Before the pandemic hit, I was all about that online grocery shopping life. Your girl is all about getting things done, living her best life, and saving time while we’re at it. So of course, Thrive Market was on my radar. And after a year of use, it felt like it was time to do a review for the group.
I will give the disclaimer that this post is NOT sponsored. However, I do have an affiliate link with Thrive. So if you decide to sign up via my link, you’ll be supporting WSS and Asher’s affinity for shoes. RIP my new Express heels. Let’s get started!
What Is Thrive Market?
Thrive Market is an online grocery store. Think Sam’s Club meets Whole Foods. You get the benefits of discounted healthy food with the ease of filtering things based on dietary preference. But you also get the range of options that you might find at a health foods store.
How Much Does Thrive Market Cost?
Currently, the membership cost for Thrive Market is $59.95 per year or $9.95 per month. Free shipping is available on orders over $49.
However, you get your first month plus a discount on your first order.
Is Thrive Market Cheaper Than The Grocery Store?
Yes and no. Concise answer, right? Before I made the Thrive Market leap I spent MONTHS comparing the cost of my cart on Thrive to what I was paying in stores. And honestly, it’s really all about what you’re buying and the quantities.
I shop at all the places in the WSS household because it kind of comes with my job. I find that you can consistently get cheaper prices on things like canned tomatoes and bars. And if you’re a frequent user of instacart, you’re definitely going to save and still have the convenience of getting things delivered to your doorstep.
Keep in mind, I eat a paleo-based diet so I don’t typically compare the cost of grains and other common pantry staples. But for the healthy items that tend to be a bit pricier (i.e. bone broth, organic spices, paleo granola), Thrive Market is cheaper.
Thrive Market Vs. Vitacost?
One of the biggest draws to Thrive Market that originally had me taking the plunge was the ability to order clean wine. I don’t tend to drink often but I find when I do I feel SO much better when I drink clean wine. The lower sugar content makes it easier for my body to process and I don’t have a sugar hangover the next day.
Unfortunately, Vitacost doesn’t currently sell clean wine. They also don’t sell a few of the other items we’ll talk about in this review. They are really an online pantry shopping option but with good prices.
That being said I would say this one comes down to what you’re really going to want to order. The overall cost of your cart will probably average the same. But if you’re looking for clean wine options or more store brand paleo snacks (we’re obsessed with these), then Thrive is your winner.
What Can You Buy On Thrive Market?
Pretty much everything but produce at this point. Pantry items, clean beauty, supplements, organic meats, wine. They are constantly expanding their selection.
IS THRIVE MARKET’S WINE GOOD?
Yes! If you’re someone who really prefers to buy one individual bottle at a time, Thrive Market’s bulk method probably won’t be for you. However, if you’re open to getting a variety pack of a certain type, then it’s fab. I have yet to have a wine I hated.
HOW DOES A THRIVE MARKET MEMBERSHIP WORK?
Essentially, a Thrive Market membership gives you access to healthier foods for a discount. You can either pay monthly or yearly for membership. Most members save an average of $30 per order. My current savings amount is around $260.
There’s also the option to build up Thrive cash. This will be noted on an item. So if you purchase something marked with Thrive cash, you’ll earn money to spend on your next order.
WHAT ARE THE BEST ITEMS TO BUY FROM THRIVE MARKET?
I buy a lot of our snacks and random pantry staples from Thrive Market. I find it super helpful for finding amazing paleo snacks that aren’t really available anywhere else. Plus, it’s great for discovering new options.
Some of the things we order regularly: Crackers, Bread, Cookies (All from Simple Mills), Paleo Cake Mix, Coconut Sugar, Paleo Snacks, Coconut Milk without guar gum, Coffee Beans, Wine, Hu Chocolate (Gems & Bars), Brownie Thins (new obsession)
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN ORDER FROM THRIVE MARKET?
I find that most orders ship within a day or so of placing them. If you order wine, they will require someone to sign for it. But I find that if I place an order on Friday, I have everything by Tuesday or Wednesday of the next week.
DO YOU REALLY SAVE MONEY WITH THRIVE MARKET?
Yes
IS THRIVE MARKET CHEAPER THAN AMAZON?
Yes and no. It depends on the item and if you’re buying in bulk or not. Amazon also has a subscription option that lets you save monthly on things that you buy consistently. We love this and use it for dog food, fake tan, and other random bits.
For the everyday pantry stock where you only want one or two of something, Thrive is your winner. But for some of the items that you want bulk of (i.e. SmartSweets, Lillabee), it’s always worth double checking.
However, I will say that Thrive does an amazing job with packaging. It’s something I find is seriously lacking with our monthly amazon subscription order. So if you want to make sure your groceries arrive intact, go Thrive.
DOES THRIVE MARKET SELL FROZEN FOOD?
They currently sell frozen meats and fish.
DO they HAVE MEAT?
They do!
DOES THRIVE MARKET HAVE PRODUCE?
Not currently.
CAN YOU CANCEL?
You can. However, you’ll need to chat with someone to do it.
WHAT’S THE THRIVE MARKET SHIPPING LIKE?
The ultimate test of any online grocery shop is the ability to send chips in the mail and not have them get crushed. Or chocolate – I live in Florida so things tend to melt. Even glass, can you ship it without it breaking?
Thankfully, Thrive has done great with all of these challenges. My chocolate comes with cool packs, my glasses are very protected and there are dividers so my chips don’t crumble. Thank goodness!
PROS OF THRIVE MARKET
It makes ordering groceries even easier. As someone who lives in a small town, the closest Whole Foods is about an hour away. And while I love our health food stores, they aren’t always the most affordable. Thrive Market provides access to healthier alternatives with a bit of saving.
You also get the added benefit of access to foods for specialty diets. I’ve eaten a paleo-based diet for the better part of the last 4 years and it can often be hard to find fun new snacks. I’m constantly discovering and trying new things on Thrive.
CONS OF THRIVE MARKET
Personally, I’m a fan of pasture-raised poultry and grass-fed & finished beef. If you’ve listened to our episode with Grass Roots Coop, you’ll know why. So I don’t tend to buy my meats from Thrive.
The only other con would be that you’re limited to bulk buying things like wine. There’s not really an option to try just one bottle.
ANYTHING ELSE?
I understand that wellness as a whole falls into the privilege category. The price point isn’t always going to be the most accessible for everyone. That being said I’m a fan of Thrive Market. It’s made living a healthy life in a small town easier. It’s helped me keep those in my house inspired with new fun foods. And it’s also helped save me time and money.
I would 100% recommend Thrive to anyone who is looking to streamline their life or just make healthy eating easier. Plus, getting clean wine delivered right to your door is always a bonus.
But I’d love to hear from you. Let me know in the comments below if you’ve tried Thrive Market. And if you have any questions or want suggestions on what to order, come chat with me on Instagram. I try to share my orders on stories when I get them! Until next time. Xoxo, Savvy
