Talking Carts with Consumer Reports

A new investigation from Consumer Reports and the Yuka app found concerning levels of additives and contaminants in snacks. In this episode we unwrap why American standards differ from those in other countries, where the Food and Drug Administration is dropping the ball, and what you can actually do to demand better for your health. Thanks for supporting Talking Carts. The show will be taking a hi...

Did you know the estimated annual upkeep for a dog can hit $1,500, and for cats, it can climb up to $3,000? Luckily, it's possible to cut the cost of care without sacrificing comfort! We walk through what savvy pet owners should be adding to their carts on Amazon Prime Day and answer the most asked questions about pet insurance. Listen to unlock a happier, healthier, and more affordable life along...

Did you know that in 2025, the average cost of caring for a baby through just the first year of life—including essentials like diapers, clothing, and toys—surpassed $20,000? Before you begin to spend, let Consumer Reports' baby experts help you separate the best from the rest, ensuring you make smart, safe buying choices for your little one. We pull back the curtain on the rigorous process CR uses...

Smart home innovations are everywhere, but do they simplify life or just add complication? We speak with CR's Senior Home & Appliances Writer, Daniel Wroclawski, who lives with over 70 smart devices. We tackle essential consumer questions: Do appliances need to be smart? What happens when integrated systems fail? Learn crucial tips on securing your smart home from hackers.

Essential tips on selecting the perfect destination and avoiding the most common, costly mistakes people make when booking flights and hotels—knowledge that could save you hundreds! Monet Hambrick, of The Traveling Child, shares how to make family vacations that delight, even on a modest budget.  CR's Best Cruise Lines: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/cruises/best-cruise-lines-a1084300422/?E...

Feeling the impact of inflation, shoppers are searching for true bargains. CR's "Price Tracker" charts the long-term price patterns of 16 specific, high-demand products. Learn to stop guessing and start shopping smarter by understanding when patience pays off and when waiting could actually backfire. 00:00:00 Dealing With Price Uncertainty 00:04:00 What Products Does CR Track? 00:05:48 Most and Le...

Feeling the pinch from rising costs? Stop overspending on groceries! While some expenses are out of your hands, you do have control over your grocery budget—and it's time to take it back. In this episode of Talking Carts, we dive into the power of coupons. Hosts Tanya Christian and Brian Vines welcome Star Smith, the "Deal Diva" behind "Coupon with Star." Star shares her game-changing tips and tec...

From razors to body wash, products marketed to women can be up to 48% more expensive than the "male" versions—even when they're virtually the same! The "Pink Tax" is the gender-based price discrimination that drains women's wallets every day. Author Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, who literally wrote the book on this: The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Underpaid explains the unique a...

One year after our groundbreaking investigation found toxic heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead, plus carcinogens, in synthetic braiding hair, we did follow-up testing. We put the new products—marketed as "safer alternatives"—to the test. The results are concerning. See our new research here: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/wigs-hair-extensions/braiding-hair-heavy-metals-vocs-follo...

Make your next car purchase a triumph! Get the essential tactics on handling fees, negotiating a price, and making sure the floor mats are included. We've got you covered from the moment you decide to start looking to the second you drive your new baby off the lot.  #CarBuyingTips #TopPicks #UsedCars #NewCars See CR's 2026 Top Picks: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-cars-of-the-year-10-to...

Skyrocketing premiums and non-renewals are triggering a homeowners insurance crisis.  One Altadena resident determined to rebuild after the devastating Eaton Canyon Fire shares a story of moving forward after disaster strikes and insurance fails. Learn details of the Homeowners Insurance Bill of Rights, and get crucial, practical advice for protecting your home, determining your coverage needs, an...

Hosts Tanya Christian and Brian Vines pull back the covers on how the $585 billion global "sleep economy" is selling the dream of a good night's rest. Featuring exclusive deals for CR members and tips from sleep specialist Dr. Christopher J. Allen. 00:00:00 Intros 00:02:43 Use It or Snooze It? 00:06:25 The Big 3: Mattress, Pillow, Bedding 00:14:01 CR Exclusive Deals 00:18:08 Tips from Sleep Dr. Ch...

In this podcast episode, hosts Tanya Christian and Brian Vines are helping to conquer chaos by giving you the tools to start the new year with a clean house. Beyond the ritual of the Saturday morning cleaning session, the conversation tackles the annual tradition of the year-end clean reset. Whether you believe a deep clean rids the house of negative energy to make way for good vibes, or just want...

Inside the investigation into the online marketplace that could be driving up your grocery bill In this podcast episode, hosts Tanya Christian and Brian Vines look at a surprising reason your grocery bills may be going up.  A recent CR investigation — put together with two other non-profits, Groundwork Collaborative and More Perfect Union — found that Instacart is conducting artificial intelligenc...

At the cash register this holiday season, you have more options than ever to pay—cash, credit, or a " buy now, pay later " loan. But be warned: your choice could end up costing you more in the long run.   In this episode of the Talking Carts podcast, hosts Tanya Christian (Senior Home and Appliances Writer) and Brian Vines (Marketplace Equity Reporter) are joined by Investigative Reporter Lisa Gil...

In this episode of Talking Carts: Entertain With Ease, hosts Tanya Christian and Brian Vines serve up the ultimate recipe for stress-free holiday hosting!  @royaleeats  : Social media's king of the kitchen drops in to chop it up on his debut cookbook, shares his definitive soul food side dishes (yes, we're talking about that mac & cheese!), and gives his top tips for timing all the moving parts of...

Consumer Reports' "Talking Carts" is your guide to navigating the holiday shopping season and maximizing your budget. This podcast packs the smart tips and practical tricks you need to save money and shop with complete confidence. Hosts Tanya Christian and Brian Vines, joined by CR Deals Editor Samantha B. Gordon, dive into your biggest shopping questions, including how much shoppers plan to spend...