We Gave a Nutritionist $100 to Spend at Thrive Market — Here’s What She Bought

Thrive Market is a registered dietitian’s dream come true. Take it from me, a registered dietitian. For those of you who don’t know, Thrive is an online, membership-based marketplace that offers high-quality and sustainably packaged food, categorized by dietary preference. And everything can be purchased while sitting on my couch in sweatpants.

Convenience and comfort aside, the biggest reason why I love Thrive Market is because you can score some major discounts on some seriously high-quality food. By cutting out the middleman, Thrive Market offers 25 to 50 percent off retail prices on tons of organic, non-GMO, and sustainable products. One huge barrier to eating well is cost, so leaning on Thrive Market helps make eating high-quality food a little less expensive. (Note: Membership is $59.95 for the year, but every paid membership is matched with a donated membership to those in need; and the company estimates that the membership pays for itself in just two orders.)

Because $100 seems to be the sweet spot for lots of Kitchn readers when it comes to weekly grocery budgets, I set out to curate a $100 grocery cart at Thrive market. I was excited to see how far it could take me. And as it turns out, it’s pretty far! Here’s what I bought.

I love to keep these stuffed grape leaves stocked in my pantry to eat during at-home happy hours. They are filling and make me feel like I am on vacation on the Mediterranean. (A girl can dream, right?)

Buy: Divina Dolmas Stuffed Grape Leaves, $3.99 for 7 ounces

For busy weeknights, this sauce is a lifesaver. I simply toss in a protein and some veggies for a nourishing and easy dinner that my 5-year-old loves too.

Buy: Yai’s Thai Yellow Thai Coconut Curry, $6.99 for 16 ounces

I don’t just get groceries when shopping at Thrive Market — the marketplace also has an excellent selection of budget-friendly cleaning supplies. I am a big proponent of hand-washing to avoid food borne illness (and, um, COVID-19), so I always have a steady stream of this citrus-scented hand soap on deck.

Buy: Seventh Generation Mandarin Orange Hand Wash, $2.99 for 12 ounces

I try and choose sprouted grains whenever possible, so this popcorn (full of fiber and antioxidants) is a snack-time must. Buying kernels instead of pre-popped popcorn saves a ton of money — and air-popping it myself allows me to control how much salt I put on top.

Buy: Thrive Market Organic Sprouted Popcorn, $4.99 for 16 ounces

I make a point to eat seafood two times a week for the health benefits, but certain choices can be high in mercury. Safe Catch Wild Albacore Tuna is tested to a strict mercury limit (2.5 times more strict than the FDA mercury action limit) and is super-fresh and high-quality as far as canned fish goes.

Buy: Safe Catch Wild Albacore Tuna, $3.79 for 5 ounces

Made with organic oats, this dairy alternative adds a creamy texture to my recipes (and coffee!). There’s also a reduced-sugar version, if that’s your personal preference.

Buy: Pacific Foods Organic Oat Beverage, $2.99 for 32 fluid ounces

This organic chicken broth is so rich and full of flavor, without all the sodium. I keep Pacific’s Low Sodium Chicken Broth on hand as a go-to base for soups, risottos, and pasta dishes. 

Buy: Pacific Foods Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth, $3.49 for 32 fluid ounces

This coffee is organic, sustainably farmed, and sourced directly from farmers (at a great price point). What more can you ask for?

Buy: Thrive Market Organic Breakfast Blend Coffee, $7.49 for 12 ounces

Maple syrup is my sweetener of choice in everything including pancakes, smoothies, and even coffee. Not only does it lend an amazing maple flavor, but it also contains nutrients like manganese. Pure maple syrup can be a bit expensive, but Thrive’s comes at a great price. 

Buy: Thrive Market Organic Grade A Maple Syrup, $12.99 for 16 fluid ounces

Salsa is a staple in my pantry when I need to add a little kick to eggs, sandwiches, and other dishes. Organic salsa is low in calories, is fat-free, and pretty much pairs well with everything.

Buy: Thrive Market Organic Salsa, Medium, $3.79 for 16 ounces

I have never had a fresher-tasting roasted peanut than Thrive’s. Not to mention, peanuts contain a perfect combo of healthy fats, plant-based proteins, and important vitamins and minerals to keep you feeling full and satisfied after a handful.

Buy: Thrive Market Organic Dry Roasted and Salted Peanuts, $6.99 for 16 ounces

These organic ancient grain crackers made from red quinoa, brown teff, and amaranth are a perfect pantry staple to enjoy with tuna salad, cheese and crackers, or even just on their own. They’re also loaded with nutrients.

Buy: Thrive Market Organic Ancient Grains Crackers, $2.49 for 5.5 ounces

Comfort food is key this year (again), and this ramen is perfect in a pinch. Many other store-bought options are lacking in fiber, but this Lotus Foods ramen has 3 grams of it!

Buy: Lotus Foods Buckwheat Shiitake Rice Ramen with Mushroom Soup,  $1.79 for 2.8 ounces (I bought two, totaling $3.58)

Many traditional mayos are made with soybean oil — an ingredient that some people choose to avoid due to the health implications. Primal Kitchen’s mayo is made with avocado oil and is chock-full of healthy fats. 

Buy: Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo, $7.49 for 12 fluid ounces

As a dietitian, I know how important drinking an adequate amount of water is. But let’s be honest — plain water can be boring. Organic peppermint tea is a comforting drink that hydrates and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Buy: Thrive Market Organic Peppermint Tea, $3.49 for 16 bags

Since turning — ahem — 40, I am trying to include more collagen into my diet to help support joint and skin health. Purely Elizabeth adds collagen to their oatmeal cups, which is a super-convenient way to get my daily dose. Bonus? The cups also come with a packet of nut butter for extra protein.  

Buy: Purely Elizabeth Collagen Protein Oats Cup, Vanilla Pecan,   $2.79 for a 2-ounce cup (I bought two, totaling $5.58)

This “rice” made with chickpeas, green peas, and lentils is a simple way to sneak antioxidant-rich legumes into dishes. When cooked, this tastes just like fried rice, except with more fiber and less fat. 

Buy: Right Rice Medley Fried Rice, $4.99 for 7 ounces

High-quality extra-virgin olive oil is a versatile staple for any kitchen, but tends to be pricey. Thrive Market’s Organic EVOO knocks it out of the park in the flavor and freshness department — and the price point is pretty sweet too. 

Buy: Thrive Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $7.99 for 16.9 fluid ounces

Chewing on gum can help keep breath fresh and teeth clean. But many options are sweetened with aspartame or sugar. Pur gum is aspartame-free and is my go-to after my meals to help keep my breath fresh. 

Buy: Pur Gum Wintergreen, $3.79 for 55 pieces

This exercise taught me that splurgy pantry staples (like organic pure maple syrup and organic EVOO) are much more affordable on Thrive Market — especially considering what I would typically pay for similar-quality items at my local grocery store.

Of course, not every single item at Thrive Market is offered at a deep-discount, but considering those items that are, coupled with the convenience factor, you will still find yourself saving. And while a membership costs $59.95 a year, if you don’t make back that cost in savings by the end of the year, they’ll automatically give you the difference in store credit after you renew. That value alone is reason enough for me to keep shopping (and maximizing value!) at Thrive Market.

Bonus: Thrive Market is currently running a promotion for new sign-ups: New members get 25 percent off their first order and a free gift when they join. 

How would you spend $100 at Thrive Market?