12 mini sauces, and it was genuinely exciting to explore how different chillies and spice blends can completely change a meal. Each one has its own personality. Some are fruity and gentle, others bold and fiery and the variety kept us coming back to try the next one.
What really impressed us was the balance and craftsmanship. None of the sauces felt harsh or one-dimensional; even the hotter ones had depth, layering heat with flavour rather than just pure spice. It’s clear a lot of care went into creating something that’s enjoyable for anyone, whether you’re new to chilli or a seasoned fan.
The packaging is sleek and fun, too – opening it feels like unwrapping a little adventure, and it’s perfect for trying new flavours without committing to a full bottle. This is now a staple in our kitchen for lifting everyday meals and experimenting with spice.
Best for: Anyone who loves exploring flavourful heat
Buy yours HERE
Final thoughts
These healthy eats and kitchen essentials are going to make January tastier, easier and more enjoyable, and they’re all things we genuinely know you will keep reaching for. If your New Year goals include eating well, feeling nourished and making cooking more joyful, this list gives you a great place to start.
