Food and Beverage
Antioxidants help stave off a host of health problems – but figuring out how much you’re getting can be tricky
Antioxidants counteract harmful oxidants, preventing oxidative stress linked to diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. Whole foods, rich in antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids, are more beneficial than supplements. A diverse diet featuring colorful fruits and vegetables—such as blueberries, artichokes, and dark greens—can help maintain health by providing necessary antioxidants.
Nathaniel Johnson, University of North Dakota
When it comes to describing what an antioxidant is, it’s all in the name: Antioxidants counter oxidants.
And that’s a good thing. Oxidants can damage the structure and function of the chemicals in your body critical to life – like the proteins and lipids within your cells, and your DNA, which stores genetic information. A special class of oxidants, free radicals, are even more reactive and dangerous.
As an assistant professor of nutrition, I’ve studied the long-standing research showing how the imbalances in antioxidants and oxidants lead to oxidative stress, which is linked to cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, a primary cause of aging is the damage accumulated across of a lifetime of oxidative stress.
Simply put: To help prevent oxidative stress, people need to eat foods with antioxidants and limit their exposure to oxidants, particularly free radicals.
The research: Food, not supplements
There’s no way for any of us to avoid some oxidative stress. Just metabolism – the processes in your body that keep you alive, such as breathing, digestion and maintaining body temperature – are a source of oxidants and free radicals. Inflammation, pollution and radiation are other sources.
As a result, everyone needs antioxidants. There are many different types: enzymes, minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals.
Two types of phytochemicals deserve special mention: carotenoids and flavonoids. Carotenoids are pigments, with the colors yellow, orange and red; they contain the antioxidants beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein. Some flavonoids, called anthocyanins, are pigments that give foods a blue, red or purple color.
Although your body produces some of these antioxidants, you can get them from the foods you eat, and they’re better for you than supplements.
In fact, researchers found that antioxidant supplements did not reduce deaths, and some supplements in excessive amounts contribute to oxidative stress, and may even increase the risk of dying.
It should be pointed out that in most of these studies, only one or two antioxidants were given, and often in amounts far greater than the recommended daily value. One study, for example, gave participants only vitamin A, and at an amount more than 60 times an adult’s recommended intake. https://www.youtube.com/embed/uqQLpXQqMGo?wmode=transparent&start=0 A synopsis of the study that measured the antioxidant content of more than 3,000 foods.
Foods rich in antioxidants
In contrast, increased antioxidant intake from whole foods is related to decreased risk of death. And although antioxidant supplementation didn’t reduce cancer rates in smokers, the antioxidants in whole foods did.
But measuring antioxidants in foods is complicated. Extensive laboratory testing is required, and too many foods exist to test them all anyway. Even individual food items that are the same exact variety of food – such as two Gala apples – can have different amounts of antioxidants. Where the food was grown and harvested, how it was processed and how it was stored during transportation and while in the supermarket are factors. The variety of the food also matters – the many different types of apples, for instance, can have different amounts of antioxidants.
Nonetheless, in 2018, researchers quantified the antioxidant content of more than 3,100 foods – the first antioxidant database. Each food’s antioxidant capacity was determined by the amount of oxidants neutralized by a given amount of food. The researchers measured this capacity in millimoles per 100 grams, or about 4 ounces.
For fruits easily found in the grocery store, the database shows blueberries have the most antioxidants – just over 9 millimoles per 4 ounces. The same serving of pomegranates and blackberries each have about 6.5 millimoles.
For common vegetables, cooked artichoke has 4.54 millimoles per 4 ounces; red kale, 4.09 millimoles; cooked red cabbage, 2.15; and orange bell pepper, 1.94.
Coffee has 2.5 millimoles per 4 ounces; green tea has 1.5; whole walnuts, just over 13; whole pecans, about 9.7; and sunflower seeds, just over 5. Herbs and spices have a lot: clove has 465 millimoles per 4 ounces; rosemary has 67; and thyme, about 64. But keep in mind that those enormous numbers are based on a quarter-pound. Still, just a normal sprinkle packs a powerful nutritional punch.
Other tips
Other ways to choose antioxidant-rich foods: Read the nutrition facts label and look for antioxidant vitamins and minerals – vitamins A, C, E, D, B2, B3 and B9, and the minerals selenium, zinc and manganese.
Just know the label has a drawback. Food producers and manufacturers are not required to list every nutrient of the food on the label. In fact, the only vitamins and minerals required by law are sodium, potassium, calcium, iron and vitamin D.
Also, focus on eating the rainbow. Colorful foods are often higher in antioxidants, like blue corn. Many darker foods are rich in antioxidants, too, like dark chocolate, black barley and dark leafy vegetables, such as kale and Swiss chard.
Although heat can degrade oxidants, that mostly occurs during the storage and transportation of the food. In some cases, cooking may increase the food’s antioxidant capacity, as with leafy green vegetables.
Keep in mind that while blueberries, red kale and pecans are great, their antioxidant profile will be different than that of other fruits, vegetables and nuts. That’s why diversity is the key: To increase the power of antioxidants, choose a variety of fresh, flavorful, colorful and, ideally, local foods.
Nathaniel Johnson, Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of North Dakota
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Food
NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Drops a 12-Day Advent Calendar for Holiday Baking
Nestlé Toll House is releasing its first-ever 12 Days Advent Calendar featuring new Snowflake Cookie Dough and Snowflake Morsels plus classic favorites. Drops Oct. 9, Nov. 6, and Dec. 4 for $29.99.
Holiday baking season is getting a new countdown tradition. NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® has announced its first-ever 12 Days of NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Advent Calendar, a limited-edition set built to help families bake, share, and make memories in the kitchen—one surprise at a time.
Designed in the shape of a house inspired by the original Toll House Inn, the calendar is meant to sit on a countertop as part of the seasonal setup. It features 12 numbered doors that also double as festive holiday cards, with each day revealing a corresponding NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE product.
What’s inside the 12-day calendar
Instead of mini candies, this calendar leans into what the brand is known for: cookie dough and morsels. The lineup includes two new holiday innovations plus a mix of familiar favorites.
Two new holiday innovations
- NEW! NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Snowflake Morsels: Snowflake-shaped morsels designed to bake into holiday treats or sprinkle on top as a decorative finish for cookies, brownies, bark, and more.
- NEW! NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Snowflake Cookie Dough: Sugar cookie dough with snowflake-shaped morsels mixed in for a winter-ready twist.
Ten favorites and festive classics
- NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Santa’s Cookie Dough
- NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Peppermint Cocoa Cookie Dough
- NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Milk Chocolatey Flavored Football Morsels
- NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Butterscotch Artificially Flavored Morsels
- NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels (made with 100% real chocolate)
- NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Milk Chocolate Mini Morsels
- NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Dark Chocolate Morsels
- NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Remix Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Why this fits the season
For STM Daily News readers, the appeal is pretty straightforward: it’s a ready-made holiday baking starter kit that also functions as a festive countertop display. It’s positioned as a way to spark new traditions—whether that’s a nightly bake-and-watch routine, a weekend cookie swap prep session, or quick treats for school and office parties.
In the announcement, Melanie Knoke, Sr. Marketing Manager at NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE, said the calendar is meant to bring the brand’s long-running “bake, share and celebrate” spirit into a new format, combining seasonal newcomers with classic staples.
How to buy it (drop dates + price)
The 12 Days of NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Advent Calendar is priced at $29.99 and will be available exclusively at tollhouse.com/adventcalendar in three limited drops. Each drop goes live at 2 p.m. ET:
- October 9
- November 6
- December 4 (National Cookie Day)
Quantities are limited, and the brand notes that fans should act quickly when each drop opens.
What to watch for
Advent calendars have been expanding beyond candy into “experience” categories—beauty, coffee, and now baking ingredients. This release is a good example of that shift: it’s not just a countdown, it’s a built-in reason to get into the kitchen multiple times during the season.
For more information, NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® directs fans to VeryBestBaking.com and its social channels, including @TollHouse on Facebook.
Source (press release):
- PRNewswire — NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Launches First-Ever Advent Calendar for the Holiday Season” (Oct. 5, 2026)
Related links:
- Advent calendar purchase page: https://tollhouse.com/adventcalendar
- Brand hub / baking resources: https://www.verybestbaking.com/toll-house/
- Nestlé USA company info: https://www.nestleusa.com
Local Business
Cracker Barrel Welcomes the Holidays With Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, Country Fried Turkey and Thanksgiving Feasts
From sweet cinnamon breakfasts to complete Thanksgiving dinners, Cracker Barrel is bringing holiday comfort food to the table with new menu items, returning favorites and convenient meals for families celebrating at home.
Food & Drink | STM Daily News
The holiday season is approaching, and Cracker Barrel is getting an early start on the festivities with a lineup of comforting seasonal dishes, festive beverages and ready-to-serve Thanksgiving meals.
The restaurant chain announced its 2026 holiday menu on October 20, introducing new Cinnamon Swirl Pancakesand a Country Fried Turkey Sandwich, alongside returning favorites such as Country Fried Turkey and Cinnamon Swirl French Toast.
For families looking to simplify Thanksgiving preparations, Cracker Barrel is also bringing back its popular Heat & Serve meals, offering complete holiday dinners that can be prepared at home in two hours or less.
The seasonal offerings are part of the company’s “Get Your Season’s Worth” holiday campaign, which encourages customers to celebrate everyday moments throughout the season rather than saving all the festivities for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
New Holiday Flavors: Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes and Country Fried Turkey Sandwich
Two new dishes are taking center stage on Cracker Barrel’s holiday menu this year.
Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
For breakfast lovers, the new Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with Cracker Barrel’s signature buttermilk pancakes.
The fluffy pancakes feature a rich cinnamon filling swirled throughout and are finished with a drizzle of sweet cream cheese icing.
The breakfast comes with two eggs and a choice of thick-sliced bacon or smoked sausage.
It’s a festive twist on a traditional pancake breakfast, offering something a little sweeter for customers looking to start their day with a taste of the holidays.
Country Fried Turkey Sandwich
Cracker Barrel is also introducing a new handheld version of one of its popular seasonal dishes.
The Country Fried Turkey Sandwich features a crispy, breaded turkey tenderloin topped with gravy and cranberry relish, served on a toasted bun.
The combination brings together several familiar Thanksgiving flavors in a sandwich that customers can enjoy without waiting for the holiday itself.
For those who enjoy the traditional combination of turkey, gravy and cranberry sauce, the sandwich offers a convenient alternative to a full holiday dinner.
Returning Holiday Favorites
Along with its new offerings, Cracker Barrel is bringing back several seasonal favorites that have become familiar parts of its holiday menu.
Country Fried Turkey
The returning entrée features hand-breaded turkey tenderloins topped with creamy herbed pan gravy.
It’s served with country sides, cranberry relish and a choice of buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins.
Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Breakfast
This returning breakfast favorite features cinnamon streusel bread dipped in Cracker Barrel’s signature batter and cooked until golden brown.
The French toast is topped with cinnamon and cream cheese icings and served with two eggs and a choice of bacon or smoked sausage.
Rich DIY Hot Chocolate
For customers looking for a warm seasonal treat, Cracker Barrel’s returning hot chocolate comes topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.
Guests can personalize their drinks with a selection of toppings.
Cinnamon Swirl Latte
Available hot or iced, the Cinnamon Swirl Latte features sweet cinnamon flavor, whipped cream, an icing drizzle and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Together, these returning favorites provide customers with several ways to enjoy familiar holiday flavors throughout the season.
Thanksgiving Dinner Without Spending All Day in the Kitchen
For many families, Thanksgiving is about gathering around the table, sharing a meal and spending time together.
However, preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner can require hours of cooking, planning and cleanup.
Cracker Barrel is offering an alternative with its Thanksgiving Heat & Serve meals, designed to provide a complete holiday dinner with significantly less preparation.
According to the company, the meals can be heated and served in two hours or less.
Two options are available for families of different sizes.
Thanksgiving Heat & Serve Turkey Family Dinner — Approximately $119.99
Designed to feed four to six people, this meal includes:
- One oven-roasted turkey breast
- Sweet potato casserole
- Green beans
- Cornbread dressing
- Turkey gravy
- Cranberry relish
- Sweet rolls
The Family Dinner offers a traditional Thanksgiving meal without requiring customers to prepare each dish from scratch.
Thanksgiving Heat & Serve Turkey Feast — Approximately $189.99
For larger gatherings, the Turkey Feast serves eight to ten people and includes:
- Two oven-roasted turkey breasts
- Sweet potato casserole
- Green beans
- Mashed potatoes
- Cornbread dressing
- Turkey gravy
- Cranberry relish
- Sweet rolls
- Pumpkin pie
- Pecan pie
The larger meal includes dessert, making it a more complete option for families hosting Thanksgiving celebrations.
Important: Prices are approximate and may vary by restaurant location.
Holiday Pies for the Dessert Table
Customers who prefer to prepare their own Thanksgiving dinner but want to save time on dessert can also purchase Cracker Barrel’s fresh-baked holiday pies.
Available flavors include pumpkin, pecan, chocolate pecan and cinnamon roll, among others.
Pies are typically priced around $14.49 each, depending on location.
These desserts provide an additional option for holiday hosts who want to spend less time baking while still offering familiar seasonal favorites.
When Can Customers Order Thanksgiving Meals?
Cracker Barrel began accepting Thanksgiving Heat & Serve pre-orders on October 20.
Customers can place orders through the company’s website or mobile app.
Thanksgiving meal pickup dates: November 21–29, 2026.
With Thanksgiving falling on Thursday, November 26, customers have several pickup dates available to accommodate their holiday plans.
The company recommends ordering ahead to secure the desired meal and pickup date.
The seasonal restaurant menu is also available for a limited time at participating Cracker Barrel locations nationwide.
Celebrating the Little Moments of the Holiday Season
Cracker Barrel’s holiday campaign focuses on the idea that memorable gatherings don’t always have to happen on major holidays.
Sometimes, a family breakfast, a weeknight dinner or an unexpected gathering can become a meaningful holiday tradition.
“Some of the best holiday memories happen when you’re not planning on making them,” said Sarah Moore, Cracker Barrel’s chief marketing officer.
The company hopes its seasonal menu will encourage customers to enjoy those moments throughout the holidays.
The strategy also reflects a growing interest in convenient meal options that allow families to enjoy traditional holiday foods without spending an entire day preparing them.
A Taste of Tradition for the Holidays
Founded in Lebanon, Tennessee, in 1969, Cracker Barrel has built its reputation around homestyle meals, country hospitality and traditional American comfort food.
Today, the company operates approximately 660 restaurants across 43 states.
Its 2026 holiday lineup continues that tradition by combining familiar seasonal dishes with new menu offerings and convenient take-home meals.
Whether customers are interested in cinnamon-filled pancakes for breakfast, a country fried turkey sandwich for lunch or a complete Thanksgiving feast at home, the restaurant is offering several ways to enjoy the flavors of the season.
And for families who would rather spend Thanksgiving visiting with loved ones than managing a kitchen full of pots and pans, the Heat & Serve meals may be an appealing alternative.
Where to Find More Information
Customers can explore the holiday menu, check local availability and place Thanksgiving meal pre-orders through the official Cracker Barrel website or mobile app.
Website: CrackerBarrel.com
Source: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., news release dated October 20, 2026.
STM Daily News — News You Can Use This Moment!
recipes
Celebrate the Return of Fall with One-Pot Ratatouille Spaghetti
As the seasons change, you don’t have to overhaul all your meal plans immediately. Usher in the arrival of autumn with recipes like Ratatouille Spaghetti that blend fresh, summery produce with warm fall flavors.
Celebrate the Return of Fall with One-Pot Ratatouille Spaghetti
(Feature Impact) As the seasons change, you don’t have to overhaul all your meal plans immediately. Usher in the arrival of autumn with recipes that blend fresh, summery produce with warm fall flavors.
This Ratatouille Spaghetti recipe is a perfect way to make the most of those last few harvests from the garden or trips to the farmer’s market. Create layers of rich flavor by taking your time with each vegetable – first browning the eggplant then softening the zucchini and tomatoes before adding flavorful aromatics like garlic and thyme to make the whole house smell delicious. The addition of chickpeas or cannellini beans boosts the protein and fiber in the meal, and you can use a high-protein or whole-grain pasta for even more nutrition.
The best part is, while this meal might taste gourmet, you can have it ready in less than an hour – and leave yourself with only one pot to wash afterwards. Even if it’s a school night, it only takes a few extra steps to make a spaghetti dinner feel a little fancier.
Discover more seasonal recipes at Culinary.net.
Ratatouille Spaghetti
Recipe adapted from Serious Eats
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 pound unpeeled eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 large zucchini, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 can (12 ounces) chickpeas or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup jarred tomato puree
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti
- 1 orange, yellow or red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- lemon juice, to taste
- In large Dutch oven or stovetop pot, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add eggplant and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; cook 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned and softened. Transfer to medium bowl and set aside. Wipe pot clean if remaining browned bits are starting to burn.
- Cut one zucchini into 1-inch pieces. In now-empty pot, heat remaining oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add zucchini pieces, onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is browned and softened. Stir in garlic, thyme and red pepper; cook about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Stir in reserved eggplant and chickpeas or cannellini beans.
- Add water, tomato puree and remaining salt to pot then bring to simmer over medium-high heat. Add spaghetti, reduce heat to medium-low, cover pot and cook about 8 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking, until spaghetti is almost al dente.
- Cut remaining zucchini into 1/2-inch pieces. Add zucchini pieces and bell pepper to spaghetti and cook 6-8 minutes, covered, over medium-low heat, stirring often, until pasta is al dente and vegetables are tender. Stir in fresh tomatoes and basil; remove from heat.
- Divide evenly among six bowls. Finish with squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness, to taste, and garnish with extra olive oil, basil and crushed red pepper, if desired.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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