Thrive Market Review
Table of Contents
About Thrive Market
I try to eat as clean as I can[1], but sometimes it’s tough to find what I’m looking for—or when I do, it’s too expensive.
Thrive Market is an e-retailer that carries organic, non-GMO, non-toxic, and sustainable products from brands like Primal Kitchen, Acure, and Annie’s and offers them through a subscription.
I think sustainable and quality goods should be accessible to all, and that’s something many retailers are working towards.
Green consumers often accept quality trade-offs to choose green alternatives, but this isn’t an issue with Thrive Market.
Stocking a range of healthier, greener goods, it’s easy to find everything you need in one spot.
With a steady following of 818K on Instagram, Thrive Market has been spotlighted by various media publications, including PopSugar, Forbes, Fast Company, and Business Insider.
In the mood to browse the Thrive Market shelves?
Before you grab a cart, I suggest reading this Thrive Market review first to get an in-depth look at the company. I’ll go over their products, subscription plans, customer ratings, and more to help you decide if they’re worth checking out.
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Overview Of Thrive Market
Whether you know it or not, healthy shopping is a game that the food industry doesn’t want you to win, as it has often worked to make nutritious eating inaccessible, inconvenient, expensive, and confusing.
I’ve spent a lot of time tracking down my favorite healthy products, and more often than not, I question the high price tag.
By establishing Thrive Market in 2014 in sunny Los Angeles, California, founders Nick Green, Sasha Siddhartha, Gunnar Lovelace, and Kate Mulling set out to make healthy and affordable shopping easier for everyone.
Dedicated to providing premium foods made out of quality ingredients, Thrive Market focuses on environmentally friendly products[2] and ensures that the brands they carry contain no GMOs, are ethically sourced, and are affordable for everyone.
That’s something I can really get behind.
As the founders say in their “Quality Manifesto” on the Thrive Market website, “To us, the health of a product is intrinsically tied to the health of the people who produce it, and the health of the planet.”
Now with 1,000,000 members and counting, Thrive Market has expanded their healthy-living mission to include goods as well as food, including cosmetics, items for kids, and pet necessities.
The company is also committed to giving back to the community. They partner with hundreds of hunger organizations, food banks, and nonprofit programs to make sure their clients receive healthy essentials.
Before I dive deep into this Thrive Market review, let’s go over some highlights:
Highlights
- Hundreds of grocery brands that are affordable, organic, sustainably and ethically sourced, and non-toxic (all available from the comfort of your own home)
- 5,000+ food, beauty & home products and 90+ lifestyle categories
- Thrive Membership comes with free plans customized for low-income families, students, teachers, veterans, and first responders
- 30% off organic groceries
- Carbon-neutral shipping
How Does Thrive Market Work?
I’ll admit it, I love grocery shopping simply because I love food. What I don’t love: wonky carts, stretching to reach the top shelf, and waiting in checkout lines—not to mention paying $3 for one bell pepper.
With Thrive Market, customers can do their grocery shopping from the ease of their own homes, on the condition that they sign up for a Thrive Market Membership—just know that merchandise cannot be purchased on a one-time basis.
I should note though that the company offers a 30-day Thrive Market free trial to help first-timers decide if the program is right for them, which, I think is a pretty awesome feature.
But even after the trial is done, Thrive’s membership cost is super manageable. If you want to continue shopping with Thrive Market, you can pay as little as $5 per month for your membership, and you have the option to pay $60 a year in advance.
You’ll also get bonuses, like 25%-60% off retail prices for an average savings of $30 for every order.
Thrive Market has a Savings Guarantee that promises, “If you don’t make back your annual membership fee in savings by the end of your membership year, they’ll automatically give you the difference in Thrive Market credit after your annual renewal.”
The best company ever? I’m thinking so because the advantages don’t stop there: for every customer that signs up for a membership plan, Thrive Market will also provide a free subscription to a person in need.
Although customers cannot pause or temporarily disable their membership, you can order as often as you like with no frequency requirements or limits.
Additionally, members can choose the “autoship” option, which sets up a recurring shipment order to ensure you never run out of essentials, ie. those gluten-free vegan cookies for your much-needed 3 pm work break.
For more details on how to manage your Thrive Market login and account, visit the “How it Works” page on their website.
The road to health is not an easy venture—I’m currently somewhere rocky and steep. Thankfully, Thrive Market has your back when it comes to grocery shopping.
Hosting over 5,000 products from hundreds of brands, this marketplace offers a great selection of food, beverages, supplements, cosmetics, and other goods.
If you’re overwhelmed by the options, you can peruse Thrive Market’s carefully curated selections, which can be filtered to suit over 90 dietary and lifestyle needs. They really went ahead and thought of everything.
From delicious nut butter smoothies to vegan plant protein powders, up next in this Thrive Market review, I’ll go over some of the bestsellers that you may want to add to your cart.
Thrive Market Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides Review
I’m seeing collagen in everything right now. From coffee to gummies, it’s an essential building block for our bodies, so it makes sense to stock up.
Formulated to promote healthier skin, hair, and nails, Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides can be mixed into your afternoon smoothies for an added health kick.
Containing no GMOs, this daily supplement is sourced from 100% pure grass-fed, pasture-raised bovines.
This fine-ground powder is designed to be tasteless, textureless, and hydrolyzed, which means that it can be easily dissolved into oatmeal or coffee.
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are seeds or plants whose genetic material has been manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering.
These Thrive Market collagen peptides are keto-friendly, paleo, and gluten- and dairy-free, and cost $25 for a 20 oz. packet or $19 for 20 stick packs (compare that to the original retail price of $37).
For those that like a hint of something sweet, I was excited to find that this supplement also comes in three tasty flavored varieties: mocha caramel, matcha mint, and vanilla, which come in pouches that vary from 10 to 11.07 oz. and cost $20 each.
What customers are saying: “This stuff is amazing- delicious mixed in with my afternoon iced coffee. Surprisingly sweet. Dissolves quickly even in cold beverages. Great yogurt mix-in too. Perfect for fall!”
Thrive Market Rightrice Original Review
Rice and I have a complicated relationship, so this product immediately caught my eye. I soon found out that this ain’t your regular bowl of rice.
Rightrice Original is a blend of rice with 90% nutritious vegetables, such as lentils, chickpeas, and green peas. Containing more protein, fiber, and fewer net carbs, this is a healthier alternative than the plain white original.
Protein is essential for a healthy lifestyle and diet because it is made up of amino acids, which our bodies use to repair and build muscles[3]. Protein is also vital for the body to manufacture hormones and enzymes, which are crucial to keeping body systems functioning.
Fiber[4], on the other hand, is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies cannot digest and serves as a regulator of blood glucose to avoid sugar highs or sudden flash food cravings.
It’s also gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, and vegan. Oh, and did I mention that it cooks in just 10 minutes on the stovetop? So it’s not only healthy but also super-convenient.
The best tip you may get in this Thrive Market review: transform it into a risotto by adding some vegetable stock and white wine during cooking. For a non-vegan option, pair it with oven-roasted chicken and a plate of hearty vegetables.
Change the way you think about your grains by picking up Rightrice Original in a 7 oz. pouch for $4.
What customers are saying: “Love this option to have on hand instead of rice. Easy to prepare and so delicious!”
Thrive Market Brown Sugar Replacement Review
I can’t get enough of brown sugar milk tea and cold brew coffees, but I’m trying to cut back on the actual sugar part. The Brown Sugar Replacement from Swerve saves the day, offering the same sweet sensation without any added calories.
Each portion is already measured out, so bakers and cooks can quickly mix it into their recipes without any need for mental math.
Part of the Thrive Market keto store, this unique form of brown sugar uses a blend of non-GMO erythritol and oligosaccharides, which are derived from fruits and vegetables.
Erythritol[5] is an organic compound also known as a sugar alcohol and is often used as a food additive and sugar substitute. It is now in high demand as a sugar replacement for health food products.
Oligosaccharides are sweet-tasting carbs composed of short sugar chains and are naturally found in fruits and starchy vegetables.
The benefits of this substitute show that the prebiotic properties positively affect the microflora in the gut[6], which gives countless benefits to human and animal health.
Feel guiltless in your sweet-tooth adventures by purchasing a 12 oz. bag of Brown Sugar Replacement for $8 (which knocks a crucial couple of bucks off its original retail value of $10).
What customers are saying: “I wasn’t expecting much but this really does act just like regular brown sugar! It’s maybe a touch less sweet. So far I’ve used it for baked goods and oatmeal, and it has worked fantastically. It also smells like normal brown sugar when you open the bag.”
Thrive Market Maldon Sea Salt Flakes Review
Going back to 1882, Maldon Sea Salt Flakes were a long favorite of gourmet chefs in London.
The brand originated in the English town of Maldon, located near the Blackwater River and the North Sea, which provided a mixture of freshwater and saltwater.
But here’s the part that really impressed me: Maldon salt developed such a reputation that Queen Elizabeth II herself eventually granted it a Royal Warrant of Appointment (the right to place royal seals on its products). I guess the Queen loves salt as much as I do.
Packaged in an 8.5 oz. box, these high-quality sea salt crystals have a fresh earthiness that leaves none of that bitter aftertaste you get with some other brands. Get the rich taste of history for $5, marked down from the original retail price tag of $7.
What customers are saying: “Probably the best sea salt flakes I’ve tried. Didn’t realize what a difference these would make on baked goods! Such a nice touch.”
Thrive Market Keto Pancake & Waffle Mix Review
A fresh stack of hotcakes or waffles always turns my morning blues around, though, I’m not stoked about their carb content.
This Keto Pancake & Waffle Mix lets you get that spring back in your step while keeping you light on the scale, with only 5 grams of net carbs and 160 calories per serving.
This Thrive Market birch benders keto mix contains a blend of almond flour, tiger nut flour, powdered eggs, cassava starch, and more. Some benefits from the ingredients and more reasons to pick up a bag:
- Almond flour is rich in Vitamin E and other antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes.
- Tiger nut flour is rich in nutrients and helps to promote digestive health and regulate blood sugar levels. In this review[7], the increased level of tiger nut flour in blends is shown to considerably increase its fat, bio active compounds and mineral content, which is nutritionally advantageous to consumers.
Packaged in a 10 oz. pouch, it costs only $6 compared to the original retail price of $8.
What customers are saying: “This pancake mix is delicious. Whatever I was expecting is not what I got. The pancake mix was very easy and fast to prepare and pancakes were very fluffy. The taste is so good that I don’t need to add syrup or other things to make them taste better.”
Thrive Market Tapioca Flour Review
Bob’s Red Mill Tapioca Flour is a great alternative if you’re gluten intolerant. This grain-free flour is made entirely of cassava root, which is ground into a starchy, slightly sweet powder.
Vegetarian, kosher, paleo, vegan, and non-GMO, this versatile flour can be used to thicken soups, make a sumptuous batch of pan-roasted dumplings, or in a buttery pie crust for dessert.
I’ve used it in cakes, cookies, and the like and am a huge fan of the results it produces. Gluten-free baking isn’t the same without it.
Thrive Market members can get this pantry essential in a 16 oz. bag for just $3, which gives them an 11% savings on the $4 standard retail price.
What customers are saying: “we use this frequently for pancakes and waffles as part of lectin free diet and its hard to find so glad thrive had it!! we order this regularly.”
Thrive Market Potato Starch Review
When you need flour not made with wheat, consider opting for Bob’s Red Mill Potato Starch instead. Containing only 40 calories per serving and low in cholesterol, it will help ensure that your heart won’t start palpitating when you add it to sauces or soups.
While I don’t recommend swapping it 1:1 in baking, potato starch is an excellent add-in to a homemade gluten-free flour blend.
Designed to tolerate higher temperatures than cornstarch, this nifty alternative adds moisture to baked goods and is essential in gluten-free cooking.
If you want to make good use of it, try whipping up handmade potato noodles for your next dinner. A 22 oz. bag costs $3, compared to the $4 retail standard.
What customers are saying: “I love Bob’s Red Mill anything. This is a great sauce thickener versus corn starch. It’s a good value.”
Thrive Market Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner Review
I know traditional cleaning products get the job done, but they give me a massive headache when I use them. While I can’t say it’s 100% their fault, it’s obviously not a good sign.
When it’s time to clean your kitchen countertops after a busy session of meal prep, steer clear of that disinfectant spray that’s probably loaded with harmful chemicals and opt for Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner instead.
This concentrated hard-surface all-purpose cleaner is made of plant-based surfactants, natural fir needles, and spruce essential oils.
Formulated without the use of pine stump oil, synthetic dyes, fragrances, or preservatives, this naturally based household disinfectant is powerful enough to scrub away stains but is gentle on skin.
Get a 32 fl. oz. bottle of Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner for only $13.
What customers are saying: “Sal Suds is the best liquid detergent I have used. It’s not harsh on my hands (but skin types vary), and the the relatively strong smell mellows out when dilluted in the sink. I think it deserves the “tough on grease, soft on hands” tagline more than that other detergent.”
Thrive Market Disinfecting Multi-Purpose Wipes Review
Kitchen counters, stovetop burners, and other food-contact surfaces can be magnets for bacteria.
Designed to kill 99.9% of household germs, including cold and flu viruses, Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Purpose Wipes are made to be used on hard, non-porous surfaces. These are a staple in my house, so I can attest to their quality.
These cleaning wipes don’t require a rinse, and as a bonus, they’re scented with essential oils and botanical ingredients to reduce that chemical smell.
This 70-count package of Disinfecting Multi-Purpose Wipes will run you $7, a slight markdown of the original $8.
For those who are concerned about hygiene (and who isn’t these days?), try pairing these Seventh Generation wipes with the Thrive Market Everyone Hand Sanitizer Spray.
What customers are saying: “I love these. I have very sensitive skin and am allergic to most cleaning products. These do not bother my skin.”
Thrive Market Membership Review
While I already went over the details about the company’s Membership in this Thrive Market review, there are a few other perks I think you should know about.
Each time you order a package of branded goods, a set amount of ‘Thrive Cash’ will be added to your account which can be used to gain access to exclusive deals and discounts.
Members can earn more Thrive Cash through products and brands that offer promotional deals on their websites.
If you’re a student, a veteran, or someone who needs a bit of help when it comes to paying for groceries, you may be eligible to sign up for the Thrive Gives Program.
For those who qualify, the company offers a Membership for free. You can find out more by visiting the Thrive Gives page on the website.
How Much Is Thrive Market?
Customers have two ways to pay for their Thrive Market Membership.
You can either pay in monthly installments of $5 or $60 for a year. Or, for those eligible for the Thrive Gives program, you are not billed for using the company’s services.
Thrive Market Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
For this part of my Thrive Market review, I did some digging to find out what customers think about the service.
Most of the reviews on the company website are devoted to the products themselves. Check them out:
- Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides: 4.7/5 stars from over 4,600 ratings
- Rightrice Original: 4.3/5 stars from over 250 ratings
- Brown Sugar Replacement: 4.8/5 stars from over 700 ratings
- Maldon Sea Salt Flakes: 4.9/5 stars from over 400 ratings
- Keto Pancake & Waffle Mix: 4/5 stars from nearly 800 ratings
- Tapioca Flour: 4.7/5 stars from close to 200 ratings
- Potato Starch: 4.8/5 stars from close to 150 ratings
- Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner: 4.8/5 stars from over 500 ratings
- Disinfecting Multi-Purpose Wipes: 4.3/5 stars from 400+ ratings
On the “About Us” page, I found customer testimonials that indicate an overwhelmingly positive customer response to the company and its membership plan.
Most have commented that the company’s subscription program is convenient and cost-effective for those looking for healthier food options for their families.
The company’s social activism is another great selling point for many. One reviewer wrote on their website:
“I want my family to have healthy and affordable options, but what makes me a bigger fan is that for every membership, Thrive Market gives a free one to a low-income family.”
I was happy to see that the rave reviews continue on external sites. On TrustPilot, Thrive Market earns a rating of 4.2/5 stars from over 3,199 reviews, while on Sitejabber, rankings from 2,030 reviewers give the company a rating of 4.1/5 stars.
Commenters on both websites have stated that they like the selection of products, and many added that they had positive experiences with customer service representatives:
“Not only do I no longer need to read every label before purchasing, but it’s also easy to adhere to my diet and nutritional needs. Thrive Market makes it easy! They also have amazing customer service, which is a key factor for me,” one TrustPilot reviewer wrote.
But, in my research for this Thrive Market review, I did find a few customer complaints.
On the company’s Facebook page, some buyers report less-than-stellar experiences with the customer service team.
On Sitejabber, customers in the past had issues canceling their memberships or received charges when signing up for a 30-day free trial.
Overall, the pros of Thrive Market overwhelmingly outweigh the cons and it seems that thousands of shoppers not only love what this brand offers but the brand itself.
Is Thrive Market Worth It?
Is Thrive Market worth it? Based on the thousands of rave reviews I came across for this Thrive Market review: YES.
The company has over 5,000 products readily available, most of which are far more reasonably priced than they are at your local supermarket.
Thrive Market also curates their selection to fit every dietary and lifestyle need, which means that if you’re kosher, vegan, or gluten intolerant, you’ve got a great chance of finding items designed for you.
The company is very transparent when it comes to ingredients and their supply chain, and it’s nice to see that they give back to the community with free memberships for low-income families and individuals.
The brand knows groceries are expensive and that new food delivery services are daunting and pricey.
What makes this brand different and worth it is the 30-day free trial option and the installment payments of only $5 per month instead of a lump sum.
Along with the advantage of ordering your everyday essentials online, I think Thrive Market’s range of sustainably sourced, organic, healthy, non-GMO products could very well change your nutrition habits for the better, at the very least.
Thrive Market Promotions & Discounts
While scoping out the brand’s website for this Thrive Market review, I found out that the company hosts frequent sales where you can find discounted items.
Right now, Thrive Market is also offering new members 20% off their 1st order + a free gift worth $50.
Members can receive a gift with their order when they fill out a 3-minute online quiz, and they can also access more savings by visiting the brand’s full list of products that are offered with Thrive cashback promotions.
Sign Up For Thrive Market
There are two ways that you can sign up for a Thrive Market membership on ThriveMarket.com. I’ll tell you how to do both:
- Click the “Login” button on the landing page and then press the “Register” link
- Visit the “How it Works” page, scroll down, and click “Join Thrive Market”
FAQ
What is Thrive Market?
Thrive Market is an online company that offers a curated collection of grocery brands and other goods.
All products are sustainably sourced, ethically made, organic, and free of harmful toxins. The company has even developed a line of products based on its principles, which now numbers 500 items.
Does Thrive Market accept EBT?
According to their website, Thrive Market does not accept EBT or food stamps.
Low-income families and individuals can register to join the Thrive Gives Program, which allows them to receive a free membership.
Is Thrive Market owned by Amazon?
I think you’ll be pleased to learn in this Thrive Market review that the company is not owned by Amazon.
In a 2019 article in Digiday, Thrive Market co-founder, Nick Green noted that Amazon’s purchase of organic food retailer, Whole Foods has allowed Thrive to set itself apart from the big chain grocery brand.
By remaining focused on curation and the sustainable local sourcing of Thrive Market organic products, its larger competitor is increasingly tipping toward its corporate owner’s centralizing, market-driven model.
What foods does Thrive Market have?
Thrive grocery offers a variety of food items. On the “Food” page on the company website, categories include baking, beverages, candy and chocolate, cereals and granolas, grains, pasta, bread, snacks, soups, and more.
How do I cancel my Thrive Market subscription?
For those wanting to know how to cancel a Thrive Market membership, contact the Thrive Market customer service team for instructions.
According to their website, after cancelation “your access to Thrive Market membership perks will continue until the end of your already paid membership period.”
To get further details on the topic of Thrive Market cancel membership options, you can visit their FAQ page.
Does Thrive Market have free shipping?
Shipping is as equally as important as food is in this Thrive Market review. I found that the company offers free shipping for different price points depending on what’s in your order. I’ll break it down below:
- Grocery: free over $49, anything below is $6
- Frozen: free over $99, or $20 if under
- Wine: free over $79, orders under that amount $14
New members are entitled to free shipping on their first order of $25+.
How long does Thrive Market take to ship?
Thrive Market is only available to those living in the contiguous US. Most orders typically arrive within 2 to 3 business days.
Customers will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number so that they can monitor their packages.
You can also track your purchases through the Thrive Market app. Note that delivery estimates do not apply to frozen meat, seafood, or clean wines.
Does Thrive Market accept returns?
Thrive Market does not accept returns after an order has been shipped.
If you have questions or concerns about a particular item, you can reach out to their customer service team within 21 days to help remedy the issue.
Digital downloads, gift cards, memberships, and final sale items are also ineligible for refunds.
How To Contact Thrive Market
To learn more about Thrive Market products, you can contact their team through the following methods:
- Phone: (866) 419-2174 (Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm PST)
- Email: [email protected]
- use the Chat Function on the website
We recommend Hello Fresh, which is a favorite among many. You can also check out these other great brands:
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Article Sources
- Ambwani, S., Shippe, M., Gao, Z. and Austin, S.B. Is #cleaneating a healthy or harmful dietary strategy? Perceptions of clean eating and associations with disordered eating among young adults BMC Journal of Eating Disorders, 7(1)
- Bhate, S. and Lawler, K. Environmentally friendly products: Factors that influence their adoption ScienceDirect Technovation, 17(8), pp.457–465
- Lonnie M, Hooker E, Brunstrom JM, Corfe BM, Green MA, Watson AW, Williams EA, Stevenson EJ, Penson S, Johnstone AM. Protein for Life: Review of Optimal Protein Intake, Sustainable Dietary Sources and the Effect on Appetite in Ageing Adults PubMed Nutrients. 2018 Mar 16;10(3):360
- Barber TM, Kabisch S, Pfeiffer AFH, Weickert MO. The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre PubMed Central Nutrients. 2020 Oct 21;12(10):3209
- Regnat K, Mach RL, Mach-Aigner AR. Erythritol as sweetener-wherefrom and whereto? PubMed Central Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2018 Jan;102(2):587-595
- Hemarajata P, Versalovic J. Effects of probiotics on gut microbiota: mechanisms of intestinal immunomodulation and neuromodulation PubMed Central Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2013 Jan;6(1):39-51
- Yu Y, Lu X, Zhang T, Zhao C, Guan S, Pu Y, Gao F. Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.): Nutrition, Processing, Function and Applications PubMed Central Foods. 2022 Feb 19;11(4):601
My order was made 10 days ago and still has not arrived via their $49 free shipping. When I inquired, I was told orders under 9 pounds (mine was 7.8 lbs) get handed off by FedEx to their parcel post or something like that and will take 7 to 10 DAYS to be delivered. They put all the blame on FedEx even though they are the ones who choose the shipping. So their $49 free shipping is free, but 10 days for a delivery? Get real.