Weekly Pickups: Dog enrichment toys, protein oatmeal, and more

Plus: an apple-forward fizzy sparkling tea

Hello hello!

Happy Holidays to each and every one of you!

As we wrap up another year, we’re reflecting on how much this community has grown. And we want to make sure we’re creating content that truly resonates with you. So, in the spirit of giving (and… receiving 🫣), we’re asking for the gift of your feedback.

We’ve put together a quick audience survey to help us understand who you are, what you’re looking for, and how we can serve you better in 2026. Whether you’re here for the product recs, the podcast, or just the vibes, your input will help us deliver the best content possible—tailored to your goals and interests.

It’ll only take a few minutes, and your responses will make a huge difference. Thank you in advance for helping us make Express Checkout even better!!

Now, let’s get into what we’ve been loving this week →​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Nate’s Pickup:

Woof dog products

I can’t pick just one, so I’m going all in on Woof as a brand. And Ginger, my little 2 year old doggo, would absolutely agree. I’ve had the bully stick holder for about a year now, and the brand recently sent over a few more products that have become instant favorites: the Pupsicle and its holder, the Bite N’ Brush, and the Poomergency backup bags (GENIUS). All absolutely amazing. We actually wrote about how pet products have been leveling up in a recent newsletter issue—and Woof is a perfect example.

• Quick Facts: A dog enrichment brand making thoughtfully designed toys and accessories from non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free natural rubber. Everything is built to keep dogs safely engaged while making life easier for their humans. Oh yeah, and they’re dishwasher safe—my FAVORITE product feature on the planet (where applicable).

• Reasons to love:

  • Keeps Ginger busy and safe. Whether it’s the bully stick holder, the Pupsicle, or the Bite N’ Brush, these products keep Ginger occupied and stimulated for way longer than your average toy. The brand claims 20-40 minutes and that has indeed been the case. We got the bully stick holder almost immediately after realizing she loves a good bully stick—because no dog of mine is choking on beef pizzle on my watch! Plus, she’s an 11-pound Jack Russell-Chihuahua mix, so we were extra cautious. The holder prevents her from swallowing a too-small piece, and the Pupsicle slows her down so she’s not inhaling treats and giving herself a tummy ache.

  • Smart design for dogs and humans. These are clearly made by people who actually live with dogs. The toys keep pups engaged, but they’re also ridiculously easy for me to clean and refill. The Pupsicle, for example, unscrews into two halves, so no digging around with a bottle brush, and then everything goes straight in the dishwasher. Thank god.

  • You can tell this team genuinely loves dogs. Even though Ginger is my first dog, you pick up on things fast after trying a bunch of toys and enrichment products. I could tell immediately how thoughtful these were. Yes they have nice packaging, which is important, but as I’ve said above they’re clearly designed with real efficacy and safety in mind.

Where to buy: mywoof.com or in select retailers nationwide

Jenna’s Pickup:

Dawnbreaker Protein Oatmeal - Apple Cinnamon

The other week, I met one of the awesome co-founders of Dawnbreaker, Scott Turner, to chat about a protein supply chain shortage he’s facing (more on this in an upcoming newsletter…). After he gave me the scoop on all things instant whey—and, in doing so, revealed his meticulous obsession with perfecting every single ingredient in his product—I couldn’t wait to try Dawnbreaker.

• Quick Facts: High-protein, high-fiber instant apple cinnamon flavored oatmeal (the hot kind, not overnight oats).

• Reasons to love:

  • Macros, ingredients, and taste. Macro diehards and ingredient purists can (mostly) agree on this one: At 16g protein, 230 calories, and only 6g of sugar, this oatmeal is made with only natural sweeteners and organic/non-GMO ingredients (including real apples!). The apple cinnamon flavor is also so nostalgic and comforting, reminiscent of (farrrrr more sugary) Quaker Oats instant packets.

  • Actually satiating. So many instant breakfasts fill me up in the moment… and then I’m hungry again in an hour. The 16g of protein and 6g of fiber certainly help with the fullness factor, but I’m convinced it’s also because, unlike most protein oatmeal designed for overnight soaking, these are served hot. I swear I feel 10x fuller when I eat hot oats than cold overnight oats (see: ChatGPT’s vaguely scientific explanation of said feeling below).

    

  • Branding and vibes. I love the retro vibe of the packaging and iconic mullet-clad mascot. This is a brand I’d love to be caught whipping out of my bag—which is fortunate, because it’s a great on-the-go breakfast option. All ya need is a cup and some boiling water to prep!

Where to buy: Online or at Pop Up Grocer!

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✨ Special Guest ✨ Isabel Washington, Founder of Laurel’s

We're so excited to welcome Isabel to the newsletter! Isabel is the founder and CEO of Laurel's Coffee, a line of RTD canned lattes made with regenerative A2 dairy. She launched the brand in 2024 after struggling to find high-quality, gut-friendly options—so she created her own. Laurel's is the first RTD coffee brand to use A2 dairy (sourced from Alexandre Family Farms), which is easier on your tummy than conventional milk.

Let’s get into her pickup →

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What is it? Birdie, specifically the Apple Jasmine flavor but both are great. Gen Z founders based in LA, new product that's just a few months old

Where’d you purchase it, and why that channel? I bought it at Vicente Foods in LA, truly the best place to buy new brands iykyk, but ordering online is a great option and the price is entirely reasonable.

What about this product intrigued you? I've been really into tea recently and got connected to the founders through the LA CPG ecosystem and wanted to support the product. I love the BFY tea movement that's going on (Waku, halfday etc) and love the clear Asian inspiration and flavors that aren't just raspberry, lemon etc.

Why do you love it? How light it is!! I love the slight carbonation and it’s genuinely so refreshing and chuggable. Love a good switch up from the norm of the prebiotic soda!!

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In this week’s episode of The Curious Consumer, we chat about how lip balm is everywhere, energy drinks for women, and what’s going on with Instacart’s pricing. Check it out here:

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Thanks for reading! Anything you think we should try for an upcoming edition of Express Checkout? Email us at hello@expresscheckout.co

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