Trader Joe's Matcha Almond Beverage: I was really excited to see this Matcha-flavored almond milk at Trader Joe's because I've recently become accustomed to making chia-seed pudding at home, which requires the use of non-dariy milk. As a beverage on its own, it's just ok - the matcha doesn't have the distinct bitterness of a quality matcha drink, but it does taste familiar. They're like the Trader Joe's Matcha Joe Joes - they're perfectly enjoyable as a snack but the matcha flavor is not very good if you really judge it solel... (read more) 3.0/5.0

Luscombe St. Clements citrus soda: Almost every time I have a Luscombe soda, I think it’s the best one yet and likely the best version of that particular flavor of any brand I’ve had. I really enjoyed this clementine soda, which has a bright, clean, yet concentrated orange and lemon citrus flavor. It’s clear they’ve taken great care to use the freshest fruit. Definitely one of the best sodas I’ve had. 5.0/5.0

Bar pa tea Roasted oolong milk tea with boba: Located near Soho, Bar Pa Tea bubble tea shop is a sister shop to Pa Tea, another shop I reviewed earlier this summer. The chronology of my reviews is off, though - I actually went to Bar Pa first, not knowing they were related. This milk tea was alright and just average, like bubble tea you can get from any ok tea shop in California. The boba was actually below average, though, as it was too soft. I did however sample their oolong soft serve and thought t was surprisingly good, which is why... (read more) 2.5/5.0

Kirin Rich Green Tea: If you can believe it, I have a months-worth of backlog for snack reviews. I purchased this bottle of green tea back when I was doing a retreat at the Recurse Center. I liked buying large bottles of green tea to drink at work for cost-effectiveness, and I found that the best selection could be found at Hong Kong Supermarket in NYC's Chinatown. I typically purchased Ito-En teas, but I decided to give this slightly less expensive bottle of green tea a try. It was decent, but more bitter th... (read more) 3.0/5.0

Bao Tea House Roasted oolong milk tea: Bao is a little gem in the West Village, easily missable as it’s below street level. But you would be amiss to not try their drinks if you’re a fan of milk teas; they have some of the best I’ve had in the city. This roasted oolong tea is classic but clean, with a nutty herbal flavor and creamy, sweet milk. I asked for it less sweet, and it was perfect for me. 4.0/5.0

Grocers Bottling Co Original Soda: I've reviewed over 100 types of sodas on Tasty Snacking, so it's very rare for me to come across a beverage that has a completely unique flavor. This original soda from Grocer's is one of them. It combines fruit and vegetable juice like apple, carrot, and hibiscus, with spices and herbs like juniper, coriander, bay leaf, and sage, all with a slightly spicy aftertaste from the addition of chili pepper extract. It has a slightly aniseedy flavor that's expertly balanced and surprisingly delic... (read more) 4.5/5.0