I Tried 25 Viral Food Hacks — Here’s What Actually Works

refried beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Black beans provide more fiber and protein.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: monterey jack

Monterey jack is often less expensive and melts well.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories.

jalapeños

🥗Healthier: banana peppers

💰Cheaper: bell peppers

Bell peppers are milder and often cheaper.

Open a bag of shredded carrots and add them to a bowl.

Season the shredded carrots with salt.

Peel potatoes using a peeler, going forward and back for speed.

Prepare crispy fries by soaking raw cut potatoes in a mixture of ice water, baking soda, and salt for 10 minutes.

Dry the soaked potatoes thoroughly.

Toss the dried potatoes in a bowl with cornstarch and tahin.

Air fry the coated potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Cut a ketchup packet to the side to create a dipping packet for fries.

Prepare nature's cereal by adding blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and pomegranate seeds to a bowl.

Pour coconut water over the mixed berries.

De-stem strawberries by pressing a straw through the center.

Microwave a lemon for 30 seconds to make it easier to squeeze.

Chop the lemon and add it to a cup of water, then microwave for 3 to 5 minutes for cleaning.

Use a washcloth with baking soda to scrub the microwave after microwaving the lemon water.

Microwave an orange for 1 minute, then roll and cut to squeeze juice.

Roast garlic in the microwave by cutting off the ends and adding a teaspoon of water, microwaving for 3 minutes.

Try roasting garlic again with less water and time if the first attempt fails.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens