Taste Test

The Best (and Worst) Jam, Local and Not

Keep a little summer sunshine going with these berry jams.

01/09/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

TLDR

Taste Test Champions: Best Ketchup, Mustard, Chips, Kombucha, Chocolate, and More

Here's our 8 top winter picks from Portland and Oregon.

01/03/2024 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

Portland’s Best Holiday Cookies

Need to sweeten up a holiday party? These are our favorites.

12/19/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best Sourdough Bread

We tested classics from Ken’s Artisan Bakery and Grand Central Bakery against newcomers like Cafe Olli. These are our favorite crusty, crumby loaves in Portland.

12/12/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best (and Worst) Oregon-Made Chais

Oregon is overflowing with local chais. We tried concentrates and powders from Soul Chai, One Stripe Chai, Smith Teamaker, Oregon Chai and more.

12/05/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best (and Worst) Eggnog from Portland and Beyond

We squared off five holiday nogs, including Alpenrose and Alexandre Family Farm.

11/28/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best (and Worst) Hot Chocolates from Portland and Beyond

Move over, Swiss Miss. We tasted hot chocolate mixes from Woodblock, Cloudforest, Momo Cocoa, Moonstruck, Treehouse, and Wildwood.

11/21/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best (and Worst) Chile Crisps from Portland and Beyond

Whether you’re new to chile crisp (read on!) or obsessed, we’ve got answers: we pitted Lao Gan Ma and Fly By Jing against local brands.

11/14/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best (and Worst) Bacon from Oregon and Beyond

Whether you like it thick or thin, chewy or crispy, here are our top picks for porky goodness.

11/07/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best (and Worst) Black Teas, from Portland and Beyond

We pitted four teas by local favorite Steven Smith Teamaker against national brands like Lipton.

10/31/2023 By Arianne Cohen

Taste Test

The Best Greek Yogurt from Oregon and Beyond

We tested classic Fage against Pacific Northwest brands like Ellenos, Nancy’s, and Tillamook.

10/24/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best (and Worst) Oat Milks, Local and Not

We tested a lone Oregon oat milk against big brands like Oatly and Planet Oat.

10/17/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

Our Favorite Oregon-Made Gins

Portland is a gin town. We compared gins including Aria, Freeland, and Jaz Spirits.

10/11/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best Oregon Cheeses for Your Charcuterie Board

Look to these local cheesemakers for your next fancy cheese fix.

10/03/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best Vanilla Ice Cream from Oregon and Beyond

What’s our favorite sweet and creamy goodness for scooping into sundaes and eating alongside pies?

09/26/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Chocolate

Taste Test: Best (and Worst) Dark Chocolate, Local and Not

Which low-sugar bar should you reach for when you're craving chocolate? We tested PNW bars like Theo and JCoco, alongside national bars like Ghirardelli.

09/12/2023 By Arianne Cohen

Taste Test

The Best Salami, Local and Not

We tasted cured meats from national brands and local competitors, to find which will take you on a trip to Flavortown.

09/05/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best (and Worst) Cheddar Cheeses from Oregon and Beyond

Is Tillamook cheese worth the hype? From Tillamook to store brands, medium to extra sharp, these are the cheddars to stock in your fridge—and the cheddars to avoid.

08/29/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best (and Worst) Kombucha, Local and Not

We pitted local brands like Camellia Grove, Humm, and Brew Dr. against nationwide giant GT’s.

08/15/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Condiments

Taste Test: Best (and Worst) Ketchups, Local and Not

We compared three Oregon-made ketchups to international megabrand, Heinz. Which belong in your fridge?

08/08/2023 By Arianne Cohen