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During pre-pandemic times, we admit that we almost looked forward to grocery shopping IRL. Something about wandering through the aisles with a chance of discovering something new, the sole focus on the task at hand (seriously, how often can we “unitask” these days?) and the vibrant colors and smells of the produce and floral sections …
But 365 days ago, everything changed and we’re now safely—and happily—devoted to services likeInstacartandAmazon Freshthat allow us toorder onlineand have our groceries delivered to our doorsteps. Quite possibly our favorite new supermarket BFF?Thrive Market, which, for the uninitiated, is kind of like a mashup of Costco, Amazon and Whole Foods (aka is this heaven?) The online, membership-only retailer stocks mostly nutritious and sustainably sourced products. Invest in a $60 yearly membership or a $10 monthly membership, and you can select from items that are about 25% to 50% cheaper than suggested retail price. Bonus: For each Thrive Market membership, the companygives a free membershipto a low-income family, first responder, teacher, student or veteran.
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We’re not the only fans, as Thrive’s thriving social media following proves. So for the2021 Golden Shelfie Awards, their first-ever Thrive Market best-products list, the brand tapped their 720,000Instagram followersto tell us which products are absolutely not to be missed. Drum roll, please …
The 12 Best Thrive Market Products of 2021, According to Customers
Ultimate Pantry Staple
Winner:Thrive Market Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Runner-up:Organic Valley Farms Organic Ghee
Ideal for high-heat cooking, this clarified organic butter is free of added hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. “Love the smooth texture and that it doesn’t need to be refrigerated,” says one reviewer. And if you can’t do dairy, you can likely stillget your ghee on: The clarifying process removes the milk solids that generally cause troubles with those who have intolerances. Rest easy as you slather it on toast or use it to sauté veggies, start anIndian-inspired entreeor cook eggs.
Best Supporting Sauce
Winner:Primal Kitchen Avocado Mayo
Most mayos start with canola or soy oil, but this unique keto-, paleo- and Whole30-friendly condiment is made with avocado oil, as well as cage-free organic eggs. To date, the sandwich spread, salad dressing-starter and sauce star has garnered more than 3,000 reviews—including from many fans who admit they made the switch from being Hellmann’s diehards to becoming Primal Kitchen’s newest big fans.
Runner-up:Whole30 House Ranch
Speaking of Whole30, this bottledsalad dressing/dip is a collab with the founder of the diet challenge (read more about Whole30 here). Its ingredient list includes certified-humane eggs, sunflower oil and a variety of herbs, plus no dairy, sugar or vegetable gums. “I have never liked any ranch dressing except Hidden Valley until this came along. I love it!” says one reviewer who recently purchased this ranch.
Sweet of the Year
Winner:UnReal Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars
As one fan describes them, like “Mounds, but better,” these mini candy bars are made with just three things: organic coconut, organic cassava syrup and dark chocolate. As a result, the organic and lower-sugar dessert is vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free. For real. (Not a fan of coconut?UnRealalso has very real other products available that pair chocolate with flavors like peanuts, almond butter, peanut butter, crispy quinoa and caramel-peanut nougat.
Runner-up:Smart Sweets Sweet Fish
If fruit snacks are more your style, these gummy candies promise all the flavor and nostalgia of the childhood favorite with a whopping 92% less sugar than regular Swedish Fish. One reviewer says, “We always have these for movie night!” Free of artificial sweeteners (this candy is made with allulose, a non-artificial sweetener), colors or sugar alcohols, each serving has just 3 grams of sugar. (Psst … berry is the most popular flavor, but Smart Sweets also has sour, sourmelon, sour blast and peach ring varieties.) Note: Even fans admit these tend to get stuck in your teeth, so chew with caution.
Self-Care Superhero
Winner:Dr Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer
We were reminded time and time again during 2020 (and into 2021) thathand hygieneis crucial. And when soap and water are unavailable,hand sanitizerslike this sensitive-skin-friendly spray can save the day. “I love the smell of the lavender and much better than using regular DRYING hand sanitizer! I always have to have this on me at work,” one fan says. Made with organic ethyl alcohol instead of harsher chemicals, and infused with glycerin to soften skin, this hand sanitizer scores its calming lavender aroma from organicessential oils.
Runner-up:Thayers Witch Hazel Toner
Speaking of pandemic-perfect skin care products, “I love this toner for cleansing my face afterwearing a maskall day at work. When I have blemishes starting—or full-on zits—I’ve also noticed that it calms the inflammation quicker than just about anything else I’ve tried,” one reviewer says. Since 1847, Thayers has been offering organic herbal blends, and this alcohol-free, antioxidant-rich formula is infused with witch hazel to help maintain clearer pores. Aloe vera makes it hydrating and ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Best Dressed
Winner:Thrive Market Organic Raw Creamy Highland Honey
“The flavor and creaminess of this honey is excellent! Yum! Love it in my tea and oatmeal,” a fan says of this thick and rich liquid sweetener. Sourced from hives in Mexico and full of tropical flavors, this honey is a hit spread on toast, mixed into smoothies or even as part ofhomemade bread recipes, according to Thrive Market members who have purchased it.
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Runner-up:Thrive Market Organic Tigernut Flour
If all-purpose has zero purposes in your life—say, you have celiac disease or are gluten-intolerant—try thisgluten-freeand grain-free flour. The Thrive Market brand’s version is much more affordable than you’ll find at other retailers. It still packs in rich yet subtly nutty flavors, though. “Tigernut flour is great for blending with other alternative starches for delicious muffins, breads and even brownies. Love Thrive’s competitive price on an expensive ingredient,” a fan adds.
The Fan Favorite
Winner:Hu Salty Dark Chocolate Bar
Out of hundreds of Thrive Market products, this 70% cacao sea salt-spiked chocolate bar was voted No. 1 overall! Made with zero refined sugar, palm oil, cane sugar, sugar alcohols, dairy, emulsifiers or soy lecithin, a couple of squares are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, reviewers confirm. “SO GOOD! And vegan and paleo—mind blown,” one says.
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Runner-up:Chomps Grass-Fed Beef Sticks
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