Wow Ken! You've reviewed over 277 brands and have spotted 136! Tell our reader's a little about yourself.
Hey, I’m Ken! I work in branding and marketing, but at my core, I’m just a creative who’s obsessed with good design and great products. I live in Los Angeles, which means I spend an embarrassing amount of time wandering the aisles of Erewhon, convincing myself that discovering new brands counts as a hobby. I love innovative products, especially in the health & wellness and food space—if it comes in cool packaging and actually works (or tastes good), I’m sold.
What's your favorite part of being a Thingtester?
My favorite part of being a Thingtester is having a place to share all the cool brands and products I come across. Whenever I find something new that I’d normally want to tell all my friends about, I love being able to add it to my Brands I’ve Tested and leave a review. It’s fun knowing that my recommendations might help someone else discover their next favorite product. Plus, it’s the best way to keep track of all the brands I’ve tried, because let’s be honest, there are a lot!
What are your 5 favorite brands, and what makes them stand out to you?
That's probably the hardest question I could be asked! It would take me a while to narrow down my top 5 all-time favorite brands, so i'll just give you my 5 favorite right NOW.
1. Superpower - A cutting-edge at-home blood testing service that goes beyond standard lab work, giving you deep insights into your health and performance. I was torn between Function and Superpower but ultimately chose Superpower because of its more comprehensive testing, the marketplace for discounted supplements, and, honestly, just how well-designed and thoughtfully executed the whole experience is. A nurse came over and did an at-home blood draw, got my results within a week, and then had a virtual consult with a physician to break everything down. It’s such a cool, seamless way to understand exactly where you should be focusing when it comes to health optimization.
2. MAGNA - Before discovering Magna, I had only ever associated magnesium with sleep. But their formulas opened my eyes to the fact that there are multiple types of magnesium, each with different benefits. What makes Magna stand out is that it’s not your typical electrolyte drink—this isn’t just another Gatorade. It combines three forms of magnesium, key vitamins, and electrolytes for real, functional hydration. Plus, I’m a huge fan of the branding, and the flavors are insanely good—Sweet Tea Lemonade and Apple Juice are next-level addictive.
3. Timeline – Urolithin A is one of the most exciting longevity breakthroughs, and Timeline merges real science with great product design—two things I love. I kept seeing ads for it, and after diving into the research on Urolithin A, I finally decided to try it. I went with the powder sticks (though they also offer softgels), and it’s a super easy way to support mitochondrial function, which is key for energy production at a cellular level. Studies show Urolithin A can improve muscle endurance—even without exercise—by enhancing mitochondrial efficiency, making it a game-changer for longevity and performance. And of course, I have to mention the branding—because if I’m taking a supplement every day, I want it to look as good as it works.
4. Ugmonk - Thoughtfully designed work-from-home essentials that make productivity feel more intentional. I first came across Ugmonk through their Analog system, a beautifully simple way to organize daily tasks without digital distractions. But beyond that, their entire lineup—desk accessories, organizers, and even leather goods—is crafted with such attention to detail. Everything feels high-quality, purposeful, and minimal in the best way. Whether it’s their handcrafted monitor stands or workspace essentials, Ugmonk turns everyday office items into something you actually want to use.
5. Windmill – I appreciate any brand that takes an overlooked, everyday appliance and completely reinvents it—and Windmill does exactly that. They’ve modernized the fan, AC unit, and air purifier, making them not only smarter and more energy-efficient but also aesthetically clean and minimal (a rarity in this space). Traditional AC units are clunky and outdated, but Windmill’s design actually blends into your home. It’s the kind of innovation that makes you wonder why it took so long for someone to do it right.

