July 22, 2021: Brands spotted
Handpicked saffron, smart shower heads, make-at-home pottery, and six more brands spotted.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
Latest stories on Thingtesting
Hard seltzers have taken over. What will it take to win in the $4.5 billion category?
There are now more than 150 brands competing for customers and shelf space in the hard seltzer category. Which brands will win?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
The look of love: The rise of aesthetically pleasing direct-to-consumer vibrators and sex toys
In a bid to remove stigma, modern sexual wellness brands are designing vibrators and sex toys that are sleek and unintimidating.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Why direct-to-consumer brands are turning their customers into salespeople
Brands are trying to harness the power of the personal recommendation by turning their customers into sellers.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
How canned espresso martini brand Deloce is bringing back a '90s classic
Thingtesting checks in with Deloce cofounder Sean Zoka to go inside the brand and learn more about the canned cocktails space.
Melissa Li
Contributing Writer
July 15, 2021: Brands spotted
Vodka made from coffee fruit, "barefoot-inspired" shoes and products for people with cancer.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
A new wave of innovative skincare brands are reimagining the $130 billion industry
Skincare brands are pushing back against complex routines, reassessing everything from price points to packaging to streamline skincare.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
July 13, 2021: What the Thingtesting team is testing
What has the Team Thingtesting been testing? Read what we thought about Kinfield, Vacation, Magic Spoon and more.
Hannah Say
Head of Partnerships @ Thingtesting
Stocking the shelves: Why direct-to-consumer brands want to go wholesale
Four direct-to-consumer brands explain how they landed in Target, Whole Foods, Walmart and Nordstrom and how it effected their sales.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
How plant-based instant noodles brand Future Noodles is revamping a classic comfort food
Thingtesting checks in with Future Noodles founder Chef Carl Clarke to get his take on the functional foods space.
Melissa Li
Contributing Writer
July 8, 2021: Brands spotted
100% vegetable sneakers, pet meds by delivery, and street-food inspired, plant-based noodles.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
How do modern baby food brands win parents' trust?
How parents buy baby food is changing. How do online brands make their pitch?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Star power: Why direct-to-consumer brands are bringing celebrities on board
Entrepreneurial celebrities are no longer content simply being the face of a brand – they want to have a stake in its future.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Is Snapchat the last untapped advertising channel for direct-to-consumer brands?
Brands are experimenting with placing ads on the photo-sharing platform – but will it take off?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
July 1, 2021: Brands spotted
Rentable baby gear, sauces inspired by Pakistani flavors, and a skincare line designed with your DNA.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
Ready for takeoff: New brands launching in 2021
Here are 16 soon-to-launch brands that we're excited to see go live.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
The big business of helping people sleep better
More brands are tackling the $78 billion sleep sector by offering personalization and tech-driven solutions to help us rest.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Beyond blanding: The next big things you'll see in direct-to-consumer brand design
Three designers look into their crystal balls to predict the next big thing in direct-to-consumer brand aesthetics.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
June 24, 2021: Brands spotted
Four launches, a sauna blanket, organic products to boost plant growth, and more.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
What's an appearance on Shark Tank worth to direct-to-consumer brands?
Over 1,000 brands have pitched to the Sharks. What's it like inside the tank - and is it worth it?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
These direct-to-consumer entertaining brands want an invite to your next dinner party
From rentable tablescapes to gourmet catering, entertaining brands are making it easier than ever to host a party at home.
Natalie Sportelli
Head of Content
The art of the big, buzzy brand launch
Every new brand dreams of a viral launch day. What's behind the most successful debuts?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
June 17, 2021: Brands spotted
Ready-to-wear real and synthetic wigs, a new take on the padel racket, and flip flops made with renewable materials.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
Where are all the direct-to-consumer bridal brands?
The wedding industry generates a whopping $3 billion per year in the U.S. So why are there so few direct-to-consumer brands in the space?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Gender-fluid brands are moving beyond the binary and into the mainstream
In the world of modern brands, gender stereotypes are falling out of favor. Some brands are ditching the binary altogether.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Why brands are crazy for collabs
Brands are teaming up in creative ways to sell us unique, limited-run products. What's in it for them?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
June 10, 2021: Brands spotted
Elevated beach accessories, organic oatmilk, and carbon neutral mascara.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
Meet the DIY direct-to-consumer brands behind the home renovation boom
Online home improvement brands saw a boost in sales during the pandemic and show no signs of slowing down.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Why direct-to-consumer brands are going big on scientific research
Consumer brands are conducting their own clinical trials to help prove that they work. How much does this all cost – and is it worth it?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Smell you later: How do brands sell scents online?
Candles, incense and perfumes sold online can’t be sniffed until after purchase. So how do brands convince us to buy?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
June 7, 2021: What the Thingtesting team is testing
What has the Thingtesting team been testing? Coffee and some more coffee.
Hannah Say
Head of Partnerships @ Thingtesting
June 3, 2021: Brands spotted
A rocking desk stool, personalized name change kits, and hot sauce that goes in your coffee.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
What's the difference between all these refillable cleaning products?
Tablet, powder, and concentrated home cleaning products are flooding the market.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
These modern haircare brands are giving the $92 billion industry a makeover
New haircare brands are taking on legacy giants with innovative offerings that bring the salon to you.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Why brands want to customize everything
From books and perfume to skincare and handbags, brands are betting that personalization is the future of buying online.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
May 27, 2021: Brands spotted
Gender-neutral nail paint, tea seed oil, and headphones that measure your brain activity.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
What’s with all the direct-to-consumer sunscreen brands?
Five online sunscreen brands explain the differences between their products.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Meet the modern vitamin and supplement brands on a mission to hack our health
Today's pill merchants are honing in on more specific aches and pains to serve consumers and stand out in the market.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
After a yearlong layover, travel brands are ready for takeoff
After a year spent grounded, travel brands are ready to meet the large share of consumers in "revenge travel" mode.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Launch stories: Nori
"The world is reopening and people are wanting to look good and feel good again," says Courtney Toll, cofounder of steam iron brand Nori.
Natalie Sportelli
Head of Content
May 20, 2021: Brands spotted
Mushrooms grown in minifarms, a modern bourbon brand, and skincare by women of color, for women of color.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
These modern spice brands want to bring something new to your table
A new wave of spice brands is connecting consumers to flavors and freshness while offering more information on their origins.
Natalie Sportelli
Head of Content
Meet the brands turning to tech to deliver the perfect fit
By focusing on fit, brands are reducing returns, delivering on convenience, and making their products more inclusive.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Why brands are getting weird on social media
Exclusive content on OnlyFans, ditching Instagram, and replying to rude comments on TikTok are just a few ways brands are ditching the social media playbook.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
May 13, 2021: Brands spotted
100% natural latex condoms, custom prescription skincare, and organic cold-pressed juice shots.Â
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
Why brands are putting QR codes on everything
With QR codes, brands are connecting consumers with digital experiences, quick checkouts, and more product information.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Where are all the cool brands for cats?
Dogs have long dominated the world of modern pet brands. Which brands are serving the 42 million households with cats?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Why brands are going big on pre-orders
Pre-orders have a lot of pluses for brands - like more cash upfront and less waste - if their customers are willing to wait. Inside how three brands approach pre-ordering.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
May 7, 2021: What the Thingtesting team is testing
What has the Thingtesting team been testing? Mostly, food for dogs and food for humans.
Hannah Say
Head of Partnerships @ Thingtesting
May 6, 2021: Brands spotted
Freeze dried ice cream, fashion-forward house slippers, and refillable cleaning products cutting down on single-use plastic.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
Building for boomers? These brands are looking beyond Gen Z and millennials
Consumers 40 and up don’t always see themselves reflected in the world of modern brands. Now that’s changing.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Meet the tequila and mezcal brands serving a new generation of drinkers
As interest and money pours into tequila and mezcal brands, consumers are getting more discerning with their spirits. What does it take to stand out?
Natalie Sportelli
Head of Content
The complicated business of delivering flowers to your front door
Online flower delivery brands are cutting out the middleman and tapping into customer data to reduce waste and costs for consumers.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
April 29, 2021: Brands spotted
Inclusive body makeup, cakes with same-day delivery, and fashion-forward plus size clothing for men.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
Why brands born overseas have their sights set on the U.S.
British brands Ugly Drinks, Floom and Bybi share what it takes to build a successful business in the U.S.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Brands are betting on adaptogens and nootropics to supercharge our wellbeing
"Functional" brands are tapping into ingredients like ashwagandha to reduce stress and enhance our state of mind.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Launch stories: Steep & Mellow
Steep & Mellow taps into adaptogens and nootropics for its tea, which is wrapped in sustainable packaging and 1970s nostalgia.
Natalie Sportelli
Head of Content
What's the deal with at-home blood tests?
At-home blood testing brands are giving us insights on our health by way of finger prick tests. What should consumers know?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
April 22, 2021: Brands spotted
Hemp-based natural sleep aids, packaging made from soap, and children's clothes designed by engineers.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
Returns aren't sustainable, so how are brands working towards a solution?
Returns for items bought online are costly for the environment and brands themselves. How are companies innovating around returns?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Meet the brands taking upcycling mainstream
Brands are increasingly launching new lines – or even entire businesses – around giving trash a second chance.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Ask an expert: What materials are actually recyclable?
We're shopping online more than ever, and it’s generating a whole lot of waste. We asked the experts for advice on how to develop better recycling habits and reduce our waste creation overall.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Launch stories: Vacation by Poolside FM
New sunscreen brand Vacation is the first product from Poolside FM, a retro internet radio station with one million listeners.
Natalie Sportelli
Head of Content
April 15, 2021: Brands spotted
Celebrity cat food, on-demand, custom lipstick, natural wines by subscription, and more.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
This food is not what it looks like
As our appetite for plant-based proteins grows, the race is on to produce hyper-realistic, good-tasting products at a palatable price point.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Focused on fit, swimwear brands are making a splash online
Virtual fitting rooms, fit quizzes, and unconventional approaches to sizing have served as a secret weapon for online swimwear brands during the pandemic.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
How sustainably-sourced tinned fish company Fishwife is tackling a dusty pantry staple
“I think people have been hiding in the shadows, eating tinned fish,” says Fishwife cofounder Becca Millstein.
Natalie Sportelli
Head of Content
April 8, 2021: Brands spotted
Honey made from adaptogenic mushrooms, unisex perfume, and human-grade grooming products for dogs.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
Are continuous glucose monitoring devices the next big thing in biohacking?
A new crop of startups want to help you to learn from your blood sugar through continuous glucose monitors.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Why are brands building on the blockchain?
Beyond NFTs and crypto, a number of brands are finding ways to marry blockchain technology with the sale of physical products.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Why CBD brands are focusing on community to attract customers
To stand out online and navigate a complicated digital advertising landscape, CBD brands are focused on building community.
Natalie Sportelli
Head of Content
April 2, 2021: What the Thingtesting team is testing
What has the Thingtesting team been testing? Non-alcoholic spirits, at-home blood tests, and more.
Hannah Say
Head of Partnerships @ Thingtesting
April 1, 2021: Brands spotted
Shirts made from upcycled hotel linen, a modern incense brand, and makeup you can sleep in.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
These brands want to hack the way we hydrate
Water is good, but these brands say that adding electrolytes makes it even better.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
The art of buying artwork online
Online platforms are offering new ways to buy original artwork for our homes.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Ask an expert: What do we really need in toothpaste and brushes?
From all-natural ingredients to herb-infused formulas, the world of dental care is getting complicated. What do your teeth actually need?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
March 25, 2021: Brands spotted
Filet mignon made from plants, carbon neutral arch support, and kits for at-home sewers.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
Outdoor brands are gearing up for another stay-at-home summer
Interest in outdoor brands is on the rise as people plan for another summer spent in their backyards.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
A new wave of at-home fertility brands are tackling taboos
From ovulation trackers to sperm freezing services, at-home fertility brands are seeking to fill a health knowledge gap.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
The humble notebook gets its moment
Already on the rise before the pandemic, journaling and guided notebooks are helping stressed-out millennials be more mindful.
Natalie Sportelli
Head of Content
March 18, 2021: Brands spotted
Sustainable tees with carbon offsets, cold brew made with CBD, and organic hibiscus water.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
Why are so many brands texting me?
Why brands are blowing up our phones with new launches, discount codes, banter, and gifs.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Meet the brands helping millennials get organized
These brands are selling boxes, shelves, bins and more to help us tidy up.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Ask an expert: Do natural deodorants actually work?
We sniffed out the answers to all of your burning questions about natural deodorants.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
March 11, 2021: Brands spotted
Design-forward lockboxes, at-home keratin treatments, and handmade books created to collect stories for loved ones.
Jenny Gyllander
Founder
Performance apparel gets a modern makeover
Modern technical brands are hoping to tap into consumers' desires to wear their chosen sport on their sleeve.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Meet the brands getting in on the business of bacteria
As scientific knowledge of the microbiome grows, more brands have decided to go big on microbes.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
The real reason we’re breaking up with subscription brands
Subscription brands are communicating, but are they listening?
Natalie Sportelli
Head of Content
March 4, 2021: Brands spotted
Deodorants designed for athletes, oat milk chocolate bars, a brand that wants to replace paper towels with sponge cloths, and more brands spotted this week.
Thingtesting
The tricky business of selling ice cream online
Ice cream sales are up, but it’s not easy to get this frozen comfort food into the hands of online shoppers. How do ice cream brands do it?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
The race for ready-made meals hits the freezer aisle
The pandemic has given consumers a taste for ultra-convenient foods – and they’re finding them in the frozen food section.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Brands get tech savvy to deliver unique online shopping experiences
From interactive widgets to AR-powered apps, direct-to-consumer brands are using tech to make online shopping more fun.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
What does it mean to be a “carbon neutral” brand?
Brands are increasingly describing themselves as "carbon neutral". What does it actually mean?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
25 February 2021: Brands spotted
A cigarette case that helps you quit smoking, a hyper-local honey brand, bed sheets on subscription and more brand spotted this week.
Thingtesting
The 0.5%: Alcohol-free beer gets an upgrade
Booze-free beer has long suffered from a bad reputation. But zero alcohol doesn't have to mean zero taste
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Who decides what a "sustainable" brand is?
So many brands launching today describe themselves as sustainable. How can shoppers figure out who is telling the truth?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
18 February 2021: Brands spotted
A zero-waste grocery store expanding across LA, anti-microbial towels, super-luxe sneakers and more brands spotted this week.
Thingtesting
Meet the modern dentistry brands
Dentist appointments have been off the cards for much of the past 12 months, leading interest in at-home alternatives to surge
Sarah Drumm
Editor
11 February 2021: Brands spotted
A soap brand celebrating Mexican botanicals, a supplement company that's fighting the ageing process, oat milk chocolate and more brand spotted this week.
Thingtesting
Paws for thought: Pet food goes vegan and beyond
New pet food brands want to reduce the environmental impact of what’s being served up to our dogs and cats
Sarah Drumm
Editor
What's the difference between all these oat milk brands?
Oat milk's popularity has given rise to a number of product launches in the space, each with their own USP. So what’s the difference between them?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
4 February 2021: Brands spotted
A jewellery line starting at $20, rentable packaging, smart pill cases and more brands spotted this week.
Thingtesting
Why isn’t “blanding” bad for business?
Commentary around the same-ification of branding goes way back. So why don't brands mind looking like their competitors?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
28 January 2021: Brands spotted
Eggs made from chickpeas, snacks-by-subscription, a soda brand that's borrowing ingredients from cups of tea, and more brands spotted this week.
Thingtesting
Pattern, Iris Nova, Arfa: Who will be the next Unilever?
Direct-to-consumer businesses are bringing multiple brands under one umbrella. Why?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
New year, no carbs: Keto brands see a January boost
Every January, the “fresh start” mindset sees interest in keto-friendly food products spike.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
What even is the circular economy?
“Circular economy” is a phrase that’s coming up with greater regularity in relation to brand’s business models and mission statements – but what does it mean?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
21 January 2021: Brands spotted
Luxury cashmere loungeware, window-boxes-as-a-service, Alicia Keys' new skincare company and more new consumer brands spotted this week.
Thingtesting
Why are food and furniture brands selling merchandise?
From hot sauce companies shifting sweaters to soap businesses selling stationery, modern brands are slapping their logos on everything
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Lockdown babies: Designing new products while socially distancing
During the pandemic, several consumer brands have bridged the digital divide to create new products and collaborations
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Because he's worth it: Meet the modern skincare brands for men
Direct-to-consumer skincare brands are paying more attention to the needs of male consumers.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
14 January 2021: Brands spotted
A Gen Z skincare brands that wants to make sure its customers recycle, comfy socks from Australia, concentrated shampoos and conditioners, and other brands spotted this week.
Thingtesting
Week 1, 2021: Brands spotted
For our first brand round-up of the year, we've found shirt-sewing kits from London, intimate waxing patches from Los Angeles and a collection of cannabis storage units from Milwaukee.
Thingtesting
Betting on the business of hand sanitising
Hand sanitiser emerged as one of the hottest commodities of 2020 – in response, brands are finding ways to instil a sense of luxury into this functional product
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Looking forward: Brands launching in 2021
As we look forward to 2021, here are 12 yet-to-launch brands that we're excited to see hit the market next year.
Thingtesting
Looking back: Brands spotted in 2020
As 2020 draws to a close, we have curated a list of brands that reflect the mood of this unique year.
Thingtesting
Week 50, 2020: Brands spotted
Super-luxe spice racks, unisex fragrances, cookie dough that can safely be eaten raw and more brands spotted this week.
Thingtesting
Omsom’s cofounder Kim Pham on taking a stand as a brand
Cooking kit company Omsom, which means rowdy and rambunctious in Vietnamese, has built a loyal following by clearly stating its values
Sarah Drumm
Editor
New year, new me: Shopping to develop good habits
January 1 is the day that millions of people around the world kick new habits into motion. Which brands can help them stick to these new habits?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 49, 2020: Brands spotted
Ski boots that keep your feet warm, kits to make leather goods at home, a coffee brand concocted by college freshmen and more.
Thingtesting
Stocking up for a sober-curious Christmas
Sales of no- and low-alcohol drinks are snowballing in the run-up to the festive break.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Ceremonia: The hair care brand channeling Latinx beauty rituals
In October, Ceremonia launched with a mission to bring Latinx hair care rituals to the fore, and create a space where Hispanic consumers could feel authentically represented.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Choose your chemical: How are brands building better cleaning products?
A host of consumer brands have launched products that help us keep our homes clean without compromising on sustainability. But it’s not easy to bring these new formulas to market
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 48, 2020: Brands Spotted
This week, we've spotted a celebrity-owned skincare line (this time it's Pharrell), souped-up knitting kits and a brand that's focusing on foreplay.
Thingtesting
Week 47, 2020: Brands Spotted
This week, we've spotted a new type of nut milk, snacks made from insects and (yet another) puzzle brand featuring artist designs.
Thingtesting
The brands that want to be on our Christmas wish lists
A big part of convincing customers to shop online this Christmas will be a solid gift offering. We round up nine brands offering products and services specifically designed for gifting.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
What's the difference between all these DTC cookware brands?
There are a number of categories in the world of internet-born, direct-to-consumer brands that have seen an explosion. Cookware is one of them.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 46, 2020: Brands spotted
This week we've spotted alcohol-free wines, beers and ciders, artist-designed wallpaper and indoor-grown strawberries.
Thingtesting
What will the unboxing experience look like this Christmas?
Brands are coming up with festive packaging plans to make sure we can spread joy safely over the holidays.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Faculty: The cosmetics brand with men in its sights
With the right branding, a considered product range and enough hype, could men's make-up go mainstream?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Superkin: How do you sell maternity wear to modern mothers?
There’s a short window of time for a new brand to get in front of soon-to-be mothers. Superkin reckons its fresh take on the category will help.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 45, 2020: Brands Spotted
This week, we've spotted coffee that's kept in the freezer, a toothpaste dispenser and make-at-home bread kits.
Thingtesting
Modern menopause: The brands offering a fresh take on what it means to age
Meet the brands that want to change the conversation when it comes to the way women experience aging.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 44, 2020: Brands Spotted
This week, we've spotted a skin-cleansing humidifier, digital dresses and a YouTuber's instant coffee brand.
Thingtesting
Winepost: Launching a direct-to-consumer lockdown project
Monzo’s marketing VP Tristan Thomas has launched a wine subscription startup. How much crossover is there between banking and booze?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Ask an expert: Does my dog need chef-prepared food?
Brands like Butternut Box, Denzel's and Honey's are selling pet food that's good enough for humans to eat. Can our dogs really tell the difference?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Whiled: Girls’ Night In’s Alisha Ramos has launched a brand for downtime
Alisha Ramos has built a community of over 170,000 that believe staying in is the new going out. Now she’s making products for them with her new downtime brand, Whiled
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 43, 2020: Brands spotted
This week, we've spotted an electric bike with a retro design, a clean mezcal brand and restaurant delivery kit aggregator.
Thingtesting
From kitsch to cool: The brands selling arts and craft products
A number of brands that want to bring out our inner artist are setting up shop outside of Etsy’s orbit.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
What’s the thing with sustainable sneakers?
Brands large and small are launching their own take on sustainable sneakers. What’s behind all these new launches – and are they really better for the planet?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 42, 2020: Brands spotted
This week, we've come across a gifting service that's promoting black-owned businesses, an apparel brand for women who weight lift, and a collection of photoshoot props that double as home decor items.
Thingtesting
Kengos: A sustainable sneaker made (mostly) from plants
Kengos founder David Costello says building a sustainable brand is about making continuous improvements.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Ask an expert: How can I upgrade my home office?
The shift to remote working has made us reconsider how we use our homes.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 41, 2020: Brands spotted
This week, we've spotted a Swedish non-alcoholic drink, regenerative and biodegradable foodware, and a psychedelic puzzle brand from Italy.
Thingtesting
Bscly: The kits that help you get dressed in the morning
Holga Balina and Vit Abrams want to cut out life’s annoying distractions, starting with getting dressed in the morning.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Restaurant-to-consumer: Can the experience be sold online?
With diners hesitant to get back into restaurants, consumer brands are stepping in to provide an alternative.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 40, 2020: Brands spotted
This week, we've seen grow-at-home fruit and veg, sleep tonics and a condom brand that wants to promote gender equality within relationships.
Thingtesting
Spark Grills: Giving outdoor grilling an upgrade
Taste the meat – and the heat? Ben West, founder of Spark Grills, on why he decided to launch a smart charcoal and wood grill.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
What does a made-for-TikTok brand look like?
Instagram’s rise to popularity led brands to design their products with the grid in mind. Now TikTok is taking over, we’re starting to see a new genre of brand aesthetic.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 39, 2020: Brands spotted
This week we've seen a new platform that will provide everything you need to do DIY upgrades to your own home, a skincare line for children, and a brand that's going big on terry towelling.
Thingtesting
Topicals: The Gen Z brand that wants you to embrace your skin as it is
Products to treat chronic skin conditions aren’t inclusive – and they certainly aren’t fun. Topicals wants to change this.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Ask an expert: do weighted blankets really work for everyone?
Weighted blankets are touted as a cure for sleep problems and a way to reduce anxiety. What do experts really think of them?
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 38, 2020: Brands spotted
This week, we've spied ovulation trackers, made-for-mixing soft drinks, and an ostentatious concrete basin brand.
Thingtesting
Acid League: Building the foundations of a food brand on vinegar
Launched in August, Acid League wants to take over the shelf-stable food aisle, using vinegar to elevate flavours.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Meet the brands giving instant coffee a makeover
Instant coffee is no longer the brew of last resort, with a number of businesses innovating on quality, form and branding.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 37, 2020: Brands spotted
This week, we've spotted nutritional supplements for pups, ergonomic tech accessories and an energy bar brand that wants to do away with sugar highs.
Thingtesting
Champ: The “sex stuff” brand that wants to make condoms cool
Co-founder John O’Keeffe on how Champ plans to get people excited about safe sex
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 36, 2020: Brands spotted
This week, we've seen a new healthy cat food brand, a plaque-tracker that attaches to your smartphone, and a company that's using superfoods to help manage periods and pregnancy.
Thingtesting
Week 35, 2020: Brands spotted
This week, we've spotted a sports-themed "sex stuff" company, a curated wine subscription service and yet another beauty brand launched by a social media star.
Thingtesting
OffLimits: A cereal brand that’s reviving ’90s counterculture
A “character and community-first” brand brought to you by breakfast expert Emily Elyse Miller.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 34, 2020: Brands spotted
This week, we've come across swim caps designed to work with textured hair, sustainable-but-affordable t-shirts, and a new brand of air-dried dog kibble.
Thingtesting
Week 32, 2020: Brands spotted
This week, we’ve come across herbal subscription boxes, living vinegars, and a supplement brand that wants to coach its customers to better sleep.
Thingtesting
Week 30, 2020: Brands spotted
It’s beginning to feel a lot like summertime. This week, we’ve spotted a new brand selling precision charcoal grills, a comfy-to-wear SPF line, and an ice-cream company that’s focusing on bold, refreshing flavours.
Thingtesting
Week 28, 2020: Brands spotted
This week, we’ve spotted at-home pottery kits, designer dog beds, ultra-inclusive beauty products and a new brand selling sake (Japanese rice wine) by the can.
Thingtesting
Week 26, 2020: Brands spotted
Quality at-home coffee, CBD-infused bath powders and ultra-calming puzzles. This week we’ve spotted a number of brands that are refashioning products, processes and priorities to suit the modern world.
Thingtesting
School’s out: Products to educate and entertain young kids at home
Keeping kids entertained and engaged while staying indoors is no small task. These products may help.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
A new wave of modern wine clubs is taking off
Wine clubs are getting an upgrade, with brands like Winc, Vinebox and Good Pair Days reinventing the model for a younger audience.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 24, 2020: Brands spotted
One brand that really caught our eye over the past fortnight is Grounded – which arrived on the already crowded online houseplant startup scene in March.
Thingtesting
Just-add-water? Eco-friendly products take on a new form
From Blueland’s cleaning tablets to OWA’s powdered shampoo, dehydrated products are having a moment.
Sarah Drumm
Editor
Week 22, 2020: Brands spotted
Concentration potions, pre-packaged sourdough starters, and plant-powered spirits. COVID-19 may not be stopping new brands from launching, but some themes are emerging among those debuting during the pandemic.
Thingtesting
Beyond Peloton, Tonal, Mirror: What’s new in home fitness brands?
Stay-at-home orders are keeping people away from the gym, leading to a surge in home fitness equipment sales.
Sarah Drumm
Editor