Everything You Should Know Before Trying a Meal Replacement Diet

Remember that ’90s image of a woman in leg warmers drinking frothy pink shakes for breakfast and lunch? While certain products or diet plans may seem dated to us now, the meal replacement industry is still going strong. Many diets on the market today involve swapping out typical meals for shakes, bars, or other prepared foods. Herbalife, Shakeology, Nutrisystem, and Medifast are just a few of the big names attracting consumers with the promise of weight loss on their line of products. If you’ve looked at starting a diet that involves meal replacement, be advised that these programs come with pros and cons — in terms of both potential weight loss and their effect on your lifestyle. Let’s take a deeper look at what you can expect when you swap typical meals for a prepackaged variety.

a Few Pros

1. They do promote weight loss. Meal replacements wouldn’t have stuck around as long as they have if they didn’t actually achieve weight loss results. Like any other method of intake reduction, consuming calorie-controlled bars or shakes instead of full meals does help you shed pounds, often very quickly.

2. They’re convenient. A salad is healthy, but you can’t very easily pack it in your purse, much less leave it there for hours at a time. Meal replacements like bars and shake mixes, on the other hand, are a convenient on-the-go option that can accompany you almost anywhere. And whereas more complex diets require you to get comfortable in the kitchen, these substitutes eliminate the need to plan and prep meals, saving you valuable time in the course of a busy week.

3. They lighten your mental load. “Meal replacements offer something of a sabbatical from food choices,” explains dietitian Julia Stevens, MPH, RDN, CPT, who uses them with clients in a hospital-based program. Stevens notes that people trying to lose weight often feel overwhelmed by choice as they face an average of 200 daily decisions about food. “When we can streamline those choices and make healthy eating easier and simpler, we are able to facilitate a greater weight loss in a shorter amount of time. Then we use that time to relearn healthy habits and how to make healthy food choices.”

4. They may help control blood sugar. You may not associate drinking shakes with improving your blood sugar numbers, but that’s exactly what researchers found in a study of a medically supervised meal replacement program called Optifast. Type 2 diabetics who replaced meals with Optifast products had better fasting blood sugar levels than those treated with traditional diet and lifestyle interventions. While it’s possible this was simply a byproduct of the rapid weight loss these patients experienced, it’s an intriguing testimonial for meal replacement usage in people with blood sugar issues.

And Some Cons

While meal replacements offer benefits, they also come with some significant drawbacks.

1. They can get repetitive. Many meal replacement programs allow dieters to eat a “normal” dinner after consuming meal replacements for breakfast and lunch. You may get plenty of variety at your evening meal, but limiting two-thirds of your meals to a handful of preset options can get old fast. It may be helpful to make a mental assessment — are you ready to limit yourself to the same cycle of foods day after day?

2. They might leave you unsatisfied. The drastically reduced amount of calories offered by meal replacements means that, unfortunately, they may just leave you really hungry. “I find they are extremely low-calorie and rarely provide an adequate amount of energy,” admits dietitian Kathleen Meehan, MS, RD, LDN. Feeling ravenous not only is unpleasant and can lead to bingeing but also often results in other effects like fatigue, headache, and brain fog.

3. They’re unsociable. Before embarking on any diet, it’s important to consider the factor of its feasibility in social situations. When your boss wants to conduct a one-on-one over lunch or your BFFs are going out for Sunday brunch, are you really going to sit there eating your meal from a plastic wrapper? Commitment to a meal-replacement-based diet can easily be thrown off by life’s circumstances.

4. They may not keep weight off. While losing weight fast sounds like every dieter’s dream, doing so with meal replacements may be just a short-term fix. “Meal replacements aren’t sustainable,” affirms Maria Zamarripa, MS, RD. “As a dietitian, I’ve seen it multiple times in my clients: They lose some weight using meal replacements but gain most of the weight back once they stop using them.”

5. They don’t get to the root of the issue: Unless used concurrently with nutrition education, meal replacements won’t actually teach you how to eat healthy long-term. So when you eventually go off of them, you may find yourself back to square one with less-than-optimal eating habits. For lasting positive lifestyle change, says Meehan, “I’d much rather help people find a pattern of eating that’s sustainable, considers their food preferences, and contains food they enjoy while providing adequate energy to support all the things they want to do.”

Do you have experience with a meal replacement diet? Tweet us at @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

The Mediterranean diet is perfect for those seeking fresh, healthy meals, all in the name of feeling better and living longer. Stocking your kitchen with Mediterranean staples is the easiest way to guarantee you always something to grub or snack on – support your goals with these 15 Mediterranean must-haves you can use for the best Mediterranean recipes!

Scroll on for 15 Mediterranean diet ingredients you should always keep in your kitchen to craft delicious dishes.

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1. Olive oil

The heart of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Its versatile flavor makes it perfect for cooking, dressing salads, or drizzling over veggies.

Rauf Allahverdiyev / PEXELS

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, plus lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Fresh, roasted, or in sauces, they’re a staple ingredient in countless Mediterranean dishes!

Yaroslav Shuraev / PEXELS

3. Spinach

This nutrient-dense leafy green is loaded with iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach is perfect for salads, sautés, or as a nutrient boost in soups and pasta!

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4. Eggplant

Eggplant is high in fiber and low in calories, making it great for digestion and weight management. Its meaty texture makes it a favorite in dishes like ratatouille or baba ghanoush.

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5. Zucchini

This versatile squash is rich in vitamins A and C and works well in everything from grilled veggie platters to savory breads. It’s a light, hydrating ingredient that complements hearty Mediterranean flavors.

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

6. Cucumber

Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are hydrating and rich in vitamin K. They’re a must-have for salads like Greek salad and tzatziki sauce!

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7. Bell pepper

Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, bell peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness to dishes. They’re perfect for roasting, stuffing, or slicing fresh into salads. They're even tasty when eaten by themselves.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

8. Dates

Dates – AKA the tastiest natural "candies" – are natural energy boosters, rich in fiber, potassium, and natural sugars. They’re a sweet addition to desserts or snacks and pair beautifully with nuts and cheese!

Hilal Bülbül / PEXELS

9. Whole wheat bread

A source of complex carbs and fiber, whole wheat bread keeps you full and provides steady energy. It’s perfect for dipping into olive oil and balsamic or serving alongside some hearty Mediterranean soups.

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10. Chickpeas

Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, chickpeas are pretty much a Mediterranean diet superstar. Use them in hummus, stews, or salads for a satisfying, healthy boost.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

11. Lentils

Lentils are protein-packed legumes that are also high in iron and fiber. They’re ideal for soups, salads, and as a hearty meat alternative in Mediterranean cooking.

Cats Coming / PEXELS

12. Farro

Rice, who?! This ancient grain is a powerhouse of fiber, protein, and magnesium. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it perfect for salads or side dishes!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

13. Garlic

Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster packed with flavor. It’s a foundational ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, enhancing everything from sauces to roasted veggies.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

14. Olives

Olives are a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E. They add a salty, tangy punch to salads, tapenades, or as a simple snack! We could eat a whole jar, TBH.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

15. Honey

A natural sweetener rich in antioxidants, honey is widely used in Mediterranean desserts and dressings. Its floral flavor and health benefits make it a pantry essential, plus it goes great with hot teas and coffee!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on healthy eating!

I can't stop thinking about Nosferatu, and I know why. Robert Eggers obviously created a cinematic masterpiece, but it's the gothic horror theme that I appreciate more than anything. Some of my favorite films in this genre are Bram Stoker's Dracula, Sleepy Hollow, Candyman, and 2010's The Wolfman. But it's not movies that made me fall in love with them; it's books.

I wish I would've embraced being a 'weird' Black girl who loved cutesy things as much as she enjoyed reading about monstrous creatures, but there's always now. If you're a proud fan of supernatural, morally gray characters, and psychological warfare, I have more than a few surprises for you. Here are all the gothic horror books you should pick up ASAP!

Scroll to see all the gothic horror books to read after watching Nosferatu!

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1. HUNGERSTONEby Kat Dunn (February 18, 2025)

Lenore has been married to the successful steel magnate Henry for a decade, but there doesn't seem to be anymore love between them. Still, they put on a united front to travel to the moorlands and that's when it happens — tragedy.

One accident unites the couple with Carmilla, an intriguing woman who's appearance changes depending on the time of day. The longer she's in their lives, the more Lenore feels inexplicably drawn to her. But, the timing of Carmilla's presence coincides with young girls developing insatiable appetites accompanied with a perplexing illness.

Also, Lenore doesn't feel like herself anymore. Rather, she's questioning if she's been honest about who she is all along. She thinks she wants to rekindle the passion in her marriage, but she can't ignore Carmilla's influence on her...

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2. Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

Kidan Adane's an heiress who's trying to outrun the fate of living among vampires, but is drawn back in when her sister June vanishes. Kidan decides accepting her place as a student at Uxlay University is the only way to seek revenge against the house vampire she 'knows' took June — Susenyos Sagad.

He's as dangerous as he is enchanting, but Kidan will quickly discover that he's not the most dangerous being she needs to worry about. In fact, she'll confront the morally ambiguous students, faculty, and families that are tied to Uxlay as she searches for answers about June's whereabouts.

However, there'll be no turning back once she discovers the truth.

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3. The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

Patricia Campbell is a housewife who was certain she was going to have an amazing life with her husband and kids, but they're too busy for her. The only things that are consistently present are her volatile mother-in-law, her never-ending checklist, and the true crime book club she's a part of.

Life begins to imitate art when Patricia is left scarred after a terrifying attack by a neighbor lands her in the hospital. Shortly after, she meets James Harris and begins to welcome his presence. As soon as she lets her guard down, she can't help but feel alarmed at news of young Black children going missing.

And the night she sees something so terrible no one will believer her is when she Patricia decides to take matters into her own hands.

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4. Salem's Lot by Stephen King

The disappearance of a young boy creates a suspicion in Mears considering nothing like that has ever happened in the small town he lives in. Before long, people he once knew begin to change into darker versions of themselves and he rushes to create a group of survivors/hunters to stop this unnatural takeover. But he'll have to find the source first and it just make take everything he's ever held dear.

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5. Hemlock Grove by Brian McGreevy

When a young girl is discovered brutally murdered in the town of Hemlock Grove, PA, whispers about what's truly going on begin to stir since she was found near what's left of the Godfrey Steel mill. There's also rumors that someone could've escaped from the biotech building that the Godfreys are also in charge of.

On the other side of suspicions about them lie accusations that a young Gypsy named Peter Rumancek is responsible. After all, he's been telling people he's a werewolf. It doesn't come as a shock when he and Roman Godfrey become best friends as they try to uncover what happened.

But fate has something different planned for them and it'll change who they thought they were.

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6. Vampires of El Norteby Isabel Canãs

Life for Nena and Néstor is full of grief in 1840s Mexico. With threats of Mexican land being taken over by settlers, Nena's seen it all. Plus, she's been attacked by an evil spirit before.

At some point, she and Néstor are separated without any contact. The latter believes his love has been lost and has been trying to drown himself in vices to forget what he thinks could've happened to her.

So when they finally see each other a few years later, their meeting is anything but pleasant. One's running from possibly marrying someone she doesn't love while the other is trying to reconcile his habits.

But nothing is more troubling than the fact the evil spirit is still out there and is looking to wreak more havoc on anyone who's unfortunate to cross its path.

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7. Thirst by Marina Yuszczuk

Thirst breaks from tradition by attempting to humanize a female vampire and her desire to live despite her nature. Escaping from Europe, she takes up residence in Buenos Aires and assimilates into its culture.

Years later, another young woman finds herself coming to terms with what motherhood means to her now that she's watching her own mother's life slip away. When she and the female vampire from long ago connect, something sparks between them and their lives take on a new meaning.

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8. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

Louis has been alive for a long time and is ready to tell his story to a young, eager journalist. He begins with the early telling of his former life when he was still a 'good' man in Louisiana who happened to cross paths with the manipulative Lestat. Unable to grapple with becoming a 'monster,' he remembers trying to survive off animals but never could satisfy his thirst.
Louis remembers giving in to vampirism and even the sweet Claudia who he gingerly took under his wing instead of harming her. However, the familial love they have for each other is cut short when they commit an unspeakable crime against Lestat and are forced to flee the opulent space they called home.

And lastly, Louis remembers what it was like to love Armand but feel unable to cope with knowing he did nothing to stop his band of vampires from seeking their own private justice against those he loved.

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9. House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

All Marion Shaw's ever known is what it feels like to be poor. Though she's dreamt of finding somewhere else to start over, she lacks the motivation to do so until she discovers an opening for a bloodmaid.

She's not sure what it means but she ventures to the House of Hunger anyway. There she becomes indoctrined in a new way of life that's led by the charming and horrifying Countess Lisavet. Somehow, Marion's caught her eye and they develop a consensual mistress-servant relationship.

But there's much more to the House of Hunger than Marion knew about and she'll have to use all of her wits to pay attention or she'll never be able to leave.

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10. This Cursed House by Del Sandeen

Jemma Baker decides to leave Chicago to pursue a job working for the Duchon family in New Orleans. It feels like an answered pray until she realizes how colorist they are.

Despite being Black, the Duchons have no problem feeling like they're superior because of their wealth and lighter skin. Jemma doesn't understand why they act the way they do until she realizes they're a cursed family who's relying onher to free them.

Soon, Jemma will have to use her gift to unlock secrets about the Duchons but she'll discover something dark that seeks to threaten her life if she's not careful.

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11. Her Little Flowers by Shannon Morgan

55-year-old Francine Thwaite has never left her childhood home in England's Lake Manor, but she doesn't mind. She fills her days interacting with the ghosts in the manor, especially her 'friend' Bree. However, Francine's sister Madeleine returns home and disrupts the quiet reality Francine had with a reimagining of what really happened there.

Suddenly, Francine's forced to realize the Thwaites weren't always so kind and have a sinister past that she may not be able to escape.

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12. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

In the 1970s, young women who dare to have sex before marriage and get pregnant are sent to Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida. It's a way for families to hide their shame and pretend like 'sinful' stains no longer exist.

When young Fern is sent there to contend with Miss Wellwood, she realizes there are other girls who's situations mirror her own. While their backgrounds differ, their pregnant bellies and controlled reality do not.

The girls are given a chance to rewrite the rules when Fern receives an occult book that introduces them to witchcraft. As they being casting spells and realizing how powerful they are, a growing realization that there's a price to learn for increased knowledge dawns on them.

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13. The Book of Witchingby C.J. Cooke

Clem's worst fears come true when she rushes to her daughter Erin's hospital bedside after a hiking trip went wrong. What's even scarier is that Erin refuses to believe that's her name and has no recollection of Clem being her mother.

Resolved to get to the bottom of things, Clem ventures to the Orkneys where her daughter was before the accident took place. She encounters tales of someone being tied to a murder and witchcraft long before she or Erin were born.

The deeper she digs, the more Clem questions what's capable of being true in a world that doesn't always believe in the occult.

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14. A Haunting on the Hillby Elizabeth Hand

Playwright Holly Sherwin hasn't seen much success until she's granted the chance to bring Witching Night to the big stage. To gain inspiration, she takes a mini vacation where she discovers Hill House. It's a sprawling mansion who's presence is felt even from it's partially hidden location.
Holly and her girlfriend Nisa decide to live there a month along with those who will make Witching Night a success. As everyone grapples with their own inner terrors, Hill House comes to life.

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15. The Only One Left by Riley Sager

In 1929, Lenora Hope's family were found murdered and everyone was sure she did it. Yet, she goes free when there's not enough evidence to convict her. As such, she's remained tucked away behind the walls of Hope's End.

When health aide Kit McDeere is assigned to assist Lenora in 1983, she's not sure what to expect since the previous nurse abruptly left. What Kit finds is an older mute woman who's only form of communication involves a typewriter.

Soon, Lenora surprises Kit by telling her she's ready to recount what happened the night her family was murdered. Insisting she wasn't responsible for her family's death, Kit helps Lenora document what happened.

The more Kit writes, the more she realizes Lenora may not be a victim after all.

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16. Our Share of the Night by Mariana Enriquez

Gaspar and his father are still grieving the death of both mother and wife when they decide to journey to the home tied to her ancestry. Their mission is to understand the origins of the Order which is the family she left behind.

They quickly realize this cult is menacing and tied to Gaspar's fate. Choosing to run from them, Gaspar and his father try their hardest to avoid something terrible coming to past.

Alternating between the present and the future, readers will come to understand how the Order was created and if Gaspar is destined to join them.

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17. Rouge by Mona Awad

Belle's known for prioritizing her skin's health and spends time creating skincare content. However, she's forced to deal with her mother Noelle's death and travels to Southern California to confront what happened to her.

When Belle sees a woman wearing red at her mother's funeral, she's confused about who she is. Her confusion deepens when the woman alludes to what may have happened to her mother and somehow leads Belle to La Maison de Méduse, a cult-like spa Noelle frequented.

Once there, Belle realizes there's a reason she and her mom shared the same obsession with looking at themselves in the mirror because there's more behind the glass than she bargained for.

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18. Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth

While at the Brookhants School for Girls in 1902, Flo and Clara develop an obsessive bond with each other as well as Mary MacLane. The latter's written a moving bestseller that details her life and leads the young girls to create the Plain Bad Heroine Society.

After meeting at an apple orchard, Flo and Clara are discovered murdered by yellow jackets while holding copies of Mary MacLane's work. Soon, the Brookhants School for Girls shuts down after more people die while there.

Years later, writer Merritt Emmons has written a book about the history of Brookhants that's set to be adapted into a horror movie. With lesbian actress Harper Harper set to play Flo and Audrey Wells starring as Clara, production gets the green light to arrive at the school.

However, it's hard to tell where the past ends and the present begins when Merritt, Harper, and Clara arrive. What is clear is that history has a way of repeating itself.

Are you in need of more shocking twists and turns? Check out the thriller books we've already pre-ordered!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

I’ve triedtons of different food trends in my day. From dumping chili oil on ice cream to concocting my very own Sleepy Girl Mocktail, nothing I’ve eaten measures up to the sheer weirdness we saw go viral on social media this year (major side eye to Dua Lipa’s pickle Diet Coke).

These are the top 5 most ridiculous TikTok-viral food trends of 2024 that left us questioning whether they really should’ve gone viral in the first place.

@claudiaeatsgood chamoy pickles are so good😋😩❤️ @Bussin Snacks #chamoypickle#chamoy#chamoypicklekit#bussinsnacks#takis#fruitrollup#mukbang#asmr#asmrmukbang#chamoypicklemukbang#juicy#pickle#mexicancandy♬ original sound - Claudia💕

1. Chamoy Pickles

People couldn't quit it with the chamoy pickles (AKA chickles) this year. I never would've guessed that chamoy, a condiment made from dried fruits, chilies, sugar, and lime juice, would be slathered atop the sourest pickles money can buy.

But the food trend didn't stop at just chamoy – many snackers stuffed their pickles with everything from the likes of Hot Cheetos, Takis, and Fruit Roll-Ups. What?!

This insanely sour, tangy treat kickstarted what the internet's coined as the 'Red 40 Diet', which certainly cannot be medically advised.

If you care for your GI tract, this food trend is 100% worth skipping and leaving behind in 2024.

@dualipaofficial

What do we call her?

♬ original sound - Dua Lipa

2. Pickle + Jalapeño-Infused Diet Coke

Diet Coke, pickle juice, and jalapeño juice = all the ingredients needed to concoct Dua Lipa's controversial 2024 drink. She loves it, but I on the other hand, do not.

Now, don't get me wrong: I love a good unexpected flavor combo, but gulping down a simultaneous dose of both pickle juice and jalapeño juice was not tasty to me whatsoever.

This trend even sparked a slew of Sonic diners to start ordering their soft drinks with pickles – but as divisive as this trend can be ("Don’t knock it till you try it," TikToker Mississippi Memaw told Food and Wine), it's just flat out weird.

@logagm

New cucumber recipe 🚨

♬ original sound - Logan

3. Cucumber Salad

If you bought a mandolin slicer recently, you might as well admit you're a victim of the TikTok-viral cucumber salad trend that made its rounds this year.

"Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber," TikTok user @logagmsounds off in the intro of every single one of his cucumber salad videos. And thus, the food trend was born.

It felt like I couldn't go a day on TikTok without seeing at least 5 recipes for a damn cucumber salad. When it comes down to it, I can appreciate the novelty (and taste) of this trend, but not the oversaturation. I'm gonna eat an entire cucumber one day, and get so tired of it the next. New innovations in 2025, please!

@kylekruegerr Would you try these?😂 #foodreview#seagrapes#food#review#tastetest#weirdfood♬ original sound - Kyle Krueger

4. Sea Grapes

It was like people wanted to eat the weirdest, grossest things in 2024. I can't blame 'em, especially if it's for clicks and views. But this food trend in particular literally made me want to gag – and I was only watching people eat through a screen (any fellow ASMR fans out there?).

They don't look like they're supposed to be crunchy, but they are. Sea grapes grow from aquatic plants and are filled with essentially what is a "salty liquid." They burst in the mouth when you eat them (one TikToker called them 'edible Orbeez'). Yuck.

@julieta.asmr I figured it out!! Blooper at the end 🥴 #asmr#asmrcommunity#asmrtiktoks#asmrvideo#asmrsounds#asmreating#asmrfood#asmrfyp#asmrmukbang#mukbang#asmreatingsounds♬ original sound - Julieta ASMR 🍒

5. Exploding Candies

The final (and especially weird) food trend I propose we leave behind in 2024 is these dang exploding jelly candies. They also made their rounds on ASMR TikTok, and I truly cannot stand to watch a single video featuring them.

First off, they look so annoying to consume. The fruit-shaped jellies are contained in a thin layer of plastic that's meant to burst open when you sink your teeth into it, prompting you to slurp out the sweetness inside. But what irks me the most is the fact that many people trying them can't even break the seal.

I'd rather watch someone make a simple PB&J than go to town on these microplastic-infused candies.

Subscribe to our newsletter to read up on more food news + trends!

Sweet Magnolias season 4 is almost here — and based on the new trailer, we're in for a ton of surprises...and not just because Maddie has declared this to be a "new chapter." Despite the tragedy and storm that are coming in the TV show this season, Helen, Maddie, and Dana Sue (JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Heather Headley, and Brooke Elliott) are definitely going to get through it together.

Keep reading for a breakdown of that new Sweet Magnolias season 4 trailer before new episodes drop February 6, 2025.

JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Heather Headley, and Brooke Elliott weather a variety of storms in 'Sweet Magnolias' season 4.

There's always a lot that happens between Halloween and Christmas Day, but Sweet Magnolias season 4 is really packing on the drama. I'm talking "a tragedy, a town crisis and a fierce storm," according to the official trailer.

Throughout the new Sweet Magnolias season 4 trailer, we get a glimpse of that storm, protests in town, and what appears to be a funeral. Dana Sue hugs an emotional Annie, Maddie finally voices her fear of losing someone she loves, and Helen has to deal with just how much the town is struggling. TLDR; Serenity is dealing with a lot of unrest in a lot of different forms. But despite the difficulty the message of the show remains clear.

"We're best friends," Heather Headley's Helen reminds Maddie. "Best friends carry each other, and each other's burdens." And that's really what the show is all about.

Showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson told TUDUM that season 4 will look at "the twists and turns of romance, the complexity of friendship, the surprises that pop up in life and how all these things make us more grateful for the people who love us, the people who fight for — and with — us, and the people who can make us laugh, whatever we’re going through.”

And if you ask me, most importantly, Sweet Magnolias proves that friendship has the power to change our lives. “True friendship is a living thing: It has to change and grow as we do," she continues. "And that’s not always easy. But that’s what makes it beautiful.”

Are you excited for Sweet Magnolias season 4? Let us know what you want to see on Facebook and read up on the 14 New TV Shows To Watch In February.

As much as I love Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day is actually my favorite February holiday! There's nothing I adore more than getting together with my girlfriends and celebrating each other with drinks and games — and gifts — galore. This year, the bestie basket is the best (and easiest) way to show your girls how much you care about them! These adorable gifts are super easy to make — you just have to pick a cute basket, fill it with your BFF's favorite things, and voila! You've got a perfect, thoughtful, last-minute gift!

Don't know what you need to get started? I've got you covered!

Here's everything you need to craft the perfect, last-minute bestie basket for Galentine's Day!

Target

Coiled Rope Basket

Obviously the first piece you need for your bestie basket is an actual basket. This pink rope basket from Target is cute, big enough to hold plenty of goodies, and is only $6!

Target

Felt Heart Valentine's Day Basket Red

But if you're looking for something a little more cutesy — and a little smaller — this heart basket will do the trick, too! Plus, the handle makes your gift way easier to transport to your BFF.

Target

Valentine's Day 8ct Pegged Tissue Red Heart on Cream

You can totally just put your gifts right into the basket, but a little tissue paper adds an extra zhuzh to your gift as well! And look at how pretty this heart paper is!

Target

16 fl oz Stoneware You are Loved Mug Pink/Red Striped

Whether your bestie is a coffee addict á la Lorelai Gilmore, loves a hot cuppa tea, or can't resist a decadent hot chocolate, a cute mug is a must-have in your basket. I love, love, love the pink and red stripes on this one!

Target

14 fl oz Figural Heart Tumbler with Straw

However, if your BFF is more of an iced-coffee kinda gal, she may be more into this sweet little heart-shaped tumbler!

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Stanley 4pk 40oz Quencher Tumbler Straws

It's no secret the gals are into Stanley cups — so why not grab some pink and red straws to make everyone's favorite hand accessory even cuter?

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Paucax Water Bottle Pouch for Stanley 18-40oz

This little pink pouch is another perfect addition to your emotional support water bottle, too! You can toss your phone, credit cards, lip balm, or whatever else you need on your hot girl errands in here!

Target

Women's Concentric Hearts Valentine's Day Cozy Crew Socks

Cozy socks are a definitely must in your bestie basket! These are super on-theme — and super soft!

Target

LOOPS Double Take Glow Mask

I seriously love LOOPS masks! Grab this for your girlfriends, and maybe even throw 'em on while you grab some wine and gab during your Galentine's Day celebration!

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Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Body Scrub

Winter is doing a number on everyone's skin right now, so a body scrub is a nice little luxury to gift your girlfriends right now. Revive your skin — and smell good doing it!

Target

essie Salon-Quality Vegan Nail Polish

A little nail care is a total hallmark of a good girls night! Grab this sweet shade of red for the perfect at-home mani for you bestie!

Target

Salon Clip Hair Bow Set 2pc

Are people over bows? IDK, but I'm sure not. These are coquette and cute and so going in your bestie baskets this year!

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Nerds Valentine's Gummy Clusters

Bestie baskets absolutely need candy — it's a non-negotiable. Nerds gummy clusters are super viral right now, and for good reason! They're chewy, crunchy, and totally delicious.

Target

Dove Valentine's Dark Chocolate Hearts

If your friends aren't into gummy candy, classic Dove dark chocolate hearts are a solid way to go as well!

Target

Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Candy Truffles

And if dark chocolate is too bitter, then these sweet little milk chocolate truffles are also amazing!

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