At a Glance
- The NYT Strands puzzle from Jan. 1 features a coffee-themed spangram.
- The theme is “Not your average joe,” with Starbucks lovers as a hint.
- Answers include BOLD, NUTTY, BITTER, SMOOTH, STRONG, AROMATIC, VELVETY.
- Why it matters: Readers can use the clues to solve the puzzle and uncover hidden coffee references.
The NYT Strands puzzle released on Jan. 1 invites players to find hidden words that fit the theme “Not your average joe.” The clue words-such as SORT, BOLT, GENT, ROTS, VALE, SCAR, MEAT, TEAM, LACE, BITER, BOTS, LOTS, and SOOT-unlock hints as players discover four-letter or longer words. Every time three qualifying words are found, Strands reveals one of the theme words.
Answer Highlights
The puzzle’s non-spangram answers are:
- BOLD
- NUTTY
- BITTER
- SMOOTH
- STRONG
- AROMATIC
- VELVETY
Spangram
The spangram stretches from one side of the board to the other and spells COFFEE. Players can locate it by starting at the C five letters down on the far-left row and winding across.
Recent Tough Puzzles
| Puzzle | Date | Toughest Word |
|---|---|---|
| Dated slang | Jan. 21 | PHAT |
| Thar she blows! | Jan. 15 | BALEEN / RIGHT |
| Off the hook | Jan. 9 | BIGEYE / SKIPJACK |
These puzzles have been cited as some of the toughest in recent weeks, challenging players with dated slang, marine biology references, and sea creature knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- The Jan. 1 puzzle’s spangram is COFFEE.
- The theme “Not your average joe” ties to Starbucks lovers and coffee culture.
- The puzzle includes seven non-spangram answers and a list of tough puzzles for reference.
Whether you’re a seasoned Strands solver or a newcomer, the Jan. 1 puzzle offers a flavorful challenge that rewards careful word hunting and coffee-themed insight.
