Editor’s Picks: Our Favorite Products in April 2023

As Thrive Market employees, we know a lot about our products. We constantly swap shopping recommendations and we’re the first to add newly-launched items to our orders. Editor’s Picks is a monthly column rounding up the top three products our blog editors are loving.

In April, we celebrated Earth Month by trying some new plant-based products, swapped single-use plastic for stylish reusable containers, and discovered a bug repellant with no harsh ingredients just in time for prime picnic season. For more of what our editors bought and loved this month—and to try them for yourself—read on. 

Jon Kim | Writer & Creative Production Coordinator

Yellowbird Habanero Hot Sauce

Take a chance on habaneros! Oft maligned for their spiciness, habaneros reveal their true beauty when complemented by citrus and sweeter vegetables. These elements highlight and elevate the fruity, complex notes that are often overshadowed by the pepper’s heat. Yellowbird Habanero Hot Sauce treats spice as a textural element—one that stimulates and excites the tongue. While heat is still present, it is secondary to the habanero’s flavor. It’s a thoughtful, delicious sauce. Add it to tacos, rice bowls, and cobs of grilled corn.

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Insect Cones

It’s springtime. The grass is green. Azaleas flower and bloom. The sun sets later and later. The temperatures rise, but not exponentially. The shade of an ancient oak tree can hold two. Or more. You and a loved one decide to take dinner outside. So you depart, basket in tow—overflow of cheeses and jams and crunchy, tasty things. When suddenly, you hear a soft bzz. Something tickles your ear, but you don’t laugh. A small, black, winged insect lands on your forearm. More swarm. Panicked, you rummage through your pack—your left arm reaching past the half-open fig spread and the marcona almonds. You pull out these tiny, green cones scented with citronella and peppermint. You strike a match and light the incense. Gradually, the bugs retreat. You saved spring. You can finally eat your cheese in peace.

Q Mixers Tonic Water

Look, I don’t know what quinine is, but I love it. I love tonic water. I love it chilled. Really chilled. I love matcha tonics. I love matcha tonics so much that whenever I get down, I make myself a matcha tonic. It’s the bev of the month. Nay, the year. I slump over to the kitchen, break out my chasen and ceremonial-grade matcha, then get to work. The earthiness of the matcha is lifted by the bright notes of the quinine (or what I assume is the quinine). It’s bubbly. It’s tasty. I don’t really understand it, but I don’t need to. I feel instantly better. A true tonic in every sense.

Andrea Peterson | Digital Design Manager

Plant-based Sale Picks

I shopped the Plant-Based Sale and splurged on healthier versions of some classic items, like Poppi (in the Watermelon flavor), YumEarth Giggles (which taste EXACTLY like Skittles), and Late July Jalepeño Lime Tortilla Chips (like Doritos but better). I also grabbed some Think High Protein Bars in the Creamy Peanut Butter flavor. My husband makes me get these for him every time I place an order—he brings them to the gym with him and always keeps one in his backpack so he doesn’t get hangry. Win win!

Rachel Parent | Social Media Manager

Thrive Market Organic Ghee

I use this for frying eggs and as a replacement for butter in so many recipes. I love that it comes from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows and it’s reasonably priced compared to other organic ghees.

Stasher Bags

These have helped me cut down on so much waste from plastic bags. I love the ones that stand up because they’re so easy to store in the fridge and pantry.

Rishi Tea Organic Chai Concentrate, Masala Chai

This is probably my favorite chai concentrate ever! Perfect balance of spicy and sweet, and I love that the ingredients are sourced directly from farmers. I make mine with a squeeze of honey and milk.

Kirby Stirland | Sr. Manager, Editorial

W & P Porter Dressing Containers

I was super excited when we brought on W & P, the brand that gave Tupperware a cool, minimalist makeover. The little dressing containers were a surprise hit; while they are handy for homemade salad dressing, they’re also great for storing the last bits of lotion from an almost-empty pump bottle. 

Eden Foods Eden Shake

I also picked up this furikake seasoning, which is great on one of my favorite WFH lunches: rice, quick-pickled carrots and cucumber, edamame, and either tofu or tuna with sesame oil. 

Artisana Organics Raw Cashew Butter  

I branched out from almond and peanut butter to cashew butter, and I’m glad I did. I’ve only had it on toast so far (A+), but I think it’s also going to be a welcome addition to curries and dressings.