Here’s what I’m loving in Summer ‘26
By Kara Kimbrough
It’s hard to believe, but a little more than half of 2026 has already slipped away. The halfway point (give or take a few weeks) is a good time to reflect on new supermarket, restaurant and food items on my favorites list. So, without further ado…here’s what I’m loving in 2026…so far, anyway…
- Publix Pub Sub –This summer, I succumbed to the TikTok trend of sampling a “Pub Sub” – in normal terms, a submarine sandwich sold in the deli of Publix Supermarkets. I’ve long been a fan of the upscale supermarkets operated solely in the southeastern U.S., primarily in Florida, Alabama and Georgia. Since I visit the first two states at least once a year – sometimes more often – stopping by Publix is part of my trip itinerary. There are six Publix locations across/near coastal Alabama; two in Gulf Shores, one in Orange Beach, and three in Foley. On a recent trip to coastal Alabama, I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I stopped by Publix on a least three occasions…and yes, each time, my primary mission was to order a different Pub Sub, including one for the cooler on my way out of town.
Here’s my take on the “viral” subs – they’re made to order in a dedicated area of the store’s deli…ingredients (there is a dizzying array of meats, cheeses, vegetables and toppings from which to choose) are fresh and tasty… the po’ boy-style bread rivals anything I’ve sampled in New Orleans…and yes, Publix’ Pub Sub truly lives up to the hype. It surpasses any regular sub or sandwich I’ve tasted at any similar takeout restaurant. The roast beef and turkey subs were delicious, but Philly Cheesesteak was the clear winner. If you haven’t visited Publix OR tried a Pub Sub…put it on the itinerary for your next beach trip.
- Popeye’s Homestyle Biscuit Mix – I’ve long been a fan of the chain’s fluffy biscuits; luckily there’s a Popeye’s pretty close to my home. But sometimes a craving for a Popeye’s biscuit hits after hours. That’s where this new product comes in. The simple process of adding water and butter to the baking mix, then dropping three tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet before baking 18 minutes, is relatively foolproof. Even better, the end result is a batch of biscuits with a golden, crispy crust, fluffy inside and buttery flavor. I may never wait in the Popeye’s drive-through line again!
- Bigelow Green Tea with Elderberry and Vitamin C – In an effort to reduce the number of daily Diet Cokes, I decided to switch to green tea in the afternoon/evening. It took a while to adjust to the change, but now the flavorful tea with a hint of berry flavor is something to which I look forward. I can’t prove it, but I really believe the nutritional benefits of the brewed green tea combined with the Vitamin C have – if lab numbers are an indication – improved my health. Check with your doctor before drinking it, though, as it may interfere with some medications.
- Elite Gourmet Electric Tea Kettle – When I learned that green tea bags must be brewed at a lower temperature than regular tea to maintain their health benefits, I began looking for a temperature-controlled kettle to replace my regular one. I found the perfect model on QVC –besides a regular boiling temperature, the kettle is equipped with additional heat levels for green tea, black team, coffee and other beverages. I try to shop locally as often as possible, but I couldn’t pass up QVC’s model offering everything I needed for the perfect daily pitcher of green tea.
- Pepperidge Farm Maggie’s Apple Pie Cookies – I’ve always loved Pepperidge Farm cookies, but this version takes things to a new level. Created to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the cookies are inspired by the pioneering spirit of Pepperidge Farm’s founder, Margaret Rudkin. The all-American apple pie dessert was reimagined into a new cookie with delicious apple flavor and cinnamon in a buttery, lattice-topped cookie crust. Maggie’s Apple Pie Cookies are a limited-edition version, so get yours now while they’re still on shelves. A close second to Maggie’s Apple Pie? Try Pepperidge Farm’s Brown Butter Pecan Flavored Cookies…you’ll thank me later!
6. Kroger Sour Cream with Chives – Kroger Supermarkets have long been known for their quality store brand products – and this one is no exception. I actually discovered this delicious product by accident. Hurriedly reaching for a carton of sour cream, it wasn’t until I got home that I realized I’d picked up one containing chives. Since I was using it as a baked potato topping, I wasn’t concerned about the mix-up. And, after tasting it, I was truly glad I’d picked up the wrong item. Not only did the store brand sour cream taste as good – or better – than more expensive brands, but the subtle addition of chives enhanced the flavor. I now use this in a variety of way, including topping for tacos and fajitas and a chip dip.
7. BR Prime’s Crème Brulee – Beau Rivage in Biloxi’s premier steakhouse, BR Prime, is nationally-known for its steaks…and while they’re on the same level as ones I’ve sampled in New York City – an item on the dessert menu has continued to reemerge in my memories since my June visit. I’m referring to the restaurant’s signature dish of crème brulee. A light but decadent vanilla custard made with high-quality Madagascar vanilla beans is topped with a thin, brittle layer of torched caramelized sugar and fresh strawberries and blackberries. I’m still dreaming about cracking the sugary topping with my spoon, then dipping into the flavorful custard for a bite of the most delectable burst of flavor imaginable. Recreating this scenario before the end of 2026 is on my to-do list.
8. P. F. Chang’s General Tso’s Sauce – You may have tasted this flavorful sauce while dining at P.F. Chang’s or sampling one of the restaurant’s frozen entrees in your supermarket’s freezer case. Now, they’ve expanded their offerings in the most useful way by offering a full-size bottle of General Tso’s Sauce. The tangy sauce can be used as a marinade, for creating stir-fry dishes or as a dipping sauce. Finding the sauce on the shelf inspired me to create a quick and easy Crockpot meal that turned out to be “almost” as delicious as anything I’d sampled in their restaurant.
These are just a few of the things that have made the first half of 2026 a little sweeter, more interesting and most of all, worth sharing with you. Stay tuned for even more favorites at the end of the year. In the meantime, try a few of these ideas, including the recipe for Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki using the “find” mentioned in #8.
Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
1 bottle P. F. Chang’s General Tso’s Sauce
8 tablespoons brown sugar
3-4 chicken breasts, diced
1 bag frozen broccoli cuts
1 bag fresh carrot sticks
½ onion, cut into rings or diced
Spaghetti noodles or rice, cooked separately and set aside.
Whisk chicken broth, General Tso’s Sauce, brown sugar, and garlic together in a large bowl. Add chicken and onions and toss until well coated. Transfer mixture to a Crock-pot. Cover and cook on low until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 4- 6 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees. During last 30-45 minutes, add frozen broccoli and carrot sticks.
If using spaghetti noodles, stir into mixture during last 10 minutes of cooking and mix well with mixture. If using rice, spoon individual servings of teriyaki mixture over plated hot rice.
Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer. Email her at [email protected]
