Podcast · 46 episodes
Express Checkout
by Express Checkout · English
The Express Checkout podcast digs deeper than headlines to uncover the context, connections, and cultural shifts driving the world of consumer products. Join hosts (and CPG nerds) Nate and Jenna for analysis and conversations with the people and businesses shaping tomorrow's shopping cart. www.expresscheckout.co
Latest episodes
How ice cream actually gets madeHow Haagen-Dazs ice cream is developed and manufactured, from flavor ideation to factory constraints, plus tasting two flavors and discussing brand philosophy.24 Sep 2026 · 45 min
Have we reached peak function?The episode discusses whether “function” (protein, prebiotics, performance/wellness additives) has become so mainstream it’s lost novelty, and what that means for brands and consumer behavior.17 Sep 2026 · 53 min
The next wave of “functional” drinksThe “next wave” of functional drinks, contrasting cannabis-infused THC seltzers/sodas (Cantrip) with a new federally legal functional soda (On the Bright Side) built around Zembrin for calm,…9 Sep 2026 · 46 min
All episodes
How ice cream actually gets madeHow Haagen-Dazs ice cream is developed and manufactured, from flavor ideation to factory constraints, plus tasting two flavors and discussing brand philosophy.24 Sep 2026 · 45 min · 21 chapters
Have we reached peak function?The episode discusses whether “function” (protein, prebiotics, performance/wellness additives) has become so mainstream it’s lost novelty, and what that means for brands and consumer behavior.17 Sep 2026 · 53 min · 17 chapters
The next wave of “functional” drinksThe “next wave” of functional drinks, contrasting cannabis-infused THC seltzers/sodas (Cantrip) with a new federally legal functional soda (On the Bright Side) built around Zembrin for calm,…9 Sep 2026 · 46 min · 18 chapters
The creator marketing playbook for brandsCreator marketing as “creator media” that brands can buy and scale like other ad channels—shifting spend toward trusted micro-audiences via an automated buying platform (Agentio).26 Aug 2026 · 29 min · 12 chapters
The next wave of coffee is decaf.The episode covers wellness/CPG trends at Newtopia Now, focusing on (1) AG1’s new daily greens gummies and how decaf coffee is growing via taste-first premium brands, (2) why influencer Alex Cooper’s…19 Aug 2026 · 1 h 4 min · 22 chapters
Ulta's sexual wellness betThe episode is a roundup of “wellness” trends showing how mainstream retailers and CPG brands are expanding into once-taboo or niche categories.12 Aug 2026 · 50 min · 14 chapters
How Sauz built a $22M pasta sauce disruptorTroy, founder of SAWS, explains how the brand built a $22M pasta sauce business by disrupting commoditized tomato sauce with Gen Z-first branding, flavor innovation, and retail-scale distribution.5 Aug 2026 · 42 min · 13 chapters
How coconut water is making a comebackCoconut water’s comeback, plus fast-growing “better-for-you” pantry and snack trends (crustless frozen PB&J, squeezable peanut butter drizzles, low-sugar fruit spreads/jam), and a final segment on…29 Jul 2026 · 36 min · 17 chapters
Is this the next "it" grocer?!Two parts—(1) Whatnot’s push from collectibles into CPG/food via live shopping, including Shopify integration and community/retention metrics; (2) Express Checkout host’s grocery-discovery thesis on…22 Jul 2026 · 32 min · 17 chapters
How this THC brand is fighting the banCannes (microdose THC/CBD drinks) explains why a proposed hemp definition change would effectively ban hemp-derived THC beverages on Nov 13, 2026, and how the brand is lobbying for alcohol-style…15 Jul 2026 · 36 min · 15 chapters
Real sugar is unapologetically backTara Bosch launches Snackish, a “better-for-you” potato chip brand now nationwide at Target, and discusses how “real sugar is back” and other CPG themes seen at Fancy Food Show (indulgence with…9 Jul 2026 · 52 min · 21 chapters
Protein-rich food is a physics problem.The episode argues that protein demand isn’t a fad, but the industry is “recalibrating” due to pricing and availability pressures (e.g., whey up ~50% since January).24 Jun 2026 · 41 min · 18 chapters
Thrilled to try Tom Brady's Good Nuts.The episode of The Curious Consumer covers four consumer/CPG stories. Topic 1: e.l.f. launches its first hair-care line under the e.l.f.18 Jun 2026 · 35 min · 9 chapters
Performative grocery shopping + pro-peptides.Interview with Priyanka (co-founder of Ko-fi Beauty) about South Asian representation in beauty and how indie brands scale emotionally and structurally; then a consumer-leaning segment on…3 Jun 2026 · 49 min · 19 chapters
Why every brand is leaning into nostalgiaBrands leaning into nostalgia and emotional “anchors,” plus adjacent CPG moves in RTD drinks, snacks, produce, protein foods, hydration, and sleep supplements.28 May 2026 · 36 min · 15 chapters
Supplement brands are lying to you.How supplement brands misuse “clinically tested”/“science-backed” claims and how consumers can evaluate efficacy claims amid weak US regulation and AI-driven misinformation.13 May 2026 · 38 min · 16 chapters
Calm your mind, one beverage at a timeTwo-part “Curious Consumer” discussion. First, Stacey Hartnett (Chomps) explains Chomps’ growth in meat sticks and its new chicken sticks launch, including why chicken is a “white space” protein and…6 May 2026 · 52 min · 21 chapters
The THC loophole (and why it could close...)Two-part episode. First, a brand/consumer deep dive on Suri’s “THC loophole” isn’t correct—this episode actually covers Suri’s toothbrush business and then a 420/THC regulatory update plus other CPG…23 Apr 2026 · 41 min · 17 chapters
The best drink you've never heard ofBrands Biggest Fan episode about Long Drink, a Finnish gin-based sparkling RTD (gin, grapefruit soda, juniper berries) that originated from the 1952 Helsinki Olympics and is now expanding in the U.S.15 Apr 2026 · 40 min · 22 chapters
Keeping up with the Kardashians…CPG launchesUPDATE energy drink’s relaunch with Kim Kardashian; plus a CPG roundup covering Kardashian-Jenner ingestible beauty/CPG launches, Hershey’s Reese’s recipe controversy, and broader CPG trends…9 Apr 2026 · 59 min · 24 chapters
Betting on meal replacementsThe episode is about “betting on meal replacements” and broader CPG shifts toward functional, convenient nutrition.1 Apr 2026 · 32 min · 15 chapters
Drinkable sunscreen, protein mac, and killer browniesThe episode of The Curious Consumer is about (1) airline/CPG snack trends and (2) how brands win via operations, taste, and emotional connection.25 Mar 2026 · 41 min · 19 chapters
What wholesale data tells us about beauty & wellnessIn this episode of The Curious Consumer, hosts Nate and Jenna explore the insights from a joint report with Faire, an online marketplace for independent retail.18 Mar 2026 · 42 min · 23 chapters
Expo West 2026 Trends and InsightsIn this episode of The Curious Consumer, hosts Nate and Jenna share their experiences and insights from Expo West 2026, often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG).” The…11 Mar 2026 · 57 min · 25 chapters