Issue #350 Sun 16 Feb
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — February 16, 2025
Today's grid asks for a careful look at the pantry. A patient approach helps clear the board.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Reading the small print on a box before you start cooking dinner.
Dietary restrictions and food labeling
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
A compound adjective formed from two distinct words.
10 letters.
Starts with G, ends with E.
GLUTENFREE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (6 letters)
- 2 B (9 letters)
- 3 C (8 letters)
- 4 C (4 letters)
- 5 R (4 letters)
- 6 T (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AL (6 letters)
- 2 BU (9 letters)
- 3 CH (8 letters)
- 4 CO (4 letters)
- 5 RI (4 letters)
- 6 TA (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A common nut alternative used to make dairy-free milk.
6 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AL.
ALMOND
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
A dark, nutty grain often found in traditional pancakes or soba noodles.
9 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BU.
BUCKWHEAT
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
A round, beige legume essential for making smooth hummus.
8 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CH.
CHICKPEA
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A yellow staple that grows on stalks and is often served on the cob.
4 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
CORN
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Small white grains that serve as the base for many stir-fry dishes.
4 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RI.
RICE
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Starchy white pearls that create a thick, bubbly texture in pudding.
7 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TA.
TAPIOCA
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- ALMOND
- BUCKWHEAT
- CHICKPEA
- CORN
- RICE
- TAPIOCA
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on February 16, 2025. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for February 16, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on February 16, 2025?
NYT Strands on February 16, 2025 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the February 16, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "G" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on February 16, 2025?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 6 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 10-letter spangram