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What shoppers should know about plastic-wrapped produce

By Johnita Anthony,
  MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) – Grocery shoppers are noticing more fruits and veggies wrapped in single-use plastic, and opinions are split. According to a Yahoo report, some shoppers appreciate the convenience and perceived freshness, while others worry about waste, cost and whether that thin layer actually protects produce. Stores are responding to preferences, but it’s helpful to know what to look for at the produce aisle. Here are practical points to keep in mind so your purchases match your priorities: Freshness vs. waste: Plastic can reduce bruising and moisture loss, but not always enough to justify the extra packaging for every item. Price and value: Packaged produce often costs more per item. Check unit pricing or compare with loose options. Safety and hygiene: Some shoppers prefer wrapping for perceived cleanliness, but rinsing loose produce at home is effective too. Recyclability: Look for recycling symbols — thin film plastic often needs special drop-off recycling, no...

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Which store-bought sugar cookies are worth buying

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By Johnita Anthony,
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) – For busy parents, hosts, or last-minute bakers, picking the right pre-made cookie can mean the difference between a party hit and a disappointing dessert. Grocery-store sugar cookies aren’t all the same. Some are soft and buttery, others are thin and overly sweet, and a few land somewhere deliciously in between. 

This roundup by 'Mashed' ranks popular grocery brands on flavor profiles, texture, value, ingredient transparency and how well they hold up to frosting or decorating. To compare how sugar cookies from major grocery chains truly measure up, the author gathered as many varieties as possible from local Walmart, Albertsons, Smith’s (Kroger), Target, Sprouts, Aldi, and Costco. After tasting them all, they assembled this ranking from best to worst:
  1. Kirkland Signature Butter Sugar Cookies (Costco)
  2. Sprouts Baked Fresh Daily Sugar Cookies
  3. Freshness Guaranteed Frosted Sugar Cookies (Walmart)
  4. Ethel's Baking Co. Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
  5. Pepperidge Farm Ojai Soft Baked Lemon Sugar Cookies
  6. Favorite Day Bakery Hot Cocoa Frosted Sugar Cookies (Target)
  7. Bakery Fresh Frosted Sugar Cookies (Kroger/Smith’s)
  8. Benton's Sugar Cookies in Music Tin (Aldi)
  9. Sprouts Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies
  10. Kimberley’s Bakeshoppe Vanilla Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies (Albertsons/Vons)
Share thoughts on your favorite butter cookie with the Youdle Community! To see where your favorite butter cookies are in stock now, search our Youdle product locator. 

For more details on Mashed's top picks with brand-by-brand commentary, read the original article. 

Quick shopper tips: warm cookies briefly for a fresher taste, store in an airtight container to preserve softness, and consider buying extra if you plan to decorate — damaged cookies are hard to patch.

Happy cookie hunting and happy snacking! Share this article with friends.
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