Melissa Szaro
School
Arizona State University, Institute Of Integrative Nutrition, Elderberry School Of Botanical Medicine
Expertise
Nutrition, Plant-Based Food, Herbalism
- Melissa received a Health Coach certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and has in-depth knowledge of nutrition and how to use food as medicine.
- She loves spending free time exploring new restaurants in her hometown of Portland, which is a very foodie city.
- She has interviewed famous food personalities, like Gail Simmons from Top Chef and Dan Churchill (aka The Healthy Chef).
Experience
Melissa has a passion for writing and will never be seen without a notebook in hand. She has been a professional writer since 2018, and prior to writing for Static Media, Melissa worked as a professional blog writer for the Herbal Academy and as a copywriter for various clients in the health and wellness industry.
Education
Melissa received a B.S. in sustainability from Arizona State University and went on to study at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, as well as the Elderberry School of Botanical Medicine. She is also a Certified Trauma-Informed Vinyasa Yoga Teacher and has in-depth knowledge of herbs, nutrition, human anatomy, and food and plant science.
The Daily Meal’s content comes from an authoritative editorial staff that is dedicated to current and comprehensive coverage. With an aim to provide only informative and engaging content, our writers, editors, and experts take care to craft clear and concise copy on all things food-related, from news in the food service industry to in-depth explainers about what’s found in readers’ refrigerators, original recipes from experienced chefs, and more.
Our team also regularly reviews and updates articles as necessary to ensure they are accurate. For more information on our editorial process, view our full policies page.
Stories By Melissa Szaro
-
Wine bars are making a comeback across New York City, and there are a lot to choose from. Check out our ranking of the top 11 bars for unique bites and drinks.
-
What's the difference between peppermint and spearmint? The two mints are awfully similar -- potentially because one is a hybrid involving the other.
-
From light, sweet acacia honey to dark, syrupy buckwheat honey, different kinds of honey can subtly and tastefully alter the flavor profile of your dish.
-
Vegan products are becoming better-tasting and higher-quality every year as the plant-based movement grows -- here are our best picks to try in 2023.
-
Did you know there is more than just one type of cucumber? It turns out there are over 100 varieties! Here are some of the most interesting ones.
-
From classics like Irish breakfast tea to unique blends like mango black tea, Trader Joe's has an assortment of teas to meet all of your beverage needs.
-
Several notable grocery stores and chains have been embroiled in controversies over the years, facing scandals they would rather you forget about.
-
Trader Joe's is home to a variety of snacks, and it can be hard to decide which to purchase. We decided to rank the best and worst from this famous store.
-
Ben & Jerry's offers plenty of non-dairy ice cream -- but which flavors stand out from the rest? We're here to find out, by ranking every single flavor.
-
Plant-based cheese has come a long way since it first hit the market, and there are more brands and flavors than ever. Here are the best vegan cheeses, ranked.
-
In-N-Out has mastered the flavors of everything on its menu. Great taste aside, if you're watching what you eat, here are the chain's least healthy offerings.
-
Sugar makes many foods taste better, but it's not ideal when it comes to your health. You have options. Here is our ultimate guide to alternative sweeteners.
-
Sometimes, a fast food commercial is memorable for all the wrong reasons. Here are some of the most notable ad campaigns that flopped for their chains.
-
McDonald's Filet-O-Fish is a classic fast food item, but what's inside this popular sandwich? Turns out the Filet-O-Fish has a few worrisome ingredients.
-
How can such a simple snack as a hard-boiled egg be so challenging to make? Luckily, there are plenty of hard-boiled egg hacks out there to make things easier.
-
Let's admit it, everyone loves junk food every now and then. But which product was the most popular the year when you were born? It's time to find out.
-
Looking to reduce waste in the kitchen? Start with all the ways you can use banana peels, whether it's in tea or as a teeth whitener or a meat replacement.
-
Believe it or not, there are many reasons to drink your water warm. Let's explore why you might want to hold the ice the next time you order a glass of water.
-
Foods that have been through a fermentation process have been linked to many health benefits. Check out these reasons to add more fermented foods to your diet.
-
Fast food chains have interesting secrets. Some are shocking facts about menu items, and others are poor quality standards. Here are a few of the most bizarre.
-
We knew fast food wasn't the healthiest option, but who would expect all these chemicals? Here are the shadiest ingredients in popular fast food.