The Best Things We Ate In August: Mochi Ice Cream, Pasteli And More

A perfect marriage of soft ice cream and chewy candy, these portioned treats are great for warm-weather snacking. Each Bubbies ball consists of slow-churned ice cream wrapped in mochi—a sweet rice dough—that’s stretchy and chewy, making for a satisfying and addictive treat. There are a variety of flavors, including matcha, triple chocolate and pistachio. We enjoyed the red, ripe strawberry flavor, which felt like a refreshing reprieve from late-summer heat.

Cheerie Lane popcorn is unique for a few reasons: It uses are family-harvested heirloom kernels, cacao butter in place of cheap oils and comes in adorable cob-shaped pods. According to co-founder Kate Greer, part of her company’s mission is to “help folks find delight in slowing down” and we found that to be true. There’s something nostalgic about putting kernels in a stovetop pan and listening for the popping until they’re ready to enjoy. Just a few minutes later, we were indulging in warm, salty and buttery popcorn that tasted uniquely fresh and satisfying.

We may not be ready for pumpkin spice yet, but maple is a great gateway flavor into the cooler months. Just in time for fall, Califia Farms launched a new almond milk maple creamer. It’s made with organic ingredients and is free of additives like carrageenan. We’ve become obsessed with swirling this into both iced and hot coffee for a flavor boost that isn’t overly sweet.

Inspired by her 120-year old great-grandmother, who grew up eating plant-based foods, Niramaya founder Mehek Khera built her snack brand with wellness in mind. Her naan pretzels are no exception; made with grain-free flours like cassava and chickpea, avocado oil and Indian-inspired spices. Each variety is delightfully crunchy and flavorful, perfect for snacking on its own or pairing with a dip while entertaining. 

Nutty, crunchy and rich with health benefits like Vitamin E and calcium, the Pasteli Sesame Brittle from Primis Imports is a truly satisfying snack. It’s made with toasted sesame seeds, honey and pistachios—all sourced from Greece’s island of Crete. The result is a crispy, sweet treat that pairs perfectly with coffee or serves as a great mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Bawi co-founder Victor Guardiola wanted to reimagine agua fresca—the fruit juice-based beverage he remembers enjoying while growing up in Mexico—but in a modern, less sugary rendition. The result is Bawi: a line of sparkling agua fresca cans made with real fruit juice and only 40 to 60 calories per serving. We enjoyed sipping on the popular La Guayaba (guava) flavor on sweltering August afternoons. Its slightly sweet and perfectly bubbly mouthfeel makes it an excellent match for outdoor barbecues and taco takeout.

It’s hard to resist the inviting fragrance of basil this time of year, whether or not your garden is overflowing with it. Managing editor Emmy Favilla agrees. She hasn’t been able to stop using the O California Fresh Basil Olive Oil since trying it for the first time a couple of months ago. “I’ve been hooked ever since, drizzling it on anything I possibly can: crackers and cheese, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, you name it,” she says. “The fresh basil taste instantly makes anything a little brighter and more refreshing, and this is one pantry staple I’ll always be stocked up on from here on out.”