The Curious Consumer

Welcome back to another episode of The Curious Consumer! This week we sit down with Mark Rushmore, co-founder of Suri (short for Sustainable Rituals)—the UK-based electric toothbrush brand that caught Gwyneth Paltrow’s eye organically before landing in Erewhon, and now Target stores nationwide. (Check out our piece on UK brands entering the US!)We also cover the week's biggest CPG news—new updates to the THC regulatory saga, Beyond Meat's pivot into beverage, Gatorade's biggest refresh in 60 years, and the Finnish Long Drink's $325M acquisition by the makers of White Claw. Let's get into it!The breakdown: 0:00 Interview with Mark Rushmore, co-founder of SURI14:30 Recap on our 4/20 event!18:01 Updates on the THC ban + new proposed regulation28:03 Beyond Meat’s pivot into… protein soda?32:20 Gatorade’s newest brand refresh35:40 Why White Claw owners are betting on The Finnish Long DrinkCheck out our full interview with Long Drink co-founder Evan Burns here:https://www.expresscheckout.co/p/the-best-drink-youve-never-heard🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly.📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.🗣️ Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

This week, we're sharing the second episode of our interview series, Brand’s Biggest Fan—featuring Evan Burns, CEO and Co-founder of The Finnish Long Drink—and Long Drink's biggest fan, DJ!We (admittedly) recorded this a few months ago, but were excited to share it today after the news of Long Drink's acquisition by the Mark Anthony Group of Companies, the company behind category-defining beverages including White Claw and Mike's Hard Lemonade.With this new acquisition, and Mark Anthony Group's goal of expansion throughout North America, you can now expect to see this bev everywhere. So, we decided it was time to share some of the behind-the-scenes of who built this company... and who's been evangelizing it.Buckle in for a great ep, where Evan shares the real, unsexy truth behind building a brand worth a multimillion dollar acquisition in just 4 years.The Breakdown00:00 Background on Long Drink06:11 Meet DJ, Long Drink's biggest fan08:23 How DJ discovered Long Drink16:30 Evan on fans, marketing & distribution20:49 Building a national brand (distro strategy + celeb investors)31:15 The future of Long DrinkFollow us! Express Checkout - https://www.instagram.com/expresscheckout/DJ Waldow (aka Long Drink Lover) - https://www.instagram.com/longdrinklovers/🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly.📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.🗣️ Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back to another episode of The Curious Consumer! This week we sit down with Daniel Solomons, CEO of Update—the caffeine-free energy drink that caught Kim Kardashian’s eye organically before she became a full creative partner. We break down the science behind paraxanthine, the surprise of 4,000+ Walmart doors, and what it means to build a brand around a completely new ingredient.We also cover every Kardashian-Jenner in CPG this week (yes, all of them)—Kylie’s pivot from vodka soda to beauty hydration powder K2O, Khloe’s new Khloud protein tortilla chips, and Lemme finally launching a multivitamin after 17 other SKUs. Plus: the Hershey reformulation saga, McCormick’s $45B acquisition of Unilever’s food business, goPuff’s surprisingly successful private label expansion, and Mars Men—an 18-month-old testosterone supplement brand already at $100M run rate. Let’s get into it!The Breakdown00:00 Intro0:05 Interview with Daniel Solomons (Update Energy)20:28 Kylie's K2O Beauty Hydration Powder27:20 Khloud Protein Chips30:39 Lemme Launches a Multivitamin (Finally)32:50 The Hershey/Reese's Reformulation Drama44:43 McCormick Buys Unilever's Food Business ($45B)47:50 goPuff's Private Label Expansion50:10 Mars Men: $100M Testosterone Supplement Brand58:26 Wrap-up🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly.📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.🗣️ Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back to another episode of The Curious Consumer! This week we dive into Danone’s $1.15B acquisition of Huel—and what it says about the future of meal replacement, GLP-1 consumers, and food as pure function.We also cover Alix Earle’s skincare launch (Reale Actives), Cardi B’s surprisingly well-aligned haircare line, Olaplex’s acquisition by Henkel after losing 95% of its market cap, the rise of hard sodas, and Lucille—a long-overdue dignity-first nutrition brand for older adults. Let’s get into it!We recently wrote a report with data from our friends at Faire highlighting the dichotomy of “clean” vs. science-forward positioning for beauty and wellness brands. Check it out here. https://www.expresscheckout.co/p/the-state-of-beauty-and-wellnessThe Breakdown00:00 Intro03:13 Danone bets on Huel18:07 Alix Earle launches a brand24:22 Cardi B's new haircare brand26:07 Olaplex gets acquired27:29 The "hard soda" trend32:49 The future of senior nutrition35:44 Wrap-up🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly.📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.🗣️ Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back to another episode of The Curious Consumer! Today we’re joined by the incredible Chimene Ross, CEO of Killer Brownie, for a discussion on the power of branding in bakery, running a family business, and moving from private-label to a branded product.We also dive into the convergence of beauty + wellness (ft. hydration powder with UV protection…), why owning manufacturing is the new CPG moat, and Little Spoon’s entrance into infant formula. Let’s get into it!Check out NECTAR’s Taste of the Industry sensory analysis on dairy-free products here.The Breakdown0:00 Intro and Nate’s United Airlines adventure1:24 Interview with Chimene Ross, CEO of Killer Brownie16:07 Habiza Hummus and the new CPG moat20:03 The beauty and food convergence27:19 Kraft’s new protein Mac32:00 Dairy-free taste parity report36:00 Little Spoon enters baby formula🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly.📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.🗣️ Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back to another episode of The Curious Consumer! We're coming at you with a special episode today with our lovely partners over at Faire, the global online marketplace for wholesale for independent retailers. Because Faire works with thousands of retailers and brands from around the world, they are an incredible source of data on burgeoning trends within countless categories.We collaborated on a report which dove into the beauty & wellness category—everything from which ingredients are trending, to the unlikely retailers stocking beauty products. Then, we talked to Jen Burke, Faire's Chief Revenue Officer, to learn a little more about the stories behind the data and how Faire works.Hope you enjoy this special episode!!! If you're a retailer looking to discover the coolest new products, or a brand looking to enter a breadth of retailers, check out Faire.com.Interested in partnering with Express Checkout on future content? Reach out to us at [email protected] :)Read the full report here: https://www.expresscheckout.co/p/the-state-of-beauty-and-wellnessThe Breakdown00:00 Recapping our Beauty & Wellness Report with Faire8:08 Meet Jen Burke, CRO at Faire 8:56 The retailers and brands using Faire (and how it works)19:24 The “clean” vs “science” dichotomy in beauty 28:03 Beauty + wellness expanding across categories32:25 AI, discovery, and the future of retail 37:54 Trends to watch 40:43 Conclusion 🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.🗣️ Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

We just got back from the “Super Bowl of CPG”, AKA Expo West, and we have thoughts. In this episode, we’re digging into the overall vibe of the show, the trends we saw, the brands that left an impression, and what Expo even is. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into these trends, check out our newsletter from this week, linked below!The Breakdown00:00 Intro01:15 What Expo West is and who attends08:38 Vibes of the show13:56 The seed oils of it all...16:07 Beef tallow + avo oil18:39 The obsession with “real” ingredients20:27 Eggs are everywhere27:29 How protein + fiber actually showed up (and David’s special appearance...)35:55 The candy dates takeover39:54 Flavor trends: sour, the new “global” flavors, pistachio, and more50:57 Rapid fire trends: baking mixes, hydration, dairy, tortilla chips55:26 Wrap up🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.🗣️ Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back to another episode of The Curious Consumer! Today we’re joined by the incredible Jenna Goldring, co-founder of The High Confectionary, to talk about navigating the complex world of hemp-derived THC, building low-dose edibles for a new generation of consumers, and breaking cannabis stigmas through creator collaborations.We also dive into PepsiCo’s big bet on fiber and protein, the rise of squeeze bottle innovation, and why 72% of American households are now buying groceries at Walmart. Let’s get into it!This episode is brought to you by our friends at Tapcart (www.tapcart.com), the ultimate mobile app builder for Shopify brands!Get the 2026 Mobile Trends Report HERE → https://www.tapcart.com/report/2026-trends-reportThey interviewed 1,200+ shoppers and the findings are wild — 71% of impulse purchases now happen on mobile, and brands are massively over-discounting (50% of shoppers only need 25% off to convert, yet brands are bleeding margin at 40-50%). The report breaks down how top brands like Reformation, Gymshark, and Cymbiotika are using AI to get ahead — plus plug-and-play workflows you can steal. Worth a read if you’re in eComm.The Breakdown00:00 Interview with co-founder of The High Confectionary02:33 Hemp vs Cannabis 10105:06 The legal challenges of THC09:16 Building an edibles brand during a THC beverage frenzy15:40 The High Confectionary x Broma Bakery product launch18:56 News of the week kickoff22:19 Pepsi's bet on Fiber AND Protein31:03 Tahini in a squeeze bottle 33:17 Food tech that's changing the snack game36:58 Babybel Pro38:59 The iced tea comeback story42:27 Walmart’s grocery dominance46:51 Expo West update47:36 Conclusion🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.🗣️ Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome to the first episode of our interview series, Brand’s Biggest Fan—featuring Ben Goodwin, CEO, Co-founder, and formulator of one of our favorite brands of all time: OLIPOP!The premise: We sit down with a self-proclaimed “biggest fan” of some of our favorite buzzy CPG brands—not influencers or famous ambassadors, just regular people who happen to be a little obsessed with a brand.Then, we go back to the founders of these brands to learn how this fandom aligns with—or departs from—the story they’ve told themselves about their own brand's success.There are countless fantastic learnings and insights in this episode—from how Ben thinks about nostalgia when formulating OLIPOP, to soda’s wild history, to how OLIPOP reaches a mass audience of soda lovers + health freaks alike, and so much more.If you give it a listen, be sure to let us know what you think in the comments! And if you just so happen to know (or be) a buzzy brand’s biggest fan, let us know—maybe we’ll feature you in our next episode.The Breakdown00:00 Welcome00:49 Meet Ben Goodwin, CEO of OLIPOP02:25 OLIPOP's "biggest fan" story09:12 What Ben thinks about Amy's story14:00 The art and science of product formulation25:10 How OLIPOP appeals to a mass market28:34 The history of soda (and why that matters to OLIPOP)31:32 Competing with Big Soda40:56 How OLIPOP stays consumer-focused44:45 Closing thoughts🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.🗣️ Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back to another episode of The Curious Consumer! Today we are joined by the wonderful Sarela Herrada, co-founder of SIMPLi foods, to talk about regenerative organic agriculture and building authentic supply chains. We also dive into function-washing, the creator-led candy revolution, and why Kraft Heinz just hit pause on their big split. Let's get into it!The Breakdown:00:00 Interview with Sarela, Co-Founder of SIMPLi20:29 News of the week kickoff20:52 “Functionwashing” explained28:27 Nurri's new protein creamers31:19 Candy’s new era: creator-led brands & European gummies38:13 The future of oat milk is... a sheet?!42:06 Kraft Heinz pauses the split46:59 Conclusion🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.🗣️ Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

This week, we're diving into the Super Bowl ads (CPG trend version), what Once Upon a Farm’s IPO tells us, how BigCo brands are getting squeezed by private label, and more. Check out our most recent newsletter: The Breakdown:00:00 What Super Bowl ads tell us about CPG trends 12:45 Once Upon a Farm’s IPO and the better-for-you kids space23:19 PepsiCo's price cuts and squeezing the middle26:45 Discontinuing Minute Maid’s frozen juice29:58 Creatine controversy32:18 Lactaid enters the creamer market36:34 Bachan's acquisition🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.🗣️ Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back! Today we have our very first guest, the one and only rachel mansfield. Rachel is a recipe creator, and influencer with over 1M followers on Instagram, she pens a Substack called more, please by rachel mansfield, and most recently co-founded Cadootz Snacks, a new organic kids' protein snack brand.In this episode we also go into the wonderful world of gummy supplements, discuss how stadiums are the next launching platform for THC beverages, the rise of Sprouts market, and so much more! The breakdown:00:00 Intro00:28 Interview: Rachel Mansfield of Cadootz Snacks11:36 The rise of gummy supplements24:27 THC beverages hit the arena30:00 Allergy care, but make it "clean"34:32 Sprouts expansion37:00 Oats Overnight's success story🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back! This week, we're sharing our favorite products of the week (and yes, Nate's is packed with protein...), some of the unique challenges of building a celebrity brand, the inside scoop on the new Non-Ultraprocessed Food Verification, the weirdly big business of hand sanitizer, and more!The breakdown:00:00 Favorite bites of the week04:56 Building the "perfect" celeb CPG brand12:32 The new Non-Ultra Processed Food Certification18:56 Elf's first-ever fragrance23:23 Ulta's new wellness "shop-in-shops"27:18 The big biz of hand sanitizer34:54 P&G acquires the new-age Tums (Wonderbelly)39:44 Outro🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back to The Curious Consumer! This week, we've got another roundup of protein launches (shocking!)—but this time from some unlikely sources. Plus, we're exploring how Target became the new go-to retailer for emerging brands, actually exciting innovation from a food tech company, and the future of THC bevs.The breakdown:00:00 Intro02:07 Starbucks and Dunkin take protein04:15 Beyond Meat's new protein beverage?09:45 Prebiotic. protein. soda.12:50 PRIME enters protein15:12 Why Target is the new hub for emerging brands27:40 Innovation that EXCITES.31:05 Spiked Gatorade??34:54 THC/hemp ban legislation update38:32 Consolidating brands🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Another week of countless protein launches—this time, positioned for women—plus Target’s wellness expansion, the latest THC retailer launch, how Good Culture won the unsexiest category, and more.The breakdown:00:00 Intro00:20 Food + bev trade show highlights01:45 The next big flavor of 2026: PB&J07:24 David protein sent what to who?13:02 GORGIE launched protein + energy14:14 The clear protein boom19:26 Lemme launches creatine gummies24:03 Target’s wellness expansion 28:17 THC beverages launching in Sprouts 34:34 Good Culture’s cottage cheese revolution 39:17 Some quick thoughts on the new dietary guidelines41:14 ConclusionIf you’re interested in learning more about the “Flipped Pyramid”, check out Jessica Knurick, PhD, RDN’s Substack here: 🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome to our first episode of The Curious Consumer in 2026!! We're excited to be back and sharing some of the latest stories in consumer brands, from how the frozen aisle is changing to the next big format in protein (hint: it's weirdly.... juvenile). The breakdown:00:00 Intro + snacking resolutions03:25 The future of the frozen aisle13:37 Trader Joe's challenges Olipop and Poppi17:38 Canned protein milk's moment22:42 The nuanced story of plant-based brand shutdowns28:38 Beauty brands enter body care33:10 Domestic olive oil for the win?38:04 Conclusion🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome to our final podcast of 2025! We’re walking through some of the biggest themes and headlines from the year, from redefining “function” (with protein, THC, and caffeine) to the new target demographics for skincare + fragrance and the future of retail. Thank you for being a listener this year—we are so grateful, and can’t wait to continue providing more for you in 2026. If there’s anything else you’d like to see from us next year, feel free to reach out at [email protected] 😊* Want to dig deeper into the protein trend? Check out our two protein podcast episodes: https://expresscheckout.co/p/protein-is-not-a-trend and https://expresscheckout.co/p/proteins-new-era* Looking for more info on energy drinks? We got a pod on that too: https://expresscheckout.co/p/energy-drinks-are-for-the-girls* And if you’re trying to check out all of the major headlines and themes from 202, snoop through our archive of newsletters at https://expresscheckout.co/archiveThe Rundown00:00 Intro01:58 Biggest theme of 2025: Redefining “function”02:52 Proteinification06:21 Energy drinks (are for the girls)08:55 THC category boom10:26 Magnesium/sleep13:04 The next gen of retail20:37 Teens and men: The new targets of beauty/skincare27:00 How the big guys streamlined29:08 The crazy headlines you probably forgot36:37 Winners of 202544:12 2026 predictions49:08 Bye 2025!!!🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

This week, we’re chatting about the sneaky strategy behind lip balms, the future of female-focused energy drinks, Rao’s rise to success, why Oreo and Instacart are getting heat, and so much more. Our latest newsletter gets into more details on all of the above. Read it here:https://expresscheckout.co/p/how-brands-are-winning-with-lip-balmThe Rundown00:00 Intro00:45 The “lipification” of beauty11:07 Unwell’s new energy drink19:08 Oreo Zero Sugar (and its response…)24:21 The two camps of supplement launches30:16 Instacart’s pricing controversy33:32 Going all-in on pasta sauce39:42 Conclusion🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

This week, we’re ogling over crazy-fast shipping, wondering how “delicious” and "visceral fat reduction” have managed to enter the same product copy (@ Lemme), unpacking Live Nation’s latest bev partnership, and, obviously, learning how Nate dodged laced brownies in high school.Our latest newsletter gets into more details on all of the above. Read it here: https://expresscheckout.co/p/the-drones-are-comingThe Rundown00:00 Intro00:20 Full Black Friday and Cyber Monday recap03:39 Ultra-fast shipping innovations (Walmart, Target, Uber Eats + more)14:10 “Gummifying” every supplement20:14 Legit weed brownies 👀23:58 Hiyo x Live Nation partnership27:45 Anheuser Busch acquires BeatBox33:30 Conclusion and wrap-up🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox at expresscheckout.co.Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! If you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

We’re coming in hot off of Black Friday/Cyber Monday! In this episode, we’re sharing some results from this sale weekend, thoughts on Quince’s foray into food + wine, Aldi’s massive US expansion (and what that says about consumer behavior), and more.If you’re fascinated by “dupe culture”, check out our recent deep dive on Quince!Gift guides can all be found here!As always, if you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected] :)The rundown:00:00 Intro + chit-chat02:07 Gift guides recap!04:27 Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025 insights11:54 Quince’s foray into food + wine19:24 Aldi opening 16 stores in one day?!26:36 Monogram Capital’s fund + the future of emerging brands31:11 Wrapping up🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox. Sign up at expresscheckout.co.📱 Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more:* Instagram: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode!⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back to another episode of The Curious Consumer! This week, we’ve got a great lineup of consumer goods stories—from the beverage brand that’s secretly winning through foodservice, to the new era of medical-grade skincare platforms. The breakdown:00:00 Intro00:48 Tractor Beverage: From foodservice to retail05:18 The new era of non-alc beverages10:18 Silk’s high-protein soy milk15:45 The new frontier of skincare22:11 How Credo Beauty is setting standards in clean beauty29:47 Bath & Body Works takes Amazon37:59 Target’s integration with ChatGPT43:50 Outro🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox. Sign up at expresscheckout.co.📱 Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more:* Instagram: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode!⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back to The Curious Consumer! In our weekly podcast, we break down the latest news in consumer brands and retail. This week features some of the most controversial news we’ve covered yet (with our unfiltered, hot takes to boot).Our Express Checkout newsletter subscribers know: we had a whole lot more news to share in writing this week, too. To get a full breakdown of all consumer goods + retail news, make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter, Express Checkout. And as always, thank you for listening!!! Your support means so much to us :)Timeline 00:00 Intro01:54 The controversial new kids’ skincare brand09:48 Monster’s new energy drink “for women”14:29 The rise of new energy drinks23:25 Whole Foods and Amazon get cozier32:11 PepsiCo’s new dye-free products39:40 Outro🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop weekly. 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox. Sign up at expresscheckout.co📱 Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more:* Instagram: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode!⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us!🎯 Got a minute? Share this episode with a friend who’s always reaching for that energy drink. They might learn something that surprises them! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

We are SO excited to share that this episode was sponsored by our friends at Glimpse! Glimpse is offering brands 30 days FREE plus a 12-month lookback at their deductions to see where they could’ve saved $. Getting started is super easy—onboarding takes 15 minutes with a specialist. No CC or complicated forms required (love to hear it). On this week’s episode of The Curious Consumer, we’re talking…* Why branded produce is the next big thing (re: Fruitist’s massive raise)* Two secretly sustainable celeb products * Recess’s $30M raise and what it says about functional bev* Bryan Johnson turning us all into suckers* …and more.If you enjoyed this episode, consider tossing us a like, subscribe, or share it with your friends :) It seriously means the world to us!!! And as always, if you have thoughts to share (or want to sponsor an episode or newsletter 👀), shoot us an email at [email protected] and [email protected] Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back to The Curious Consumer! In our (now) weekly episode, we break down the latest news in consumer brands and retail. Today, we get into:* Why your dog is probably eating better than you* Culture Pop x Noah Kahan* Why plant-based alternatives aren’t working right now* The new brand in teen personal care* Bon Jovi’s son’s new brand incubator* The brand reinventing car freshener* The food insecurity crisis facing America (and how retailers are responding)Please consider donating to Feeding America to help those impacted by the pause in SNAP and WIC benefits: https://give.feedingamerica.org/kTIc6StdKUebxV-HOloYVQ2And as always, thank you for listening!!! Your support means so much to us as we grow this pod :)🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop every week📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox. Sign up at expresscheckout.co📱 Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more:* Instagram: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode!⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us!🎯 Got a minute? Share this episode with a friend who’s always reaching for that energy drink. They might learn something that surprises them! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Hello hello! We’re excited to test out a new format on the pod :) Every Monday, we share the previous week’s biggest news in consumer + retail in our newsletter, Express Checkout. Now, we’re bringing that newsletter to life—walking through each Monday edition on the pod. This week, we chat about:* Gen Z males’ new fragrance obsession* The latest protein-infused products (protein Pop-Tarts and Barebells’ protein soda)* Supplement brands entering Target * OpenAI’s partnerships with retailers * Chobani’s latest funding round and expansion effortsSee you next week!Chapters:00:00 Intro01:00 Male + Gen Z Fragrance Trends13:04 Protein Pop-Tarts17:13 Barebells’ Protein Soda21:30 Target Supplement Launches24:17 Retailers Partnering with OpenAI26:34 Live Shopping with E.L.F Cosmetics 28:49 Chobani’s Growth 32:26 Mammoth Brands’ Expanding Portfolio34:16 Conclusion Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back to another episode of The Curious Consumer! This is our part 2 episode of our dive into protein. If you haven’t watched our first one, you can check that out here! Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders anymore. It’s everywhere. It’s in your cereal, your ice cream, even your condiments. I know. 🥣🍦🥨This week on The Curious Consumer, we’re diving deep into the “protein-ification” of America. From wild grocery store finds to hot takes from real listeners, we’re breaking down why everyone’s obsessed, what’s actually healthy, and which trends might be here to stay.💬 Is protein a trend, a bubble, or the new normal?👀 Are you team “protein in everything” or “just give me the real thing”?In this episode you’ll learn about:🥣 How protein-packed products are taking over every aisle, from cereal to ice cream🧬 Some science (and myths) behind protein claims and labeling🍦 The rise of high-protein snacks, drinks, and even condiments💪 Why “baddies are eating like rottweilers” and what that says about wellness culture🤔 Hot takes from real listeners on whether protein is a trend, a bubble, or here to stayTIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro and Welcome02:35 Brief Background and History of Protein07:35 Exploring Protein Product Categories08:49 Cereal Category Deep Dive12:37 Pasta and Alternative Grains17:18 Ice Cream and Frozen Products19:06 Beverages and RTD Products33:22 Hot Takes from Listeners33:23 Consumer Hot Takes and Opinions47:33 Future Trends and Market Predictions56:12 Marketing Claims and Consumer Education01:01:20 Product Quality and Taste Considerations01:04:37 Wrap Up and Contact Information🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop every week📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox. Sign up at expresscheckout.co📱 Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more:* Instagram: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode!⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us!🎯 Got a minute? Share this episode with a friend who’s always reaching for that energy drink. They might learn something that surprises them!Checkout some of the articles and resources we used!* Drew Gooden’s video* Research paper on social media usage leading to increased protein intake* Vasa’s article on Protein bars:* Fred Hart’s post on Costco being THE protein dealer. Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Welcome back to another episode of The Curious Consumer!Today we’re talking about the hottest topic right now…..PROTEIN.Let’s get one thing straight: protein isn’t just a trend. It’s a fundamental part of our nutrition, and it’s been essential long before it started trending on social media. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy parent, or just someone trying to eat a little healthier, protein plays a crucial role in how our bodies function and feel.In this episode you’ll learn about:🧬 What protein actually is (and why it matters)📜 The history of protein, from its 19th-century discovery to today🍫 The first protein bars and early protein products💪 How bodybuilding and diet culture shaped the protein industry🏪 Big brand acquisitions and current market trends🔮 Insights on the future of protein in our daily dietsDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts with us!TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Protein Craze00:35 The Ubiquity of Protein in Modern Products03:28 Historical Context of Protein08:56 The Rise of Protein Isolates12:37 Bodybuilding and Protein Supplements17:30 Fitness Boom and Protein Products19:57 Nostalgia for Early Protein Bars21:29 Evolution of Protein Bars in the 2000s22:07 The Rise of Protein as a Hero Ingredient22:39 Major Acquisitions in the Protein Market23:42 Iconic Brands and Candy Replacements24:35 Diet Culture and Protein Messaging25:18 Quest and Halo Top Era26:44 The Proteinization of Foods32:02 Big Bets in the Late 2010s36:58 The Role of GLP-1 in the Protein Boom38:46 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop every week📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox. Sign up at expresscheckout.co📱 Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more:* Instagram: @expresscheckout💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode!⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us!🎯 Got a minute? Share this episode with a friend who’s always reaching for that energy drink. They might learn something that surprises them! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Energy drinks are for the girls: a deep dive into the drink that's all of a sudden everywhere!In this episode of 'The Curious Consumer,' hosts Nate and Jenna explore the evolving energy drink market, discussing everything from nostalgic brands like Red Bull and Monster to newcomers like Celsius and Bloom. They delve into historical origins, from Japan's early energy tonics to Red Bull's global dominance, and highlight current trends such as lower caffeine options, natural ingredients, and gendered marketing. Listeners will also learn about recent industry acquisitions, emerging ingredients, and predictions for the future of energy drinks. The episode ends with a teaser for the next discussion on the commodification of sleep.00:00 Introduction02:24 Seasonal Products and Pumpkin Spice06:13 Current News: Starbucks Protein Cold Foam Launch08:45 Current News: Erewhon Coming to New York16:53 History of Energy Drinks22:42 The Rise of Celsius25:52 Marketing Energy Drinks to Women35:19 New Trends in Energy Drinks45:12 The Future of Energy Drinks49:04 Closing Thoughts Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe

Here we are—our first-ever podcast!!! After yapping via written word for almost 3 years, it’s time to go verbal (visual?) with our new pod, The Curious Consumer.In our ~ inaugural ~ episode of The Curious Consumer podcast, we partake in a fun yap sesh about consumer habits, wellness trends, and the coolest (weirdest?) new consumer products. Expect a good hearty convo on the behind-the-scenes of trade shows, the wild world of manly cereals, the rise of wellness sections in major retailers like Target, and a preview into the topics we want to cover in future episodes. Whether you're a curious consumer or industry insider, you’ll find something to nerd out over with us on this episode—or, at least, you’ll get a good giggle out of two non-podcast people attempting to podcast. Be sure to follow us on social media@expresscheckout on IGTimeline00:00 Introduction to The Curious Consumer Podcast00:19 Discussing the Concept of Consumerism01:20 Exploring the Natural Products Expo05:04 Podcast Structure and Content Overview05:59 Caffeinated Potato Chips Debate08:02 Fly by Jing's Exciting New Collaboration10:00 Built Puff's New Sour Flavors13:26 Man Cereal20:04 Ulta's Expansion into Wellness Products21:06 Retailers Expanding Wellness Sections21:34 Defining Wellness: A Retail Perspective22:14 The Dilution of Wellness Products23:37 The Struggles of OG Wellness Brands28:31 Ulta and Target's Partnership30:24 The Impact of Inflation and Competition on Target36:24 The Future of Wellness Products39:25 Consumer Empowerment and Wellness43:50 Conclusion and Sign Off Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe