A little superstition never hurt anyone. I always avoid walking under ladders (which is probably wise in general). If I spill salt, I always throw a pinch of it over my shoulder. And when New Year’s Day rolls around, you better believe I’m gonna eat some black eyed peas and greens to make sure nothing goes horribly awry during the subsequent 12 months (or if it does, I don’t have to blame myself). Sure, it may be a little silly, but many countries around the world have a traditional New Year’s food that’s considered lucky. And, honestly, you don’t have to be superstitious to want to try some good foods from our taste tests. Here are some Sporked-approved groceries that just happen to be considered lucky New Year’s foods.
- Bibigo Organic Vegetable Dumplings
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Dumplings are a lucky food in China because they symbolize wealth. And while Chinese New Year doesn’t roll around until February, it can’t hurt to steam a few of these suckers to eat on January 1. We recommend these Bibigo vegetable dumplings. These are so much better than most frozen veggie dumplings. They’re packed with tofu and vegetables and bits of edamame. They’re a perfect addition to a dim sum-style New Year’s brunch.
Read the full ranking of the best frozen dumplings
- Ore-Ida Gourmet Onion Rings
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In Greece, onions represent rebirth, and that’s made them a traditional New Year’s food. Yes, you could hang a bag of onions on your front door like the Greeks do—or you could buy a bag of frozen onion rings and get down on a greasy snack instead. Ore-Ida Gourmet onion rings are our favorite. They’re made with big, thick slices of onion and taste restaurant quality. We can’t promise they’re a lucky food, but we can promise you’ll like them, especially dipped in a little Mayoracha.
Read the full ranking of the best onion rings
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
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Cornbread is a traditional New Year’s food right here in the good ol’ U.S. of A because it represents wealth (because it’s golden, apparently). If you don’t feel like soaking black eyed peas overnight or slow cooking greens with a ham hock, you can make some cornbread using Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix. It’s easy to make and bakes up moist and tender. Griddle a slice with some butter and you’ve got a good New Year’s breakfast, lucky or not.
Read the full ranking of the best cornbread mix
- Bare Bones Lentil Curry Plant-Based Soup
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Lentils are considered a lucky food in Italy; apparently, Italians traditionally eat them shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day. Now, eating lentil soup on NYE might sound nuts, but I’ve decided it’s actually brilliant. Keep a packet of Bare Bones lentil soup in your pantry, and heat it up when you get home from partying. In the morning, you’ll certainly feel lucky you didn’t go to bed with only cheap Champagne in your belly.
Read the full ranking of the best lentil soup
- Auntie Anne’s Classic Soft Frozen Pretzels
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Soft pretzels are a traditional New Year’s food in Germany and, honestly, we’ll exploit any excuse to eat a soft pretzel. These Auntie Anne’s soft pretzels are totally classic—squishy, buttery, and salty. It’s not part of the tradition, but you should go ahead and pair your pretzel with some nacho cheese.
Read the full ranking of the best soft pretzels
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!