PROTEIN BAR
RxBar, Chocolate Sea Salt (around $29.95 for 12 bars; 5 Points per serving)

We’re all trying to eat more protein (you can use the USDA DRI Calculator to find out how much you need each day), and prioritize getting it from whole foods when possible. That said, you’re probably not tossing a hardboiled egg into your tote bag—and that’s where protein bars come in. Our Chief Nutrition Officer Michelle Cardel, M.S., RD, Ph.D., who finds many protein bars gritty and unappealing, loved the flavor of the Chocolate Sea Salt RxBar. So did our Head of Program and Food Laura Weissbart, who kept reaching for them long after the evaluation period ended thanks to their rich, chocolatey taste and 12 grams of protein per bar.

PLANT-BASED MEAT ALTERNATIVE
Beyond Burger Plant-Based Patties (around $13.59 for 6 patties; 6 Points per regular burger)

Our judges unanimously preferred the Beyond Burger patty over other competitors. A big part of its appeal is the impressive nutrition profile: 20 grams of protein per serving, and less saturated fat than their meat counterparts. Unlike many plant-based meats made from soy, Beyond is soy-free, made from peas and brown rice. But what really won over our testers was the taste and texture. “When you add ketchup and a bun, it definitely passes as a beef burger,” says Weissbart. WeightWatchers Member Advocate Chloe Parsons agreed, noting the “bouncy texture makes it feel like beef while you’re chewing.” For anyone curious about going meatless but on the fence—Beyond is a good place to start.

MILK
Horizon Organic Milk (around $5.793; Points for skim, 5 Points for 2%, 7 Points for whole per serving)

Milk is having a moment—and we get it, you're probably grabbing whatever’s on sale. But when put to the test, our judges wanted to highlight an organic option that also delivers on taste. Whether you choose whole, 2%, or skim, Horizon stands. They have a lactose-free version that’s great for people who struggle to digest dairy. Some of their versions have added DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid), which is great because most people lack this in their diet regularly. It’s our top pick for pouring over cereal or granola, mixing into smoothies, baking, or just drinking a cold glass on its own. Plus, Horizon is the O.G. of organic milk, raising their cows on organic feed for nearly 25 years.

NON-DAIRY MILK
Califia Farms Unsweetened Almondmilk (around $21.48 for a 6-pack; 1 Point per serving)

For anyone looking for a milk alternative free of dairy, soy, or carrageenan (a thickener found in many alt milks), Califa Farms almond milk is our top pick. It has a smooth texture, a clean taste—with no weird aftertaste—and is widely available in stores. The unsweetened options like plain and vanilla contain zero grams of added sugar, and the packaging is made from 100% recycled plastic. Plus, it’s fortified: One serving provides 30% of your daily calcium needs and 20% of your vitamin D needs.

BREAD
Arnold Whole Grains 100% Whole Wheat Sliced Bread (around $3.49; 3 Points per serving)

The rise of “thin-sliced” breads may seem like a win, especially for the Points® Program, but our judges found they didn’t stay full for long. Enter Arnold’s “much more substantial and filling slices,” says Weissbart. Each slice also packs a nutritional punch: 28 grams of whole grains from 100% whole wheat flour, 4 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and no artificial preservatives. Its hearty texture and nutty wheat flavor make it a great base for sandwiches or avocado toast.

CHOCOLATE
SkinnyDipped Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (around $23.99 for a 4-pack; 8 Points per serving)

As a devoted Reese’s fan, Parson’s says this lower-sugar version is “just as good if not better,” and loves that it comes in milk chocolate—not just the dark chocolate that's more common in lower-Points options. Weissbart agreed, noting these PB cups don't have a “fake” aftertaste often found in lower-sugar chocolates made with sugar alcohols. A ringing endorsement from Parsons: “Where have these been all of my life?!”

PROTEIN PASTA
Barilla Pasta, Red Lentil or Chickpea (around $19.64 for 6 boxes; 4 Points per serving)

We were just as surprised as you to find that these wheat-free pastas deliver across the board—whether it’s orzo, penne, rotini, and spaghetti. The red lentil version is made with just red lentils, and the chickpea version with only chickpeas, making both gluten-free and naturally high in protein and fiber to help keep you fuller, longer. “This was a true 1:1 pasta swap for me because it still had the taste and texture of my regular spaghetti, with added nutritional benefits,” says Parsons.

CRACKERS
Mary's Gone Crackers, Original (around $42.75 for a 6-pack; 3 Points per serving)

“The wholesome crunch, plus extra protein and fiber, make these an all-around great cracker,” say both Cardel and Weissbart. They’re also gluten-free, made from brown rice and quinoa. Despite their petite size, the flavor is surprisingly complex—nuttiness from flax and sesame seed, a hint of acidity from vinegar, and umami from tamari (a wheat-free soy sauce). Pair them with the winning Good Culture cottage cheese for a protein-packed snack that delivers on both taste and nutrition.

CEREAL
Catalina Crunch Keto Breakfast Cereal, Cinnamon Toast (around $27.88 for 4-pack; 2 Points per serving)

Many of us grew up on sugary breakfast cereals, only to learn as adults that such a start often leads to an energy crash and premature hunger. Catalina Crunch Cinnamon Toast cereal offers a delicious alternative: a satisfying crunch and just the right sweetness, alongside an impressive 11 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber, and zero grams of sugar (sweetened with monkfruit). As Weissbart notes, “I loved eating this with milk or using it like granola on top of yogurt.”

YOGURT
Siggi's Nonfat Skyr, Vanilla or Strawberry (around $6.99; 3 Points per serving)

Don’t be intimidated by “skyr”—think of it as Iceland’s version of Greek yogurt, with the liquid strained out to create a thicker, creamier, and tangier result. Because it takes about four times as much milk to make one cup of Siggi’s Skyr compared to traditional yogurt, it’s nonfat yet packed with 16 grams of protein per serving. While all plain, nonfat yogurts are ZeroPoint® foods, our testers were happy to spend a few Points for the flavored skyr—3 Points value for vanilla and 4 for strawberry—as a breakfast or snack option. “Both flavors taste very natural, which is unusual for flavored yogurts, and they’re not too sweet,” Weissbart notes.

SALAD DRESSING
Skinnygirl Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing (around $2.72; 0 Points per serving)

Making your own salad dressing with balsamic vinegar is a great choice because its bright acidity delivers plenty of flavor without adding many calories. But bottled dressings often sneak in added sugar. That’s why we like Skinnygirl Balsamic: it has 0 Points per serving and is sugar-free, while still packing that punchy vinegar taste. Our judges were seeking out mostly wholesome products that contain real-food ingredients, but this one got a pass for having artificial sweetener since it is likely to be consumed in small amounts.

POWDERED PEANUT BUTTER
PB2 Pure Peanut Powder, No Sugar or Salt (around $16.99; 1 Point per serving)

Peanut butter is all the rage—and we love it in everything! So, we had to find the perfect one, and we did: PB2. This powdered peanut butter has no added sugar or salt and packs 6 grams of protein per serving. Our judges loved its taste and light, powdery texture, which makes cleanup a breeze when adding it to smoothies or making a PB&J—no sticky blender or knife scrubbing required. You can also try it as Parsons suggests: sprinkled over bananas and dates for a sweet, nutty snack.

FOOD STORAGE
Pyrex Freshlock Glass Storage Set (around $30 for 3 containers)

Let’s be honest—we all have that mismatched stack of stained, lidless plastic containers. Time to upgrade. Meal prepping has never been easier with these BPA-free glass containers that come in a variety of sizes, feature tight-locking, leak-proof lids and are safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer (our only gripe: not the oven). “Not only did they pass our drop test without shattering or splattering liquid-y foods, the lids also have a spot to label with a dry erase marker so you won’t have a freezer mystery on your hands in a few weeks,” says Rujikarn.

BLENDER
Nutribullet Full-Size Blender Combo (around $129.99)

Sure, if you want to spend four times as much on a chef-beloved Vitamix, go for it—those are the Rolls-Royce of blenders. But honestly, with all the different blenders on the market, it can be hard to choose the one that works for you. We loved the 1200W Nutribullet. In our tests, it handled everything from crushing ice to making smoothies and pureeing butternut squash soup with ease. The large 64-ounce pitcher prevents overflows, and swapping it out for the single-serve cup—then popping on the to-go lid—makes smoothie prep simple and convenient.

AIR FRYER
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook Air Fryer (around $129.99)

Air fryers are great for crisping food without adding fat, but many are noisy and too small to cook more than a few chicken nuggets, making batch cooking a hassle. The Instant Pot version solves both problems: It’s quieter, and our reviewers said the cooking surface is “vast.” That’s not just convenient—it also allows for better air circulation, meaning crispier results, faster. Bonus: A clear window lets you check doneness without opening the drawer and letting the heat escape.

MINI FOOD PROCESSOR
KitchenAid 3.5 cup Food Chopper (around $54.99)

Our reviewers found this food processor “intuitive to use,” thanks to features like a side slider that lets you choose between a rough chop or a fine purée— perfect for turning tomatoes into anything from chunky salsa to smooth marinara. As you’d expect from a KitchenAid product, reviewers said it “looks nicer on the counter than most food processors” and comes in fun colors like pistachio green, bright red, and pale blue. Prefer to tuck it away? Its compact size and built-in cord wrap make storage easy.

PROTEIN POWDER
Vital Proteins Collagen, Unflavored (around $51; 1 Point per serving)

With 18 grams of protein per serving and zero sugar, Vital Proteins is a great source of protein. But unlike most other protein powders, it also delivers collagen, which may support hair, skin, nails, and joint health. The texture also sets it apart—the unflavored version dissolves easily into coffee, smoothies, or oatmeal. “I like that I can add it to any liquid I’m drinking rather than having to make a traditional protein shake,” Parsons says.

MULTIVITAMIN
Nature Made Multivitamin Tablets (around $13.99)

At WeightWatchers, we encourage people to focus on nutrition and whole foods for their nutrient needs, but some people like to add a multivitamin in the mix. Grocery and supplement store shelves are lined with vitamins, coming in at varying price points. But Nature Made is our winner because it’s easy to find, affordable, and has third-party verification of nutrient amounts. “This one has been verified by a third party and has all of the necessary components for people on a weight-management journey who have been told by a clinician they need a multivitamin,” Cardel says.

PLANT-BASED PROTEIN POWDER
Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder, Vanilla Bean (around $30.98; 3 Points per serving)

Some pea protein powders can be chalky, but not this one. Though Orgain is made with pea protein, it blends smoothly with no gritty texture or aftertaste. “It’s so good I could even mix it into water if I didn’t feel like making a whole smoothie,” says Weissbart. Judges appreciated that it’s low in sugar, free of soy and carrageenan, and made from an organic blend of peas, brown rice, mung beans, and chia seeds. At just 3 Points per serving, it packs 21 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber—leaving room to use extra Points on smoothie add-ins like almond butter or dates.

CREATINE
Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder, Unflavored (around $16.99; 0 Points per serving)

Creatine (aka methylguanidine-acetic acid) has long been used by athletes and bodybuilders—but now it’s going mainstream. Research continues to show that daily use can boost muscle mass, performance, and recovery, and even help combat age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), according to the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. The challenge? Creatine usually comes as a powder that’s tough to dissolve and often gritty or sour, especially in cold liquids like smoothies. Optimum’s creatine stood out because it was “completely tasteless and dissolved entirely in my smoothie or even in water, making it undetectable,” says Mukhopadhyay. Now that’s how you get us to take it daily.

WATER BOTTLE
Owala FreeSip Sway (around $29.99)

The social media influencers who’ve been clamoring over Stanley water bottles for the past couple years seem to be shifting to Owala—and we’re with them. “Consider me a convert!” said Parsons. She especially loved the for real leak-proof bottle with no risk of spillage. Unlike the Stanley, whose straw always sticks out, the Owala’s built-in straw gets covered by the lid. “I absolutely loved how the cap popped open and closed easily, and that it gives you the option to drink from a straw or a wide mouth,” she says.

YOGA MAT
IUGA Eco-Friendly Non-Slip TPE Yoga Mat (around $36.99)

The IUGA mat is on the slimmer side, making it easy to roll up and tote to a yoga or pilates class — but it still has enough padding to cushion your knees, even on a tile floor. It’s stylish, too, with a different color on either side (bonus: if you’re grossed out by gym floor germs, you can know light blue is always for your body and dark blue is what touches the ground). Both sides are coated in stay-put, won’t-slide material that our testers appreciated. Parsons said, “As a sweaty gal, the non-slip was awesome!”

AT-HOME WEIGHTS
Rogue Fitness Dumbbells (around $18 to $468)

Ready to resistance train at home? A couple of pairs of dumbbells in varying weights are all you need to get started, says our Fitness Director Justin Kompf, Ph.D.. We like that the lighter (10 pounds and under) weights from Rogue have a smaller-diameter handle, making them easier for women’s hands to grip. If you’re new to lifting weights, Kompf recommends starting with a pair of 2.5- and 5-pound dumbbells; if you’re already on your strength journey, opt for 8 and 10 pounds; if you’re ready to level up, go with 10 and 15 pounds.

WORKOUT BENCH
Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 (around $195)

A workout bench can be a commitment especially with space but if you can manage it they are a great way to get more range of motion in your dumbbell exercises, says Kompf. He likes this sturdy, durable bench because it’s wider than some competitors’, making it more supportive for bodies of all sizes.

WOMEN'S WALKING SNEAKERS
Hoka Women's Clifton 10 (around $149.99)

Aesthetically, HOKAs aren’t for minimalists—with their extra-chunky soles and bold colors. But that style is right on trend, making these sneakers not only super comfortable for exercise but also “cute enough that you could wear them out to coffee or shopping,” says Parsons. The plush soles are a hit with both runners and walkers. “They feel like stepping on a cloud,” Parsons notes. Bonus: they’re available in both regular or wide widths.

MEN'S WALKING SNEAKERS
On Cloud 6 (around $150)

These are the sneakers our fitness director swears by. “Great cushioning—I’ve worn them for years for walking and running,” said Kompf. That’s because they have a wide opening and a sockliner so they’re easier to slip into, and the heel cup securely holds your foot. Plus they’re made with renewable materials, including a foam that was once discarded cooking oil.