Today’s NYT Strands takes us straight to the breakfast table — or your favorite coffee shop. The theme “Pour It On” is all about milk alternatives, those creamy companions that make lattes, cereals, and smoothies better. If you guessed we’d be talking dairy today, think again — this grid celebrates the nutty, plant-based side of things.

Theme: “Pour It On” 🥛

Today’s Strands is clever because it’s not just about food — it’s about choice. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just love variety, this grid celebrates options.

NYT Strands Puzzle: 19 September 2025

Hints for Today’s Strands

If you want a nudge before seeing the full answers, try these clues:

  1. Plant-Based Only: Every word today is something you can pour without it being cow’s milk.
  2. Nutty Options: Think of tree nuts that are turned into milk alternatives.
  3. Smoothies & Coffee: Some answers are common coffee shop requests.
  4. Tropical Vibe: One answer comes from a palm fruit.
  5. Omega Power: One answer is a seed known for its nutrients.
  6. Think Grains Too: Not all options are nuts — one is a grain-based milk.
  7. Long Answer Alert: The spangram is a phrase — not a single word.
  8. Common Thread: All of them belong in the dairy-free aisle.

NYT Strands answers: September 19, 2025

Here are the 7 theme words connected to “Pour it on”:

  • CASHEW
  • ALMOND
  • MACADAMIA
  • COCONUT
  • FLAX
  • RICE

Spangram

NON DAIRY MILK — the phrase that ties all the answers together, weaving right through the grid like milk swirling in coffee.

How Strands works

Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:

  • You’re given a theme.
  • The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
  • Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
  • Once you find all the theme words, you’re done!

Each puzzle usually has around 6–8 theme words.

How to get and use hints

Hints are built right into Strands, and they’re super useful if you’re stuck:

  • To earn a hint, find any non-theme word of at least four letters in the grid.
  • Each valid extra word gives you one hint.
  • When you use a hint, one of the theme words will be revealed automatically, helping you move forward.

Pro tip: Don’t just burn hints — use them strategically when the grid feels impossible. Sometimes a single revealed word unlocks the entire board.

Tips to become a NYT Strands pro

  1. Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
  2. Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
  3. Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
  4. Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
  5. Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.

Were you able to strand the words?

When the spangram finally clicks into place, it feels like watching cream swirl into coffee — smooth, satisfying, and just right. Today’s puzzle is a perfect pour of creativity and wordplay.

Come back tomorrow — who knows, the next theme might be savory instead of sweet.