NYT Strands is the daily word-search-style puzzle from the New York Times that challenges you to uncover theme-linked words hidden across a letter grid. On 01 January 2026, the theme “If you ask me …” focused on how we express personal views, with several related words and a spangram that neatly tied the whole idea together.

Happy New Year !

01 January 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Not your average joe”

Today’s theme leaned into sensory language rather than literal objects. Instead of naming items directly, the puzzle focused on qualities and impressions, making it feel a bit more refined. The spangram itself was short and straightforward, but the surrounding words required thinking in terms of taste, texture, and aroma.

01 January 2026 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think about how people describe specialty drinks rather than everyday versions.
  • Focus on flavor, texture, and smell instead of physical objects.
  • Some words describe mouthfeel, not taste alone.
  • Expect rich, expressive adjectives rather than simple labels.
  • The spangram ties all the flavor descriptors together under one familiar concept.

01 January 2026 NYT Strands: Answers

  • Bold
  • Nutty
  • Bitter
  • Smooth
  • Velvety
  • Aromatic

Spangram

Coffee

The spangram connects all the answers by pointing to what these descriptive words commonly describe. Each term highlights a different sensory aspect associated with enjoying a well-crafted cup.

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.

Final words

The 01 January 2026 Strands puzzle felt comfortably moderate, with a relatable theme and smart word choices. Once the spangram clicked, everything else fell into place nicely. How many answers did you spot before needing hints?

Come back tomorrow for a fresh grid and theme — and tell us in the comments which word stumped you the most today!