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Navigating healthy eating can be confusing with so many different labels and ingredients to consider. Thankfully, when it comes to eating organic and non-GMO food, Thrive Market and similar retailers make it easy to find what you’re looking for. If you’re just getting started to finding healthy food online, this guide will help you learn the ropes quickly.
Understanding Labels
First things first: understanding food labels can get frustrating. Should you look for organic or non-GMO? How can you tell if a food is really organic, or just has some organic ingredients? What does the term “clean” really mean?
It’s essential to recognize that some terms commonly used with food products are often just marketing gimmicks. For instance, the term “natural” has no mandated meaning, so food manufacturers can place it on nearly anything, even if the ingredients are anything but “natural.”
Two terms that actually mean something:
USDA Certified Organic: Look for the USDA seal. If you see it, that means at least 95% of the ingredients are organic and grown without certain pesticides and other chemicals or additives that may be harmful to health. It also means that the food in question cannot contain GMO ingredients. So, if you see USDA organic, you’re automatically getting GMO-free food as well.
Non-GMO Project Verified: This is a third-party verification standard that means the food contains no genetically modified ingredients. Although all USDA organic foods are also non-GMO, not all non-GMO foods are organic. Keep this in mind when shopping.
What About “Clean” Eating?
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You may have seen the word “clean” thrown around in relation to food or recipes and wondered what it really means. It is not a regulated term, but typically means that the food you’re buying contains few ingredients and is minimally processed. Essentially, “clean” food is as close to nature as possible.
What is Thrive Market?
Thrive Market is an online retailer of food and household products that operates under a membership model. Think Sam’s Club, but for organic and non-GMO food you won’t always find at other retailers. The membership model allows them to offer organic, non-GMO, and healthy foods for up to 30% off normal retail prices. This makes eating well more attainable for many families.
How to Get Started
You can sign up easily online and start shopping right away. There are various membership options, and often a trial period, so you can browse the store and see if you are interested before you pay a membership fee. If the products aren’t what you’re looking for, just cancel the trial, and you won’t be charged.
If you’re new to buying organic, start small with a few swaps. If you normally buy potato chips, try a healthier brand made with organic potatoes and avocado oil. You may find you enjoy the healthier versions better!
How to Check for Labels While Shopping Online
When looking for food online, Thrive Market in particular labels each item, so you’ll see immediately whether the food is USDA organic or non-GMO project verified. This makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. You’ll also see labels for allergens, ingredients, gluten, and other information shoppers may find important to note.
Common Food Categories for Organic and Non-GMO Shoppers
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Thrive Market has food products in a wide range of categories, many of which are organic or non-GMO verified. You’ll find items such as:
- Snacks: Healthy chips, organic popcorn, snack bars, fruit peels, meat sticks, and crackers
- Pantry: Pasta, baking essentials, grains, and beans
- Condiments: Sauces, ketchup, mustard, salad dressings, dips
- Breakfast: Granola, oats, cereals, granola bars
- Beverages: Milk and plant-based milk, coffee, tea, flavored water
Saving Money While Shopping Organic
Buying organic food is a healthy choice for many, but it can add to your grocery budget. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can save while still buying the best for your family.
- Shop monthly deals and sales – Many supermarkets have monthly deals, buy-one-get-one specials, or promotions. Stock up when you can.
- Buy organic only for the “dirty dozen” – The EWG releases their “dirty dozen” and “clean 15” annually to show which products have the highest levels of pesticides and which are okay to buy conventionally grown.
- Check farmers’ markets – Many times, farmers will give steep discounts toward the end of the market day or weekend. Some will also offer misshapen or “reject” produce for less, even if there is nothing wrong with it aside from being funny-looking.
- Compare Thrive Market to Conventional Stores – For many shoppers, the price of a Thrive membership pays for itself with a single shopping trip. It’s an affordable way to get your healthy snacks, pantry staples, and household goods for less.
Get Started
Online shopping for organic and non-GMO products is a convenient way to find what you need at potentially lower prices than conventional retail. Platforms like Thrive Market make it even easier by offering a wide range of organic, non-GMO, and wellness products delivered right to your door. Start with a few small swaps with your current products, and then add more as your budget or time allows. Every small change adds up to big improvements in your health!
