• USA TODAY is launching its first Editor’s Picks Finest Meals & Groceries 2026 award this fall.
• The award will acknowledge progressive and high-quality meals and grocery merchandise for shoppers.
• The USA TODAY editorial crew will consider nominees based mostly on testing, skilled insights, and opinions.

USA TODAY is launching its first Editor’s Picks Finest Meals & Groceries 2026 award this fall, and we’re inviting manufacturers to submit their most progressive — and flavorful — merchandise for consideration.

From olive oils and tinned fish to espresso creamers and candy treats, we need to showcase distinctive meals and groceries serving to shoppers reside higher and eat smarter.

What’s USA TODAY’s Editor’s Picks Finest Meals & Groceries 2026 award?

Every year, 1000’s of groceries compete to earn a spot in shoppers’ fridges and pantries. The USA TODAY Editor’s Decide Finest Meals & Groceries award desires to make these selections simpler by figuring out the staples and merchandise that excel in innovation, efficiency, high quality and worth in a crowded market.

How USA TODAY evaluates Finest Meals & Groceries 2026 nominees

The USA TODAY editorial crew will consider merchandise utilizing skilled insights, hands-on testing, on-line opinions and real-world expertise. Manufacturers are inspired to appoint merchandise they imagine deserve recognition. A nomination doesn’t assure inclusion, but it surely ensures our editors have the chance to contemplate your product for this inaugural awards program.

Why nominate a product for USA TODAY’s Finest Meals & Groceries 2026?

A USA TODAY Editor’s Decide designation indicators to shoppers {that a} product has earned the boldness of our editors and stands out among the many 12 months’s finest meals and grocery releases.

When is the nominations deadline?

Nominations are open and will likely be accepted via October 23. Submit your product at the moment for an opportunity to be acknowledged in USA TODAY’s inaugural Editor’s Decide Finest Meals & Groceries 2026 record. USA TODAY’s preliminary winners’ record publishes on November 9, 2026.

What merchandise are eligible?

USA TODAY welcomes nominations for pantry staples and refrigerated favorites, frozen meals, snacks, and merchandise that elevate how People store, prepare dinner, and eat.