Instacart's Halloween report: Reese's is No.1, regional candy quirks and the iconic banana costume

Instacart reports that Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are the top Halloween candy in 40 states, with regional quirks like HI-CHEW in Montana. 
A baker’s surprising ingredient: Mayonnaise
Hellmann's reports that mayonnaise can enhance baking by replacing eggs, oil, or butter, adding moisture and rich flavor while ensuring tender textures in cakes, cookies, and breads.
Are GLP-1 users eating out less, or just ordering less?
Toast reports that 11% of U.S. adults now use GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Users eat out less, order smaller portions, and prefer healthier options.
What are the best fruits and vegetables to try on the grill this fall?
Wildfire Outdoor Living reports that fall is ideal for grilling seasonal produce like apples, squash, and Brussels sprouts, showcasing delicious autumn flavors.
Sweet, spicy, and a little spooky: Halloween shopping trends projected from DoorDash data
DoorDash reports Halloween candy trends for 2026, revealing Reese's remains top, Haribo ascends, and old-school candies are back. 
Top local coffee shops for National Coffee Day, according to DoorDash data
DoorDash reports on top local coffee shops for National Coffee Day Sept. 29, featuring small cafes with high ratings from 2025-2026.
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Mary Bloom, a Como resident, has been a dining hall volunteer since the 1980s.
They make the Hamline Church dining hall happen
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is now in the history books, ending on Labor Day. The end means that a large corps of volunteers gets to put away special volunteer garb for another year. The name tags, …
Can we get a little commotion for vanilla? It's having a moment – and Minnesota is here for it
Chocolate may get most of the attention, but vanilla is quietly making a statement — and Minnesota is helping lead the way.  A new University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and …
Students make and eat ice cream while learning about thermodynamics.
Fifth graders learn about science of ice cream
After a year full of engaging and joyful partnerships, Hamline Elementary and Hamline University ended 2025 with exciting collaborations in science and art. It’s not everyday you see liquid …
LifeJuices owner Kali Terry
Life Juices, Vikings and Goddess Pie honored by city
The Saint Paul City Council announces the nineth annual Saint Paul Business Awards winners. They will recognize the five winners and celebrate the efforts of Saint Paul business owners at the City …
Supporting neighbors with food drive at Hamline
Hamline Elementary and Hamline University are enjoying another year of partnership through the Hamline to Hamline Collaboration. So far this year we’ve welcomed PreK-5th graders to campus for a …
Recipes, Entertaining Ideas, and More

Keeping the Love of Food with Type 2 Diabetes

(Feature Impact) Living with Type 2 diabetes often means making adjustments to your daily routine, especially when it comes to food. Although adjusting to life with diabetes may take time, you don't have to give up your favorite foods and flavors. In fact, it can be an opportunity to discover meals that support your health goals while still enjoying the foods you love.

Cozy Up with Comforting Soups and Stews

(Feature Impact) As temperatures drop, few meals warm you from the inside out quite like Beef Stew with Rice or Hearty Rice Minestrone Soup. These comforting favorites deliver delicious flavor to the family table, and better yet, they don't require much time in the kitchen, making them particularly practical for busy weekdays.
Top Food stories from around the web

4 Ways to Enjoy Fresher Foods at Home

(Feature Impact) Knowing your food was grown from the earth and nurtured by the sun and rain can add a whole new dimension of enjoyment to your meals, which processed foods often can't replicate. Recipes like these Chicken and Avocado Rollups can be an easy solution for putting fresh foods like avocados on the menu.

Simplify Family Dinners with Easy, One-Pan Meals

(Feature Impact) When busy weeknights leave little time for prepping dinner - or cleaning it up afterward - simple recipes can make a difference. Try this this zesty, Asian-inspired Lime-Ginger Shrimp Fried Rice or Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole.

Make Mealtime Easier with These Air Fryer Recipes

(Feature Impact) When busy weeknights begin to make dinners feel more like a race against the clock than a chance to slow down, families need meals that come together quickly without defaulting to takeout. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or simply looking to try something new, recipes like Air Fryer Butternut Squash and Chorizo Tacos and Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Bowls can help you get more from your air fryer.

Build a Winning Game-Day Spread with Big Flavor and Less Mess

(Feature Impact) Whether you're gathering in the stadium parking lot or hosting friends for an at-home watch party, a memorable experience begins long before kickoff. Start your pregame festivities with an MVP-worthy spread that's simple to serve, easy to eat and keeps fans full through the final whistle including recipes like Buffalo Chicken Caesar and Celery Wraps and Buffalo Hummus, which include a game-day staple flavor.

Enjoy Tangy, Spicy Buffalo Chicken with a Superfood Swap

(Feature Impact) When you're craving a specific comfort food, other flavors just aren't going to hit the spot the same way.

5 Easy Sheet Pan Meals with a Grape Upgrade

(Feature Impact) Sheet pan cooking makes weeknight meals wonderfully easy - and fresh grapes give them an unexpected upgrade. From satisfying dinners and sides to a crowd-pleasing dessert, these recipes bring something unexpected to the sheet pan without adding extra fuss.
Recipes, tips & food info

Bouillon vs. broth vs. stock: What are the key differences?

Knorr reports that stock, broth, and bouillon differ in preparation and concentration. 
More food ideas

(BPT) - Have you ever driven for an hour to find a food truck with an amazing local dish, or planned a vacation around one city's famous market? If so, you could be a "culinary tourist": one of the …
Food and entertaining tips and ideas

Beyond streaming: How to feel inspired by your smart TV

(BPT) - You have a smart TV to stream your favorite content, but are you making the most of this technology? The truth is that many consumers only use a fraction of their smart TV's capabilities.Your …

Bread Is the Foundation of the Family Meal

(BPT) - By Eric Dell, President and CEO, American Bakers AssociationEvery trip to the grocery store is a balancing act. You're watching the budget and doing quick math on how far each dollar will …

Lunch breaks: A meaningful way to improve connection and performance

(BPT) - Employers looking to boost productivity and foster employee connection may be overlooking an effective approach: protecting lunch breaks and providing meals for workers. This year's Lunch …