• John Malkovich stars in "Opus," former journalist Mark Anthony Green's directorial debut.
• Malkovich plays a legendary pop star who reemerges after years out of the spotlight.
• The actor tells BI he has no idea why Green thought of him for the role.

John Malkovich knows he isn't exactly the first person you'd think of to play a gyrating glam-rock icon decked out in a metallic suit and chunky heeled boots.

But he was director Mark Anthony Green's first and only choice to play Alfred Moretti, the reclusive yet beloved fictional pop star at the center of his new film "Opus."

"I wasn't sure why Mark Anthony thought of me," Malkovich told BI at the red carpet premiere of "Opus" at the Sundance Film Festival. "I wouldn't picture myself as a pop star, particularly."

The satirical horror movie is a warning about the cult of celebrity, taken to the extreme. It stars Ayo Edebiri as Ariel Ecton, a scrappy young music journalist who's invited to Moretti's compound as he prepares to release a new album after 30 years in seclusion.

Malkovich's eccentric artist has seemingly nefarious plans for the group he's invited to his estate, which also includes Ariel's dismissive editor Stan (Murray Bartlett), a talk-show host (Juliette Lewis), and an influencer (Stephanie Suganami).

In addition to the hip-thrusting and occasional lap dancing, Malkovich also sings some of the film's original songs. Green tapped Grammy-winning artist and producer Nile Rodgers and Rodgers' frequent collaborator The-Dream to write three songs for the film, and a vocal producer who worked with Rihanna to help Malkovich record them.

"I'm a baritone at best. I hadn't really sung, except in an opera, for 40 years. We started with the ballad, and the engineer said, 'You've got it, just go up an octave, you can do it.' And it was an octave I hadn't sung in since I wanted to be in a boys choir at age 11," Malkovich said in in the film's press notes. "So it was quite challenging."

• Walmart-owned Sam's Club has a "treasure trove" of purchasing data.
• CEO Chris Nicholas told BI this data is powering the company's big push into experiential retail.
• Nicholas has named Diana Marshall to be his new chief experience officer, or CXO — a relatively rare title in retail.

When Sam's Club CEO Chris Nicholas saw the news that his company had unseated perennial winner Costco as the top-rated retailer for customer satisfaction, he was understandably pleased — but he didn't bask in the feeling for long.

"There's more to do," he told Business Insider in an interview. "Nothing happens by accident."

The jump in Sam's Club's score — leapfrogging Costco's similarly strong rating — follows a busy year in which the Walmart-owned warehouse club rolled out new futuristic tech intended to make shopping easier and more enjoyable.

It was one year ago that the company announced its AI-powered exit gateways that are doing away with one of the biggest frustrations of shopping at a warehouse club: receipt checks at the exit. And in October, Sam's Club opened its first location without traditional checkout lanes.

It's a bold bet as some other retailers, like Amazon, pulled back from using AI-powered "Just Walk Out" cashierless tech at its Fresh stores in favor of smart carts, and others, including Target, have put new limits on self-service options at many locations.

For Sam's Club, it's part of a longer-term strategy to give it a high-tech edge in the historically low-tech warehouse retail segment. The company says more than half of customers at locations with the AI scan-and-go option use the tech, and it's helped the shoppers get out the door 23% faster.

"This is all a result of working really hard at the inputs and then the outputs heal themselves," Nicholas said. "Because we're building digital products for our associates as well as for our members, it means you create connected experiences that allow people to self-solve and work together on having a delightful experience."

One advantage that warehouse clubs, in general, have over their traditional retail counterparts is much more detailed information about shoppers' purchase histories, as a membership is required for every purchase. (General retailers can still piece together a profile using payment or loyalty cards, of course.)

At Sam's Club, however, member profiles are augmented by massive amounts of digital data, plus additional insights from the 50,000-strong Members Mark community of shoppers that share feedback on products and services.

"It's certainly true that we've had this treasure trove of data, and we've been on this journey the last couple of years to really hone it so that we understand and can use this data more specifically," Nicholas said.

Although Sam's Club doesn't publicly report detailed financial results, one consistent bright spot in Walmart's earnings in recent years has been the growth of revenue from memberships and from retail media.

In addition, Nicholas notes that much of the tech investment expenses for Sam's Club are borne by Walmart's deeper pockets, since the club has often served as an innovation lab for the world's largest retailer.

With all of this data, Nicholas says he decided to put one person in charge of turning it into a more effective flywheel for the business.

"The faster the flywheel spins, the more that virtuous circle helps you open up even a deeper gap versus everybody else," he said.

In this spirit, Sam's Club has appointed Diana Marshall, who was previously chief growth officer, as its new chief experience officer. Marshall will report directly to Nicholas.

CXO is a title that Constellation Research founder Ray Wang told BI is more typically found reporting to the CEO at tech, hospitality, travel, or financial services companies than at retailers. Sam's Club said it consulted with Wang on the strategy.

"We see chief experience officers, in general, playing a bigger and bigger role because you're basically differentiating on time and experience," Wang said. "If they are saving time, they'll pay a premium. If they get a better experience, they'll pay a premium."

Nicholas said that Sam's Club is committed to the long-standing warehouse club business model of earning most of its profits from membership income. That means any revenues — say, from the expected $100 billion retail media advertising market — will be reinvested in the business in the form of better technology, higher wages, and lower prices.

"I think we can create these unexpected, unforgettable, connected experiences from members, and I believe genuinely that that's going to redefine what the future of retail looks like," he said.

• Beyoncé took home her first album of the year award at the 2025 Grammys.
• She's been a staple of the event since the early 2000s and has worn numerous showstopping looks.
• On a few occasions, however, the superstar has missed the mark with her Grammys fashion.

No one does the Grammy Awards quite like Beyoncé.

She's won the most awards in the event's history, took home her first album of the year trophy in 2025, and has made iconic fashion statements since her first appearances with Destiny's Child.

That said, the musician has also missed the mark with her Grammys fashion on a few occasions.

Here's a look at some of the best and worst looks Beyoncé has worn at the ceremony over the years.

Beyoncé nodded to her country era with a glamorous gown this year, and it worked.

She wore a custom piece from Schiaparelli that was tan, covered in sequins, and sleeveless with a scooped neckline.

It was glamorous and called back to old Hollywood with its matching gloves. Still, the outfit also honored Beyoncé and her latest body of work, "Cowboy Carter."

The dress was beaded with small white Bs and a larger paisley print, which gave the gown a subtle Western vibe.

Her attempt at a neutral-colored gown in 2010 didn't translate as well.

She walked the red carpet that year wearing a Stéphane Rolland gown crafted from a satin fabric.

The neutral-colored dress had short puffed sleeves, a plunging neckline with a zipper detail, and textured shapes from top to bottom.

The same design would have looked cool on a top or skirt individually. However, the pattern was overwhelming on a dress and too strong for such a delicate shade and fabric.

Beyoncé also wore gold hair tinsel and statement earrings that clashed with the gown's color.

The textured minidress she changed into in 2010 was one of her best looks at the Grammys.

Beyoncé changed into a metallic number from Armani Privé during the awards ceremony. The short dress had statement short sleeves, a deep-V neckline, and loose chains that intentionally hung from the garment.

The outfit was eye-catching, glamorous, and perfectly accessorized.

She wore it with gold platform sandals, statement hoop earrings, and an assortment of bracelets and rings.

One of her worst, however, came in 2007.

Giorgio Armani designed her dress, which was strapless and made from silk.

Its silver color looked stunning on Beyoncé, but the dress didn't seem to fit her right. Its neckline flap was uneven, and its wrapped skirt was just a touch too long, making it appear to have excess fabric.

The dress was also embellished with large crystal pieces at the waist and neckline, so Beyoncé didn't need the oversize jewelry to elevate the outfit.

Beyoncé changed into a simple yet classic gown at the 2023 Grammys.

Beyoncé wore three different outfits throughout the 2023 Grammys, and her final look — a black velvet Schiaparelli gown — was one of her best.

The strapless dress featured an angular, square-shaped neckline, hugging her figure and cinching at the waist.

She paired the dress with matching gloves for an elegant and fashionable look.

The black-and-white jumpsuit she wore in 2013 was underwhelming compared to her other Grammys looks.

Beyoncé arrived at the awards show in an Osman jumpsuit with short sleeves and a high neckline. Most of the look was black, though one sleeve and half the bodice were white.

The ensemble wasn't as exciting or high-fashion as some of her other outfits, and it appeared more professional than red-carpet ready.

At her first solo Grammy Awards in 2004, Beyoncé rocked an all-gold dress that made her stand out on the carpet.

The gown, designed by Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles, hugged her figure and featured ruching on the bodice and waist, forming a pleat down the center of the skirt.

Bejeweled netting created a halter neckline, and gems ran down the center of the bodice.

Gold earrings and shoes completed the gilded look, which was perfect for an evening on which she won five Grammys.

One change could have made a huge difference to Beyoncé's 2021 outfit.

She accepted a Grammy onstage that year in a Schiaparelli minidress. The leather garment had off-the-shoulder sleeves, a V-shaped neckline, and ruched fabric that made the piece edgier.

While the sheer tights she wore pulled the look together, her black gloves did the opposite. The leather pieces with gold nails distracted from her outfit and made it look more like a costume.

By removing the gloves, fans could have appreciated her statement earrings and stunning hairstyle better.

• Taylor Swift was nominated for six awards at the 2025 Grammys but lost in every category.
• Swift still appeared to have a blast at the show, cheering for her peers and dancing all night.
• Swift's self-assured vibe speaks to her stature in the industry. She doesn't need to win to be a winner.

Taylor Swift may have gone home empty-handed from the 67th annual Grammy Awards, but Swifties would be wise to keep their pitchforks tucked away.

Swift received six nominations this year, mostly for "The Tortured Poets Department," her wildly successful 11th studio album. (She was also nominated for her collaboration with Gracie Abrams on her song "Us.") Swift attended the awards show wearing a shimmering ruby minidress, a golden "T" on her thigh, and, despite loss after loss, an unshakeable aura of delight.

As each of Swift's chances for an award came and went — best music video, best pop vocal album, best pop duo/group performance, record of the year, song of the year, and album of the year — viewers who have heard tales of her charts-obsessed gluttony and hunger for approval would have expected Swift to appear deflated.

To be fair, that assumption is far from unfounded. Back in 2014, Swift admitted she was devastated when her fourth album, "Red," lost album of the year to Daft Punk's "Random Access Memories." In her Netflix documentary "Miss Americana," Swift is shown reacting with palpable shame to the news that her album "Reputation" was nearly shut out of the 2018 nominations. "I just need to make a better record," she decides, tail between her legs.

As the show ended Sunday night, the X account for Swift's PR team seemed to acknowledge the loss with an upbeat message thanking fans for supporting "The Tortured Poets Department."

"Nofuckinbody loved #TSTTPD more than you, and we couldn't be prouder of what this album has accomplished," it reads, in part. "Until our next board meeting."

Going home empty-handed just one year after breaking a major Grammy record would be tough for anyone to handle, especially for a high achiever with fans and critics following her every move.

"There's so much pressure going into putting new music out," Swift laments in the documentary. "If I don't beat everything I've done prior, it'll be deemed as a colossal failure."

However, on Sunday, Swift appeared confident and like she was having more fun than anyone who made it to the podium. The many cameras inside the event rarely caught Swift in the audience when she wasn't grinning, dancing, or cheering.

Swift did get a moment onstage to present the award for best country album. When she pulled Beyoncé's name from the envelope, her face lit up with uninhibited glee.

It was one of the most heartfelt and meaningful exchanges of the evening — bringing a canon pop-culture event full circle.

At the 2009 VMAs, after Swift was infamously interrupted onstage, Beyoncé sacrificed her acceptance speech for video of the year to let a young country darling reclaim her moment. On Sunday, over 15 years later, that former ingénue handed country music's top prize to the icon who always respected and inspired her.

Swift wasn't a nominee in that category, but even her losses seemed to glimmer with karmic energy.

When Sabrina Carpenter won best pop vocal album for "Short n' Sweet," Swift could be seen relishing the announcement like a proud mom, her mouth agape.

Carpenter is part of a new generation of pop stars raised on Swift's music who even shared covers of Swift's songs on YouTube when she was a child. These days, Swift has transformed from Carpenter's idol to her mentor and friend, who even tapped the "Espresso" singer to open for multiple legs of the Eras Tour.

Later, when Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" beat Swift's "Fortnight" for record of the year, she lifted her glass to toast the rapper.

This was no empty gesture; Swift and Lamar are close collaborators who teamed up for the first time in 2015 for a remix of "Bad Blood." Their duet gave Lamar his first-ever No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and he returned to Swift's side eight years later to rerecord his verse for "Bad Blood (Taylor's Version)."

Swift didn't reserve her praise and excitement for friends, either. She was spotted gossiping with Chappell Roan, dancing jubilantly to Charli XCX's "Von Dutch," and clinking glasses with Jay-Z when Beyoncé won album of the year.

Skeptics will say this was all performative, but anyone who's seen "Valentine's Day" or "Cats" could tell you that she's not much of an actor.

Of course, being perceived as a sore loser or wet blanket would be bad for business, and Swift is never one to squander a photo op. But Swift has reached a point in her career where she can truly enjoy her success — and the demonstrable proof of her influence, stature, and longevity — without trying to outshine her past achievements. She'll toast to that.

• I tried orange chicken from Trader Joe's, Panda Express, and P.F. Chang's to find the best one.
• P.F. Chang's dish was my least favorite and also the most expensive. 
• Although Panda Express' was great, Trader Joe's orange chicken won based on its price.

Orange chicken is a popular dish that's been around for decades, but there's still some debate about the best place to get it. 

Panda Express' former executive chef Andy Kao is said to have premiered the Chinese-American recipe in 1987, and in 2017, over 50% of the chain's customers ordered the dish as part of their meal.

What started out as a mere addition to the Panda Express menu went on to become a food phenomenon, as restaurants and grocery chains around the world now offer their own version of the dish, with some rivaling the popularity of the original.

I decided to sample three of the most popular orange-chicken takes on the market from Trader Joe's, Panda Express, and P.F. Chang's to see which was best.

Trader Joe's award-winning Mandarin-orange chicken was just as delicious as actual takeout

Trader Joe's Mandarin-orange chicken is one of the brand's most popular items — it's so beloved by shoppers that it's earned a spot in the chain's Product Hall of Fame. After trying it for the first time last year, I could understand the hype.

But the most obvious difference between Trader Joe's orange chicken and its taste-test competitors is it's the only one that requires any actual cooking.

It's a drawback in some ways but in others, it's a plus, as you can add as little or as much sauce to the chicken as you want and choose to fry or oven-bake the dish.

You can also doctor it up with some chili oil or flakes if you favor spice. 

Trader Joe's orange chicken also had the crispiest texture

Once the Trader Joe's orange chicken was prepared, I couldn't even tell I'd cooked it from frozen. 

From bite-sized crisps to chewy mouthfuls, the fried-chicken pieces came in varying sizes, so no two scoops were identical.

The breading on this chicken's exterior was much thicker than most restaurant versions, which I found gave every bite a satisfying crunch. The meat was also surprisingly soft even after being cooked under the dry heat of the oven.

Without being super heavy or oily, this meal reminded me of a typical fried-chicken entrée.

The sauce that comes with the dish is much thinner than some others, so much so that it's more like a glaze. I combined the ingredients in a shallow mixing bowl, which left each piece nicely coated.

Good orange chicken is mostly defined by its sauce, which is why Panda Express' balanced mix of sweet, tangy, and savory remains unmatched. And although it wasn't identical, Trader Joe's orange-chicken glaze came close to mimicking the iconic combo.

Flavor-wise, the grocery chain's sauce is much less spicy than Panda Express', but it still had a nice, even blend of tangy orange flavor and a sweetness that didn't taste syrupy or artificial.

It leaned slightly more to the acidic side, which nicely cut down the sugar and created a wonderfully balanced dish. 

Panda Express' orange chicken had the most memorable flavor

According to NPR, Panda Express is believed to have invented this popular dish in the 1980s when a chef at one of the chain's Hawaii locations experimented with creating a spin on General Tso's chicken.

I've eaten this restaurant's orange chicken for as long as I can remember. Affordable, tasty, and consistent, it's pretty difficult to beat as far as fast-food dishes go.

At a glance, the order looks pretty unassuming — it's essentially bite-sized morsels of fried dark-meat chicken coated in a sticky, tangy orange sauce with no vegetables anywhere in sight.

Served in the signature red takeout box, it's a simple, no-frills option that's pretty much designed for convenient eating.

But don't let presentation fool you — this orange chicken hit all the right notes of a perfect takeout meal.

The chain's signature sauce really made this chicken a standout hit

Thick enough to cling well to every piece but not so syrupy that you have to scoop it up with a fork, this sauce balanced honeyed sweetness and tang just right.

Plus the lip-smacking umami finish lingered on the inside of my cheeks and kept me reaching for more like a bag of salty potato chips would.

The orange flavor was clearly detectable, but it didn't overpower the entire dish, which I actually prefer so my dinner doesn't taste like a mimosa. And a kick of chili came through to give each bite an extra oomph.  

Plus every chicken morsel was fried to perfection and had a tender, juicy center.

Compared to the other two dishes I tried, this one's breading-to-chicken ratio was just right, as the coating on each piece was thick enough to provide an initial crunch without tasting like fried bread.

To put it plainly, the chain's meal was perfectly balanced, and I wouldn't expect any less from a company that's had several decades to perfect its recipe.

Currently, a small order costs under $5 and gets you enough food to eat as an entrée for one or a light snack for two. This seemed like a pretty solid deal until I realized that an entire multi-serving bag of orange chicken from Trader Joe's is only $4.99. 

P.F. Chang's orange chicken had a refreshing, homemade taste

A single order from my local P.F. Chang's cost me $14.95, making it the most expensive orange chicken I tried for this taste test. But to be fair, that price gets you a more sophisticated version of this takeout classic. 

Right off the bat, I was impressed by how this meal looked. 

Garnished with fresh orange slices delicately placed around the edges and finely minced scallions speckled throughout the center, this entée consisted of several thick pieces of meat doused in a vibrant sauce.

This order also came with a side of rice at no extra cost. Compared to the others, this option had the appearance of a complete meal rather than a snack or appetizer.

Although the chicken was juicy and well-marinated, the orange-peel sauce was slightly too sweet for my liking

According to its menu, P.F. Chang's current orange chicken features a recently updated recipe. Since I've never tasted the previous version, I can't accurately speak to what's different about this new one. 

The chain describes its orange-peel chicken as "lightly battered" with a "sweet citrus-chili sauce" and "fresh orange slices" — and based on what I tried, that seems accurate.

To start, the chicken was cooked perfectly — I'm talking melt-in-your-mouth quality. 

I don't know what's in the batter, but I'd have to guess it contains some cornstarch, as each piece of chicken had a thin outer layer of breading with a delicate crisp that gave way to a tender meat interior.

It could be that I'm so used to the fast-food version of this dish, but the sauce seemed off-balance and was a little too tangy and fruity for my liking. It reminded me of an orange marmalade with the slightest whisper of chili.

The sauce's jelly-like texture oddly paired with the fried meat, and there was also way too much — the chicken was practically swimming in it.

And although I appreciated the fresh oranges, they seemingly served no real purpose beyond garnish. 

I'll give P.F. Chang's props for elevating this classic takeout dish and putting an upscale spin on it, but I can't picture myself craving orange chicken and immediately reaching for this fancier version first, especially when others exist for half the cost.

If you love traditional sweet-and-sour sauce or the "orange" half of the equation the most, you'd probably enjoy this option. But if you're looking for something with that familiar orange-and-spice combo, I'd advise ordering from elsewhere.

Still, if I went to an office party or a dinner soiree where P.F. Chang's was being catered, I definitely wouldn't turn this dish away. 

Despite having to cook it myself, Trader Joe's orange chicken may be my new go-to

P.F. Chang's meal had a yummy, fresh taste to it, but its citrus-forward sauce lacked the distinct orange-chicken seasoning found in the other versions. And although the portion size was generous, it is still much pricier than the other two options.

But when choosing a go-to orange chicken, it really comes down to preference.

If you like yours on the sweeter side, you may find P.F. Chang's meal to be just right. If you favor more of a spicy or tangy taste, you'd probably enjoy the other two.

With a winning combination of sweet, tangy, and umami, Panda Express is clearly the expert when it comes to this iconic dish. That said, Trader Joe's orange chicken left me feeling equally as satisfied.

And the fact that I can buy a 22-ounce bag of it from the store for almost the same price as a small order from Panda Express made it quite clear to me who the winner of my orange-chicken battle had to be.

Sure, eating it requires a little bit more work than simply ordering takeout. But considering I can get at least two meals out of it for the price of one, Joe can go ahead and take my money.

• Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that the US will suspend plans for 25% tariffs on Canadian goods.
• Trump later confirmed the deal.
• For now, a vast North American trade war is on hold.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday announced that the US's plan to impose 25% tariffs will be on hold for at least 30 days.

Trudeau's announcement on X comes just hours after President Donald Trump brokered a similar pause with Mexico, effectively halting a trade war between the US and its neighbors for now.

"Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together," Trudeau posted on X.

Trump later confirmed the temporary trade truce. He wrote on Truth Social that Canada had "agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country."

"As President, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of ALL Americans, and I am doing just that," Trump wrote. "I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30 day period to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured. FAIRNESS FOR ALL!"

The two leaders focused on Canada's $1.3 billion border plan. The initial announcement of the massive investment was made in December.

Trump has said that tariffs are needed to get Mexico and Canada to address the flow of fentanyl into the US. In his statement, Trudeau said Canada would be implementing a $1.3 billion border plan that would involve "reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl."

He said that Canada would be devoting nearly 10,000 personnel to protect the border, and that Canada is committing to appointing a Fentanyl Czar, among other actions.

Over the weekend, Trudeau laid out a plan for more than $100 billion in retaliatory tariffs if Trump did not relent. Canada's list of tariffed goods targeted Trump's political base, covering everything from Florida oranges and Kentucky bourbon to appliances made in Vice President JD Vance's home state of Ohio.

Elon Musk wasn't immune from the fallout. Ontario Premier Doug Ford wrote on X that he would be "ripping up the province's contract" with Space X's Starlink.

Canada's first retaliatory tariffs were set to go into effect Tuesday. Additional measures were expected to apply to US tech exports, which were absent from the first list.

During Trump's first term, nations designed tariffs to inflict political damage. Kentucky bourbon was frequently targeted due to Sen. Mitch McConnell's status as Senate Majority Leader.

In recent weeks, Trump and his allies have repeatedly criticized Canada. Before taking office, Trump said that the US biggest trade partner should be the 51st state. Trump's taunts came during a difficult time for Trudeau.

The Canadian leader's popularity collapsed before he announced last month that he would resign as prime minister once the Liberal Party selects a new leader.

This story is developing.

• Shadi Nayyer has joined Meta in a new role focused on metaverse creator and developer relationships.
• Nayyer's role overseeing ecosystem growth rolls up into the Reality Labs content organization.
• Prior to joining Meta, Nayyer led global creator programs at TikTok.

Meta has tapped former TikTok exec Shadi Nayyer to oversee a new team that will build relationships with creators and developers in its metaverse division, Reality Labs.

Nayyer's new role leading ecosystem growth falls under the content organization within Reality Labs. She told Business Insider she'll initially focus on creators who develop inside its virtual-reality game Horizon Worlds and other metaverse apps.

She plans to hire a team of developer advocates, community leaders, and program managers to host hackathons, attend third-party events, and run competitions and other community programs. Over time, the work will expand into other parts of the division, such as augmented reality, Nayyer said.

"A lot of what my focus is going to be on is essentially growing our developer creator ecosystem," she said. "Bringing on creators, builders, developers onto the Meta platform. Helping them learn about our products, about our tools, and just getting them into our various creator programs."

Nayyer was previously TikTok's head of creator programs.

Meta sees 2025 as a critical year for its metaverse work, per a recent internal memo from chief technology officer Andrew "Boz" Bosworth viewed by BI. Bosworth called out Horizon Worlds as an area of focus, saying that platform would need to "break out" for the company's long-term plans to come to fruition.

Horizon Worlds offers a mix of games, live events, and social features for Meta's Quest VR headsets, as well as mobile and desktop devices. In September, Meta product VP Aigerim Shorman said usage of the Horizon platform was up "5x compared to last year," and Horizon Worlds was a top-five app on the Quest 3 as measured by weekly users.

The company told investors during last week's fourth-quarter earnings that its Reality Labs unit hit $1.08 billion in revenue in the period. It expects operating losses in the division to increase in 2025, as they did in 2024.

Nayyer, who joined Meta last month, said her team will focus on driving up engagement from the metaverse developer community.

Prior to joining Meta, Nayyer oversaw creator programs and community at TikTok, where she worked on creator product marketing, partnerships, and community development, as well as its diversity, equity, and inclusion programming. Before that, Nayyer worked on community marketing at Twitch.

Meta and TikTok did not respond to requests for comment.

• I always hated running but a charitable cause inspired me to train for a marathon.
• I had to stick to a strict schedule during my six months of training.
• Although I almost quit in the middle of the marathon, I completed and reached my goal.

I never understood how people could like running. All I ever felt was pure torture. When I'd attempt to run, I'd only make it halfway around the block before I started feeling like I was going to pass out.

But one day, I received a postcard from a charity. It featured a beautiful picture of Hawaii. The postcard said I could help children battling cancer by raising money and running a marathon.

Intrigued, I attended a meeting to hear more. At the end of the video presentation, the last young person interviewed said, "I just want to live." Tears filled my eyes, and I immediately rushed to the table to sign up.

I only needed to fundraise thousands of dollars and run 26.2 miles in six months; how hard could it be?

Sticking to a routine became my first mental hurdle

I often wing things in life, but I knew showing up unprepared for a marathon would be a big mistake. Thankfully, I had access to a detailed training plan and support. I now had a big "why" and a plan but still needed discipline to follow through.

I gathered things to make me feel like a successful runner: the shoes, the running belt, the energy packs, and all my favorite tunes. I started to feel motivated.

The first mental hurdle was committing to daily training. Knowing that if I made one excuse to skip a day, I'd start making more. It was a commitment I had to make to myself, and I decided to go all in.

I ran by myself daily to build my endurance, and on weekends, I ran with a group to further my distance. I became friends with some women who ran at my pace, but I needed to keep pushing myself to keep up with them at training.

My belief in my abilities started increasing. I continued achieving the goals I set for myself, and I celebrated those milestones with a quart of ice cream that I knew I'd eventually burn off.

After surpassing my fundraising goal, I felt confident enough to set my final challenge: to run the marathon in under five hours.

Race day became the ultimate test

After just six months of training, I made it to Hawaii, loaded up on carbs, and barely slept that night. It was early morning when I stood beside my running friends in the crowded starting area. I felt nervous and was already sweating from the heat before the starter gun went off.

Everything was going fine until mile 22. Out of nowhere, my body started shaking, tears began flowing, and I felt like I couldn't take one step further. I quickly realized this was the infamous "wall" I had heard about. My mind and body were exhausted, and I didn't know what to do.

I began to convince myself I could do it and only needed to make it to the water station ahead in the distance. I knew I had to keep running because if I stopped, I would never start back up again.

I didn't want to fail after all the time and effort I had put into everything. When I finally reached the station, I threw water on myself and checked the time. I would have to continue running at least my usual pace to achieve my goal.

With all odds against me, I started saying, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I kept repeating this as my mantra, refusing to let any other thoughts enter my mind.

With a second wind, I took off and just kept running. I was determined to come in under the five-hour mark.

I achieved my goal by forging ahead

The crowd was lined up on both sides, screaming and cheering, and I could see the finish line. The final .2 miles became the longest .2 miles of my life. My mantra changed to, "Just make it over the finish line, and you will never have to run again."

With my eyes fixated on the clock, I crossed over at 4:57:38.

The marathon was much more challenging than I imagined, but the biggest obstacle I had to overcome was the belief that I could do it and the willingness to push myself past what was comfortable.

I still believe that running is torture, but I learned that once you truly set your mind to do something, anything is possible.

• Richard "Dick" Kramlich made one of the earliest investments in Apple.
• He cofounded NEA in 1977, which now has nearly $26 billion in assets under management.
• Kramlich also led investments in Juniper Networks, Macromedia, , Immunex, and Xoom.

Charles Richard "Dick" Kramlich, cofounder of VC giant New Enterprise Associates and a godfather of venture capital, passed away on February 1st at the age of 89, according to a representative for NEA.

"Our industry has lost a legend, and we have lost a cherished friend," stated a letter sent from NEA to the firm's contacts. "He led investments in seminal companies like Juniper Networks, Macromedia, Ascend Communications, Immunex, Xoom, Financial Engines, and many others; he was also among the earliest investors in Apple. Yet the true magnitude of his impact is rooted in his visionary leadership, his relentless curiosity, and his hallmark tenacity. He was a true champion for entrepreneurs, and that long-term perspective combined with his stalwart conviction was integral to the success of many of his investments."

Kramlich helped start NEA in 1977 and was the firm's managing partner for its first seven funds. He helped grow the firm to become one of the biggest in Silicon Valley, backing companies like Robinhood, Databricks, and Plaid.

Today, NEA has nearly $26 billion in assets under management, according to Pitchbook.

After Kramlich stepped away from most of his duties at NEA, he raised $130 million for a new firm in 2017, Green Bay Ventures, to focus on early-stage enterprise tech startups. Green Bay has made venture investments in Spotify, Dropbox, Lyft, and Databricks, according to PitchbBook.

Those who worked with Kramlich have been paying tribute to him on social media.

"He was a true believer in the magic of Silicon Valley and the power of optimism and long-term partnerships," Jon Sakoda, founding partner of Decibel and former partner at NEA, wrote on Linkedin. "He showed up for his companies in good times and bad, and found a way to do so with a smile. Along the way, he helped shape our profession by teaching us the importance of putting founders first."

"He was one of those rare people who saw the future before it arrived," Nada Hosking, a startup advisor and investor wrote on X. "He took risks on ideas that seemed insane at the time. Without visionaries like him, the tech world wouldn't be what it is today."

Here's the full letter NEA sent to its limited partners, employees, and portfolio companies:

"Dear partners, colleagues, and friends of NEA,

With heavy hearts, we are reaching out to share that Charles Richard "Dick" Kramlich, beloved co-founder of NEA and one of venture capital's most enduring and influential figures, passed away on February 1 at the age of 89. Our industry has lost a legend, and we have lost a cherished friend.

A true pioneer of venture capital, Dick's investing career began in 1969 as a general partner at Arthur Rock & Co. He was captivated by innovation and entrepreneurship and eager to help shape the nascent venture capital industry. When he co-founded NEA with Chuck Newhall and Frank Bonsal in 1977, the trio set out to form a "100-year partnership"—an enduring institution that would span many funds and flourish long into the future, built upon shared goals, shared values, and shared rewards. That guiding principle would shape NEA's evolution and success not only during the co-founders' tenures, but through numerous successive leadership transitions in the decades ahead.

As a Managing Partner for our first seven funds and a General Partner through NEA 13, Dick was instrumental in many of NEA's most successful outcomes over many years. He led investments in seminal companies like Juniper Networks, Macromedia, Ascend Communications, Immunex, Xoom, Financial Engines and many others; he was also among the earliest investors in Apple. Yet the true magnitude of his impact is rooted in his visionary leadership, his relentless curiosity, and his hallmark tenacity. He was a true champion for entrepreneurs, and that long-term perspective combined with his stalwart conviction was integral to the success of many of his investments.

Dick once said, "A lot of people think venture capital is a game of numbers. It's not—it's a game of courage." That wisdom continues to resonate within our firm today, serving as a guiding ethos as we navigate inevitable challenges, not only in the day-to-day business of investing but as we continue to evolve our firm and industry for generations to come. Without question, Dick's legacy will be an enduring one—he had a profound impact not only on venture capital, but on the dozens of companies he helped build and the countless entrepreneurs and investors he mentored along the way.

Fittingly, he was the recipient of countless honors including lifetime achievement awards from the National Venture Capital Association and the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. Even after retiring from NEA in 2012, he continued to actively invest as a co-founder of Green Bay Ventures and as CEO of Kramlich Investment Group. In partnership with his wife Pamela, Dick was also a prolific art patron and collector—together they built one of the world's most pioneering collections of media art comprising more than 150 video, film, and media installation works.

In addition to his wife Pamela, Dick is survived by his children Christina, Richard, and Mary Donna, and many grandchildren—all of whom he adored beyond measure. Our thoughts are with all of them in their grief, and we hope they are comforted by the profound impact he had on so many.

Those of us who worked alongside him will be forever grateful for his countless contributions, and we will continue to celebrate his many achievements—along with his wisdom, integrity, and humility—for decades to come. We know many of you will want to honor Dick's extraordinary life and incredible impact on innovation and entrepreneurship, and we will share additional details as soon as they are available."

• The Nissan Frontier has been one of America's best-selling midsize pickup trucks since 1998.
• I was impressed by the Frontier's powerful V6 engine, easy-to-use cabin, and solid tech features.
• The truck's fuel economy is lackluster, and its steering can feel heavy and unwieldy.

Since its debut in 1998, the Nissan Frontier pickup has been a popular midsize workhorse for weekend DIYers and tradespeople alike.

Fast forward a quarter century, and the Frontier remains a popular midsize pickup, with 68,000 sold in the US last year. It trails the segment-leading Toyota Tacoma but remains ahead of rivals like the Ford Ranger, Honda Ridgeline, and Jeep Gladiator.

I recently spent a week with a long-wheelbase 2025 Frontier Crew Cab SL 4X4.

My test car came to $47,750.

The base Nissan Frontier King Cab 4X2 starts at $32,050, while my top-of-the-range Frontier SL Crew Cab long-wheel-base 4X4 starts at $45,610.

Premium paint, floor mats, and shipping fees pushed the as-test price for the Mississippi-built truck to nearly $48,000.

The 2025 Frontier received a couple of minor styling updates, including revised headlights, grille, and bumper.

The Frontier is an attractively designed truck. Its rugged, squared-off looks blend modern styling with design elements like the vents atop the front grille, inspired by Nissan's iconic Hardbody pickups of the late 1980s.

My Frontier test car is rated to tow up to 6,700 pounds.

The truck's towing capacity varies by trim, with the highest being 7,150 lbs for the base Frontier S King Cab 4X2.

My SL grade test car came standard with a class IV receiver hitch member, trailer sway control, and a tow/ haul mode switch.

The Frontier's overall towing capability is on par with that of the midsize segment. However, those looking for a tow vehicle are better off shopping in the full-size segment.

All Frontiers are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 from Nissan's award-winning VQ family of engines.

With the Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado, and Canyon all powered by turbocharged four-cylinders, the Frontier is one of the last trucks in the segment to offer a V6.

My 4X4 test car boasts EPA fuel economy figures of 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.

I had to be fairly ginger with the throttle to reach the EPA fuel economy figures, which weren't great to start out with. But that's the trade-off you have to make to keep the smooth V6 under the hood, and one I'm willing to make any day of the week.

My 4X4 test car came with a two-speed transfer case.

The Frontier's four-wheel-drive system defaults to rear-wheel drive but can be switched to four-wheel drive using a rotary dial on the center stack. The two-speed transfer case offers a four-low setting for when the driver needs additional torque and traction when driving off-road or hauling heavy loads at low speeds.

The Frontier drives like a truck.

The Frontier drives like the modern body-on-frame pickup truck it is. It rides well, coasting over bumps with ease thanks to its large tires, and offers a relatively quiet cabin even at high speeds.

The punchy V6 and nine-speed automatic combined to deliver strong and smooth acceleration on demand.

One negative that stood out to me was its abnormally heavy steering, which can make navigating tight spaces a chore.

While it isn't as refined as the passenger car-based Honda Ridgeline, the Frontier is more than civilized enough to be a comfortable everyday driver.

The Frontier is logically designed with materials designed to stand up to punishment.

The Frontier's cabin is designed to be durable and easy to use. And that's exactly what it is. Ergonomics are excellent; all the buttons and switches are where one would expect them to be. The big rotary dials and physical buttons made on-the-fly use a piece of cake, especially during cold weather when the driver wearing gloves.

Although monotone and plasticky, the material quality is solid, and everything feels well put together. No errant squeaks or rattles were detected.

The heated leather front seats were well-cushioned and offered good support.

Lower trim levels come with cloth seating.

In front of the driver is a traditional analog gauge cluster flanking a seven-inch digital information display.

It's one of the few high-end Nissan models not to offer a fully digital instrument display.

The Frontier's infotainment setup received a big upgrade this year with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Overall, the 12.3-inch screen looks great, and Nissan's infotainment system, while dated, is pretty easy to use. Unfortunately, its split-screen setup means you can only use 2/3s of its real estate.

However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are standard, do have access to the entire 12.3 inches of screen.

An eight-inch display comes standard on the base S trim.

The Crew Cab's rear seats offer a solid 33 inches of legroom.

Despite the upright seating position, the rear bench was comfortable to sit in. Rear seat passengers also get a power socket and USB plugs, as well as a sliding rear window.

The 60/40 split rear bench folds up to allow taller cargo to fit in the cab.

Under the rear seats is also where you'll find the subwoofer for the 10-speaker Fender premium audio system.

The pickup's cargo bed comes with a spray-on bedliner and LED cargo lamps.

The bed is also equipped with adjustable Utili-track cargo tie-downs.

The Frontier comes standard with loads of safety tech.

Lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear sonar system, intelligent forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control are all standard.

My Verdict: The Frontier is everything you need in a straightforward, no-nonsense pickup truck.

In a day and age of turbos, hybrids, and EVs, it's refreshing to encounter a no-nonsense pickup with decidedly old-school sensibilities that's also thoroughly modern.

From its basic work truck form to the fancy SL and off-road-focused Pro4X trims, the Frontier's core essence remains consistent. Everything is centered on its sturdy ladder frame chassis, bulletproof V6 engine, and easy-to-use cabin.

Even when loaded with tech and luxury features, the Frontier still feels like a true, rough-and-tumble truck. It conveys a sense of solidity that inspires confidence in its drivers.

It's been a decade since I last drove the second-gen Nissan Frontier, which was archaic even back then. The improvements and refinements made to the truck in recent years have been impressive.

And unless you need to tow massive trailers or boats all the time, the Frontier delivers pretty much everything you need in a truck for everyday life.

Honestly, it's the kind of truck I'd spend my money on.

• Researchers took samples of human brains from dead people to look for microplastics.
• The brain samples had higher levels of plastic than kidney or liver samples.
• People who died in 2024 had more nanoplastics in their brain samples than those who died in 2016.

The brain is the most well-protected organ in the human body, but it has a surprisingly high amount of microplastic pollution, according to a paper published in Nature Medicine on Monday.

For the study, researchers examined 52 brain samples from autopsies and found they contained seven to 30 times more microplastics and nanoplastics compared to kidney and liver samples.

The amount of plastic the researchers found in the average brain sample is about equivalent to a plastic spoon, according to lead author Matthew Campen.

He said the measurement methods are still being developed. "We're working hard to get to a very precise estimate," Campen said in a press conference on Monday.

What this means for neurological health is unclear

The brain samples were taken from the prefrontal cortex, which controls behavior and is involved with decision-making. Most of the plastics found were nano-sized shards or flakes of polyethylene, which is used in plastic bags, plastic food wrapping, and plastic water bottles.

It's unclear what effect this may have on neurological health. In the study, the 12 people with documented dementia had higher levels of nanoplastics in their brain samples compared to samples from people without dementia.

"We cannot say, from this study, that micro-nanoplastics are causing dementia," Jaime Ross, an assistant professor of neuroscience at the University of Rhode Island who wasn't involved with the study, told Business Insider.

Dementia patients often have impaired blood-brain barriers, meaning the elevated levels of micro-nanoplastics may have been a symptom and not a cause of the disease.

"I think it's going to be challenging for clinicians to distill the important parts of this down for patients," said Campen, a toxicologist and professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of New Mexico. "The big thing that patients need to hear is that it's not known that there are health effects that are caused by the plastics at this point."

Microplastics have been found in many parts of the human body, including the heart, liver, testicles, and breast milk. Experts don't fully understand the health impact, though some studies have linked microplastics to heart disease, strokes, and low sperm count. Researchers are also investigating whether they play a role in the risk of developing certain types of cancers.

"It wouldn't surprise me if micro-nanoplastics are affecting us. We just don't know to what extent, yet," said Ross, who co-authored a paper published in 2023 that found behavioral changes and brain inflammation in mice after they drank microplastic-polluted water for three weeks straight.

The brain has a protective barrier that should protect us against microplastics

Unlike the kidney, liver, and other organs, the human brain has a protective filter called the blood-brain barrier that blocks many harmful pathogens and toxins.

Campen said it's unclear from his research why so many nanoplastics are managing to cross the blood-brain barrier, but the brain's high proportion of lipids, or fats, likely plays a role.

"If you've ever cleaned a Tupperware bowl that had bacon grease or butter in it, it takes a lot of soap and hot water. It's really hard to get the plastics and fats apart. We think that's part of this process," Campen said.

A silver lining is that microplastics may not accumulate in the human body over time

The latest study didn't show higher levels of micro and nanoplastics in older brains compared to younger brains, suggesting our bodies can pass enough of these plastics in our feces to prevent buildup. "So we're not just accumulating these over time, over our lifetimes," Campen said. More research is needed to confirm that finding.

The study did, however, find an increase in micro and nanoplastics in brain and liver samples taken from individuals who died in 2024 compared to 2016. Campen said this increase is likely due to the increase in plastics in the environment.

"This is significant because it suggests that if we were to reduce environmental contamination with microplastics, the levels of human exposure would also decrease," Tamara Galloway, a professor of ecotoxicology at the University of Exeter who was not involved in the research, said in a statement.

Microplastics are inescapable — they're in our food, air, water, and trash.

You can reduce your exposure by washing your hands before you eat, removing plastic from food before microwaving, and avoiding drinking from plastic bottles.

• A judge on Monday told the warring lawyers in the Lively-Baldoni case to nix the public trash talk.
• The order to play nice came during an acrimonious hearing in federal court in Manhattan.
• Also at the hearing, Lively's lawyer said she planned to sue more defendants by Friday.

A judge on Monday ordered the warring parties in the sprawling litigation between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to stop trash-talking each other's clients on television and online.

The order to play nice in public — in other words, to follow New York state rules banning attorney statements that could prejudice a jury, or else face financial sanctions — came during an acrimonious hearing in federal court in Manhattan.

Lawyers for the "It Ends With Us" costars took turns at a podium reading from each other's press statements and pointing figurative fingers over who was the worst offender and who "started" the dueling media campaigns that have become a sideshow to the court case.

"This was not started by us, your honor," Baldoni's lead lawyer, Bryan Freedman, told the judge at one point Monday.

Baldoni and Lively did not attend the hearing, which was their attorneys' first courtroom face-off in the litigation. Lively accuses Baldoni of sexually harassing her during the film's production. Baldoni alleges in a $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, that her accusations are libelous.

At the hearing Monday, a lawyer for Lively, Michael Gottlieb, accused Baldoni's lawyer of repeatedly insulting his client, including by calling her "a bully" last month on the conservative host Megyn Kelly's podcast.

Gottlieb also alleged the Baldoni attorney said on Kelly's show "that if Blake Lively, if she was sexually harassed, then she wouldn't have returned to the film."

"There's no guardrails in place," Gottlieb said, his voice angry. "We have to do our work in this case, and then we have to go on shows and argue about what this particular evidence or text message shows?"

Baldoni's lawyer, meanwhile, said that his client had lost "tens of millions of dollars" from the negative publicity. He alleged Lively's legal team planted a New York Times story that "was completely devastating" to the actor months before any filing was ever made in the case. "They very pointedly used the press and The New York Times," Freedman said.

"That is a disputed point," US District Judge Lewis J. Liman responded.

The judge told the lawyers for Lively and Baldoni to follow New York's rules of attorney conduct concerning pretrial publicity. The rules bar lawyers from making out-of-court statements that they know could impugn the character or reputation of a witness.

What's already on the official court docket "gives plenty for the public to feast on," the judge said. The judge added that he was concerned that if the public warring did not stop, there would be "satellite litigation" in which the attorneys sued each other over their statements.

The judge also issued a warning — if the public battle continued, he would move up the trial date, set for March 2026, so that the dispute would be shortened.

"If it turns out that this ends up being litigated in the press in a way that will prejudice the opportunities of the parties for a fair trial, then one of the tools that the court does have available to it is to accelerate the date of the trial," the judge said.

Also at the hearing, Lively's lawyer said he would be filing an amended lawsuit on Friday to add to the list of defendants she's suing. The lawyer did not say who would be added.

• YouTube creators are using podcasts to reinvent their images and reach new audiences.
• Video podcasts now resemble talk shows, and can help creators build new communities.
• These creators are monetizing with memberships, merchandise, and live shows.

Early-day YouTubers like Trisha Paytas, Tana Mongeau, Logan Paul, and many others are cashing in on the podcast boom by creating a new identity, audience, and brand.

Paytas, who built an audience of 5 million YouTube subscribers with personal vlogs from her kitchen floor and public feuds, has taken her career to the next level through her podcast "Just Trish," for example. She signed last year with the Hollywood talent agency CAA and expanded her business with a merchandise line and cross-country tour. Mongeau, who rose to fame with her NSFW storytime videos, cohosts a podcast called "Cancelled," which has helped reinvent her image and reframe her online persona as more relatable. And, Paul's "Impaulsive" podcast has both helped him stay relevant and establish a more mature audience.

Thanks to video, podcasting has taken on an entirely new meaning and is attracting more digital creators. Once a solo audio-only experience, today's creator podcasts mimic talk shows. The boom in video podcasts has also grown YouTube into a top podcasting platform in the US.

"For existing YouTube creators, podcasting on YouTube gives them more tools in their creative tool belt," Kai Chuk, YouTube's head of podcasting, told Business Insider. "It gives them more flexibility to create in ways that hopefully make their lives easier."

Podcasts have helped more creators expand their businesses and make money through memberships, touring, and merchandise.

For instance, Paytas, who posts video episodes of her podcast on YouTube, also publishes bonus content like extra episodes and reaction videos behind a Patreon paywall for her 46,309 paying members.

Many podcasts use a similar strategy, including "Pretty Basic," which creates paywalled content for Patreon, "Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast," which uses the creator startup Fourthwall, and the "H3 Show," which has a tiered membership through YouTube.

'The podcast was an opportunity for me to have a totally clean slate'

Lauren Riihimaki, who goes by LaurDIY on YouTube, initially built a kid and family-friendly following online with her viral crafting and DIY videos.

Riihimaki, 31, now hosts a podcast called "Wild 'Til 9" with her husband, where the couple shares relationship advice and speaks about more mature topics like marriage and life in your 30s.

"I've been a creator for like 13 or 14 years," Riihimaki told BI. "Part of how I've been able to sustain this career is by being flexible in the art of the pivot. I ended up with a very family-friendly audience with a younger demographic. Growing older, I no longer felt connected to the content."

Podcasts are helping creators like Riihimaki engage audiences in new ways.

"The podcast was an opportunity for me to have a totally clean slate and a brand new audience," she said.

Chuk said YouTube encourages podcasters to use tools that build community among their listeners, like going live, using its premieres feature that lets fans watch a new video together and chat in real time, and interacting in the chat.

"If you're watching a podcast live, that's a very different feel as an audience member than just clicking on something that's been pre-recorded," Chuk said. "You feel like you're part of the experience."

YouTube has also found that audiences tend to watch podcasts on their TVs and with friends. Last year, viewers watched over 400 million hours of podcasts monthly on living room devices, tuning into podcasts similar to a late-night talk show, according to YouTube.

"People want to watch their favorite podcasts in the comfort of their living room," Chuk said. "It makes sense. But that's certainly something we didn't expect three or four years ago."

Podcasts open up more opportunities to make money, like with touring and merchandise

Alex Cooper might be the best example of an influencer who's turned a podcast into a sprawling business empire. Cooper's podcast company, Unwell Network, offers several shows, and she recently launched an electrolyte drink called Unwell Hydration.

For the average creator, there are several ways to monetize a podcast, from memberships and merchandise to live shows and brand deals. And the podcast format can open up more revenue streams than traditional YouTube videos.

For instance, podcasts are typically over an hour long, which makes them an easy format for a live show or tour. The longer the podcast, the more advertisements a creator can place. Unlike an average YouTube video, a podcast typically includes multiple ads sprinkled throughout the show and even product placement.

Some podcasts also have a distinct brand and a logo, which may make it easier to create merchandise around.

Creators don't need to be Cooper-level famous to earn big from their shows, either.

TikTok star Jake Shane has taken his viral success to YouTube and Spotify with his podcast, "Therapuss," where Shane interviews guests in a talk-show format. He's spun his podcast success into a cross-country tour.

"It's a unique medium that's matured so much," said Casey Adams, founder of the podcast agency Listener.com. "It's very early still, in terms of what a successful business looks like on the back end of podcasting."

On YouTube, Chuk said the company has seen a rise in new podcast genres like kids and sports. Recently, kids' content studio Pocket.watch partnered with GoKidGo to launch music and mystery-led podcasts for kids with YouTube talent like Diana Kidisyuk and the creators behind the YouTube channel "GEM Sisters."

"This is a brand and a channel that can create so much enterprise value if you do it right," Adams said. "It's not just let me get a mic and talk to my friend. It's like a real business, a real brand."

• I tried 30 dips and spreads from Trader Joe's to see which would be the best for a Super Bowl party.
• Trader Joe's vegan caramelized-onion dip would complement any appetizer table. 
• The jalapeño pub cheese and almond-chipotle dips were incredibly tasty options.

When it comes to snacking, nothing beats a good chip-and-dip combo — and Trader Joe's seems all too aware of that fact.

From a comforting, cheesy pimento spread to spicy hummus, the chain currently offers a wide selection of dips for virtually every palate.

As a regular connoisseur of Trader Joe's salsas and spreads, I decided to try some of the chain's most popular dips.

Editor's Note: This story was originally published in January 2021 and most recently updated on February 3, 2025. Product availability may vary by location and time of year.

The eggplant hummus tasted like a wholesome version of the classic alternative

With a base of eggplant, chickpeas, lemon, garlic, tahini, and pomegranate juice, this hummus was one of the more wholesome dips I tried during my taste test, but that didn't make it any less delicious.

It had a pleasantly mild, subtly sweet flavor and was slightly less beany than regular hummus.

This alternative doesn't contain any additional oils and instead relies on a seamless mix of eggplant and tahini for its smooth, easily spreadable texture, a feature that made it easy to eat.

On a blind taste test, I'm not sure if I'd be able to identify the eggplant in it, but I'd still happily dip any veggie or cracker into it without hesitation.

VERDICT: The eggplant hummus was quite tasty, and I'd highly recommend the delicious product to anyone who is in the market for a vegan-friendly, light dip.

The 5-layer dip was scrumptious enough to eat as a meal

Five-layer dip might not seem like anything exciting or special, but after trying this one, I'm convinced Trader Joe's is eager to prove otherwise.

Instead of using a standard refried-bean spread as the base, Trader Joe's switched things up and opted for a smooth black-bean hummus, which deepened the flavor and provided an earthy contrast to the rich dairy components.

And every other element was perfectly measured and delicious, from the tasty guacamole layer to the sour cream and shredded cheese topping.

I thought it could've benefited from more onions or a peppery ingredient like jalapeño, but on the flip side, minimizing the dip's spiciness makes it accessible to a variety of palates.

That said, this dip had a much shorter shelf life than the other ones I purchased due to the inclusion of the vegetables, though I wouldn't necessarily say that's a bad thing.

Trader Joe's five-layer dip would probably get devoured within minutes if it was served at any party and could easily be transformed into a meal by throwing it inside a tortilla or on top of some rice.

VERDICT: The familiar, yummy combination of guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese with a unique black-bean hummus base made this dip a standout among the other Southwestern-style options available.

I think it's worth purchasing again, but not as often as some others on this list.

The pimento cheese dip was basically comfort food in a container

As a West Coaster, I'm not too familiar with pimentos as an ingredient. I know they're very popular in Southern cuisine, but I'm pretty sure I can count on one hand how many times I've eaten something that contains these tiny, red chile peppers.

Nevertheless, I was excited to give Trader Joe's take on this Southern delicacy a try, and I was wowed — it's worthy of all the love it gets.

The dip itself is made of a blend of extra-sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, onion powder, and other spices.

Overall, the texture was pleasantly soft with tasty bits of cheese shreds and roasted pimento chiles, which tasted like super-sweet bell peppers, mixed in for added chew and a pop of peppery flavor.

After one bite, I immediately understood why this dip is so popular, since it had an unmistakably real cheese flavor to it with just the right amount of tang to balance out the richness.

When paired with a tortilla chip, the distinct, sweet notes from the pimentos were further enhanced, creating the perfect blend of salt, pepper, tang, and cheese.

VERDICT: I may not be an expert on Southern dips, but Trader Joe's pimento cheese option tasted like a winner.

I loved that the cilantro-jalapeño hummus had a surprising kick to it

At first, I thought this option was going to taste like the bottom of the chain's three-layer dip — a cilantro-infused hummus — but it turned out to be so much better.

Spicy, zesty, herby, and creamy all at once, this dip was like nothing else I tried for my taste test.

Trader Joe's went the extra mile by fully infusing the standard hummus recipe with yummy cilantro-jalapeño pesto to give it an aromatic, spice-forward flavor.

And when it came to heat, this dip delivered, as it's topped with a dollop of that very pesto for a concentrated burst of hot flavor. 

Between the lemony tang from the hummus, zesty cilantro flavor, and moderate spice from the jalapeños, it tasted like something that was prepared fresh at a Mediterranean restaurant and was hard to put down once I cracked it open.

VERDICT: If I could only pick one Trader Joe's hummus to eat for the rest of my life, it would be this option.

The addition of cilantro elevated the dip without totally erasing the hummus flavor, and its bold, spicy profile gave it a unique and memorable edge.

The bruschetta sauce reminded me of a fancy appetizer, but it was difficult to enjoy as a stand-alone dip

One of my favorite appetizers to order at Italian-style restaurants is bruschetta, an ambrosial mix of fresh tomatoes, basil, salt, and olive oil on top of crispy, sliced bread.

As someone who hates chopping tomatoes, this premade option was like a dream come true. I will be forever thankful to Trader Joe's for giving me a version I can enjoy at home without having to do any preparation.

This bruschetta-style dip comes with perfectly even, bite-sized tomato pieces doused in olive oil, garlic, and basil. 

The sauce's fresh, tomato-heavy taste and robust olive oil and garlic overtones made it easy to fall in love with.

Although it was located in Trader Joe's refrigerated dip display case, this product is technically classified as a sauce. And despite its incredible flavor, this option was pretty limiting compared to some of the others I had.

It was too liquidy to really be scooped without the help of a spoon and too oily for most chips and crackers, let alone carrots.

VERDICT: Ultimately, the bruschetta sauce is worth trying at least once, but it's probably best suited for a setting with utensils. 

Despite being a decent alternative to the traditional dip, the chunky Greek-yogurt guacamole was a pretty underwhelming option

Greek yogurt makes up a noticeable portion of this stuff, so it felt weird to call this dip a guacamole. 

There was definitely a noticeable tang present at the end of every bite, so if you're someone who really hates yogurt, you may find that off-putting.

I didn't mind this too much and actually liked how the ingredients gave this dip a lighter mouthfeel and smooth texture that made it easy to scoop with chips and veggies.

In addition to salt, lime juice, and a vague hint of garlic, the "chunky" part of the guacamole's description comes from the bits of chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and tomatoes, which didn't add much flavor and seemed more like an afterthought.

Instead of being like actual guacamole, it tasted like a spicy lime crema that featured avocado as a bonus ingredient.

This wasn't necessarily a bad thing. It just made the dip seem more like something I'd eat in small quantities, like hot sauce or sour cream, rather than by the scoopful.

Overall, it wasn't the worst dip I tried, but it was far from the best.

VERDICT: Although I can totally picture myself placing a dollop of this stuff on top of a burrito or other spicy dish, I didn't find the flavor memorable enough to eat it on its own with chips. And after a few bites, I was over it.

The caramelized-onion dip packed delicate flavor into a luxuriously creamy spread

Onion dip is one of life's simplest pleasures, and I grew up recognizing it as an essential component of many summertime barbecues. So it was unsurprising that Trader Joe's upgraded version of this familiar favorite turned out to be one of the standout dips I tried.

Upon opening the container, I was hit with an aroma reminiscent of onions sizzling on a barbecue grill.

In terms of taste, it was more honeyed than I anticipated, but within seconds, that sweetness quickly resolved into a mouthwatering blend of pure onion and garlic.

The dip's standout feature, its silky smooth texture from the seamless blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream, made it unmistakably richer than standard alternatives only created with the latter.

And Trader Joe's went the extra mile by adding chopped bits of actual caramelized onions to the mix.

This choice isn't exactly the most calorie-friendly option as far as dips go, but I was in the market for flavor, not diet food. And when paired with a tortilla chip — or better yet, a potato chip — it created a harmonious union of salty, sweet, and savory.

All it took was one bite for me to be instantly hooked.

VERDICT: Anyone who loves the comforts of classic flavors should give this elevated take on onion dip a try. It may be too rich to keep on hand at all times, but I'd absolutely serve it at a party.

The organic Cashew Fiesta dip wasn't my personal favorite, but I still thought it was a decent vegan alternative to queso

I'm all for a good dairy-free option, so I'll give Trader Joe's credit for at least attempting to create a vegan spread that isn't hummus.

Instead of artificial ingredients or flavorings, this option uses a blend of cashews, vegetables, and tasty seasonings like garlic and jalapeños to mimic a cheesy flavor, which was wonderful to see in a vegan dip.

And to my surprise, it smelled a lot like nacho cheese.

When I attempted to sample it chilled, I couldn't even get a proper scoop of the stuff without my chip breaking, but once heated, it developed a creamier texture and still maintained a thick consistency that reminded me of pureed squash.

In terms of taste, I thought this option did an OK job of capturing that slightly spicy, creamy queso flavor without any actual cheese, as the presence of garlic powder and green chiles gave it an added kick.

However, there was an unusually distracting starchy and vinegary aftertaste in every bite.

A glance at the ingredients revealed it does contain potatoes and white distilled vinegar, the latter probably included to give the dip an added tang that I personally didn't care for it.

VERDICT: Although I wouldn't buy the Cashew Fiesta dip for myself again, I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to try a fun, plant-based option.

I couldn't get enough of the garlic dip's fluffy texture and bold flavor

To put it plainly, this garlic spread is a game changer.

Smooth, easy to spread, and packed with a hefty dose of intense garlic flavor, this dip made it pretty much impossible for me to put the container down once I cracked it open.

Its light, fluffy texture and smell reminded me of a cross between aioli and whipped garlic butter, except totally vegan.

And although it's quite pungent, it wasn't too overpowering to enjoy as a dip.

It's also quite versatile. In addition to tasting great as a dip, it would work well as a pizza topping or a flavor enhancer for other sauces. I could also picture it seriously upgrading a tray of roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

Best of all, a little bit goes a long way.

VERDICT: This garlic spread is both delicious and versatile enough to be dubbed a grocery staple.

The tzatziki sported a satisfying blend of refreshing and herbaceous flavors

I've tried many store-bought tzatzikis, and Trader Joe's take on the Greek staple was by far the most balanced.

Other premade versions rely on strong flavors like dill, but this product sported a more mellow, lemony-garlic taste with nuances of fresh herbs. Thinly sliced cucumber ribbons also added a cool, refreshing bite and delicious crunch.

The only issue I would note is that this option was much thinner than other yogurt spreads and wasn't as good for dipping with a vessel like a carrot. But in terms of flavor, this stuff knocked it way out of the park.

This product had just the right amount of tang, garlic, and herbiness to pair well with a wide variety of dishes and flavors — I tried it with chips, crackers, and veggies and thought it tasted exceptional. 

Everything tasted fresh and cool, like the air on a breezy summer day near the coast, which is maybe why Trader Joe's put a picture of a seaside bistro on the lid.

This dip seriously tasted like something I would order at a fancy Mediterranean restaurant. And best of all, because it's made with kefir, it never felt heavy, even after the sixth or seventh bite.

VERDICT: Trader Joe's tzatziki had a lovely, refreshing taste and a mellow garlic flavor that I found simply irresistible.

Its perfect balance of lemony tang, cool herbs, and subtle savoriness makes it an ideal pairing for many different dishes and is worthy of being considered a kitchen staple in my house. 

The tomato-and-basil hummus reminded me of a freshly baked pizza

I'm constantly amazed by Trader Joe's ability to prove that if you can dream it, you can make it into a hummus.

The stamp of Italian flavors gave this Mediterranean-style dip a zesty flair that was simply irresistible and made it taste like a Margherita pizza. 

I also loved how its super-smooth, creamy texture was thick enough to cling to carrots but lightweight enough that I probably could have easily eaten an entire container without feeling too full.

VERDICT: I've already purchased my second tub of this stuff.

The Salsa Especial had a unique flavor profile but was a bit too heavy on the tomato

Trader Joe's offers a wide variety of both jarred and refrigerated salsas that could easily merit an individual ranking, but for the purposes of this review, I opted to sample the medium homestyle salsa.

This option had a decent amount of heat to it, as any good fresh salsa should.

It wasn't spicy enough to make my eyes water, but it had a kick that led me to audibly say, "Oh, wow, OK!" after the first bite, a reaction aided by the hints of chili seasoning that gave this product a pleasantly smoky aroma. 

It also had the optimal salsa texture — chunky enough to remind me that it's made with vegetables but blended so I could easily scoop it with a chip or spread it on top of another dish.

Although this option contained all the right ingredients and a near-perfect level of heat, I thought it was lacking acid. As a result, the tomatoes were the dominant flavor, which made them much sweeter than anticipated despite their notably spicy finish.

That said, it would have made a better companion for cheesy breadsticks or oysters.

VERDICT: Having tried and loved other Trader Joe's salsas in the past, I was disappointed that this one didn't meet my expectations. I'll opt for the chain's spicy pico de gallo instead.

The Buffalo-chicken dip was a tasty, unique spin on one of my favorite snack foods

This dip was all the rich, savory, and hot sauce-flavored goodness of Buffalo wings wrapped into a pleasantly fluffy, easy-to-eat concoction — no wet napkins needed.

Although the label advertises that it can be served both cold and warm, I think this dip tasted best heated. When I sampled it straight out of the refrigerator, it was disappointingly flat, with the hot sauce flavor totally muted under the thick cream cheese base.

Heating allowed the cayenne, vinegar, and other seasonings to become more pronounced and melted it to a queso-like consistency that made it much easier for scooping.

In general, this Buffalo-chicken dip did an excellent job of capturing the iconic flavor, as it certainly had that familiar, spicy hot sauce kick with a vinegary finish that made me want more of it.

The sour cream and cream cheese base also did a nice job of adding a subtle sweetness and tang to the mix so that it didn't taste like I was dipping my chip into pure hot sauce.

Additionally, the chunks of cooked chicken throughout made it substantial enough to be eaten on its own or mixed into a salad, but pairing it with a tortilla chip added a dimension of salt that nicely played up the heat.

When compared to the other products on this list, the Buffalo-chicken dip was on the heavier, richer side, but it definitely earned high marks in my book for being one of the more unique, fun options I tried.

VERDICT:  Although nothing can totally replace the experience of eating Buffalo wings, I would absolutely be willing to serve this product on an appetizer table.

I wanted to like the herbed tahini sauce, but its parsley flavor was too overpowering for my palate

Mostly known for giving hummus its super-smooth texture and savory flair, tahini is a bit of an acquired taste, as it has a strong nutty flavor that's a lot to handle without the addition of other seasonings.

I first noticed this dip's striking green color and herbaceous aroma, which literally smelled like a delicious, fresh herb garden.

But after sampling Trader Joe's herbed tahini spread, I'm not so sure that looks and scent are as reliable of an indicator of taste as I thought because it was packed with parsley.

I thought the front-lining herb gave the dip a grass-like flavor that overpowered every other ingredient and left an unpleasant, bitter aftertaste that lingered for several minutes.

VERDICT: Although I personally wouldn't buy this herbed tahini dip again for myself, I think anyone who likes super-strong, earthy flavors might actually enjoy it.

The jalapeño pub cheese dip was one of the tastiest options I've ever tried

I'm a sucker for all things cheesy and spicy, which means this dip was pretty much my ideal kind of snack.

After devouring nearly half the container in a time I'm too embarrassed to admit, I can confidently say this product lived up to every expectation.

It's made with real cheese, so there was no missing that bold, sharp cheddar flavor, but the bits of jalapeño scattered throughout were what really sold me.

With just enough of a burn to be noticeable without being totally overpowering, this dip hit me with the ideal amount of spice that left a pleasantly moderate heat on the roof of my mouth.

It also had a delicious, mousse-like texture that clung easily to crackers, chips, and carrots.

Honestly, the only issue you may run into is having to buy two containers, because there's a good chance the first won't last long once you open it.

VERDICT: If you're looking for a great dip to literally spice up your next picnic or cheese board, look no further.

I would give the chunky artichoke-and-jalapeño dip an award for its mouthwatering combination of cheese and spice

Chunky is an apt descriptor, as this spread gave me more artichoke bits than I expected, and that was a good thing — this was by far one of the best dips I tasted.

The bold artichoke flavor highlighted a luscious and well-seasoned dip made of Monterey Jack and cream cheese, ingredients that added a touch of salt and a subtle sweetness to every bite.

But what really won me over was how spicy it was. There was no disputing the jalapeño presence in this dip because with every bite I got a delicious dose of fresh heat.

Heat-averse folks may consider this a warning, but to my fellow spice-loving friends: This product is an absolute must-buy.

Apparently, it can also be served warm, but this stuff was so delicious as is that my roommate and I polished off the entire container before we even got a chance to consider experimenting with different temperatures.

VERDICT: I'd say this dip was well worth the purchase, and I'll definitely be buying it again.

Although the Everything but the Bagel Greek-yogurt dip was undoubtedly delicious, it seemed too simple to justify spending money on

My love for Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend has been documented on Business Insider before, so it's needless to say that I was very excited to give this dip a try. 

Packed with salt, garlic, onion, and sesame goodness, this dip hit all the right notes for me, especially when paired against the cool Greek-yogurt base.

There was a slight, yet noticeable sour aftertaste, but I grew used to it after the second bite and actually appreciated how it gave the dip a creamy, lighter quality that would pair well with veggies. That said, I'm sure cream cheese would have worked just as well.

I didn't even mind the dip's lack of the signature everything-flavored crunch, as there were fewer opportunities for the bits to get stuck in my teeth.

VERDICT: This product did an excellent job of building on the chain's signature seasoning and harnessing that everything bagel flavor to save you the effort of having to hit up your local bakery or break out your toaster.

I'm hesitant about buying this again because I could easily make it at home since I regularly have both Greek yogurt and this seasoning blend on hand. But if I were in a pinch for time and needed a dip to add to a platter, I'd repurchase this in an instant.

Reliably tasty and well-seasoned, the Avocado's Number guacamole was impressive

First things first, Trader Joe's deserves praise for packaging guacamole in two separate pouches.

Anyone who's eaten fresh guac knows that once you expose the dip to air, you've essentially started a countdown to finish the entire bowl before it loses the green color and turns into an unappetizing mess.

This split serving allowed me to enjoy the product on two separate occasions without worrying about potentially wasting an entire tub.

Beyond its A+ packaging, this guacamole was well-seasoned and packed with yummy avocado chunks. Although the dip was on the saltier side, its creamy fruit was by far the most prominent flavor.

And best of all, it didn't have an artificial taste.

Of course, when compared to other dips on this list, it's definitely one of the least-inspired choices for a spread as far as snacking goes.

However, its simple base made it pretty versatile and easy to upgrade. I highly recommend sprinkling cheese or fresh cilantro on top to give it an extra layer of flavor.

VERDICT: As far as grocery-store guacamoles go, this was definitely one of the better ones I've tried. I could actually taste the avocado, which made it a worthy purchase.

The red pepper, cranberry, and walnut dip combined 3 unique ingredients for an unforgettable flavor

I would've never thought to pair cranberry and red pepper, but this was the kind of dip I'd expect to find on a charcuterie plate at an expensive wine bar.

The red peppers were the most prominent part, so the flavor was on the sweeter side, but the tart cranberries balanced that out.

The walnut taste came through at the end of each bite. At first, I thought the ingredient was unnecessary, but after a few tries, I realized the nutty undertones actually gave the dip a complex and nuanced flavor profile.

The dip also contained bits of actual cranberries, which gave it a unique, rustic feel. 

I don't know how often I'll eat this as a stand-alone dip — I didn't think it paired great with tortilla chips — but it'd work brilliantly as a sandwich spread or on top of goat cheese.

VERDICT: I'm not in a rush to buy this again, but I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to spice things up at their next dinner party.

The jalapeño-cauliflower dip had a nice, fluffy texture, but I thought it could've used more heat

Trader Joe's continues its cauliflower obsession with this dip, which contained pulverized florets, ricotta, Parmesan, cream cheese, and diced jalapeños. 

The texture was great. The ricotta gave the product a whipped, ultra-soft feel that was perfect for dipping.

Unfortunately, this dip didn't deliver the kick I had hoped it would. The combination of cheeses resulted in a heavier spread with a faint whisper of spice. I'd give the heat level a two out of 10.

VERDICT: This dip would be a safe bet for folks trying to sneak more cauliflower into their diet, though I was a little underwhelmed. 

Trader Joe's Everything and the Elote Greek-style yogurt dip was awesome with corn chips

Inspired by the flavors of classic Mexican street corn, this dip seemed like it was specifically designed with sunny afternoons in mind.

It was a little spicy, smoky, and every bit delicious. 

The Greek yogurt worked surprisingly well as a base, offering coolness and tang that balanced out all of the seasonings, kind of like sour cream. I also loved how it gave the dip a nice, creamy texture without feeling too heavy. 

I have no doubt it would taste amazing drizzled over tacos, chili, or scrambled eggs, but I could've done without the actual bits of corn.

VERDICT: I nearly blew through the entire container eating it with corn chips, so I'll need to get another. 

The Unexpected Cheddar dip was simply the chain's fan-favorite cheese as a tasty spread

Just when I thought Trader Joe's couldn't win my devotion anymore, I found this spreadable version of the iconic Unexpected Cheddar.

This dip had all of the salty, slightly buttery flavors of the fan-favorite staple with the texture of cold cream cheese. 

It was quite dense and wasn't exactly dippable, so I used a butter knife to spread it on the crackers. That extra effort was worth it.

The bold flavor has gone a long way. I've snacked on this for several weeks and still have half a container in my fridge.

VERDICT: I'll definitely pick this up when I want a cheese spread for snacking.

The sweet cannoli dip was a neat idea, but it didn't quite live up to the hype for me

I'm nowhere near being a cannoli expert but I think Trader Joe's missed the mark in mimicking the dessert. To me, Trader Joe's sweet cannoli dip smelled and tasted like vanilla yogurt. I have nothing against vanilla yogurt but it's not the kind of thing I'd use as a dip.

I get that mascarpone is pricy so I understand why sour cream was used to create a smooth, fluffy texture. However, I think the sour cream contributes a distracting tangy component that throws the otherwise delicately sweet flavor off.

That said, I have a hunch that the sweet cannoli dip would work as an ingredient in something else, like French toast topped with fruit. But as a dip, this was a letdown.

VERDICT: Though I really wanted to love Trader Joe's sweet cannoli dip, its unusually tangy profile just didn't work for me.

The plant-based vegan Buffalo dip gives the version with chicken a run for its money

This vegan Trader Joe's dip is made using everything from the crudités platter I'd already pair with Buffalo dip, including cauliflower, peppers, and carrots, instead of cheese and chicken. Luckily, the delicious dip doesn't taste anything like vegetables.

The cayenne pepper taste was front and center with each scoop, with a medium heat contrasted by a vinegary tang.

The dip also had cilantro and garlic, which gave it a nice, well-rounded flavor and depth.

Best of all, it was satisfyingly creamy and fluffy but still remained light on the palate in a way that made me almost prefer it to the original Buffalo dip.

VERDICT: As someone who has friends with specific dietary restrictions and allergies, Trader Joe's vegan Buffalo dip is worth having on hand for any social gathering.

The vegan caramelized-onion dip captured the yummy flavor of the original without any dairy

I wasn't new to Trader Joe's vegan caramelized-onion dip when I sampled it for this taste test. After trying it again, I was reminded why it's my go-to for parties. It's absolutely delightful.

Like the non-vegan dip, it has an irresistible combination of caramelized onions, garlic, and salt, albeit with a slightly sweeter profile thanks to the addition of agave sweetener. It's not an off-putting flavor, but it's a sweetness that reminds me of ketchup and makes me want more of it.

The dairy-free cream cheese base creates a texture comparable to whipped ricotta cheese. It's not as silky smooth as the sour cream version but still yummy and light.

VERDICT: As someone who can't get enough of a savory-sweet onion dip flavor but doesn't always want something overly decadent, I personally can't get enough of this stuff.

Trader Joe's smoked-salmon dip will give your bagels a serious upgrade

Made using a mishmash of bagel toppings including cream cheese, shredded smoked salmon, and capers, this Trader Joe's dip is for people who love fatty fish. It's heavily smoky and aggressively salty and, in my opinion, borders on tasting slightly fishy.

I have a feeling it would taste best paired with foods like cucumbers or tomatoes to tone down the saltiness.

The texture was creamy and dense from the bits of shredded salmon but wasn't as chunky as, say, a chicken salad. Still, this smoked-salmon dip was soft enough to spread on a wrap, cracker, or piece of bread.

VERDICT: I'd recommend this dip to anyone who really loves smoked salmon, but for the average person who only kind of likes the flavor, I found this just too briny to be enjoyable on its own.

Trader Joe's take on a classic spinach dip is one of the best ones on the market

I tend to avoid store-bought spinach dips because, in my experience, they usually have an odd aftertaste or seem mayonnaise-y.

Thankfully, Trader Joe's does this game-day classic justice. I thought the dip tasted like it was fresh, offering a nice balance of creaminess and acidity, along with a tasty spinach flavor.

The spinach bits were plentiful but not overpowering, and there was enough garlic and salt to give it a palatable, well-seasoned flavor. I ate this with a plain cracker and thought it was super tasty, but I'd easily blow through a tub of this with cut-up sourdough.

VERDICT: Although the sour-cream spinach dip isn't as unique or inventive as some other ones Trader Joe's sells, for me, it's a hit.

The vegan almond-chipotle dip delivered the perfect amount of heat

This palatable plant-based Southwestern spread had a good balance of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors.

A strong chipotle pepper flavor provided a subtle heat that tickled the back of my throat, and seasonings like garlic did a fantastic job masking the dip's almond base.

I did taste a faint nuttiness, but given all the other flavors, it was easy to overlook.

Plus, the texture was spot on. Unlike other vegan dips I've tried, which are sometimes on the gritty side, this option was well-blended and smooth.

It was also viscous enough to be pourable, so it could probably double as a drizzle. I'd snack on this with chips, carrots, or bell peppers, but it could also work as a taco or burger topping.

VERDICT: This superb option stands up to other vegan chipotle dips on the market.

Trader Joe's white queso dip is one of the best store-bought versions I've ever had

I'm usually turned off by store-bought queso because I don't care for fake cheese flavors, but Trader Joe's seemed to be doing something right here.

This dip was lusciously creamy and had a great cheese flavor without being too milky. Yes, it was still very mild — it tasted like melted white cheddar cheese — but it didn't have an artificial flavor, which was likely owed to the seasoning.

As I ate, I noticed visible bits of red and green peppers and tasted hints of onion, which added dimension beyond the dairy.

I was so impressed by how tasty this was straight out of the fridge that I missed the instructions that stated the dip is best enjoyed warm. Whoops. I guess that's an excuse to buy this again.

VERDICT: I may not be able to predict who wins the Super Bowl, but I can guarantee this cheesy concoction will be a hit at any party.

The olive-tapenade hummus was a bit too salty for my taste

This appetizer hybrid delivered a smoother experience than a traditional tapenade, which typically consists of finely chopped bits of olives and capers.

The hummus itself had a salty olive taste, so if you're not a fan of them, this dip may not be for you. I found it tasty for a few bites, but couldn't see myself eating more than a little bit in one sitting.

Still, I appreciated the chopped olives on top of the hummus. It added a visual flair that gave the entire dip a homemade feel. I'm sure a squeeze of lemon juice and feta on top would improve the dip as well.

VERDICT: Though this wasn't my favorite hummus, I'd still recommend it to anyone who loves classic Mediterranean flavors.

Click to keep reading other Trader Joe's taste tests in this series.

• A mega-bundle of streaming services could soon materialize, TD Cowen analysts predict.
• The analysts argue it's a better model for traditional media companies and customers alike.
• However, market leader Netflix may not need to bundle — at least in the short term.

Traditional media companies that have launched stand-alone streaming services should pivot hard, TD Cowen analysts argued in a recent report.

The analysts say Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, and Paramount should return to the wholesale business rather than continuing to build direct-to-consumer products.

Their overall vision is a "mega-streaming bundle" distributed by Apple, Amazon, Google, or cable companies like Comcast.

"Everyone's producing more content than they used to," Doug Creutz, a senior research analyst at TD Cowen, told Business Insider. "Everyone's advertising for their content more than they used to, and consumer dollars haven't increased that much."

A bundle would help players spread the risks associated with content marketing and production. Creutz said he foresees a bundle happening in the next two to three years.

"Bundling is the right way to go," Wedbush Securities managing director Michael Pachter told BI, similarly predicting a three-year timeframe. Pachter said a bundle would aid content discovery in a fragmented content landscape and make subscriptions stickier.

TD Cowen predicted that WBD and Disney would see single-digit DTC profitability in 2025 and that Paramount and Comcast would reduce their DTC losses. But Creutz said the picture isn't improving enough to make these DTC efforts the best path forward. He said Disney+ had already expanded into essentially all the markets it can — though its standalone ESPN product remains an open question — and Comcast and Paramount still aren't close to DTC profitability.

Creutz added that streaming services are trying to reach profitability by variously cutting spending, increasing ad loads, and raising prices.

"You're heading to a place where the consumer experience is getting significantly worse," Creutz said.

A potential obstacle to Netflix's world domination

The big player that doesn't need to bundle imminently is Netflix, which appears to be the clear winner of the streaming wars. (Apple and Amazon exist somewhat separately, Creutz added, given their streamers are tied to other business objectives.)

Netflix recently reached a larger market cap than Comcast, Disney, Paramount, Fox, and WBD combined, as media analyst Rich Greenfield noted.

A Netflix spokesperson pointed BI to its Q3 shareholder letter, which said the breadth of its content made bundling unnecessary — unlike for competitors.

That doesn't mean Netflix couldn't be impacted by a potential mega-bundle, however. Creutz said that while Netflix has a "huge advantage" competing against streamers individually, a mega-bundle "could be an obstacle to their path to world domination."

And Pachter said bundling could be welcomed by Netflix if the streamer could dictate the terms.

Disney is another company that complicates the picture. Creutz said the Mouse House harbors ambitions of being the last man standing with Netflix, and if its stand-alone ESPN product succeeds, "then I think their need for other people diminishes." Disney also offers its own in-house bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.

That said, Disney has already shown a willingness to bundle with outside companies. It partnered with WBD on a service that includes Disney+, Hulu, and Max.

Creutz acknowledged that assembling a bundle would be difficult, likening it to "herding cats." Other outstanding factors include David Ellison's plans at Paramount, and the speed of linear TV deterioration.

There could also be regulatory challenges. TD Cowen referred to recent developments at Venu as "a step backwards," after ESPN, Fox, and WBD killed the sports streaming venture amid legal headwinds.

For his part, Pachter said he felt a bundle hadn't happened yet because of inertia.

"Everybody's too inwardly focused and looking at the past," he said.

• Donald Trump's most recent tariffs on China put Apple's profitability at risk, analysts say.
• Apple previously avoided similar tariffs in 2019 after discussions between Cook and Trump.
• Mexico, Canada, and China are planning retaliatory measures that could additionally hurt sales.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is finding himself staring down China tariffs again, six years after narrowly avoiding them during Donald Trump's first term.

President Trump is imposing tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China that he says are meant to push them to do more to stop fentanyl, an addictive synthetic opioid, from entering the US. So far, it's prompted each country to announce potential countermeasures, with Mexico and Canada promising retaliatory moves.

Tech analysts' eyes are now on Cook to see whether he can successfully extricate Apple from the levies — like he managed to with Trump's China tariffs in 2019.

"We're dealing with a new political and market landscape, and similar exemptions aren't guaranteed," Jacob Bourne, tech analyst at EMARKETER, a Business Insider sister company, said.

Apple makes about 95% of its most popular products in China, Forbes previously reported. Trump's added 10% tariff on the country's imports to the US would mean the cost could fall on consumers or the company itself, analysts told BI.

It's unclear if Cook is already pursuing a workaround for Apple, but Morningstar analyst William Kerwin said Apple's exploration of US manufacturing "could be a part of a deal for an exemption."

The last time China was hit with Trump tariffs, Apple managed to protect iPhones and MacBooks. Reuters reported that Cook cited competition with South Korea's Samsung in previous discussions with Trump. Kerwin says, "We'll see" if Cook can make another good case to Trump in 2025.

Apple's global visibility and the "challenging geopolitical climate" leaves it open to potential retaliatory tariffs from countries where it does business, said Gil Luria, an analyst at D.A. Davidson & Co.

China, specifically, poses a threat when it comes to manufacturing and revenue, as the region is a key market for Apple's sales. The iPhone maker has lost ground there to local smartphone companies in recent years.

"A prolonged tariff-driven conflict could impact Apple sales outside the US," Luria said.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.

Over the past five years, Apple has mostly avoided increasing iPhone prices in the US (apart from a $100 bump on Pro Max models in 2023).

"We don't expect the pricing lever to get pulled in the short-term," Kerwin said.

As for Cook, he told analysts that Apple is "monitoring the situation" during its first-quart fiscal year 2025 earnings call Thursday.

• Elon Musk, the head of DOGE, is officially an employee of the US federal government.
• The White House confirmed his employment on Monday. He will not receive a paycheck.
• Musk is a "special government employee," a role that's not supposed to last more than 130 days.

Elon Musk is officially an employee of the United States federal government.

A White House spokesman confirmed to Business Insider on Monday that the Tesla and SpaceX founder was a "special government employee" and would not receive a paycheck for his service.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later told reporters at the White House that Musk has "abided by all applicable federal laws."

The government has historically used the "special government employee" classification for temporary workers who have particular expertise but don't intend to be employed permanently.

Special government employees aren't subject to the ethics and conflict-of-interest rules that government employees typically encounter. Musk's companies, particularly Tesla and SpaceX, have benefited significantly from government contracts.

Federal law says special government employees cannot serve for more than 130 days in a 365-day period, but it's not clear what would happen if Musk worked longer than that.

The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) and the Department of Commerce suggest in online guidance that there are few consequences, with the FLRA saying that an employee's special government employee status is based on the agency's "good faith estimate" of how long the employee will work and Commerce ethics guidance saying that whoever appoints a special government employee who works more than 130 days "should reevaluate" the employee's status at the start of the next year.

Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency" is also part of the federal government — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office renaming the United States Digital Service as the United States DOGE Service.

In recent days, Musk and his DOGE team have taken aim at the US Agency for International Development, with Musk calling for the agency to be shuttered.

On Monday, USAID employees were told that the building would be closed and staffers would be required to work from home, spurring outcry from Democratic lawmakers.

• Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the Canadian province would end its Starlink contract with SpaceX.
• The deal, worth about $68 million, aimed to provide internet access to 15,000 homes and businesses.
• Ford suggested he'd ban US companies from provincial contracts until Trump's tariffs are removed.

One of Elon Musk's companies could be about to lose a $68 million contract because of President Donald Trump's tariffs against Canada.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on Monday that the province would be "ripping up" its contract with Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX.

"Ontario won't do business with people hellbent on destroying our economy," Ford said on X. "Canada didn't start this fight with the U.S., but you better believe we're ready to win it."

In November, Ontario awarded a contract worth about $68 million to SpaceX, helmed by Musk, to provide internet access to "15,000 unserved and underserved homes and businesses" across Ontario by June.

Ford also said on Monday that Ontario would be "banning American companies from provincial contracts," adding that the Ontario government spent about $30 billion on procurement each year and argued that "U.S.-based businesses will now lose out on tens of billions of dollars in new revenues."

"They only have President Trump to blame," Ford said.

Trump has announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on imports from China.

The US on Monday agreed to delay the tariffs on Mexico by a month in exchange for compromises on some of Trump's border demands. Colombia similarly worked out an agreement with the Trump administration about a week ago after the White House threatened a 25% tariff on the country.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Saturday that Canada would impose 25% tariffs on about $106 billion worth of US goods. Some of the tariffs are set to go into effect on Tuesday and others in about three weeks.

Ford has previously criticized Trump's policies. More than 30 labor leaders in Ontario gathered last week to demand the premier establish a task force to address US tariffs.

SpaceX, Ford, and the Trump administration did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

• Celebrities attended the 2025 Grammy Awards in stunning fashion on Sunday night.
• Many of their outfits featured subtle but interesting details you might have missed.
• Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, for example, both hid meaningful initials in their looks.

The Grammy Awards were, in a single word, eventful.

Beyoncé finally took home the album of the year award, Chappell Roan called out the music industry onstage, and Kanye West walked the red carpet alongside his partner, Bianca Censori, who was nearly nude.

Of course, there were also many examples of stunning style moments throughout the event and countless subtle details you might have missed.

Here's a look at some of those hidden fashion moments, from charitable donations to jewelry that made a statement.

The gown Beyoncé wore subtly nodded to her name and cowgirl era.

The "Cowboy Carter" star didn't walk the red carpet this year, so you might not have gotten a good look at the details of her custom Schiaparelli gown and matching gloves.

The sleeveless piece had a deeply scooped neckline, a waist cutout with a hanging gem, a floor-length skirt, and all-over brown sparkles.

It was also decorated with beaded Bs and a white paisley print, which gave the gown a Western feel.

Sabrina Carpenter didn't just accessorize. She wore famed diamonds with a deep history.

From the front, Carpenter appeared to wear a simple, feathered gown designed by JW Anderson. When she turned around, however, you could see its daring backless design and the dazzling diamonds she wore to highlight it.

Those jewels, in particular, are more significant than you might realize.

They come from Chopard's Garden of Kalahari collection, which features pieces crafted from a 342-carat stone mined in Botswana and named "The Queen of Kalahari."

Carpenter wore them in the form of a torso-length necklace with small pear-shaped stones — which collectively weigh 19 carats — leading to a 50-carat round statement piece.

She also wore matching earrings and a 10.10-carat ring from Chopard, according to People.

Charli XCX made it rain underwear for a good cause.

To perform her hit "Guess," Charli XCX hit the Grammys stage in denim undergarments, a belt, and a jacket from Dior.

She also recreated the song's music video and had underwear rain from the ceiling to create "Brat"-style confetti that fell around the musician, dancers, and her famous friends.

Though the stunt might have seemed silly to some, it was actually meaningful.

"All unworn undergarments will be donated to survivors of domestic violence through I Support the Girls," the Grammy Awards noted via a brief text box displayed on its broadcast.

Taylor Swift sported a red ensemble that appeared to honor her boyfriend in multiple ways.

The cherry-red color of Swift's Vivienne Westwood minidress matched the signature color of Travis Kelce's team, the Kansas City Chiefs.

She may have been manifesting the team's third straight Super Bowl win, which they'll play for on Sunday.

The "Tortured Poets Department" musician also completed her custom dress with a T initial charm that hung from a gold, ruby-embellished chain attached to her miniskirt.

The letter T could've been a nod to Kelce's first name, while the style overall appeared to reference a line from her song "Guilty as Sin?" in which Swift sings, "What if he's written 'mine' on my upper thigh only in my mind?"

Swift co-designed the leg jewelry with Lorraine Schwartz and her stylist Joseph Cassell Falconer, People reported.

Multiple stars wore blue, heart-shaped pins to honor victims and first responders of the California wildfires.

Trevor Noah was one of them, wearing the MusiCares-designed pin on the red carpet and onstage while hosting the show.

The nonprofit's CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., told USA Today that the natural disaster "changed the mood" of the 2025 Grammys.

"It changed what we've done (with the show), raising funds and awareness for the fire relief," he told the publication.

Miley Cyrus quietly made three daring outfit changes.

She first arrived at the Grammy Awards wearing a black Saint Laurent halter dress crafted from leather. It had a wide waist cutout, a floor-length skirt, and a subtle slit at the bottom.

The "Flowers" musician later changed into a custom Alaïa gown that was similar in style but drastically different in fabric. The sleeveless black gown had a plunging neckline, a silver belt, and a pleated skirt with an opening that showed her skin.

Finally, Cyrus changed into another Saint Laurent look designed by Anthony Vaccarello. The long-sleeved look was black, striped, and sheer.

Julia Fox wore a simple outfit with a daring detail you could only see when she turned around.

The actor arrived on the red carpet in a cropped leather jacket with puffy sleeves, a see-through nylon top, and a matching miniskirt.

It was only when she turned around that you could see her revealing thong, which showed most of her backside.

Fox wore the daring outfit with a pair of yellow gloves that resembled kitchen cleaning gear.

• President Trump's executive order on tariffs has contributed to market volatility.
• The executive order also targets the de minimis customs loophole and has brands scrambling.
• Brands are considering raising their prices and using other entry methods for their goods.

President Trump's Saturday executive order placing tariffs on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico sent shockwaves through global markets.

But another part of the order has also had e-commerce brands scrambling for solutions. It targets a loophole in US customs law that has been used by e-commerce disruptors like Shein and Temu and many American companies.

Section 321, also known as de minimis, allows importers to avoid paying duty and tax on shipments that are valued at less than $800 and going directly to customers. Shippers using de minimis do not have to provide as much information to US Customs and Border Protection as shippers using more traditional methods would. Opponents of the provision have argued that since de minimis shipments are often not inspected, they have allowed bad actors to import illicit goods like fentanyl into the US.

Saturday's executive order closes that loophole, at least in part. However, there are still uncertainties regarding the future of de minimis.

The executive order imposes tariffs on goods originating in China, Mexico, and Canada and specifically calls out Canada for its failure "to do more to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept DTOs [drug trafficking organizations], other drug and human traffickers, criminals at large, and drugs." It does not mention de minimis shipments originating in countries aside from the three listed, leaving open the possibility that the loophole could still be used elsewhere.

DTC brands are scrambling

Companies that have relied on de minimis are trying to quickly make changes to their business models.

Maggie Barnett, CEO of third-party logistics provider LVK, said that some direct-to-consumer brands she spoke with over the weekend are facing cash-flow issues because they have relied on the de minimis provision to import their goods into Mexico or Canada before shipping them to customers in the US duty-free. They may have to raise their prices.

"They're used to not having to pay this money upfront before sales come, if at all," Barnett told Business Insider.

She said the company is advising its customers to weigh their options before revamping their supply chains in response to the executive order.

"Making changes to your supply chain can be very costly, and you wouldn't want to completely change your supply chain and then have a new announcement drop," she said. "I would urge all brands to be very cautious and to find optionality in their approach to their supply chains."

That could mean working with a US-based third-party logistics company if they don't already, or starting to work with suppliers in countries not affected by the executive order.

Portless, a startup that replicates Shein's model by fulfilling online brands' orders in China and then shipping them directly to customers, told BI on Monday that it would shift to using other methods like Entry Type 11. Entry 11 is faster than traditional types of import, but it does require importers to pay tax. Portless will now pay its customers' import duties upfront and then issue a monthly invoice for brands to cover.

"We've been preparing for this potential change over the last few months," CEO Izzy Rosenzweig said.

Some US politicians have called for reform to the de minimis provision in recent years, arguing it creates unfair competition for American companies and furthers trade of illicit goods.

The rise of Shein and Temu has brought further attention to the loophole. An interim 2023 report from the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party said that Shein and Temu "likely" account for more than 30% of all shipments made to the US under the de minimis provision. It added that almost 50% of all de minimis shipments to the US come from China. Both Shein and Temu have pushed back on the notion that they rely on de minimis to grow their business.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced 25% retaliatory tariffs on the US following Trump's executive order. The tariffs on Mexico, meanwhile, have been delayed a month after Trump reached an agreement with Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday.

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