Whether you’re stressed out from losing in your fantasy football league or doing the winning yourself, the Student Store is the perfect place to treat yourself at school. But don’t know what to get? Want to find the best item without sampling the entire roster?  I’ll put it in terms you might understand: fantasy sports draft style. After the retirement of hi-chews, we’ve scouted and picked the best: from the breakout rookie, CHI Sparkling Water, to the most improved player of the year, Outshine Popsicles. These selections will help you power your way through any situation the school year brings. 

First-round Picks: Essentials, necessities, MVPs. If you could get one item for the rest of the year, these are what it would be:

CHI Forest Sparkling Water (Rating: 5/5, $1)

Rookie phenom CHI Sparkling Drink delivers a fruity sugar-free alternative to soda. Whether giving you a good kick after a hot day or soothing your throat after a long day of class, it is easy to see why students have been raving about CHI as their year-round pick. Personally, I enjoy the peach or lychee flavor, but the bubbly drink, regardless of flavor, will no doubt deliver a stand-out 2024-25 campaign.

Outshine Popsicles (Rating: 5/5, $1)

Replacing the over sweetened veteran Icee Popsicles last season, the healthier most improved player Outshine Popsicles is a refreshing addition to the student store arsenal. As an all-around athlete boasting multiple favors, including my favorite, mango, its creamy, yogurt-like texture made with real fruit and juice is the perfect combination of revitalizing and balanced. It is a strong contender for defensive player of the year against the heat, making it a star in the warmer seasons.

Mid-round Picks: Consistent starters you can rely on. If you could get one item aside from your favorite, these are what it would be:

Lay’s classic potato chips (Rating: 3.5/5, $1)

A seasoned veteran, Lay’s potato chips are the definition of consistency and are my go-to. They’ve stood the test of time since their rookie debut in 1930, and their staple saltiness and delicate crunchiness bring back some nostalgic moments. Still today, Lay’s is going strong with major upside and little downside, staying true as a solid starter in my roster.

Mott’s Fruit Flavored Snacks (Rating: 3/5, $.50)

The combination of value and taste with Mott’s fruit snack no doubt contributes major points this season. With its flavors and gumminess, the versatility to be eaten before or after lunch makes up for the inconsistency in portion sizes. It’s a classic sweet and fruity snack for any time, an off-the-bench efficient worker. 

Late-round Picks: Underrated, slept on but risky. Items that some students found better than expected:

Orgain Protein Shake (Rating: 2/5, $2)

The underdog of the student store, the post-workout beast Orgain Protein Shakes, still appeals in taste attributes with its natural, silky savor that appeals beyond just gym-goers. Its plant-based content made with organic ingredients makes its hands-down packs one of the best nutritional and best-tasting products the store has to offer. Don’t be scared to take a risk with the ‘protein’ label, it’s one of the best two-way players in the game right now.

Vita Coconut Water (Rating: 2.5/5, $21.50)

A bit of a bandwagon pick, the increasingly popular coconut water has been a recent sensation considered the most underrated item in the store. Commonly known as a boom-or-bust pick, its exotic taste goes beyond traditional drinks that most students are familiar with, adding a whole new style to the game while also chilling you down from the heat. While an unusual and risky pick, this item all comes down to personal preference. My advice: give it some playing time to prove its worth.