This is Starter Kit, a series where our editors share the food, drink, and kitchen essentials they recommend when you\u2019re setting up from scratch. Here, Andrea Strong writes about everything you’ll need to stock your kitchen\u2014from protein shakes and prebiotic sodas to air fryers and greens powders\u2014for your healthiest year yet.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re coming into 2026 off a particularly decadent December or just feel the need to lean into wellness and self-care at the start of the new year, you\u2019re not alone. But good intentions are only part of the way forward; you\u2019ll need a plan<\/a>. The world of wellness<\/a> is wide and wonderful, but it can also be overwhelming. You may want to start each day with a protein shake, a revitalizing smoothie, or a probiotic soda, but which ones are really going to deliver the benefits you need? What kind of greens powders are best, and what exactly is an electrolyte powder? What are the best pantry staples for ushering in healthy snacking habits? That\u2019s where we come in.<\/p>\n Our starter kit cuts through the clutter and delivers (and defines) everything you\u2019ll need\u2014drinks and supplements, meals and snacks, appliances, tools, and accessories\u2014to begin again.<\/p>\n In this article<\/p>\n AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n Drinks<\/p>\n There is no shortage of options in the beverage category to get you started on your way to a healthy lifestyle\u2014with a slew of brands delivering revitalizing doses of protein, antioxidants, prebiotics, and wellness boosts in shakes, teas, tonics, sodas, and more.<\/p>\n A good option for kicking off your morning (or reviving an afternoon lull) is matcha<\/a>; the \u201cit\u201d beverage loaded with antioxidants and L-Theanine, an amino acid thought to promote relaxation and jitter-free, sustained energy<\/a>. The highest quality matcha comes from Japan, like Rocky\u2019s Matcha Oishi Ceremonial Blend, where it is at the center of traditional practices like chado (tea ceremony).<\/p>\n Naoki<\/p>\n Superior Blend Ceremonial Grade Matcha<\/p>\n Coffee is also entering the functional beverage space, adding adaptogens and supplements that should absolutely be part of your wellness arsenal. A favorite to consider is Atlas\u2019s supplemented instant coffee, which goes beyond just mushrooms to include prebiotics, probiotics, collagen, and vitamins. The coffee is creamy and cocoa-like, with about half the caffeine punch of a regular cup of coffee. At night, reach for a latte loaded with adaptogens, passionflower and hops (an herbal sleep blend), and magnesium glycinate, ideal for longer, lovelier rest.<\/p>\n Protein is another powerful way to keep your energy sustained throughout the day, and the latest innovation in this category means many are now formulated as grab-and-go bottled protein shakes<\/a>, making them not only good-for-you but convenient tagalongs for your in-and-out of the gym activities. While protein shakes have traditionally been saddled with a reputation for tasting rather chalky and unpleasant, new brands are changing the optics, delivering surprisingly tasty options; be sure to check out Fairlife Core Power Elite with an impressive 42 grams of protein and Rebbl Protein Shakes, made vegan with coconut milk and up to 36 grams of protein.<\/p>\n REBBL Organic Dark Chocolate Protein Elixir<\/p>\n Fairlife Core Power Elite<\/p>\n Swapping soda or seltzer for a prebiotic or probiotic soda<\/a> is a great way to incorporate gut health into your wellness plan. While both prebiotics and probiotics focus on digestion and gut health, they are actually two different things that work in two different ways. Prebiotics feed good gut bacteria, while probiotics are the actual living, beneficial microorganisms (like bacteria and yeast), which add to the healthy microbial population in your gut.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve got recommendations for both categories; in the prebiotic space, Olipop\u2019s sodas are packed with nine grams of prebiotic fiber per can\u2014with nearly two dozen fun flavors in both classic soda flavors like Vintage Cola and Root Beer, and fruit-forward options like Strawberry Vanilla and Watermelon Lime, making these a nice option for Dry January as well. If you\u2019re looking for a probiotic dose, go with Culture Pop, made with DE11, a clinically tested strain of Bacillus subtilis known for its resilience<\/a> in the digestive system, that\u2019s sweetened solely with fruit juice, in flavors like Strawberry & Rhubarb and Ginger Lemon & Turmeric.<\/p>\n Olipop Favorites Variety Pack<\/p>\n Culture Pop Most Loved Variety Pack<\/p>\n Another category to consider adding to your wellness pantry is tonics<\/a>, highly concentrated shots of goodness stocked with superfoods. Depending on what your body\u2019s craving, you might choose one that offers a quick detox (Dose for your liver), to a midday energy boost (Vive Organic’s Energy + Focus passionfruit shot), an immunity kick (Uncle Matt’s Ultimate Defense shot), or a dose of your greens (Factor\u2019s Daily Greens).<\/p>\n Vive Organic’s<\/p>\n Energy + Focus Passionfruit<\/p>\n Healthy snacks<\/p>\n