Weekly Pickups: Something seedy, hot-people skincare, and more...
Ft. Dylan Barbour
Welcome back to Weekly Pickups!
We’re coming at ya with another roundup of our faves from this week, but first, a moment for some breaking news: Chobani just acquired Daily Harvest! 🥳
We’ll be breaking this down in our Monday send, but as massive Chobani and Daily Harvest fans (see here and here), we’re buzzing about this.
This week, we’ve been thinking about…
Chamoy. This week, I spotted limited-edition Kettle Brand Chamoy chips and couldn’t help but think about how this flavor has been relatively unknown in the US—despite having been popular in Mexico and China forever. And now, thanks in part to TikTok, it’s everywhere (including BigCo brands like Kettle). - Jenna
How much dairy is so back. There were a couple years there where everyone and their mother was consuming everything but dairy, and investors were pumping millions into plant-based milks, cheeses, yogurts. And now, while plant-based is still big, everyone has seemed to go back to that delicious cow product - Nate
And now, onto our weekly pickups… →
Jenna’s Pickups
Top Seedz Sea Salt Crackers
Honesty hour: my parents put me on these.
While visiting my parents this weekend, they raved for the umpteenth time about their obsession with these crackers—a now-constant repurchase in the Movsowitz household. And now, I have to admit that 1) my parents discovered something cool before I did, and 2) that I too will be regularly spending $8 on crackers…and it will be worth it.
Quick Facts: Just like the name implies: crackers made with seeds. Irregularly shaped (in a way that feels homemade) and delightfully crispy.
Reasons to love:
Simple ingredients. Top Seedz ingredient label reads: sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, cornstarch, olive oil, and sea salt. That’s it. They’re sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan, and somehow nut-free—allergy-friendly and “clean” by anyone’s standards.
I love this ode to seeds on their website. Seeds are an under-the-radar nutritional powerhouse—and they use way less water to grow than the average nut.
Shockingly delicious. This ingredient list reads like the flavor would be something like “cardboard with a hint of trail mix.” But in reality? These crackers somehow achieve this satisfyingly light, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with just about anything. They’re crispy, savory, and truly addicting—don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Where to buy: On their website or in stores nationwide. Got mine at Whole Foods!
Soy MALK
Quick facts: Meet my new go-to m*lk. This organic, non-GMO soy milk is made with only three ingredients, tastes great, and has the macros to boot.
Reasons to love:
An A+ ingredient label. If you’re a fan of MALK, you know: their shtick is “simple.” All of their SKUs are made with the simplest-possible, organic ingredients, and their soy is no exception: just water, soybeans, and organic Himalayan pink salt. No fillers, gums, or oils (because yes, these are ingredients in most alt milks)—just the good stuff.
Sneaky protein (+ great macros)! At 6g of protein per 8 oz serving, this is pretty dang close to “real” milk…with 4x fewer carbs and fewer calories.
Creamy, velvety, delicious. It’s just good milk. Almond milk is usually too watery (though MALK’s is an exception…), oat and conventional soy milks are sometimes too rich, and this sits perfectly in the middle.
Where to buy: In stores nationwide!
Nate’s Pickups
Experiment Molecular Mesh
This moisturizer is hands down the best facial moisturizer I’ve ever used. No exaggeration. It’s not only hydrating, but it feels like your skin is actually healing when you put it on. It’s that good.
Quick Facts: It’s made with a ton of ingredients that I cannot pronounce like phytosphingosine, ectoin, guaiazulene, and centella liposomes. In all honesty, I’m no chemist but thank god Experiment’s website breaks down what each ingredient actually does (it’s worth a read). I get a game-changing dose of moisture and an education on skincare…win-win!
Reasons to love:
Made with care. Experiment’s approach is what makes this brand stand out. They design and formulate everything in-house, and honestly, it shows. I’ve seen the lab where all the magic happens, it’s pretty cool to know how much attention goes into every bottle.
Two incredible founders. Oh and who are the people making it with so much love? That would be Lisa and Emmy. Two absolutely badass founders, talented brand builders, and brilliant chemists (yes, both of them).
Instant gratification. It’s rare to find a product that works immediately, but this one does. I see my skin look and feel better after the first use, and the more I use it, the better it gets.
Where to buy: Online
Yuzuco Sparkling Yuzu-ade
Yuzu is a flavor I wish I saw more often, I feel like it hasn’t taken off the way it should. So thank god YUZUCO exists and is leading the charge. They're the go-to company for yuzu—whether you're looking to have it in your product, at your bar, or on your restaurant menu. They've built their entire brand around this one amazing ingredient, and that’s incredibly commendable. By leaning into their own brand instead of just partnering, they’re setting themselves up to scale beyond foodservice and really make a name for themselves.
Quick Facts: Ready-to-drink sparkling lemonade infused with the unique, citrusy flavor of yuzu. They’re made with natural honey and a smidge of salt, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It’s a simple and effervescent drink.
Reasons to love:
Perfectly sweetened. Both beverages use honey and natural cane sugar to provide the ideal amount of sweetness. No overwhelming sugar rush.
Simplicity at its best. Yuzuco doesn’t overcomplicate things. They’ve taken one amazing flavor (yuzu) and created something that’s both simple and delicious. It’s proof that sometimes, less is more—especially when you focus on quality.
Where to buy: Starting in May 2025, both drinks will be available exclusively in New York City before rolling out nationwide and online. Keep an eye out for these limited-edition drinks at select retailers like Radio Bakery and Nudibranch in NYC.
✨ Special Guest ✨ Dylan Barbour
To the non-CPG average person, Dylan Barbour is a Bachelor franchise heartthrob. To us? Dylan is that…and a major force in all things food and bev. He’s an investor and advisor of brands and the founder of Vizer, a digital incentive tool for the CPG world.
Dylan keeps a pulse on what’s cool in CPG, and we knew he’d have a killer weekly pickup (we were right). →
What was your favorite pickup this week? My latest obsession is JOVA — more specifically the pistachio flavor. (Editor’s note: Pistachio is having a moment right now!)
I now make a protein smoothie every morning + it's completely revolutionized my eating routine.
What about this product intrigued you? I think breakfast as a whole is ripe for some innovation – there's not a whole lot of options that are convenient, taste good, and aren't riddled with additives/sugar. My first introduction was via the founder, Jess Khourie, and I've fallen in love with the product since!
Where did you purchase it, and why that channel? I signed up for the monthly subscription via their site and get my shipments straight to my door!
Why do you love it? Easy to make + add fruit, protein powder, etc. to make it superpowered, and it actually tastes good which I cannot state enough!
It’s honestly become part of my morning ritual — I feel off when I don’t have it. Plus, I love that I don’t have to think about breakfast anymore. Love pairing it with the new Koia protein powder / Bloom greens!
If you want to share a brand you’re loving for us to review, or if you have the perfect special guest in mind, email us: nate@expresscheckout.co and jenna@expresscheckout.co :)
I need to get my hands on that yuzu-ade! I have been seeing it everywhere recently