Why Are People...Eating ​Cottage Cheese Again?

Yep, I’m speechless. Trader Joe’s just put a Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter on their shelves, and it looks insane. Going off the design of the cans, it’s quite obviously based on the grocer’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups – a treat I keep in my cupboard no matter what.

I’m not kidding when I say I eat this TJ’s dessert on the daily, either. The cups come in the perfect small size for snacking that I typically peel one open after lunch, and one after dinner for a perfectly-dosed treat. Other than that, I think these cups pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream as a topping, or even chopped up and baked into cookies!

Back to the porter, though. Per photos shared by Trader Joe’s fan account, @traderjoesnew, the drink is an “imperial porter with peanut butter and natural flavors." The 16-ounce cans are sold in a 4-pack for $15, and each one measures 9.2% alcohol by volume. Whew! One drink will absolutely set you right.

Similar to stouts, porters are famously known for their rich, malty flavor profile with notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and caramel – so it’s only right that TJ’s whipped up this peanut butter cup-inspired bev.

Some Trader Joe’s fans that caught @traderjoesnew’s post about the porter flavor weighed in on the new launch.

“Honestly these were really good,” one person said.

“I love sweets and dark beer; did these beers in my 20’s but in my 40’s there’s way too much going on in this,” another shopper commented. “My suggestion: share the pint with 2-3 others. It will be a boozy sweet bomb.”

Whatever your preference for alcohol is, if you can’t resist a sweet treat, I'd say Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter is totally worth a try.

1. Add your matcha powder.

Rocky's Matcha Oishi Ceremonial Blend Matcha

The perfect matcha latte undoubtedly starts with the right matcha powder. There are several different grades of matcha: ceremonial, premium, and culinary. Ceremonial grade matcha powder is typically more expensive, but it provides the best sweet, smooth, and umami-rich flavor.

365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Matcha Powder

Premium grade matcha powder is slightly less sweet than ceremonial grade, but can be a great option if you consume matcha on the daily. It's also great for baking projects!

Jade Leaf Organic Culinary Matcha

Culinary grade matcha powder is widely known as the more budget-friendly option. It’s noticeably more bitter and you’ll notice that its color is less vibrant than ceremonial grade matcha powder.

To get started on your matcha, you'll want to sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into your matcha bowl. Sifting it through a fine mesh sieve ensures less clumps and better flavor.

2. Kettle

Great Jones x Fellow EKG Pro Kettle

To make matcha, you’ll need to heat up some water so that the powder mixes perfectly. The exact temperature of water is important there, though, so having a good kettle on-hand will make the process super easy.

We love this kettle from Great Jones x Fellow because it's aesthetically-pleasing, yet super functional. You can fine-tune the exact temperature using an easy dial, set timers, and pour with precision, thanks to the pour-over spout.

Café Kitsuné x Printworks Matcha Tools

Some matcha purists insist on preheating their matcha bowls before adding any powder. You can do this by filling it with hot water and letting it sit for about a minute, discarding the water after.

To prep your matcha powder in the matcha bowl, you’ll want your water to be around 175°F – just below boiling. You don’t need too much of it. Pour just enough to cover the powder.

Next, mix the matcha and water together with your whisk for about 15-20 seconds, using a zig-zag motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and frothy.

3. Use a matcha bowl + whisk.

Ren Vois Blush Marble Matcha Table Set

A reliable matcha bowl and whisk set is crucial for preparing matcha the right way. Using these traditional tools ensures that your matcha powder is evenly mixed and doesn't come out clumpy.

DAVIDsTEA Bamboo Matcha Whisk

Plus, using a quality bamboo whisk gives your matcha that smooth, frothy texture you love and naturally aerates a bit of the bitterness out for a seamless sip.

4. Add your sweetener of choice.

Jordan's Skinny Mixes Sugar-Free Pistachio Syrup

After you’ve mixed your matcha is where the fun really kicks in. You can pair the matcha mixture with your favorite flavors, using syrups, purees, or natural sweeteners to jazz it up. Simply add your matcha to your desired amount of sweetener and gently mix to incorporate the flavors.

365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Grade A Dark Maple Syrup

Other matcha lovers concoct their own syrups and purees, like strawberry, blueberry, and peach.

Using natural sweeteners like honey, agave, or maple syrup is also a stunning way to add some sweetness to your matcha latte!

5. Pour your milk.

Minor Figures Organic Barista Oat Milk

Matcha lattes are typically served with milk for added creaminess and to break some of the natural bitterness from the powder. Generally, anywhere from 1 to 1 1 ½ cups of milk is the perfect ratio.

The HomeFlow Co.Handheld Milk Frother

You can easily sip your homemade matcha iced or hot. For a hot drink, you can use a milk steamer, or for the less fancy, microwave it for a few minutes in a mug and froth with a handheld electric whisk.

Trader Joe's Organic Unsweetened Almond Beverage

Our favorite milks for matcha lattes include Minor Figures' Organic Barista Oat Milk, Trader Joe's Organic Unsweetened Almond Beverage, and Forager Project’s Organic Cashew Milk. Occasionally, we’ll add a tiny splash of Chobani Vanilla Dairy Creamerfor extra sweetness if we don’t have other sweeteners on-hand.

6. Serve in a cute glass!

Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass

A matcha latte truly isn’t complete without a cute cup or mug! In addition to mason jars and weck jars, these are the most adorable options we want in our kitchen ASAP.

Wavy Drinking Glasses

These glasses are full of personality. You'll be hosting an at-home cafe in no time!

Bluepolar Glass Tumbler

This glass is perfect for on-the-go matcha moments since it comes with a secure lid to prevent slips and spills.

1. Worn-Out Soles

One of the clearest indicators it's time to replace your footwear is worn-out soles. Take a look at the tread: is it smooth or uneven? If so, your shoes are no longer offering the same level of grip and stability as they did in the past.

The lack of traction can lead to discomfort with each step and slips, especially if you're walking over wet or slick surfaces. That's why any bald spots suggest they're no longer providing the support and safety you need.

2. Heel Breakdown

Since we naturally walk with heel-to-toe strides, the heel tends to be the first part of a shoe that shows signs of wear. With every single step you take, your heel absorbs a significant amount of your body weight and gradually breaks down the material.

Some wear is completely normal, but it becomes a problem when the heel starts to lose its shape or, again, the tread pattern is too worn. A broken-down heel isn't giving you any cushioning or support, so replacing your old pair is smart to prevent discomfort or potential foot problems.

3. Uneven Wear Pattern

Now, after taking a closer look at your footwear, you might notice the inside or outside of your sole is wearing down faster than the center. This may be due to walking pattern imbalances.

For instance, if your ankle rolls inward, it's known as pronation; meanwhile, rolling outwards is supination. Usually caused by muscle weakness, these imbalances put uneven pressure on your shoes, meaning one side of the sole wears out faster than the other.

Uneven wear is a sign you're no longer receiving balanced support and need to invest in a new pair of kicks.

4. Squeaking

If your shoes were silent when you got them, then randomly started squeaking or creaking, that's an indicator that the internal structure or sole is breaking down.

These sounds typically happen when the materials inside the shoe no longer fit together properly, or the cushioning has deteriorated. Apart from the sound just being annoying, persistent squeaking suggests you probably need a replacement.

5. Odors

We put our shoes through the ringer on a daily basis. Not only do they encounter outside elements like mud, rain, and snow, but they also deal with our own sweat inside. If your footwear has lingering odors that don't go away even after cleaning, it's a red flag that they've simply absorbed too much moisture or bacteria.

Shoes can trap sweat, dirt, and moisture, creating an environment that's perfect for bacteria to thrive. And after a while, odor-fighting products might not even work against stubborn smells. Take that as your sign to find a new pair.

6. Decreased Athletic Performance

When it specifically comes to athletic shoes, you'll notice a drop in performance. Your sneakers might've once been bouncy and very cushioned, giving you a literal spring in your step.

Then, over time, you may notice that they start to feel flat or less responsive. The energy return decreases, and you no longer feel the same level of comfort from the cushioning. This means your sneakers are no longer suited for high-impact activities, and replacing them is crucial to preventing any possible injuries.

7. Workouts Are Painful

Have you ever experienced a sharp stabbing pain in your arch or heel while exercising? Your shoes' lack of support is probably the culprit.

This type of pain is usually associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis, which can be exacerbated by worn-out footwear. For your next pair, make sure you pick out shoes with proper arch support and cushioning for a pain-free workout.

8. You've Hit Your Mileage Limit

Lastly, it's important to track how much wear your shoes have experienced, even if they still feel comfortable. That's because most walking shoes are designed to last around 500 miles, which equates to about six months of use (depending on how active you are).

If you haven't been keeping track of your mileage, that's okay. This metric is roughly equivalent to walking about 30 minutes a day or three to four hours per week. If this sounds like your routine, you can aim to get new shoes every six months for the best support and comfort.