There are several family packs on offer at the chain restaurant, from chicken-tender dinners to pulled-pork meals, all of which come with a salad, two shareable side dishes, and rolls with cinnamon butter.

Each is priced between $40 and $55, which seemed like a deal to me, considering the last time my party of four visited a Texas Roadhouse, a similar meal cost three times as much.

To place our order, I visited the Texas Roadhouse website on my phone, selected the meal I wanted, chose a pickup time, and paid.

Immediately after ordering, I started receiving text-message updates about the status of my order, including how to pick it up.

Later that evening, my husband got our food from Texas Roadhouse's curbside pickup. He texted his parking-space number to the restaurant and waited for our order to be brought out to his car.

The whole process was incredibly easy.

We chose the sirloin family pack for $55, which came with two 8-ounce and two 6-ounce steaks.

When I placed the order, the default cooking temperature was medium, with no option to change it. Luckily, that's how we prefer our steaks cooked anyway.

We also had to choose between a house or Caesar salad, then pick two sides from a list of mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, green beans, and seasoned rice.

Additionally, we could've paid extra to add drinks like a gallon of sweet tea or lemonade to our meal, but we stuck with the basics.

Our four steaks were cooked perfectly with light-pink centers in line with a medium cook.

Out of curiosity, my husband checked each steak's temperature with an internal thermometer and found that each fell between the range that's considered medium, about 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

The steaks had beautiful grill marks and a perfect char-grilled flavor on the outside, while remaining moist and tender on the inside.

We all agreed these were the best steaks we've had from Texas Roadhouse.

As the mom of one picky eater and one kid who will try anything, I appreciated the number of side dishes there were to choose from, from green beans to seasoned rice.

I gladly let my kids pick since everything sounded good to me. Their choices were mashed potatoes with brown gravy and buttered corn, each was served in a huge 16-ounce portion.

Both sides were really delicious and simple. They made perfect accompaniments to our tasty steak, and we had plenty of leftovers afterward that my kids snacked on throughout the week.

My kids fondly remember visits to Texas Roadhouse because of the chain's iconic cinnamon butter and golden-brown rolls.

With our family meal, we received a dozen warm rolls and a tub of cinnamon butter so large that we eventually threw half away.

My kids downed most of the rolls during our meal and loved having a few left over to warm in the microwave and slather with cinnamon butter later in the week.

For our order, we chose the Caesar instead of the house salad since it's among my daughter's favorite foods.

It came in a 9-by-11-inch aluminum pan along with several containers of Caesar dressing. As I unpacked the meal, I suggested we use the salad for dinner the next day, since we had so much food to eat — my family agreed.

The following night, we paired it with grilled chicken I quickly whipped up to make it into a full dinner. It was a delicious meal, and I'm glad the salad kept well in the lidded aluminum tray.

The lettuce was still nice and crunchy, and the croutons were, too.

When it comes to this Texas Roadhouse meal deal, I truly have no notes.

For the price, we received 32 ounces of well-cooked, sirloin steak, two pounds of side dishes, a dozen rolls, and a gigantic pan-full of salad.

The $55 price tag ($58 after tax) seemed well worth it to me. Plus, some of the other meals available, like pulled pork or pork chops, only cost $45.

I honestly enjoyed Texas Roadhouse's food way more in the privacy of my own home, away from its loud music and bustling bar scene.

I'd absolutely order this deal again to feed my family, and I'll also keep it in mind the next time I get a meal train sign-up email for someone in need.

It would be perfect for dropping off at a friend's or neighbor's house, especially since everything was packaged up so well with coordinating, air-tight lids.

The pack contained so much food that a small family could easily stretch it for a few days.

This story was originally published on September 1, 2025, and most recently updated on April 29, 2026.

Hummus is one of my favorite foods for rounding out snacks and meals.

Since it's made primarily from chickpeas, it adds fiber, plant-based protein, and iron in a form that's easy to eat.

I use the roasted-garlic version as a dip, sandwich spread, salad dressing, or addition to a snack plate, and I especially love pairing it with Trader Joe's mini cucumbers for the perfect no-prep snack.

The combination of protein and live probiotic cultures makes Trader Joe's Greek yogurt one of my most-used staples.

I use it as a breakfast base with fruit and chia seeds, as a smoothie thickener, or in savory meals as a sour-cream substitute.

I usually buy the plain version with no added sugar, so I can add my own fruit or chia jam, and control the sweetness myself.

As a fermented dairy product, kefir contains a wider variety of probiotic strains than yogurt and can help support healthy digestion.

The strawberry version from Trader Joe's is drinkable and lightly sweet, without the pronounced tartness plain kefir can have.

On mornings when I don't have time to put breakfast together, I'll pour a glass alongside a piece of seeded toast or fruit for a quick, gut-health-boosting breakfast.

One thing to note: Trader Joe's flavored kefirs contain added sugars, so if you're looking to avoid that, I suggest going for the plain version.

I love having Trader Joe's rice medley in my freezer because it provides a more interesting base for dinner.

The mix of whole grains adds more fiber than white rice alone and pairs well with curries, stir-fries, and roasted vegetables. I just microwave it in the pouch for three minutes.

Each half-cup serving of Trader Joe's garbanzo beans contains both fiber and plant-based protein, making this a must-have item in my pantry.

There are so many ways to prepare these beans. I air fry them for a crunchy snack, toss them into salads and grain bowls, stir them into soups, add them to dense bean salads, or blend them into sauces.

Since they're shelf-stable, I always have a can (or three) on hand to make a filling meal with minimal prep.

I love salad kits that taste good because they make me far more likely to prepare lunch instead of defaulting to takeout.

Trader Joe's sesame-crunch chopped salad kit has pre-shredded vegetables, a flavorful sesame dressing, and crunchy toppings that make it feel like a real meal instead of a side salad.

To make it more substantial, I like to add grilled chicken and edamame.

Lentils are one of my favorite foods for adding plant-based protein and fiber to a meal. I especially like Trader Joe's precooked version because it saves me a lot of time.

I use them in a shortcut for lentil soup, as the base of bowls, and even in tacos when I want a plant-forward meal. They're also a good source of iron, which is another reason they're a staple in my fridge.

Trader Joe's turkey burgers are one of the freezer staples I rely on most when I need dinner ready quickly.

Turkey is a complete protein and provides a good source of B vitamins like B6 and B12, which support energy production, mood, and cognitive function.

These burgers cook quickly in the air fryer or on the stove, and I use them in burger bowls, on salads, or with a whole-grain bun and sweet-potato fries for a quick weeknight meal.

Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, and the fire-roasting process gives them a depth of flavor you wouldn't expect from a frozen vegetable.

I add these to tacos, fajitas, and grain bowls when I want a vegetable that's already chopped, cooked, and ready to eat. This product saves me time, adds color and flavor, and makes it easier to eat my servings of vegetables.

Edamame is one of the few plant-based foods that contains all nine essential amino acids — AKA the ones the body can't make on its own and, therefore, has to get from food.

The legume is also an excellent source of fiber, which supports digestion, helps stabilize blood sugar, and sustains fullness.

I keep a bag in the freezer at all times, and like to steam a bowl for a mid-afternoon snack.

Frozen fruit is one of the easiest ways to keep a healthy option on hand without worrying about it going bad.

Plus, since frozen fruit is picked and processed at peak ripeness, its vitamin and antioxidant content is comparable to that of fresh versions.

I especially like picking up Trader Joe's Very Cherry Berry blend, which provides a nice variety of cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. It's perfect for smoothies or as an oatmeal topping.

Trader Joe's organic seeded bread makes toast or a sandwich feel more substantial. The seeds are a great source of healthy fats, magnesium, and fiber.

I especially like using this bread for turkey and avocado sandwiches at lunch, and I'll have it with peanut butter and banana before a workout.

Keep reading our Trader Joe's diaries here.

The sign read, "We love it as much as you do. It's why we made this collection that captures matcha's unique vibrancy and energy."

I was particularly fond of the mug on the far left, with the paint splatters, and the mug second from the right.

We were off to a strong start, but the good vibes didn't last long.

A grande iced matcha latte at my local Starbucks costs $6.25 for 16 fluid ounces.

I only needed to take one sip to know something did not taste right to me.

Matcha, a type of green tea, is not sweet — it's bitter. So I usually add a little bit of sweetener to it (most frequently a pump of vanilla).

Starbucks adds, by default, three pumps of classic syrup to a matcha latte, so if I added more syrup, it could be disgustingly sweet.

However, this drink was so bitter that I had to double-check that the syrup had been added. It had — I just couldn't handle it, I guess.

This drink looked thick and creamy, precisely what I would want, but it ended up being a bit more watery than I thought.

Ultimately, it felt like I was drinking bitter, watery green tea. The chain uses unsweetened powder, which I think threw me off.

Starbucks confirmed that in January 2025, it switched from sweetened matcha powder to an unsweetened one to give customers more customization options.

Once I shook it up and stopped drinking from the straw, the latte got better, but it still wasn't for me.

Of the three chains I visited, Starbucks easily had the most options to customize its drinks, and it has the most expansive matcha menu, with 16 different types, including Dubai chocolate, banana bread, and lavender cream. Clearly, the chain is responding to customer demand for its matcha.

In the future, I think I would add vanilla syrup or try another flavor combination to reach my preferred level of sweetness. But as it stands, I didn't love the basic option.

Onto the next!

A medium matcha latte from Dunkin' set me back $5.49, so it was slightly cheaper than Starbucks and came in a larger size at 24 fluid ounces.

However, it really just tasted like matcha-flavored milk to me.

Both Starbucks and Dunkin' use three scoops of matcha powder in their standard drinks, but while Starbucks uses syrup to sweeten it, Dunkin' uses cane sugar.

This didn't taste bad, but if I was really craving the earthy taste of matcha, I wouldn't go back to Dunkin'.

That said, I would recommend this to someone who has never had matcha before and is looking to ease into it. They'll be shopping for the ceremonial grade stuff in no time.

Dunkin' did not respond to a request for comment regarding its matcha recipe or use of sweeteners.

This cost $5.27 for 16 fluid ounces, placing it in the middle of the three in terms of cost per fluid ounce.

Tim Hortons uses a sweetened matcha powder, which I think made all the difference. They don't add any additional sweeteners, so this struck the perfect balance of being slightly sweet, not too milky, and still having that earthy flavor.

Tim Hortons did not respond to a request for comment regarding its matcha recipe.

Not too sweet, not too bitter, a reasonable price — what more could I ask for?

Sadly, there's only one Tim's in all of Manhattan (in addition to two in Brooklyn and four in Staten Island). The Midtown location isn't the most convenient from my apartment or office, so I don't think I'll be able to add it to the rotation.

I really enjoyed the Timbits I ordered with my drink, too.

Please expand, Tim Hortons! I'll become a dedicated Horton Head and drink matcha every day if one were closer.

With "extra-loaded" in the name, I was expecting to be impressed.

The thin-crust pie is topped with bell peppers, Italian sausage, red onion, pepperoni, and mushrooms.

When I removed this pizza from the box, though, it looked like it was only topped with cheese. Upon closer inspection, I saw a smattering of toppings buried beneath the shreds. I was curious to see how it'd cook.

This pizza cost me $5.49, and serves five.

The photo on the box didn't look anything like my final pizza.

Once cooked, the toppings were nearly invisible aside from a few peppers and pepperoni pieces sticking out on the edges.

The cheese got wonderfully golden, but the peppers and meat pieces below it didn't crisp up much. All in all, this pizza had a decent flavor, but not enough toppings.

This was still better than frozen pizzas I've tried from many other brands, but it was my least favorite of the group.

The Mama Cozzi's French-bread pepperoni pizza is made with mozzarella and topped with pepperoni.

I paid only $2.79 for a box with two pieces; each is one serving.

This felt more like a toasted, open-faced pepperoni sandwich than a pizza. The bread was crunchy, but I found myself missing a more typical crust.

Plus, this seemed to have far less cheese than any other pizzas I tried. I could see way too much of the sauce peeking through the layer of shredded mozzarella.

Still, I enjoyed eating this and thought the pepperoni (made with pork, beef, and chicken) tasted exceptionally good.

For what it's worth, I lived on the Mama Cozzi's original thin-crust pizzas throughout the pandemic. These cost a little more now than in 2021, but they're still a great value at $3.19 for a pie that serves three.

For this taste test, I tried the supreme variety, which comes with sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, and onion.

This pizza was pretty impressive as it seemed loaded with all of the aforementioned toppings. Each bite seemed to have pepperoni or sausage.

The cracker-like crust wasn't anything to write home about in terms of flavor, but it was the perfect crunchy conduit for the toppings.

Flatbread pizzas can be hit or miss. Sometimes their crusts get soggy or too crisp, but they can be delicious when done well.

This rectangular flatbread pizza from Mama Cozzi's that I tried is made with both sliced and diced pepperoni, plus fresh mozzarella.

It cost me $4.79 and comes with two servings.

I was pleasantly surprised by my very first bite. The crust was buttery and flaky in a light, airy, beautiful way.

The ratio of cheese to meat seemed well-balanced, and the different pepperoni cuts helped the toppings feel more evenly distributed.

The rectangular shape made the pizza fairly easy to eat, which I also liked. All in all, this pizza was delicious.

The most indulgent pizza of them all seemed to be the Mama Cozzi's four-cheese pizza with a rising crust described as "fluffy" and "full."

Toppings include Asiago, Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella, and in terms of ounces, this pizza was the heaviest.

It cost me $4.19 and has six servings.

As essentially promised by the box, the crust was the softest and most pillowy of the pies on this list.

I tasted notes of each individual cheese atop a slightly sweet red sauce. Parmesan and Asiago added a nice variety of salty flavors to the pie.

Plus, I found it incredibly filling — after two slices, I was satisfied.

It was fantastic, even eaten cold and leftover, the next day. This would've been my favorite if not for one dark horse.

The Mama Cozzi's stone-baked veggie pizza with an Italian crust seemed loaded with red onion, spinach, grilled peppers, and grilled zucchini.

I wasn't super excited to try it since I really enjoy meat and was a bit turned off by how little mozzarella appeared to be on the pie based on the photo on the box.

I paid $3.99 for the pizza, which contains four servings.

I was skeptical at first, but this pizza blew me away.

There was so little sauce that I barely noticed it, but I didn't find I actually needed or wanted more. The pizza wasn't dry, and I liked that the vegetables on top were spread to the edge of the crust.

The crust tasted buttery — though not as buttery as the flatbread's — and was very flavorful with Italian herbs and a crunchy yet fluffy texture.

This pizza's toppings were the tastiest and most colorful. With so many textures and flavors, the slight lack of cheese didn't bother me after all.

All in all, this pizza was my top pick.

This story was originally published on June 3, 2025, and most recently updated on April 24, 2026.

Cost: $4.99 for 12 fluid ounces

Calories: 210 calories

Protein: 16 grams

Added sugar: 7 grams

The taste of the Remedy Organics Cacao Essentials Protein Shake was what I could best describe as healthy.

The date-sweetened drink is packed with plant-based ingredients, including adaptogens like ashwagandha and maca root powders as well as tapioca prebiotic powder.

But taste-wise, they weren't as sweet-treat-like as some of the other shakes. It tasted strongly of cacao, but it felt a little chalky, and seemed saltier than it did sweet.

While I liked the drink's ingredients, I really disliked the taste. If you're looking for a plant-based, adaptogen-full drink that will also help you reach protein goals, this could be an option for you — but don't go into it expecting a sweet chocolate milk type of drink.

Flavor rating: 1/10

Overall rating: 6/10

Cost: $3.99 for 14 fluid ounces

Calories: 170 calories

Protein: 25 grams

Added sugar: 0 grams

When I first poured the Muscle Milk Zero Sugar shake, I noticed just how dark and thick it was. Tasting it, I found that it was way too sweet for my taste. This, combined with the thick texture, made for a pretty interesting drinking experience — I had to wash down the shake with some water to follow up the sweet taste left in my mouth.

Although I couldn't finish drinking the small taste I'd poured myself, it also had the fewest calories and grams of sugar in the ranking, the highest fiber, and I felt like the protein payoff was great, which made the overly sweet taste feel more like a trade-off.

If you're trying to get half of your daily protein in as few calories as possible while also watching out for sugar content, this drink might be good to have on your radar … but you'll have to remind yourself of the nutrients in every sip.

Do it for the protein, bro.

Flavor rating: 3/10

Overall rating: 6/10

Cost: $4.99 for 12 fluid ounces

Calories: 190 calories

Protein: 18 grams

Added sugar: 4 grams

Compared to some of the other protein drinks, I found Koia's Cacao Bean protein shake to be very thin and light in color when I first poured it.

Its flavor, as the name would indicate, is very cacao-bean forward. To me, it tasted exactly like cacao nibs, which can lean more nutty and earthy than chocolate-y.

In a statement to Business Insider, Koia said the Cacao Bean protein shake is "crafted to highlight cacao's naturally bold, slightly bitter profile rather than masking it with excessive sweetness or artificial flavoring," resulting in a flavor that "may be less sweet than traditional protein shakes."

The almond-based, monk-fruit-sweetened drink, which isn't too sweet and packs in plant-based ingredients like rice, pea, and chickpea protein and a prebiotic blend, wasn't one of my favorites for taste, although it was fairly competitive with the other options in terms of nutrients.

Flavor rating: 4/10

Overall rating: 5/10

Cost: $2.00 for 11 fluid ounces

Calories: 350 calories

Protein: 12 grams

Added sugar: 39 grams

I found the flavor of the chocolate Sport Shake to be one of the most enjoyable in the ranking, and it reminded me a lot of plain chocolate milk — it was very, very sweet. I also liked that it didn't taste too much like dairy, something that bothered me with other drinks in the lineup.

However, the drink's sweet and tasty flavor was overshadowed by its ultra-high added sugar content of 39 grams, or more than 9 teaspoons.

While the drink has some fiber in it, coming in with 3 grams, and it was the cheapest of the ranking, I couldn't justify that much sugar. I will probably not reach for this again.

Flavor rating: 8/10

Overall rating: 1/10

Cost: $2.50 for 14 fluid ounces

Calories: 250 calories

Protein: 14 grams

Added sugar: 18 grams

I was shocked when I learned that Nesquik's classic chocolate milk could be considered a nutritional drink.

At 14 grams of protein, as advertised on the bottle, the drink has more grams of protein per serving than other drinks labeled as protein drinks.

Tasting it was just as nostalgic as expected. Compared to some of the other drinks, however, I noticed it had a stronger dairy taste and was very sweet, with a total of 18 grams of added sugar.

I also noticed that the bottle recommended a portion of half a bottle, probably due to the drink's high sugar content, which would also result in half the protein intake overall.

I probably wouldn't have reached for this in adulthood if not to compare it here, and I probably won't really reach for it again.

Flavor rating: 6/10

Overall rating: 4/10

Cost: $5.99 for 14 fluid ounces

Calories: 220 calories

Protein: 40 grams

Added sugar: 0 grams

Like its low-sugar version, the Muscle Milk Pro looked dark and thick. Taste-wise, the drink was sweeter than chocolate-y, and I didn't love the flavor.

Although the drink packs an impressive 40 grams of protein in 14 ounces and 220 calories, has the highest ratio of protein to fluid ounces, and also has the highest fiber content in the list, the taste was one of my least favorites, and I had to wash it down with some water after tasting, as it had such a lingering flavor on the tongue.

When considering the nutritional aspects of the drink, however, I felt like the taste was a solid trade-off for one of the most protein-efficient drinks in the ranking, having the second-highest amount of grams of protein in a single bottle.

But if you're strictly going for the ultra-high-protein option, the Fairlife Core Power Elite — which comes later in this ranking — might be a better bet for flavor.

Flavor rating: 4/10

Overall rating: 7/10

Cost: $4.49 for 12 fluid ounces

Calories: 200 calories

Protein: 32 grams

Added sugar: 0 grams

When I first poured the OWYN — which stands for Only What You Need — Pro Elite Protein Shake, it looked much thicker than some of the other drinks in the ranking.

It tasted vastly different from the others, too. The ingredients gave some clues as to why: The main ingredients — water, pea protein, pumpkin protein, and flaxseed oil — were completely different from the other shakes.

The plant-based, dairy-, soy-, and wheat-free drink, which contains 3 grams of prebiotics, uses monk fruit extract to sweeten its cocoa-heavy flavor, and also has a greens blend that includes spinach, kale, and broccoli.

I figured that the odd flavor I experienced was perhaps due to some of its most health-forward ingredients, like the greens blend.

In a statement to Business Insider, OWYN said that the exclusion of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols in the formula "sometimes means a more natural, earthy taste profile," when compared to their regular shake, which uses a blend of organic cane sugar and monk fruit.

Ultimately, I wasn't a fan of the taste and probably wouldn't reach for this drink again, although nutrition-wise, it was a solid ultra-high-protein plant-based option.

Flavor rating: 5/10

Overall rating: 6/10

Cost: $5.99 for 14 fluid ounces

Calories: 230 calories

Protein: 42 grams

Added sugar: 0 grams

One of three protein shakes in Fairlife's line, the Core Power Elite shake was a bit thinner than many of the other drinks I tried.

It was less sweet than Fairlife's regular chocolate milk, which I didn't mind. However, it had a much stronger dairy taste — I don't love the taste of dairy milk, so this worked against the drink for me.

Still, its insane amount of protein — as much as a whole chicken breast — earned it extra points in my ranking.

This drink was something I didn't mind drinking, even if I wouldn't usually go for it. Even as a non-gym-bro, I would probably reach for this drink if I were trying to get well over half of my needed protein for the day in a single serving.

Flavor rating: 5/10

Overall rating: 8/10

Cost: $2.50 for 11 fluid ounces

Calories: 330 calories

Protein: 15 grams

Added sugar: 29 grams

When I poured the chocolate Nutrament, I noticed its consistency was among the runniest in the ranking.

The drink, the second-cheapest drink in the lineup, tasted just like chocolate milk, although it was still a bit too sweet for me.

I also noticed it had a long ingredients list with many unfamiliar terms, but on closer inspection, some seemed to be added vitamins and minerals. The drink also had the second-highest added sugar content at 29 grams.

The high sugar and comparatively low protein knocked this drink down a few points for me, and although I enjoyed it, I probably wouldn't reach for this.

Flavor Rating: 9/10

Overall Rating: 5/10

Cost: $3.29 for 14 fluid ounces

Calories: 250 calories

Protein: 23 grams

The second in Fairlife's line, its chocolate ultra-filtered milk, was another nostalgic offering.

It was very sweet, but if I were craving chocolate milk, this is definitely the option I would choose.

While it's not marketed as a protein drink, it contains 23 grams in a 14-ounce bottle and has the second-lowest cost per gram of protein.

Flavor rating: 7/10

Overall rating: 7/10

Cost: $18.99 for a six-pack of 8-ounce bottles (or $3.17 for 8 fluid ounces)

Calories: 360 calories

Protein: 14 grams

Added sugar: 18 grams

While some of the drinks in this lineup are aimed at the ultra-protein-efficient crowd and others are more directed at children, the Boost nutritional drink line is marketed toward adults with specific nutritional needs. The Boost Plus product, specifically, is aimed at adults hoping to gain or maintain weight.

Taste-wise, this was one of my favorites. The sweet and rich drink was very chocolatey, and it felt like a nice sweet treat.

With the product's purpose in mind, the drink's higher calories didn't bother me, and I was pleased to see its nutrition label flooded with vitamins and minerals.

Out of many of the options, this is one I could see myself reaching for solely based on its taste, even though I wish it had a higher protein content.

Flavor rating: 9/10

Overall rating: 7/10

Cost: $3.00 for 14 fluid ounces

Calories: 290 calories

Protein: 23 grams

Added sugar: 18 grams

When I poured this drink, I was surprised by how runny it was compared to some of the other options. I really enjoyed the taste, even if it wasn't exactly the same as the nostalgic chocolate-milk flavor of Nesquik's classic option.

In fact, I actually liked this one more, even before factoring in the added nutritional value. It was adequately sweet, not too dairy-tasting, and it didn't have the aftertaste that had put me off the classic option.

With 23 grams of protein, this drink could compete with some of its more nutrition-leaning counterparts. At $3 for a bottle, it was also one of the cheapest options with the highest protein content.

I could totally see myself reaching for this.

Flavor rating: 8/10

Overall rating: 8/10

Cost: $4.29 for 12 fluid ounces

Calories: 180 calories

Protein: 20 grams

Added sugar: 4 grams

Compared to the higher-protein drink on OWYN's line, the regular protein shake wasn't as dark or as thick when I poured it.

While the OWYN Pro Elite had a taste I didn't like, the OWYN Dark Chocolate Protein Shake had a simpler flavor that reminded me of chocolate milk.

It was very tasty and chocolatey, and I liked that it also had 3 grams of fiber.

Overall, this felt like a very solid option that I could see myself reaching for. It was also my favorite plant-based drink.

Flavor rating: 8/10

Overall rating: 10/10

Cost: $4.99 for 14 fluid ounces

Calories: 170 calories

Protein: 26 grams

Added sugar: 0 grams

While this drink didn't exactly feel like a dessert or chocolate milk since it leaned more chocolatey and cocoa-tasting than sweet — and it did have somewhat of a dairy taste — I still found it very enjoyable and a very nice pick for both taste and protein.

Tied with the Muscle Milk Zero Sugar for the lowest calories in the ranking, I found the Fairlife Core Power shake much more enjoyable and even winning by a gram in the protein category.

Overall, this drink had the best balance between flavor and nutrition, and I can see myself reaching for it whenever I need a quick post-workout pick-me-up or just want to get a significant portion of my daily protein on the go.

Flavor rating: 8/10

Overall rating: 10/10

I liked that Trader Joe's option didn't have the ubiquitous pool of milky whey that sometimes settles on top of yogurt when I open it. The yogurt seemed to have a nice, medium-thick consistency.

At $5.50, the 32-ounce tub of Greek yogurt was the least expensive of the four brands I tried.

Sadly, I thought this yogurt had an intensely tangy, almost sour flavor.

Because of its standout creaminess, though, I'd like to try the store's other varieties of flavored Greek yogurt next time.

At $6.70, this 32-ounce tub was the most expensive yogurt I tried. When I opened the container, the yogurt looked creamy and smooth.

The 365 Greek yogurt tasted fresh and was well-balanced — mildly sweet and not too tangy or tart.

I'd likely use this yogurt in one of my smoothies, as I don't feel it would alter the taste, but would add a nice boost of protein.

The $6 Kirkland Signature organic nonfat Greek yogurt came in a 48-ounce tub.

On a cost-per-ounce basis, it was the best value of the varieties I tried. The entire tub was cheaper than the 365 organic yogurt from Whole Foods — and contained 16 more ounces.

The Kirkland Signature yogurt was rich and full-bodied, with just enough tartness to give it some depth.

I appreciated that this yogurt, though less dense than the others, didn't have a puddle of whey at the top. It seemed like an ideal base for fruit, granola, or other add-ins.

The 32-ounce tub of organic Greek yogurt from Wegmans cost $6 — a pleasant surprise, as I thought it would be more expensive.

Some whey floated at the top of the yogurt, but only creamy goodness remained once I dumped it out.

This Greek yogurt was creamy and smooth with the slightest tang, making it a solid base for add-ins. I think its light consistency would also be ideal to use in recipes.

Notably, this yogurt had the most sugar (7 grams) of all four options I tried. My daughter also liked it the most, so I plan on packing it in a container with some toppings for her lunch.

I liked this yogurt so much that I'm permanently keeping it in my refrigerator. The next time we need Greek yogurt, I'll reach for this one from Wegmans.

This story was originally published on June 9, 2024, and most recently updated on March 24, 2026.

What to order: Fresh shrimp, blue crab claws, steamed snapper, chowder

What customers say: "Best seafood on the island! The staff was quick to get our order, and we were in and out in 10 minutes. Their main displays showed current fresh seafood. They also had a freezer full of frozen goodies (fish, crab, etc). If you plan to buy raw and prepare a boil at home, they have all the fixings you need," wrote Yelp user Jessica L.

Learn more about Skinner's Seafood.

What to order: Salmon cakes, salmon burger, chowder in a sourdough bread bowl

What customers say: "If you have time to drive into Downtown Talkeetna for lunch, do it. We chose Salmon Spot for everything salmon. We got the salmon burger, salmon cakes with dressing, and salmon chowder for lunch. My favorite was those salmon cakes, as they weren't heavy and left me enough room for the chowder," wrote Yelp user Joyce Z.

Learn more about The Salmon Spot.

What to order: Baja-style fish tacos, tequila lime shrimp tacos, mango shrimp tacos

What customers say: "Really, really good! Found Just Tacos on Yelp and was not disappointed! The fried shrimp Baja taco and carne asada taco were excellent," wrote Yelp user Jessica M.

Learn more about Just Tacos and More.

What to order: Crawfish étouffée, shrimp and cheese grits, fried catfish, seafood gumbo

What customers say: "We moved from New Orleans to NWA three years ago and could never find really good, authentic Louisiana food...until now! We had the gumbo, which was awesome, boudin bites, fabulous, fried oyster poboy (my husband said the only thing better is his, lol), and bread pudding. The muffaletta was as good as any I have ever had," wrote Yelp user Marie S.

Learn more about Cooyon's Restaurant.

What to order: Ceviche, fish tacos, pescado con mariscos

What customers say: "Wow...the best Peruvian food in LA hands down! As a Peruvian, I approve. The best service and best food in downtown! I will gladly be back, and I'll bring my friends and family next time. Yummy lomo saltado and ceviche, I trust their other dishes are delicious as well," wrote Yelp user Natalia C.

Learn more about Mex Peru Gipsy.

What to order: Poke bowl, sushi burrito, lobster tuna bowl, softshell crab

What customers say: "My favorite poke place in the area! Our whole family loves this place and keeps coming back for more. Quality of fish is definitely top-notch, fast service, and good selection. Whether you order to go or dine in, you will not be disappointed," wrote Yelp user Kate L.

Learn more about Corner Poke.

What to order: Crab cakes, fish tacos, chowder, blue crab salad

What customers say: "Warm, friendly service, great use of limited space, took home and prepared: shrimp, smelts, smoked salmon, crab cakes, stuffed clams, calamari, more shrimp... everything was of excellent quality, worth the price and will revisit and recommend to anyone looking for good quality seafood in the area," wrote Yelp user Scott R.

Learn more about Cold Harbor Seafood & Market.

What to order: Gumbo, shrimp po' boy, crawfish po' boy, crawfish étouffée

What customers say: "This little inconspicuous restaurant has a mighty kitchen and staff. The food is delicious and the service is quick, which allows them to work through their constant line! Everyone is super friendly, and our catfish and gumbo dinners were fantastic," wrote Yelp user Barbara S.

Learn more about Po' Boys Creole Restaurant.

What to order: Gumbo, shrimp bucket

What customers say: "Tonight ate at Skully's. Amazing food and experience. For anyone looking for low country boil this is the place to go. The service and ambiance from the owners is unmatched anywhere we've been so far. I can only say if you've heard the stories of how friendly southern folk are these folks would be who you'd find in the dictionary. So nice and welcoming. We'll definitely be back soon," wrote Yelp user Joe H.

Learn more about Skully's Low Country Boil.

What to order: Salmon sandwich, salmon plate

What customers say: "I dined at Che Butter Jonez tonight. I had the salmon sandwich and it was divine, the best salmon sandwich I've ever had. The salmon with seasoned perfectly, it was juicy, the sauce on the sandwich was incredible, the toasted bread, lettuce and tomato — sounds simple, but it was spectacular," wrote Yelp user Christina B.

Learn more about Che Butter Jonez.

What to order: Poke nachos, crab salad, pickled cucumbers

What customers say: "I'd say this spot lives up to the hype. The poke is very tender and flavorful, and they give you a huge portion, so it's definitely worth it. Just note that after a certain time, usually around 12:30 or so, they may run out of poke. Both of the owners there are very nice and kind, which makes the experience even better," wrote Yelp user Chunneath K.

Learn more about Ry's Poke Shack.

What to order: Shrimp coconut kurma, fish curry, seafood biryani

What customers say: "The food and flavor is out of this world. Such a nice find in the treasure valley. I love the spice level everytime I go. Sometimes when I get brave I go spicier but, I never regret it," wrote Yelp user Rick P.

Learn more about Red Fort Cuisine of India.

What to order: Shadow shrimp, Cajun-Creole shrimp, surf and turf

What customers say: "What a hidden gem. My boyfriend and I came here for dinner. The ambience is super sexy and the staff, all of whom are family, were so inviting and welcoming. We shared a bunch of apps so we could try more things. We had the scallops, shadow shrimp, the quesadillas, and the pork chops. Everything was delicious," wrote Yelp user Jamie M.

Learn more about Penumbra.

What to order: Marinated ahi poke, spicy tuna poke, salmon poke

What customers say: "Food was great, as always. Service was friendly and fast. Ambiance is casual and nice for takeaway," wrote Yelp user Taylor B.

Learn more about Ali'i Poke Indy.

What to order: Shrimp masala, coconut seafood curry, seafood fried rice

What customers say: "I had the chicken vindaloo (medium spice) for dinner, and my mom had the shrimp coconut curry (mild). The chicken vindaloo was so tasty, and the spice builds nicely — the more you eat, the spicier it gets. The basmati rice and buttery naan bread complement the spiciness very well, for a lovely overall experience. My mom loved her shrimp curry, I tried a bit of the sauce, and it was quite good — subtle and flavorful," wrote Yelp user Vanessa M.

Learn more about Kathmandu Restaurant.

What to order: Shrimp ceviche, shrimp street tacos, seafood fajitas

What customers say: "This place is the best Mexican food I have had. I've been there twice, now. I had the chicken and shrimp street tacos. They were both very tender and good tasting. I will keep going back. Service was quick. But very busy," wrote Yelp user Renee H.

Learn more about Lulu's Latin Food.

What to order: Shrimp curry, fish masala, tandoori seafood platters

What customers say: "I had the chicken saag (spinach) and my wife had the tandoori (marinated in yogurt and spices) shrimp. Both came with basmati rice, and we ordered two orders of naan (flatbread). The food was outstanding; don't let the unfamiliar terms scare you. I can't wait to go back for the lunch buffet and try more," wrote Yelp user Daniel M.

Learn more about India Oven.

What to order: Heard Dat pasta, crawfish, catfish, bread pudding

What customers say: "This food is delicious beyond measure. Can't even describe how scrumptious and flavorful everything was. I got the seafood extravaganza (blackened) and the most delicious sweet tea I've had lately. My friend got the Bourbon Street Love and potato salad. Practically licked our plates clean," wrote Yelp user Paige P.

Learn more about Heard Dat Kitchen.

What to order: Hot lobster roll, blueberry pie, clam chowder

What customers say: "We had our one and only true lobster dinner experience here, and it was a delight! It was a hot day, but a fun experience. The other items looked great! Also shared some blueberry pie and ice cream. Good stuff," wrote Yelp user Erica L.

Learn more about The Travelin Lobster.

What to order: Shrimp tandoor, mango garlic shrimp, shrimp pakora

What customers say: "Wow! First time trying and I will return. Mango shrimp was so flavorful, and the stuffed nan with nuts & fruits was so yummy. My mom really liked the butter chicken, which was prepared at the spicy level you indicated. Food was ready when I arrived earlier than the time, and the workers were very friendly," wrote Yelp user Sarah O.

Learn more about Tandoor Spice.

What to order: Suhsi-grade fish, oysters, snapper

What customers say: "Everything about New Deal is exceptional. The quality, the ambience, and especially the service. Carl Fantasia and his team take great pride in what they do and it shows," wrote Yelp user Mark R.

Learn more about New Deal Fish Market.

What to order: Scallops, battered cod, yellowfin tuna

What customers say: "I love this place. Mark is incredibly friendly and knows his stuff. By stuff, I mean every intricacy and nuance in the seafood and meat industry. Resources from honest butchers and fishmongers to bring high-quality goods into his store every day. Honestly, there are fewer and fewer places like this and it's a shame. Grade-A business," wrote Yelp user Tucker R.

Learn more about The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer.

What to order: Sinigang soup, fried fish, shrimp pinakbet, seafood pancit

What customers say: "A little bit of Manila in the northern suburbs. The fare is typical, chicken adobo, roast pork, fried fish, lumpia, etc. Everything cooked fresh on-site. The manager is super friendly as well," wrote Yelp user Willie L.

Learn more about Kusina.

What to order: Shrimp fried rice, shrimp pad thai, tom yum soup

What customers say: "This is a great small family business with really good Thai food. They are always welcoming, the food is freshly made to order, and very reasonably priced. Small divey hidden gem. Coming from the West Coast, this was a huge win to find here," wrote Yelp user Justine W.

Learn more about Rice Thai Cuisine.

What to order: Arroz con mariscos, ceviche mixto, tuna tiradito

What customers say: "The food is astronomically amazing. The ceviche was fresh and tasty. The service was good. The ambiance was chill and relaxed," wrote Yelp user Megan M.

Learn more about Jalea.

What to order: Smoked trout cakes, mussels, clams

What customers say: "We loved everything about Josephine's! Hands down our favorite meal while in GNP! Service was divine and I'll be dreaming of those trout cakes until we can return," wrote Yelp user Emily F.

Learn more about Josephine's Speakeasy.

What to order: Montauk Point diver scallops, seafood stew, shrimp cocktail

What customers say: "Awesome food and awesome service! I try to go here anytime I am in North Platte!! Happy hour menu, live piano in the bar, and great ambiance make this one of the very best restaurants in all of Nebraska," wrote Yelp user Carrie S.

Learn more about North 40 Chophouse.

What to order: Seafood paella, garlic shrimp, calamari

What customers say: "Amazing experience. The owners are present, friendly, and engaging. The restaurant is very inviting, and they've put pictures of the regions of Spain on the wall. They take the time to explain the dishes and make recommendations. We had the sangria, which was nicely balanced and not too sweet. Appetizer of Spanish ham, and for dinner, the seafood paella with steak on the side. The paella is the main star and was perfect. The seafood was so fresh, and everything was cooked right," wrote Yelp user Timmy B.

Learn more about Fideua.

What to order: Fish tacos, shrimp tacos, shrimp chimichangas, seafood fajitas

What customers say: "Stopped here on the way to Burlington, VT. Looks like a hole on wall on the outside, but inside it's nice. The staff is super friendly, and the service was excellent. I had the fish tacos, which were perfectly cooked and pretty much the best I've ever had," wrote Yelp user Ryan N.

Learn more about El Rincon Zacatecano.

What to order: Spicy fish hotpot, suancai fish

What customers say: "B2J serves up delicious eats through their amazing soups, fair prices, and great sides. The soups are so generous and the food so fragrant," wrote Yelp user Brian L.

Learn more about B2J Fish Soup.

What to order: Fish pla lad prik, shrimp jungle noodles, shrimp curry

What customers say: "My favorite Thai place in ABQ so far. It gets busy, so expect to wait 15-plus minutes for your food. I ordered the drunken noodles (Pad Kee Mao), and it was really good. My friend also ordered the Tom Kha soup, and she enjoyed it and was able to add a side of rice noodles, too. The ambiance is lively but chill. Servers were kind and apologetic about the wait, but I'm glad the food was fresh," wrote Yelp user Stephanie L.

Learn more about Sa Thai.

What to order: Scallop crudo, tuna tartare, cured salmon gravlax

What customers say: "We started with the scallop crude, followed by a beef tartar with crispy lotus plant chips, fish, a twist on a carbonara by using udon noodles, and then to really blow our minds — he ended with the star of the show — a fried pork belly that had been marinated in tea, with an apple slaw, and some delicious sauce to drizzle on top. I'm drooling just thinking about it again," wrote Yelp user Suyun W.

Learn more about Mr. Jones Supper Club.

What to order: Seafood boils, crab cakes, steamed shrimp

What customers say: "Harbor House Seafood is our go-to every year. Vicki is a delight! Imagine all of the customers she meets... and she remembers our names and our favorite items year after year. She makes us feel like we're at home when we visit. She's warm and welcoming, and the food is prepared perfectly every time. We highly recommend Harbor House," wrote Yelp user Suzanne B.

Learn more about Harbor House Seafood Market.

What to order: Shrimp kabab masala, Balti shrimp curry, fish curry

What customers say: "Wouldn't think to eat Indian in Bismarck, but dining options near the hotel were limited. This was good value, fast service, and tasted authentic," wrote Yelp user Judy C.

Learn more about India Clay Oven Bar and Grill.

What to order: Fish tacos, shrimp burritos, seafood enchiladas

What customers say: "Portions are gigantic! The seafood burrito is enough for a few meals and is very good. The ceviche is not to be missed. Perfectly balanced. Yum! Great service, and the family that owns it was nice and treated us well. I will be back," wrote Yelp user Michael P.

Learn more about La Jaiba Seafood and Taqueria.

What to order: Chilean sea bass, crab cakes, tomato crab bisque

What customers say: "Signature Grill is quietly one of the best and most underrated restaurants in OKC. The service and food are always top-notch. This place is great for special occasions like anniversaries, date nights, etc. Be sure to make a reservation before you go. Their halibut with crab topping is seriously excellent!!! If I were on death row and had to choose a last meal, this dish would be one of the memorable dishes I have had in my life," wrote Yelp user Torri H.

Learn more about Signature Grill.

What to order: Pink dragon roll, dry-aged nigiri, uni wagyu caviar

What customers say: "Truly a 5-star and heavenly experience. The best sushi and raw fish experience I've had in Oregon. The raw fish is so rich, the freshest and most delicious. We tried everything from their aged salmon to their uni wagyu caviar. Everything just shoots passed our expectations we never knew we had," wrote Yelp user Duc K.

Learn more about Yuubi Sushi.

What to order: Sea bass ceviche, arroz con mariscos, seafood pasta

What customers say: "Great service and amazing food! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the owner, who chilled our wine and gave us a quick background on his Peruvian restaurant. The Geronimo ceviche was great, as was the langostino soup. We can't wait to come back," wrote Yelp user Rose G.

Learn more about Geronimo's.

What to order: Ahi tuna poke, salmon poke, shrimp poke

What customers say: "A meal that is well-priced and made with real ingredients. It's one of my favorite restaurants because it doesn't leave me feeling bogged down like other quick lunch options usually do. I like building my own bowl so I can customize my ingredients — I switch between tuna or chicken for my protein, but always with citrus ponzu sauce," wrote Yelp user Nina C.

Learn more about Hometown Poké & Bubble Tea.

What to order: Raw and chargrilled oysters, lobster roll, chowder, shrimp po' boy

What customers say: "Awesome spot in Greenville. Was in town for work and came here for a quick dinner. Excellent service, great food, and good atmosphere. I got oysters on the half shell and a shrimp po boy. Would definitely come back," wrote Yelp user M R.

Learn more about The Jones Oyster.

What to order: Crab cakes, Parmesan-crusted halibut, seared scallops

What customers say: "We had the best time and dinner out experience at Chef Lance's. The whole dining experience was top-notch and lived up to and exceeded all the hype that you might have heard about dining at Chef Lance's. We highly highly recommend a night out enjoying this experience," wrote Yelp user Mark C.

Learn more about Chef Lance's On Phillips.

What to order: Fried catfish, fried tilapia, hush puppies

What customers say: "Great southern style fish. They have grilled or fried options. Sandwiches or plates. Best turnip greens I've ever had! Fried catfish with their hot sauce was super delicious," wrote Yelp user TN C.

Learn more about Uncle Larry's.

What to order: Blackened mahi mahi sandwiches, shrimp tacos, mahi ceviché

What customers say: "Walk up and order at the counter and seat yourself type of restaurant. The food was fresh and delicious. The mahi tacos were on point. The fries are HUGE and next level. Great spot," wrote Yelp user Kyle M.

Learn more about Mahi Nic.

What to order: Sweet and spicy ahi, shoyu poke, furikake salmon

What customers say: "This is shocking to say, but this is some of the best poke I've had. I was put on to this spot by a friend and make it a point to eat here every time I'm in town. Definitely one of the best in Utah. The quality of the tuna is top-notch. Simple flavors but done just right. You can order a bowl with one or two scoops. They have about 12 poke options, and when they sell out, they're out for the day. Go early, or you might be disappointed. Shoyu and furikake are the way to go," wrote Yelp user Pro S.

Learn more about Hawaiian Poké Bowl.

What to order: Day-boat crudo, branzino, olive oil-poached halibut

What customers say: "The crudo, and main pasta courses were exceptional. The pasta is homemade, and all the seafood ingredients are fresh. The focaccia with whipped ricotta is superb. The service and ambiance are also exceptional. My vote for the best restaurant in Southern Vermont," wrote Yelp user Riff C.

Learn more about Mystico 802.

What to order: Crab cakes, crab soup, fried oysters

What customers say: "High-quality and fresh seafood, prepared well, plus excellent service. Cocktails are also tasty. We travel around the country for work, and Blue can hold its own against any seafood restaurant we've eaten at in cities large and small," wrote Yelp user Amy C.

Learn more about Blue Seafood & Spirits.

What to order: Crab cakes, oven-baked jumbo prawns, Dungeness crab wild rice soup, pan-seared diver scallops

What customers say: "We absolutely loved this restaurant. I can't say enough great things about the food. We loved everything that we ordered and can't wait to try more from their changing menu. We started off with the bread and olive oil and ordered drinks. The shrimp appetizer was great! We ordered halibut and crab cakes. Followed by crème brûlée. The service was exceptional and very attentive. The chef cooked everything right there in the open kitchen, and it was wonderfully prepared. The ambiance was very warm and inviting," wrote Yelp user Andy A.

Learn more about Bistro San Martin.

What to order: Shrimp scampi, crispy coconut shrimp, low-country boil with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes

What customers say: "This was the most upscale restaurant that my family ate at while in the area, and we definitely got bang for our buck! We came by on a weekday afternoon, so the place was very empty. The food was wonderful! I ordered the shrimp scampi, which comes with a side salad and garlic bread (which I had replaced with applesauce). The food came out very quickly and was delicious. Would definitely come back if I'm ever back in the area," wrote Yelp user Billy T.

Learn more about Cheetah B's.

What to order: Halibut, snapper, lobster bisque

What customers say: "Went here for a birthday and had a great experience. The service was attentive, and the atmosphere was perfect for a celebration. The Snowdrift and Manhattan were both excellent. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The Broccolini paired well with the salmon, and the steak with potatoes and onion was full of flavor. We also tried a special appetizer that was unique and made for some great bites. Overall, a wonderful spot for a special night out," wrote Yelp user Johanna E.

Learn more about Fairchild.

What to order: Grilled shrimp tacos, Diablo shrimp, shrimp fajitas

What customers say: "Doesn't look like much from the outside, but do yourself a favor and push the door open for the best Mexican food in Southwest Wyoming. Perfectly spiced and very generous servings. You'll have leftovers to enjoy! The staff is kind, attentive, and very personable," wrote Yelp user Dave B.

Learn more about Jalisco Mexican Grill.

For this recipe, I used thin-cut, bone-in pork chops. After patting them dry, all I needed to do was coat each one with a drizzle of olive oil and give it a little massage.

Next, I had to season the chops. The recipe suggests using the McCormick chipotle-and-roasted-garlic seasoning. However, you can easily create your own blend depending on what you like.

I made one with salt, pepper, roasted garlic, onion powder, and chipotle pepper. (This technically meant I used a little more than three ingredients, but I didn't mind at all.)

The only other prep I had to do for the recipe was preheating my air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

No matter what type of air fryer you have, though, just be sure to give each pork chop enough room in the basket. This will help them to cook evenly.

My air fryer has two baskets, so I cooked one pork chop in each basket for 10 minutes on one side and five minutes on the other.

Because the meat was sliced thin, my pork chops cooked up very quickly. This recipe works with thicker chops, but you'll need to increase the cooking time.

Whether you choose bone-in or boneless pork chops is up to you, but I find bone-in pork chops to be more flavorful.

Within about 15 minutes, my meat was cooked. And, as the recipe said, the pork chops retained their moisture thanks to the olive-oil coating.

This coating also helped the seasoning stick to the meat better, creating a nice crust on the chop.

This simple recipe took very little time and effort, and the result was absolutely delicious. Minimal dishes were required, and I loved not having to monitor the chops on the stovetop or preheat my oven, either.

I can't see myself making pork chops in anything but my air fryer after this, and I will definitely be making this quick, easy air-fryer recipe again.

This story was originally published on September 22, 2022, and most recently updated on March 16, 2026.

To keep things consistent, I ordered both meals at the chain's Times Square restaurant.

I wanted to see how the revamped menu stacked up against what I remembered, from portion sizes to presentation and overall value.

The first time I went was in June 2024, shortly after the chain had filed for bankruptcy protection.

As part of its turnaround plan, Red Lobster closed over 100 underperforming locations during bankruptcy proceedings.

The chain also streamlined its menu to focus on core seafood favorites and value-driven combos.

It cut back on underperforming items and has been leaning into customizable samplers like "Shrimp Your Way" and the weekday-only shrimp trio. There are also a few new menu items, including a lobster roll, lobster pappardelle, and brand-new seafood boils.

The changes are proving successful for the chain. The Wall Street Journal reported in February that sales had increased by around 10% compared with the same period last year, and customer visits jumped 18% in July after seafood boils were introduced.

In 2024, I ordered the Endless Shrimp, while in 2026, I chose its closest equivalent, Shrimp Your Way, a former promotion that returned in January.

For both meals, I ordered the grilled shrimp, Walt's favorite shrimp, and the Parrot Isle coconut shrimp.

At first glance, the meals looked nearly identical. However, once I started digging in, the differences became much more noticeable.

When I ordered it in June 2024, it was priced at $25. At the Times Square location, however, it cost $30 for unlimited refills of any of the three types of shrimp I ordered, in addition to other dishes like garlic shrimp scampi and shrimp linguini Alfredo.

The most obvious difference between the two meals was the price — Shrimp Your Way lets guests choose from two, three, or four kinds of shrimp, plus one side, for a set price.

I chose to order three kinds of shrimp — the grilled shrimp, Walt's favorite shrimp, and the Parrot Isle coconut shrimp — for $25.99, excluding tax and tip.

Another major difference: Shrimp Your Way isn't an all-you-can-eat option.

The shrimp I ordered in 2024 was grilled and had a buttery garlic glaze. I thought the shrimp were on the smaller side, but since there were six of them on the skewer, I didn't mind.

The skewer felt like a somewhat healthier option compared to the decadent, intensely rich dishes I've had at Red Lobster before, like the shrimp linguini or the lobster dip.

The rice was also flavorful and well-seasoned — it was a nice addition to my plate.

At the time, I was impressed by the portion size. However, looking back, I now think the portion size of rice was pretty small.

Then again, the assumption is that people will keep refilling and refilling their plates.

Instead of a small scoop of wild rice, this rice covered half of the plate, which I wasn't expecting. Even though, under the revamped menu, I wasn't able to keep refilling my plate, I definitely think the extra rice made it feel like a great value for less than $30.

The shrimp were just as crispy and juicy years later, with the same rich, garlicky flavor I enjoyed the first time.

Both times, the coleslaw was fresh and tangy, and its dressing packed a lot of flavor while not overpowering the vegetables.

The coleslaw brought a light, citrus flavor that balanced my meal.

It was piled onto the plate, and I thought the coleslaw itself tasted even fresher and more flavorful than I remembered it being years ago.

I was given five pieces of Walt's shrimp as part of the Endless Shrimp promotion. They came with a small tub of cocktail sauce, which I thought had a tart, tomato flavor that complemented the shrimp.

I enjoyed these shrimp and thought the breading was the ideal thickness. However, compared to the grilled shrimp and the coconut shrimp, they could have used a touch more flavor.

They really just tasted like breading and plain shrimp.

I majorly preferred the shrimp now, which were more heavily fried and, I thought, more flavorful as well. Something about the seasoning was more pronounced, and I liked how they paired with the other varieties of shrimp.

I also received more dipping sauce this time around. In addition to the classic cocktail sauce and piña colada sauce served with the coconut shrimp, I also got a side of tartar sauce, which turned out to be my favorite of the three.

It was creamy and tangy, and it paired well with all three types of shrimp.

In both 2024 and 2026, the platter came with four pieces of coconut shrimp and a piña colada-flavored dipping sauce.

I thought that including it as part of the $30 endless shrimp deal was a great value.

The coconut shavings flaked off in my mouth with every bite, adding a level of sweetness to my otherwise savory platter of shrimp.

The creamy, pineapple-flavored sauce added tartness to the coconut shrimp, and I found the meat inside to be quite tender.

I definitely would have been satisfied with just the first platter of shrimp. However, for the sake of journalism and trying to get the biggest bang for my buck, I decided to order more.

When our server came back to check in, I was given the choice of two shrimp dishes. I chose to get the shrimp skewer and the coconut shrimp again.

Again, the shrimp was buttery and tender. I didn't struggle too much to finish this second helping.

Despite the aroma of the coconut shrimp calling to me, I couldn't finish more than one of them.

Here's the deal: I know Endless Shrimp is objectively a bad business idea.

It's not cost-effective for Red Lobster. Also, I could barely get through two servings of each type of shrimp, and the shrimp are noticeably better now, at least in my experience.

However, after my second visit, I wished — for just $5 more — that I could load up my plate with refills of all three shrimp dishes.

The chain's new CEO hasn't ruled out bringing back Endless Shrimp, though it won't return anytime soon or be exactly like it was.

"I don't want to say anything's forever forever, but the way it was done on an endless fashion without managing how much is being given away, and yeah, the way it was done, it's certainly the end," Adamolekun told the Wall Street Journal podcast in October 2024.

If Endless Shrimp ever does make its grand return, I'll be first in line. Until then, I can't wait to go back to Red Lobster and try more of its revamped menu.

Business Insider reached out to Red Lobster for comment, but did not receive a response.

A bag of potatoes typically weighs around 5 pounds, but the recipe only called for 3 pounds of potatoes. In the end, I found that this was the perfect amount to fully cover the pie.

I simmered the potatoes until they were tender. This took about 20 minutes.

The recipe called for finely diced carrots, celery, and white button mushrooms. I decided to use a food processor to easily chop my vegetables. I liked the end result and found this was the simplest way to prepare all the vegetables in seconds.

After my vegetables were chopped, I set them aside in a small bowl and turned my attention toward cooking the meat.

You can use practically any kind of ground meat you would like, or even plant-based ground meat if you're vegetarian. I ended up liking the choice of ground turkey since it made the very stick-to-your-bones meal a little bit lighter than if I had used meat with higher fat content.

I ended up using a package and a half of ground turkey.

While the turkey cooked, I crumbled it with a wooden spoon. Once the meat was fully cooked, I removed it from the pan with a slotted metal spoon and left the fat in the pan.

I chopped it using the food processor again and added it to the pan.

I started to sauté the onion, and it filled my kitchen with a delicious aroma. There should be enough fat in the pan from the turkey to sauté the onion, but you can also add olive oil or butter if you don't have enough liquid.

I also added flour to the pan, creating a paste-like mixture.

I also added tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, and frozen peas to the pan and continued cooking the filling until it reached a simmer.

I removed the bay leaves and herb sprigs before seasoning the mixture to taste and setting it aside.

After draining the potatoes, I hand-mashed them in the same pot I cooked them in. The recipe called for a hand mixer, but I found a potato masher just as effective at making creamy mashed potatoes, especially after adding in a mixture of whole milk, almost a stick of Kerry Gold butter, and sour cream.

I seasoned them to taste and set them aside. I then preheated my oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

There was a perfect amount of filling to create a thick layer.

Despite never having made this dish before, I found the process easy to follow and not overwhelming at all. I also had a spoonful of mashed potatoes left over to taste and thought they were delicious.

I cooked the pie in the oven for about half an hour, although the recipe suggested it would be done after 20 minutes. All in all, the recipe took me less than an hour in total to prepare.

All ovens can vary slightly in cook time, so I suggest checking the dish until you're happy with the result.

It didn't quite hold its shape, but I imagine it would have if I had let the pie sit for a minute or two before I served it. However, I simply couldn't resist diving in.

The mashed potatoes were creamy, the filling was perfectly seasoned, and the vegetables all came through in a medley of flavors. It was simple enough to be convenient for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough for a dinner party.

The recipe also made enough to feed six people and in my experience, with plenty of leftovers, so it also seemed a cost-effective option to feed a family or to prep meals for the week.

In my book, this cozy recipe got a thumbs up.