How we award Editor’s Pick badges

There are tons of products and services out there vying for your attention, like meal kits designed to help you eat well and save time and CBD creams meant to relieve muscle pain. It can be tough — and at times overwhelming — to figure out exactly what might work best for you.

We’re here to make things a little easier by providing recommendations for top products worth your time and attention.

Why you should trust us

With over 200 million readers per month, Healthline takes pride in providing clear, actionable information to help you on your health journey. 

For us, medical accuracy comes first. That’s why our internal Brand and Content Integrity team vets every product we feature on our sites or award an Editor’s Pick badge. We also rely on our medical network and sources from credible scientific journals to inform the content we share with you.

But it doesn’t stop there. Our editorial team spends hours testing dozens of products so we can see firsthand how they perform. 

We’re also selective about who tests each product, making sure that our testers reflect the intended audience and are experts in each topic area they cover.

What we consider

Editor’s Picks badges are awarded based on topic-specific criteria that we think are good indicators of safety, quality, transparency, and value.

CBD

Currently, no over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means that not all OTC CBD products are safe or effective. 

Still, there’s some research about potential benefits of CBD, and some brands go the extra mile to make sure their products are tested for safety. Our editors are here to highlight those products for you. We’ll help you wade through myths and confusion to find high quality CBD products that match your individual needs.

Every CBD product that earns an Editor’s Pick badge:

• is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
• is made by a company that discloses the source of their hemp
• contains no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
• passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
• has been personally tested by one of our editors

As part of our selection process, we also consider:

• the company’s certifications and manufacturing processes
• product potency
• overall ingredients
• indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
  • customer reviews
  • whether the company has been subject to an FDA warning letter
  • whether the company makes any unsupported health claims

Finally, each product is personally tested by one of our editors for at least 2 weeks. Here’s what we consider while testing the product:

• Taste. CBD has a naturally earthy or grassy flavor. While some people don’t mind it, others find it off-putting. We evaluate the taste of all edible CBD products we try, whether they’re unflavored or have added flavorings. 
• Scent. If it’s a topical product, we consider fragrance when choosing our favorites. 
• Effects. People use CBD for a range of reasons, including helping with sleep and improving pain. We use a range of testers, too, so we can see how well each product performs for a variety of needs. 
• Variety. We consider how much variety each CBD brand offers — including product types, CBD types, and more — when making our picks. 
• Potency. CBD products can range from as little as 10 mg per serving to more than 50. Since CBD affects everyone differently, we include a range of potencies in our product reviews and roundups. Similarly, our Editors’ Picks include low, average, and high potency products.

It’s important to keep in mind that CBD interacts with some medications and supplements. Talk with a doctor or cannabis clinician if you have questions about interactions.

Our CBD editors

Recent articles

You’ll find Editors’ Picks in these recent reviews and roundups:

Meal delivery services

Meal delivery services offer a convenient way to put dinner on the table. But, with an overwhelming number of services to choose from, it can be daunting to figure out which one is right for you. 

From ingredient quality and flavor combinations to menu options and eco-friendly packaging, each service has its own distinct strengths and weaknesses. 

Whether you’re following a special diet, are interested in trying new recipes, or want someone to do the cooking for you, our editors are here to highlight the best meal delivery services for your individual needs. 

Every meal delivery service that earns an Editor’s Pick badge:

• is in compliance with USDA and FDA food safety and manufacturing regulations
• uses a trusted shipper to handle its food products
• lists all ingredients, allergens, and nutrition facts on its website or product packaging
• promotes a healthy approach to well-being
• makes no unsupported health claims on its website or marketing materials
• has been personally tested by one of our editors

As part of our selection process, we also consider:

• delivery area 
• cost, including shipping fees 
• indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
  • customer reviews
  • whether the company has privacy standards
  • whether the company has been subject to an FDA warning letter
  • whether the company is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau

Finally, one of our editors personally tests each service for at least 1 week. Here is what we consider during testing:

• Signup process: Getting started with a meal delivery service shouldn’t be complicated. We consider how streamlined each service’s signup process is and whether people with specific dietary needs can easily find suitable recipes, using either filters or diet-specific menus.
• Recipe variety: We consider whether there’s a good variety of recipes to choose from. In addition to the number of meals available, we pay attention to whether each service offers a wide range of cuisines and protein types.
• Nutritional composition: Our Editor’s Picks include services that feature nutritionally balanced meals, with the majority of recipes containing lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and a generous serving of vegetables.
• Ingredient quality and freshness: When trying each meal delivery service, we pay close attention to the freshness of the ingredients upon delivery. We also consider whether the service offers higher quality items, such as organic produce or grass-fed beef.
• Ease of preparation: We consider whether the meals are easy to make or require expertise in the kitchen. We also note whether the meals take longer than the company’s estimated time to prepare.
• Taste: We know that taste is subjective and that there’s bound to be a recipe or two that misses the mark. Our Editor’s Picks include services that consistently provide well-seasoned meals and a good variety of flavors and ingredients.
• Packaging: Because they often include individually packaged ingredients and all the materials used to keep your meals safe and temperature-controlled, meal delivery services aren’t always eco-friendly. Our Editor’s Picks use recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging.

Our nutrition editors

Lisa Valente, MS, RD

Senior Nutrition Editor

Why you should trust me: I’m a registered dietitian and mom to two young kids. I’ve worked as a nutrition, food, and lifestyle editor for over 10 years trying all types of different foods, recipes, and products. Trying to put a nutritious meal on the table every night is a challenge — and I’m always looking for a shortcut or ways to make it easier.

Kelli McGrane, MS, RD

Nutrition and Fitness Editor

Why you should trust me: In addition to being a registered dietitian, I’m also a cookbook author and worked as a recipe developer for more than 10 years. Now, as a working mom, I’m constantly on the lookout for time-saving ways to put flavorful, balanced meals on the table. From prepared meals for singles to family-friendly meal kits, I’ve tried over 25 of the most popular meal delivery services on the market.

Recent articles

You’ll find Editors’ Picks in these recent reviews and roundups: