About Tried. Tasted. Rated.

Tried. Tasted. Rated. was created by Melissa Carpenter, a California-based functional food enthusiast who believes everyday wellness products should taste good, fit naturally into real life, and offer enough value to justify their price.

Like a lot of people, Melissa became curious about products promising better energy, focus, digestion, recovery, and overall well-being. But she quickly realized that attractive packaging and impressive ingredient lists do not always translate into products you will actually enjoy using.

That curiosity led her to start testing them for herself.

Since then, Melissa has tried dozens of functional foods and drinks, including mushroom coffees, protein blends, collagen creamers, coffee alternatives, adaptogenic powders, and other products designed to support everyday routines.

Some tasted surprisingly good. Some sounded much better on the label than they performed in real life. A few became products she continues to buy, while others were difficult to finish.

Tried. Tasted. Rated. is where she shares honest, easy-to-read reviews for people who are curious about functional products but do not want to waste their time or money guessing.

Here, you will find straightforward thoughts on taste, texture, ingredients, convenience, value, and what each product is actually like to use as part of a normal daily routine.

No exaggerated promises. No miracle claims. Just honest experiences from someone who tries the products, tastes them, and tells you whether they are worth it.

About Melissa Carpenter

Hi, I’m Melissa Carpenter — a wellness-curious mom and enthusiastic product tester based in sunny California.

I first became interested in functional foods while looking for simple ways to make my daily routine feel a little better. I wanted steadier energy, more convenient nutrition, and products that could support my goals without making everyday life more complicated.

That search introduced me to the growing world of functional foods and drinks.

Over the past few years, I have tried everything from mushroom coffees and protein drinks to collagen creamers, adaptogenic blends, hydration powders, and other wellness products. Some were delicious and easy to use. Some were overly sweet, difficult to mix, or simply not worth the price. And a few earned a permanent spot in my kitchen.

I created Tried. Tasted. Rated. to share honest, practical reviews for people who want to explore these products without relying entirely on marketing claims.

My reviews focus on the things that matter when you are actually using a product: how it tastes, how well it mixes, what is inside it, how convenient it is, how much it costs, and whether I would personally buy it again.

I am not here to tell you that one powder, drink, or functional product will transform your life. I am here to help you understand what you are buying and decide whether it deserves a place in your routine.