Superfood Rice and Cable Ties: Top 10 Reader Favorites in May

Between Mother’s Day gifts, graduation presents, and Memorial Day sales, the Filter had a busy month. Curious what products Guardian readers flocked to in May? We crunched the numbers. Among your favorites were repeat offenders like a beloved cast iron skillet and new faces like purple rice and a travel vest with 26 hidden pockets. Here are your 10 most loved items of May, according to anonymous purchasing data.

Jasberry Superfood Rice

From $5.95 at iHerb and $44.99 for 11 lbs at Amazon. Pro chef Kiki Aranita called this purple grain “one of her core pantry staples,” and many readers added it to their carts after her recommendation.

Field Company No 5 Cast Iron Skillet

$125 at Field Company. This lightweight cast-iron skillet, a favorite of commissioning editor Karen Yuan, was a top seller during Mother’s Day sales. Though no longer on sale, its performance and ease of use make it worth the price.

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Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list

LEVOIT Tower Fan for Bedroom

$54.96 at Amazon. Featured in our Memorial Day sale roundup, this oscillating tower fan with a 12-hour timer and sleep mode was a hit among readers seeking relief from summer heat.

Scottevest Best Travel Vest

From $199 at Amazon and Scottevest. With 26 pockets, this vest can hold a laptop and makes TSA screening a breeze, as noted by contributor Adam Doud.

Mr Pen Baby Diaper Caddy Organizer

$11.99 at Amazon. This soft felt fabric caddy doubles as storage for cleaning supplies, recommended by contributor Marissa Miller for its minimalist design.

Benvwe Faux Fur Blanket

$59.99 at Amazon. A luxurious yet affordable blanket that adds texture to bedding, featured in our Mother’s Day sales roundup.

VELCRO Brand ONE-WRAP Cable Ties

$15.15 at Amazon. Contributor Les Shu has used these reusable ties for over five years to organize wires, and readers agreed they are a cheap, easy solution.

Illy Instant Coffee

From $12.99 at Amazon and $13.99 at Illy. This travel-friendly instant coffee won a blind taste test against drip coffee, making it a top pick for busy May.

Staub Stackable Cast-iron Set

From $599.95 at Sur La Table and Amazon. Deemed the best premium induction cookware set, it features a stackable design, stunning colors, and durable cast iron.

AeroPress Clear Pink Coffee Press

From $39.99 at Amazon and $49.95 at Walmart. This stylish coffee maker requires only hot water and grounds, offering a customizable brew with its transparent finish.