Guides

Buying guides

What should you look at before you buy? These guides lay out what to check, based on the research and public information covered in the articles. The aim is to help you choose for yourself, rather than to push a particular brand.

How these guides are written

They're based on research and information from public bodies, with sources listed at the end of each article.
They never claim that something "works" or "cures." What's known and what isn't are kept separate.
Some products are sold mainly in Japan. The English edition carries no affiliate links.

Food & drink

FOOD How to choose olive oil What "extra virgin" on the label doesn't tell you. Five guidelines from standards and research on light damage. 5 min read FOOD How to choose dark chocolate What the cacao percentage doesn't tell you. Labeling rules, processing, and heavy metals. 4 min read FOOD How to choose and brew coffee Brewing method changes the effect on cholesterol. Paper filters, decaf, and spotting sugary drinks. 3 min read FOOD How to choose protein powder How much you need, whey versus soy, and reading the label. From a meta-analysis and dietary reference intakes. 4 min read

Body care & daily life

BODY How to choose tools for bad breath Tongue cleaners, interdental brushes, mouthwash. How to choose and use them, from systematic reviews and public information. 3 min read BODY How to choose an antiperspirant or deodorant Stop sweat or stop odor? Reading active ingredients, and what safety assessments say about aluminum. 3 min read BODY How to choose a mini trampoline for home Space and diameter, weight limit, bungee or springs, handrail. What to decide before you buy. 5 min read BODY How to choose earplugs and an eye mask How to cut bedroom noise and light. Choosing by earplug material and eye mask shape. 5 min read BODY How to choose a sunscreen Even SPF 50 falls short if you apply too little. What a trial and official guidelines say about choosing and applying it. 4 min read

Books

BOOKS Books to read when you want to change your habits Six books chosen with research in mind, with the caveats later studies found. Pick by problem. 5 min read WORK Books to read when you start thinking about changing jobs What you want, judging companies, pay, a long life. Four books, by stage of doubt. 4 min read BOOKS Books to read when you want to think about how to live Meaning, freedom, other people's judgment. Four books for going deeper into the questions in these essays. 3 min read