Are you tired of wandering endless grocery aisles, searching for clean, organic products that don't break the bank? That's exactly how I felt before discovering Thrive Market's online shopping experience. As a Thrive Market member for years, I've found which products truly deliver on quality, value, and taste.
In this guide, I'll review Thrive Market's best products, from baby essentials to pantry must-haves, and share my honest take on whether a membership is worth your money.
What is Thrive Market?
Thrive Market is an online membership-based marketplace specializing in organic, non-GMO, and sustainable products at wholesale prices. Think of it as an entirely online cross between Whole Foods and Costco. Its mission is to make healthy living accessible and affordable for everyone.
The platform offers thousands of products in categories such as food, supplements, household goods, beauty items, and pet supplies. Every product undergoes a strict vetting process to meet Thrive's quality standards.
One thing that separates Thrive Market from other online grocers is its membership model. You'll need to join their membership program (monthly or annual options available) to shop their catalog, which might seem like an extra hurdle, but there's a purpose behind it. This subscription approach allows them to offer products at 25-50% below retail prices.
What are the Best Thrive Market Products?
Let's examine the star performers in different categories. These recommendations are based on personal experience and careful consideration of quality, price, and customer feedback.
For Baby
Cerebelly Baby Food Pouches
If you're a parent trying to provide nutrient-dense foods without the hassle of making everything from scratch, these pouches are a game-changer. A neurosurgeon designs them, containing brain-supporting nutrients that growing babies need. Unlike many commercial baby foods, these don't contain added sugars or preservatives.
Amara Baby Food Yogurt Melts
These organic yogurt melts dissolve quickly, making them perfect for babies learning to self-feed. Made with real fruit and organic yogurt, they provides a healthier alternative to the artificially flavored options in most stores.
The melts come in resealable pouches, which help maintain freshness and make them convenient for on-the-go snacking. Parents consistently praise these for being less messy than other baby snacks while encouraging fine motor development.
Healthy Snacks
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
These crackers have transformed my snack game completely. Made with almond flour instead of wheat, they're naturally gluten-free but don't taste like a compromise. The texture is crisp and satisfying, and they come in several flavors, with the classic Sea Salt and Farmhouse Cheddar being particular standouts.
Lesser Evil Paleo Puffs
Looking for a guilt-free alternative to traditional cheese puffs? These grain-free puffs are made with cassava and coconut oil, providing a light, crunchy texture with clean ingredients. The "No Cheese" Cheesiness flavor is surprisingly spot-on despite being dairy-free.
While these might seem like a simple snack, finding clean options in the chip aisle is challenging. These puffs satisfy cravings without conventional brands' artificial ingredients or inflammatory oils.
Hu Kitchen Chocolate Bars
Everyone needs a good chocolate option, and Hu Kitchen bars are the best paleo-friendly chocolate I've tried. These bars are made without refined sugar, dairy, or soy lecithin and use simple ingredients like organic cacao, coconut sugar, and cocoa butter.
The Cashew Butter + Vanilla Bean and Simple Dark Chocolate varieties are outstanding. They're still a treat, but they are made with ingredients you can feel good about. Thrive Market typically offers these for about $4.50 per bar, saving you about $1.50 compared to specialty stores.
Pantry Staples
Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo
Regular mayonnaise typically contains soybean oil and added sugars, but this avocado oil-based version transforms a condiment from a guilty pleasure to a healthy fat source. It tastes remarkably like traditional mayo but with a cleaner ingredient list.
Native Forest Organic Coconut Milk
Finding coconut milk without gums or preservatives isn't easy, but Native Forest delivers a clean product with coconut and water. The creamy and rich texture makes it perfect for curries, smoothies, and dairy-free desserts.
Thrive Market offers this at nearly $1 less per can than other retailers, which quickly adds up if you use coconut milk regularly in your cooking. The quality difference is noticeable compared to standard grocery store brands, with a richer coconut flavor and better consistency.
Thrive Market Organic Olive Oil
Good olive oil is the foundation of countless dishes, and Thrive's house brand offers exceptional quality at a surprising price point. Their organic extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed and has a peppery finish that indicates high polyphenol content.
Rao's Homemade Pasta Sauce
While not exclusive to Thrive Market, Rao's sauce deserves mention because the price savings are substantial. This premium pasta sauce contains no added sugars and tastes remarkably homemade, with perfectly balanced flavors.
Personal Care
Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap
This multi-purpose soap is legendary for a good reason. One bottle can replace several products in your home, from body wash to household cleaners. The concentrated formula means a little goes a long way, and the pure ingredients are kind to sensitive skin.
Thrive Market offers various sizes and scents at $2-4 less than retail prices. The peppermint and lavender varieties are classic favorites, but the unscented option is excellent for those with sensitivities.
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub
Finding effective natural skincare that doesn't cost a fortune can be challenging, but this scrub delivers professional-level results at a reasonable price. The combination of sea kelp and French green clay works to exfoliate and detoxify without harsh chemicals.
Schmidt's Natural Deodorant
Switching to natural deodorant can be intimidating, but Schmidt's formula works. Free from aluminum and artificial fragrances, it uses plant-based powders and essential oils to control odor effectively.
The variety of scents is impressive, with Lavender + Sage and Bergamot + Lime being standout options. At $4.99 on Thrive versus $6.99 elsewhere, it's an affordable way to clean up your personal care routine.
Household
Parchment Paper
Sustainable kitchen products often come at a premium, but this unbleached, compostable parchment paper is reasonably priced on Thrive Market. It performs perfectly for baking and roasting while avoiding the chlorine bleach used in conventional versions.
The difference might seem small, but these swaps add to a healthier home environment. Thrive's price savings of about $1-2 per roll makes this practical swap even more appealing.
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent
This plant-based detergent effectively cleans clothes without harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. The concentrated formula means you need less per load, making it more economical than it initially appears.
Thrive Market typically offers this for $3-4 less than grocery stores, and the Free & Clear variety is perfect for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Stasher Reusable Silicone Bags
While these represent a larger upfront investment than disposable plastic bags, they'll save you money. These durable silicone bags are dishwasher, freezer, and even oven-safe, making them incredibly versatile.
Thrive Market offers various sizes at $2-3 less than other retailers. I've had some of mine for over three years, and they are used daily, making them one of the most sustainable investments I've made.
What are the Pros of Thrive Market?
Significant Price Savings
The wholesale pricing model delivers savings, especially on organic and specialty products. I've compared my receipts to local stores and consistently save 25-30% on my grocery bill.
Quality and Curation
Everything meets strict quality standards, eliminating the need to scrutinize labels. This curation saves both time and mental energy when shopping.
Convenience
Shopping from home and having groceries delivered to your door is invaluable, especially for busy households or those without easy access to health food stores.
Thrive Gives Program
Thrive Market donates a membership to a low-income family, veteran, teacher, or student for every paid membership. This social impact component adds value beyond mere convenience.
What are the Cons of Thrive Market?
Membership Requirement
The upfront membership cost (approximately $60 annually) can be a barrier, though it typically pays for itself within 2-3 orders for regular shoppers.
Limited Fresh Options
While they've expanded into frozen meats and some produce, Thrive Market won't replace your local farmers' market for fresh ingredients.
Shipping Threshold
Orders under $49 incur a shipping fee, so you must strategically plan your purchases.
How Does Thrive Market Compare to Other Stores?
Thrive Market offers 25-50% savings on identical products compared to Whole Foods or specialty health stores. The price comparison with conventional grocery stores is more complex—while some specialty items remain more expensive than traditional alternatives, the quality difference is substantial.
Amazon's prices on natural products fluctuate widely, sometimes beating Thrive Market but often exceeding it, especially for specialty foods. Costco offers good deals on organic staples but has a much more limited selection of specialty diet-friendly options.
The real value of Thrive Market comes from combining the savings of a wholesale club with the specialized selection of a health food store, all with the convenience of online shopping.
Can I Look at Thrive Market Without a Membership?
You can browse Thrive Market's catalog without committing to a membership. This allows you to compare prices with your regular shopping destinations and determine if the savings would justify the membership fee for your household.
They occasionally offer new customers free trials or membership discounts, allowing them to test the service with minimal risk.
Conclusion
Thrive Market shines brightest when you regularly purchase organic and specialty diet products. For households committed to clean eating or managing dietary restrictions, the membership typically pays for itself within a few orders.
The standout categories are pantry staples, snacks, and personal care items, with exceptional quality-to-price ratio. While the membership model isn't for everyone, those who shop intentionally for health-focused products will likely find significant value.
Whether Thrive Market is right for you depends on your shopping habits and priorities, but it's worth serious consideration for health-conscious consumers looking to streamline their shopping experience while saving money.
