Whole Foods Market shoppers are starting to see a less familiar plant milk on shelves. New Barn Organics said on September 29, 2026, that its new Buckwheat Milk is rolling out at regional Whole Foods Market stores.

Where the rollout is happening

According to New Barn Organics, the product is rolling out at Whole Foods Market stores in the Southern Pacific, Northern California, Southwest, Rocky Mountain, and Florida regions. The company said the rollout began September 29, 2026, and described it as a regional launch rather than a chainwide release.

That matters because the headline claim can easily sound broader than the source material supports. Whole Foods did not publish a newsroom release saying every store is stocking it, and New Barn’s own announcement names five regional divisions, not all stores in every U.S. market.

The product comes from a partnership between New Barn Organics and BAM the Brand, which previously developed buckwheat-based plant milk. New Barn said it acquired BAM’s buckwheat milk recipes and is now bringing the product to market under the New Barn brand.

Lisa Tosun, Emerging Brands Forager for Whole Foods Market, said in the company announcement that BAM had joined Whole Foods Market’s Local and Emerging Accelerator Program in 2023 and was paired with New Barn as a mentor. That partnership later grew into this retail launch.

What makes this milk unusual

Buckwheat may sound like a grain, but the Associated Press noted that its seeds are more akin to a fruit rather than a grain despite the name. In grocery terms, though, it will still read as an unusual base for plant milk compared with almond, soy, oat, or coconut options.

New Barn describes the milk as made with Regenerative Organic Certified buckwheat sourced from the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. On its product page, the company says the milk is intended for coffee, smoothies, soups, baking, or drinking cold.

The company also lists several product attributes that may catch shoppers’ attention in the plant milk aisle:

• Regenerative Organic Certified®

• Certified organic

• Nut Free

• Dairy-free

• Whole30 Approved

• Non-GMO Project verified

• Kosher

In its September 29 announcement, New Barn also said the buckwheat milk is gluten-free and Certified Seed Oil Free. The company called it the first New Barn SKU built from the ground up as Regenerative Organic Certified.

Why this product is showing up now

The rollout is part of a larger effort to build more uses for buckwheat in American food. The Associated Press reported this week that BAM founder Paige Hansen developed a buckwheat-based alternative milk after dealing with a dairy allergy and later partnered with New Barn Organics to launch it in Whole Foods Market stores this month.

AP also reported that Hansen has been working to expand the market for buckwheat and encourage more farmers to plant it. The story said partnering with a larger brand allowed her to triple the amount of buckwheat she was buying from farmers.

For home cooks, the practical takeaway is simple: this is a new option for anyone looking beyond the usual plant milks, especially shoppers who want a nut-free choice. New Barn’s online product page says the milk is now available in stores, while online orders are coming soon.

Price is one detail shoppers should not assume from the company website. New Barn lists a $39.00 price for a six-pack on its own site, but that is not a sourced Whole Foods shelf price, so it should not be treated as the in-store retail price at Whole Foods.

A corner store in Burbank is drawing attention for doing the opposite of what most convenience stores do. Instead of blending in, Horror Boodega is built to unsettle, using horror-movie props, themed food, and a deliberately creepy layout to turn snack shopping into an attraction.

What Horror Boodega Actually Sells

Horror Boodega is located on Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank, California, and owner Erick Yaro Wessel describes it as an all-horror convenience store. Food & Wine reported on October 4, 2026 that the shop sells snacks, drinks, and memorabilia inspired by Halloween and scary movies, and that it operates year-round rather than only during the fall season.

The inventory mixes regular packaged food with products tied to horror fandom and nostalgia. According to Food & Wine, shoppers can find pumpkin- and ghost-shaped SpaghettiOs, Oreos with orange-colored creme, Twinkies, Zagnut bars, Baby Ruth bars, horror-themed hot sauces, barbecue sauce inspired by The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and flavored coffee from Catfight Coffee. The same report says canned drinks include the Halloween II Slay All Day Energy Drink, while the shop also carries beverages such as Brainwash Soda and Corpse Reviver.

That product mix matters because the store is not positioned as a place for routine grocery shopping. Food & Wine noted that shoppers are not going there for staples like milk, bread, or produce. Instead, the draw is the crossover between food, collectibles, and movie references, which gives home cooks and snack shoppers a place to pick up novelty pantry items for parties, themed movie nights, or seasonal gift baskets.

Why the Store Feels So Unnerving

The shop’s “secret” is not hidden stock in the back. It is the design itself. Food & Wine reported that Horror Boodega is an immersive experience with photo ops throughout the store, including an oversized television-frame installation and a neon sign quoting Scream. The article says the decor pulls heavily from retro 1980s horror toys and cartoons, with memorabilia and VHS tapes reinforcing the effect.

That design is intentional, and it helps explain why the place feels less like a standard bodega and more like a set. Wessel told Food & Wine that he originally wanted to open an immersive horror restaurant, but the cost of building a full kitchen pushed him toward a smaller-format food business. The LA Globe, citing reporting from the Los Angeles Times, said he spent six years looking for the right space and opened the Burbank original in late 2024 after scaling the concept down to a snack shop.

The unsettling details go beyond lighting and props. The LA Globe reported that a hidden button near the store’s Alien wall triggers an alarm modeled on the self-destruct warning from Nostromo, the spaceship in Alien. It also reported that large sculptures inside the shop came from past Mystic Museum exhibits. That helps explain why first-time visitors may read the space as part corner store, part exhibit, and part haunted attraction.

What It Means for Shoppers Now

For shoppers, Horror Boodega works best as a destination stop rather than a grocery errand. Food & Wine reported that many visitors come from the nearby cluster of year-round spooky businesses known locally as Horror Row, and that some customers are drawn by the food itself while others come for the decor and nostalgia. Wessel told the magazine that some guests do not realize at first that the merchandise is actually for sale.

The store’s assortment also changes with the season. The LA Globe reported that the shop may carry about 200 items in the off-season and as many as 2,000 in the fall. That means selection can vary widely depending on when shoppers visit, especially if they are hoping to find a specific movie-linked snack, candy, or drink.

The business is also expanding. The LA Globe reported on October 4, 2026 that Wessel has signed a lease for a smaller outpost at Wunderkammer at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, with an opening planned later this year. For now, the original Burbank store at 3116 W. Magnolia Blvd. remains the main reference point, a place where the food is real, the mood is intentionally creepy, and the shelf appeal comes from making shoppers feel slightly on edge.

A midweek grocery trip will not guarantee lower prices or fully stocked shelves, but it can make the weekly shop easier. For many home cooks, the best bet is a weekday visit, especially if it lines up with a store’s weekly ad cycle and happens before the weekend rush.

Why weekdays can be easier

Weekend grocery shopping is still the default for a lot of households, which is exactly why weekday trips can feel less hectic. Recent foot traffic data cited by Placer.ai shows that Aldi and Trader Joe’s both draw a higher share of visits on weekends than the national grocery average, suggesting that many shoppers still save their bigger stock-up trips for Saturdays and Sundays.

That does not mean every store is quiet in the middle of the week. Traffic patterns vary by chain, neighborhood, and even season, and Placer.ai’s own grocery-related analysis shows shopping behavior can differ quite a bit by market. Still, broader survey data from Drive Research found a noticeable increase in grocery shopping on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 1:59 p.m., which fits what many shoppers already experience in real life.

If the goal is simply to avoid crowds, a weekday morning is a safer starting point than a weekend afternoon. An AOL report published October 3, 2026, citing grocery scheduling patterns, also points readers toward quieter weekday shopping windows and notes that some major chains refresh promotions on Wednesdays.

Where the ad cycle matters

The strongest case for a midweek grocery trip is not that products are always fresher on Wednesday. It is that many supermarkets and grocery chains start a new weekly ad around Wednesday, while others reset on Sunday, so shopping early in the ad cycle can give you a cleaner look at current promotions.

That timing matters most for shoppers who build meals around sale items. Shopping early in an ad cycle lets you check newly advertised deals before the weekend rush, although availability depends on the store and item. Aldi also releases its Aldi Finds on Wednesdays, which gives that day a practical edge for shoppers chasing limited-time specials.

The caution is important here. Retailers replenish inventory throughout the week, and at least one grocery representative quoted in the October 2026 AOL report said shoppers should not assume there is a single storewide restock day. That means a Wednesday trip may help with promotions and crowds, but it is not a universal shortcut to fresher produce, better meat markdowns, or fuller shelves.

How to use the timing at your store

The most useful move is to match your shopping day to your regular store instead of chasing a one-size-fits-all rule. Start by checking your store’s app or weekly circular to see when the new ad begins. If your main supermarket flips to a new ad on Wednesday, try shopping that morning once or twice and compare the experience with your usual routine.

Then pay attention to what actually changes. Some stores may have better produce late in the day after a delivery, while others may have the calmest aisles right after opening. Placer.ai data on grocery and specialty chains suggests time of day can vary by state and shopper base, which is another reason local habits matter more than a blanket claim about one perfect slot.

For most shoppers, the practical takeaway is simple: if weekends are stressful, test a weekday morning, and if your store starts new promotions midweek, shop near the start of that cycle. It may not be the smartest day for every store in America, but it can be a smarter one for many carts and kitchens.

Some soda flavors come and go quietly. Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut is not going quietly at all.

The limited-edition release built a passionate following fast, and now fans are reading every company move for clues about whether the flavor is finished for good.

What the latest Dr Pepper timeline actually shows

The clearest update is that Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut returned in 2026 as a limited release, not as a permanent addition. In its February 18, 2026 innovation announcement, Keurig Dr Pepper said the comeback was driven by strong consumer demand, calling the flavor a response to fan enthusiasm after its earlier success. The company’s own language mattered: it framed the soda as a return, not a permanent shelf fixture, and positioned it within a broader lineup of seasonal and specialty launches.

That distinction is important because the flavor already had a remarkable track record. Keurig Dr Pepper has previously described Creamy Coconut as its most successful limited-time Dr Pepper carbonated soft drink launch to date. The drink stood out because it fused the brand’s signature 23-flavor profile with a dessert-like coconut finish, creating a profile that landed somewhere between novelty and genuine repeat purchase appeal.

The more telling sign arrived on October 5, 2026. In a new look at its 2027 pipeline, Keurig Dr Pepper announced Dr Pepper Ice Cream Float as a permanent nationwide flavor beginning in February 2027. That release signals where the brand’s long-term attention is going. It does not prove every last can of Creamy Coconut has vanished from stores, and it does not rule out a future revival, but it does suggest the company has moved on from making Creamy Coconut its next permanent bet.

Why fans got attached so quickly

Creamy Coconut succeeded because it hit two trends at once. It leaned into nostalgia with a cream-soda-like softness, while also tapping the tropical flavor wave that has performed well in limited beverage launches. Keurig Dr Pepper itself said the product was inspired by viral social media trends, which helps explain why the drink felt less like a routine extension and more like an internet-anointed event.

That online energy also fueled the backlash once rumors of its disappearance began circulating in spring 2026. Fan reactions were real, but they are best described as loud disappointment rather than full-scale revolt. Across social media, many shoppers posted shelf photos, stock-up hauls, and pleas for the company to keep the flavor around longer, a familiar pattern when limited-run sodas develop cult status.

Part of the frustration comes from how beverages are distributed. A limited-time product can feel “gone” in one city while still sitting in coolers somewhere else. That uneven rollout often turns ordinary sell-through into a story of loss. In Creamy Coconut’s case, the scarcity only sharpened its identity as a flavor worth chasing.

What this means for Dr Pepper’s flavor strategy

From a business standpoint, Keurig Dr Pepper appears to be treating Creamy Coconut as a proven traffic driver rather than a year-round core product. Limited runs create urgency, boost trial, and keep a legacy brand in conversation without overcrowding the permanent lineup. For beverage companies, that can be more valuable than simply keeping every popular experiment on shelves indefinitely.

The company’s 2027 plans reinforce that strategy. Dr Pepper Ice Cream Float is arriving as a permanent offering in both regular and zero sugar formats, with cans and 20 oz. bottles set for a February 2027 launch. That is a very different level of commitment than the one given to Creamy Coconut, and it suggests Dr Pepper sees bigger long-term potential in float-inspired indulgence than in coconut-forward flavoring.

For fans, though, that logic can feel beside the point. Once a limited flavor becomes part of someone’s routine, corporate portfolio planning sounds like a poor substitute for the real thing. The most accurate takeaway right now is this: Creamy Coconut was revived for 2026, but as of October 9, 2026, Keurig Dr Pepper has spotlighted other flavors for the future and has not announced Creamy Coconut as a permanent product. That is enough to make loyal drinkers nervous—and vocal.

Some pantry pieces age into clutter. Others quietly become collectibles.

If you have old jars, canisters, or kitchen storage tucked away in a cupboard, basement, or attic, it may be worth a second look.

Why old pantry ware is getting fresh attention

Vintage pantry items sit at the intersection of utility, nostalgia, and design, which is why they keep resurfacing in estate sales and online auctions. Collectors are not just buying storage; they are buying a piece of domestic history, often tied to recognizable American brands. That helps explain why names like Ball, Pyrex, Fire-King, CorningWare, and Lenox continue to attract bidders. According to Lenox, the company formally reintroduced its beloved Spice Village collection in 2024, a move that also reinforced demand for older village-themed kitchen pieces already circulating in the secondary market.

Still, “valuable” does not mean “everything old is expensive.” Recent sold data show a much more grounded market than viral social posts suggest. Attic Worth’s 2026 mason jar guide, based on recent sold listings, notes that many ordinary antique jars sell for less than owners hope, even while select examples draw stronger prices. That distinction matters because condition, color, maker, lid type, and embossing often matter more than age alone.

The same pattern appears across the kitchenware category. Auction records from HiBid show modest realized prices for many everyday pieces, while standout examples or complete sets perform better. In other words, rarity helps, but presentation, completeness, and buyer confidence often make the difference between a $10 result and a much better one.

The nine pantry relics collectors keep watching

Start with Mason jars, where myths often outrun facts. The oft-cited Ball jars with a “13” marking are a good example: Attic Worth records one antique Ball jar with a “13” marking selling for $47 on July 29, 2026, but the number alone does not guarantee a windfall. The guide emphasizes that value depends on the full combination of color, condition, closure, and exact variant.

Next are Pyrex canister sets and Fire-King jadeite. Pyrex remains highly collectible because midcentury kitchens continue to influence home décor, while Fire-King’s soft green jadeite still has strong visual appeal. Recent HiBid records show a Fire-King jadeite mixing bowl set selling through a July 2026 auction, while another jadeite bowl grouping realized $38, underscoring how these sales often hinge on form, number of pieces, and buyer interest at a specific auction.

The rest of the list rounds out the modern pantry hunt: Lenox Spice Village pieces, general pantry tins, metal spice canisters, midcentury canister sets, CorningWare canisters, and bread boxes. Some of these sound glamorous, but the market can be surprisingly practical. A vintage Corning Spice of Life canister set sold for $12 in a September 2026 HiBid auction, while a vintage bread box sold for $10 in an auction ending September 27, 2026. By contrast, a vintage Cheinco Golden Harvest metal canister set realized $27, and a Maid of Honor metal canister set brought $40, showing that decorative appeal and completeness can lift otherwise ordinary kitchen storage.

What actually separates attic gold from ordinary leftovers

The first rule is simple: sold prices matter more than asking prices. Asking prices can be aspirational, but realized auction results reveal what buyers actually paid. That is especially important in pantry collectibles, where common pieces are plentiful and condition flaws are frequent. Chips, rust, replacement lids, faded graphics, and incomplete sets can quickly push an item from collectible to merely decorative.

Completeness is another major value driver. A single jadeite bowl may sell, but nested sets, matching lids, or grouped collections often photograph better and appear more display-ready. The provided Fire-King examples illustrate that clearly: one jadeite bowl set sold for $38 on August 13, 2026, while a larger 19-bowl jadeite lot sold for $160 on August 10, 2026, showing how lot size and merchandising can materially change the result.

For anyone checking the attic, the best approach is disciplined rather than dreamy. Identify the maker’s mark, count every piece, note any cracks or dents, and compare your item with recent sold records rather than headline-grabbing folklore. The pantry relics most likely to command attention today are Ball jars, Pyrex, Fire-King jadeite, Lenox Spice Village, pantry tins, metal spice canisters, midcentury canister sets, CorningWare, and bread boxes, but only the right examples rise above the ordinary. That is precisely why the forgotten box on a high shelf is worth opening.

Great baking rarely hinges on one dramatic secret. It usually comes down to a dozen small choices that make your results more predictable.

Experienced bakers rely on consistent habits, not luck. If your cakes bake up dense, your cookies spread too far, or your muffins come out uneven, one of these skipped steps may be the reason.

Start With Accuracy Before You Start Mixing

The first trick is weighing ingredients instead of relying only on cups. King Arthur Baking lists 1 cup of all-purpose flour at 120 grams, and that matters because scooped flour can vary enough to turn tender batter dry or tight. If you do use cups, spooning flour in and leveling it is more reliable than digging straight into the bag.

The second and third tricks are checking the age of your leaveners and testing them when you are unsure. King Arthur Baking recommends a simple fizz test: baking soda should react immediately with vinegar, and baking powder should bubble in warm water. If the reaction is weak, the ingredient may not have enough lift left for biscuits, cakes, or quick breads.

A fourth overlooked habit is reading the full recipe before the mixer ever turns on. That is how you catch chilling time, pan-prep details, or steps like browning butter and letting it cool before adding eggs. It also helps you spot whether ingredients should be cold, room temperature, or melted, which changes structure more than many home bakers realize.

Control Heat Instead of Trusting the Oven Blindly

The fifth trick is taking oven temperature seriously. Bon Appétit has noted that many home ovens drift from the number on the dial, which is why an oven thermometer is one of the smartest low-cost baking tools you can buy. Wait until the oven reaches the recipe’s stated temperature, then verify accuracy if you suspect hot or cool performance.

The sixth trick is using the right pan material and color. Dark pans absorb more heat and often brown bottoms and edges faster, while lighter metal tends to bake more evenly. That is one reason the same cookie dough can come out pale on one tray and nearly overdone on another.

The seventh trick is lining pans with purpose, not superstition. Parchment paper is excellent for reducing sticking and making cleanup easier, and it can make delicate cookies easier to move. But it does not automatically guarantee better browning, because color also depends on the pan, the formula, and your oven’s heat pattern.

The eighth trick is rotating pans only when it helps. If a recipe calls for turning the pan, or your oven clearly has hot spots, rotating halfway through can even out color and rise. If your oven bakes evenly, constant opening and turning can do more harm than good by dropping heat at the wrong time.

Handle Doughs and Batters Like Structure Matters

The ninth trick is not overmixing once flour goes in. For cakes, muffins, and quick breads, too much mixing develops gluten and can leave the crumb tough or peaked instead of tender. Stir just until the dry streaks disappear, even if the batter looks less perfectly smooth than you expected.

The tenth trick is understanding why room-temperature ingredients are often specified. Softened butter creams with sugar differently than melted butter, and eggs blend more smoothly into batter when they are not refrigerator-cold. You can temper ingredients for a recipe, but USDA guidance still treats eggs and other perishables carefully, so leave them out no longer than necessary.

The eleventh trick is resting when the recipe asks for it. Bon Appétit has pointed out that resting cookie dough improves texture and deepens flavor, which is why overnight dough often bakes darker, chewier, and more complex than dough baked immediately. The same principle shows up in pie dough and bread, where rest improves hydration and handling.

The twelfth trick is pulling baked goods based on doneness, not just the timer. Ovens vary, pan materials vary, and even rack position changes results. A cake that springs back lightly, cookies that are set at the edges, or bread that has fully colored crust will tell you more than the final minute count ever can.

Some Costco favorites become famous fast. Others build their reputations quietly, through repeat purchases, word of mouth, and the kind of usefulness that keeps earning them a place in the cart.

That second group is often more interesting. These five foods are not the warehouse’s loudest stars, but each has developed a loyal following for reasons that go well beyond novelty.

Why these quiet Costco hits stand out

The strongest sleeper hit in this group may be Bibigo Chicken & Cilantro Mini Wontons. Costco currently lists the 3-pound bag as a warehouse item, and the package promises a five-minute heat time, which helps explain why it shows up so often in editor roundups and repeat-buy conversations. The Kitchn recommended it as a low-cost dinner staple in 2026, highlighting both its versatility and price, while Eat This, Not That! has repeatedly included the wontons in Costco “best-kept secret” and freezer-favorite coverage.

Kirkland Signature Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter has a different appeal. It is a prepared seafood entrée sold through Costco Same-Day, where recent listings showed it priced by the pound. Southern Living, via a widely circulated 2026 article, praised it as an easy dinner-party shortcut, and that framing makes sense: it offers the polish of a composed main course without the labor of building one from scratch.

Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Pine Nut Hummus fits the same convenience-first pattern. Costco currently sells the 34-ounce tub, which works for lunches, vegetables, pita, crackers, and party spreads. It is not a flashy item, but that is exactly why products like this can become staples: they are useful across multiple eating occasions and easy to finish before boredom sets in.

The snacks and frozen foods that inspire repeat buys

Reese’s Dipped Animal Crackers are the weakest “cult favorite” claim on this list, but they are still a legitimate Costco find. Costco Same-Day recently listed the 24-ounce bag under item 1681704 and marked it out of stock, which suggests real shopper demand even if availability is inconsistent. The appeal is straightforward: sweet-salty crunch, familiar candy flavor, and a shareable format that feels made for movie nights and road trips.

Bibigo Steamed Soup Dumplings, Beef Pho Flavor, are another case where the product is clearly real even if opinion is mixed. Costco lists a 36-count box with six individually wrapped trays and six dumplings per tray, making it a freezer-friendly convenience buy. That portioning matters because products often become favorites when they are easy to use in small increments instead of forcing a full family-size commitment every time.

Not every repeat purchase is unanimously praised by critics. Tasting Table gave Bibigo steamed dumplings a negative review in 2024, criticizing texture and flavor in a different variety, which is a useful reminder that “devoted fans” and universal acclaim are not the same thing. At Costco, an item can earn loyalty simply by being fast, affordable, and flexible enough to rescue dinner.

What these five foods reveal about how Costco loyalty really works

The common thread across these products is not trendiness. It is utility. Shoppers tend to become unusually loyal to Costco foods that shave time off weeknight cooking, stretch across multiple meals, or deliver indulgence in a format that feels easy to justify because the package is built for sharing or stocking up.

That explains why mini wontons and hummus may inspire more lasting affection than more obviously dramatic products. They are not just good once. They keep solving the same problem over and over, whether that is padding out soup, building a quick lunch, or setting out an effortless snack spread when guests arrive unexpectedly.

So yes, “cult favorite” should be used carefully. But these five items have clearly earned something valuable: repeat attention from shoppers, editors, and Costco regulars who know the warehouse well. In a store packed with oversized spectacle, that kind of quiet loyalty may be the surest sign that a food is genuinely worth noticing.

Celebrity drink obsessions travel fast online. One clipped interview, one paparazzi cup, or one menu collaboration can turn a personal routine into a full-blown trend.

The smartest way to read these orders is not as commandments, but as clues. They reveal what people want from a daily ritual now: comfort, customization, and a little bit of spectacle.

Why a few celebrity orders become internet folklore

Not every famous-person beverage survives the news cycle, but the memorable ones usually do one of two things. They either sound refreshingly attainable, or they feel so over-the-top that people have to talk about them. That split helps explain why Ariana Grande’s longtime soy latte habit and Pedro Pascal’s ultra-caffeinated espresso order both became recurring internet conversation.

Grande gave one of the clearest documented examples back in a TIME interview when she said she loved soy lattes and, joking about Starbucks sizing, noted that sometimes a venti is exactly what the day requires. That order resonated because it was easy to picture, easy to order, and aligned with the customization culture that now defines mainstream coffee. It also helped that the drink matched her public persona: sweet, polished, and highly specific.

Pascal’s coffee fame came from the opposite direction. His black-coffee preferences were already on record in GQ, but the internet fixation accelerated when his much-discussed espresso order went viral and later became something he addressed on television with visible disbelief. According to CNN’s transcript of that exchange, even the host framed it as an “insane order,” which is exactly why people kept sharing it. In online food culture, excess is its own form of entertainment.

The orders that actually feel worth trying at home or at the café

If you want a celebrity-inspired drink that translates well to everyday life, Ariana Grande’s soy latte is still one of the most practical to start with. It is familiar, balanced, and easy to tailor for sweetness. If soy is not your thing, the larger takeaway is the value of a creamy nondairy latte that still lets the espresso stay central.

Emma Chamberlain belongs in this conversation too, even if the exact drink can shift with the setting. Her public coffee identity has long been inseparable from iced drinks, café culture, and highly stylized coffee content, and Harper’s Bazaar has also documented her ordering an iced matcha latte with almond milk in Los Angeles. That is not coffee, but it reflects a broader celebrity-drink reality: many of the internet’s most copied “coffee orders” now live in the same category as matcha, tea, and hybrid café drinks.

Then there is Sabrina Carpenter, whose 2025 Dunkin’ collaboration put fresh attention on the brown sugar shaken espresso format. Delish described the drink as an iced mix of brown sugar syrup, espresso, and oat milk, a combination that works because it tastes contemporary without becoming fussy. It is sweet enough for casual drinkers, but still grounded by actual espresso character.

The line between coffee order, wellness drink, and viral marketing

One reason these orders spread so widely is that celebrity beverage culture no longer stops at coffee. Hailey Bieber’s Erewhon smoothie is the clearest example. It is not a coffee order and should not be treated like one, but it became a major internet beverage story because it connected beauty branding, wellness ingredients, and premium grocery aspiration in one photogenic cup.

That broader framing matters because audiences now respond to beverages as lifestyle shorthand. A black coffee can suggest discipline, a soy latte can signal routine and preference, and a brown sugar shaken espresso can read as playful but polished. The drink is rarely just the drink; it is a compact, shareable identity marker.

The best lesson here is to borrow selectively. Try Pascal’s intensity only if you are truly built for serious caffeine. For most people, the better inspirations are the adaptable ones: Grande’s soy latte, Chamberlain-style iced café drinks, or a shaken espresso with oat milk. The internet may love extremes, but the celebrity orders with staying power are usually the ones ordinary people can imagine ordering again tomorrow.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are the top Halloween candy in America again, according to DoorDash’s latest seasonal trend report. The company says Reese’s held the national No. 1 spot for the third year in a row, with Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars and M&M’s next on the list.

What DoorDash’s Halloween candy data found

DoorDash published its 2026 Halloween trend report in mid September, using U.S. ordering data from October 1 through October 31, 2025. According to the company, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups ranked as the top Halloween candy nationally, followed by Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars and M&M’s. The report also said Reese’s was the most locally loved candy in 17 states.

That state count is the core detail behind the “favorite Halloween treat” claim. DoorDash said Reese’s led in 17 states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and Washington. The New York Post’s October 3 story matched that broad takeaway, reporting that Reese’s was the national favorite and led the state-by-state results.

DoorDash also framed the result as a continuing streak, not a one-off win. Its report says Reese’s has held the No. 1 national position for three years in a row. For shoppers, that makes this less of a surprise upset and more of a sign that the peanut butter cup still has a firm grip on Halloween candy bowls.

The state-by-state map gets more unusual fast

Outside the national top spot, DoorDash’s candy map gets much more specific by state. The New York Post reported that Laffy Taffy led five states, with wins in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin, while California favored Red Vines. The same story said seven Southern states leaned toward Dollar General’s Sweet Smiles assortment.

Some of the strongest trend lines were not about the top overall winner at all. DoorDash said candy corn orders were up 30% year over year, despite the candy’s reputation as a divisive Halloween staple. Raisin orders rose even faster, up 60% year over year, according to the company.

DoorDash also pointed to a broader shift in how people are buying treats. Its report said full-size and king-size candy grew from more than 15% to 20% of candy order share. That suggests some households are choosing larger handouts, even while nostalgic picks and less fashionable classics continue to show surprising staying power.

What it means for Halloween shoppers this season

For home shoppers, the clearest takeaway is simple: if you want the safest bet for a crowd, Reese’s is still the pick DoorDash’s data backs most strongly. Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars and M&M’s also remain near the top, which keeps the leading choices firmly in the chocolate lane.

DoorDash’s report also offers a small reality check for anyone planning last-minute candy runs. The company said Halloween candy ordering spikes between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Halloween, then climbs again later in the day and peaks around 6 p.m. as households realize they are running low.

Dinner patterns shift, too. DoorDash said pizza orders jump 20% on Halloween night, even as most other dinner categories decline. For families balancing trick-or-treat timing with dinner, that detail may matter almost as much as the candy ranking itself, especially if the bowl starts looking emptier than expected before the night is over.

Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch in Morgan Hill is open for fall, and the main draw is simple: admission to the pumpkin patch is free. The South Bay destination, just south of San Jose, is running from September 17 through November 2, according to the farm’s official website.

What’s free, and what costs extra

The free part is the walk-in access to the pumpkin patch itself. Spina Farms says guests can enter the patch without paying an admission fee, which sets it apart from many seasonal fall attractions that charge at the gate.

Once inside, visitors will see the attraction that has helped make the patch stand out in the Bay Area: life-size animatronic dinosaurs placed across the grounds. Coverage from the New York Post, mirrored by Yahoo Travel, also says dragons and animatronic dino babies are part of this year’s setup.

Free entry does not mean everything inside is included. The farm’s attractions page says rides and activities are ticketed, and the New York Post reports that most individual attractions cost $8. It also reports a $10 hayride and dino walk bundle, while a $45 park pass covers six children’s attractions. The dino ride and pumpkin cups are listed as separate $8 add-ons in that report.

When to go and what to know before you head out

Spina Farms says the 2026 season runs through November 2 in Morgan Hill, at 225 Laguna Ave. The official site also notes that the patch is open from September 17 through November 2, and its event calendar shows paid parking on select days.

Parking is one of the biggest practical details for families budgeting a visit. The farm says parking is free Monday through Thursday. Its calendar listings show “OPEN – $30 PAID PARKING” for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday dates, matching the pricing described in the news report.

The farm also warns that it is a working farm and says proper footwear is required for safety. On its event pages, Spina Farms recommends boots or athletic, closed-toe shoes with non-slip bottoms. That is a useful detail if you’re planning a longer visit with kids, strollers, or a pumpkin haul back to the car.

Food options and how the visit can fit a family fall outing

For home cooks and families, the appeal is not just the free entry. Spina Farms allows outside food and drink, according to its attractions page, which can help keep the total cost down for a half-day or full-day visit.

If you want to buy food on-site instead, the New York Post reports that vendors are serving roasted sweet corn, churros, tacos, smash burgers, and pumpkin-flavored baked goods. That makes the patch more practical as a meal stop or snack break, especially for families planning to stay long enough to add rides or other paid activities.

The official site also highlights newer attractions for 2026, including the Bee Train. So while the headline attraction may be free admission and photo-ready dinosaur displays, the patch is clearly built to encourage longer stays. For anyone planning a Bay Area fall outing before November 2, the key detail is this: walking into the pumpkin patch itself will not cost anything, but parking and most attractions can.