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My Return to Whole Foods After 12 Years Showed Me How Much Grocery Shopping Has Changed (And Why I’m Sticking with Delivery)

My Return to Whole Foods After 12 Years Showed Me How Much Grocery Shopping Has Changed (And Why I’m Sticking with Delivery)
vegetable stand photo
Photo by Thomas Le on Unsplash

Online grocery delivery with Misfits Market was great now. It showed how services came far now for sure. How effectively they meet needs of today’s shoppers now. Reducing waste, wide items, careful delivery helped. It made strong case for using online shopping regularly.

Product on Amazon: Misfits Vegan Protein Bars – Updated Recipe | Plant Based, Low Sugar & Carb, High Fiber Snacks | Variety Pack of 12 (4 Flavors)
Brand: Visit the Misfits Store
Price: 29.99 USD
Rating: 4.1        Total reviews: 1868
Type: Protein
Flavor: Bestsellers Variety Pack
Product Benefits: High Fiber,High Protein
Number of Items: 1
Unit Count: 21.6 Ounce
Features:
1. HEALTHIER CHOCOLATE SNACK: A chewy & fudgy center, topped with a layer of indulgent caramel & coated with smooth vegan chocolate & high protein crispy pieces, for a satisfying crunch; ideal on-the-go or office snacks
2. 14-15 G PROTEIN PER BAR: Our plant based bars pack 14-15 g of vegan protein per bar; we use a blend of pea & soy protein for a deliciously soft texture & taste
3. LOW SUGAR BARS: These vegan snacks are high in fiber, yet low in sugar, with less than 1 g of sugar per bar; a low carb bar with just 190 calories, for post-gym fuel or breakfast without the sugar crash
4. GUILT-FREE INDULGENCE: Our satisfying, triple-layered treats are an ideal chocolate snack with all the nutritional benefits of a protein bar & zero compromise on taste; great for chocolate lovers who want to cut back on dairy & sugar
5. VARIETY MULTIPACK: Each mixed box contains 12 of our most popular candy bars; 4 flavors (may vary), including Cookie Butter, Caramel Fudge, Brownie Batter & Peanut Butter Fudge
Top Review from US: “These are some of my favorite bars!! I actually tried the cookies butter one at trader joes and loved it so much that decided to get the variety pack just so I can see which ones I like the most. Now that I’ve tried them all I don’t think I can even choose a favorite as I’m obsessed with all of them.”
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File:Whole Foods Markham Canada.jpg – Wikimedia Commons, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

It showed why I stopped stores like Whole Foods earlier. Convenience and value of delivery was hard beat then. This experience made me think more on options. How they compare to physical stores visited before.

Whether savings and convenience claims hold true widely.

Okay, that first Misfits Market box totally win me over. It shows delivery can handle delicate things okay. Eggs and berries came fine, not messy art. That good first try proves grocery games changed big time.

Not stepping in stores like Whole Foods was just part. It’s finding services matching my values. Like less waste, make it easy, and maybe saving cash. So I look into other online grocery places.

Product on Amazon: Organic Strawberries, 1 Lb
Brand: Fresh Produce (Brands May Vary)
Binding: Grocery        Product Group: Amazon Fresh Produce
Price: 4.43 USD
Rating: 4.6        Total reviews: 37234
Item Weight: 16 Ounces
Size: 1 Pound (Pack of 1)
Specialty: Organic, Vegan
Package Weight: 0.54 Kilograms
Features:
1. Selected and stored fresh
2. Sourced with high quality standards
3. Recommended to wash before consuming
4. Delicious on their own as a healthy snack or as part of a recipe
5. Certified Organic
Top Review from US: “These were SOO yummy, ripe and ready to eat. This was my very 1st time ordering perishable food items off from Amazon & it was fairly easy to figure out. I ordered organic food and everything tasted great.”
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Superfood on Display · Free Stock Photo, Photo by pexels.com, is licensed under CC Zero

Especially Thrive Market; people say it’s high quality too. Thrive market is like **Costco meets Whole Foods**, folks say. That mix sounds good for organic fans. You pay yearly, $59. 95 it is. Or twelve dollars each month, costing more total.

That fee let you see lower prices. On lots of organic, non-GMO items too. They say savings beat membership fee fast. Most members make fees back quick.

Within two month, the company claim. They got this price-match promise. If you do not save the fee, they give you credit. Called Thrive Cash when you renew. I ain’t tested that promise though. It sounds like a good deal if you shop there much.

Product on Amazon: Beef Ribeye Steak Boneless Pasture Raised Step 4
Brand: Brand: m-eat!
Price: 25.49 USD
Rating: 4.6        Total reviews: 4323
Size: 1 Pound (Pack of 1)
Flavor: Beef
Item Weight: 1 Pounds
Specialty: No Antibiotics
Features:
1. Meets standards for animal welfare, feed, and more, so you can know about what you’re buying (and eating)
2. Pasture raised with cattle always on pasture (no feedlots)
3. No antibiotics or added growth hormones, ever
4. No animal by-products in feed
5. Animal Welfare Certified Step 4 by Global Animal Partnership
Top Review from US: “Great quality”
Shopping on Amazon >>

How Large Corporations are Buying Out Organic Food Companies- and WHY YOU SHOULD CARE! | by Cynthia Phillips | Medium, Photo by medium.com, is licensed under CC Zero

Using the Thrive Market website feels pretty straight forward. Once you are a member it does. It look like most online shops you see. It got normal sections, like “Meat & Seafood.” And “Pantry” stuff is there too. But also unique areas too. “Thrive Market Goods” is their own stuff. They got “Exclusives” also. It’s not just food you find there. They got wine, personal care, and home supplies. Thrive Market target people wanting organic. Non-GMO and special diets too. Like gluten-free or paleo diets. Their product list look like Whole Foods much. You won’t find typical name brands though. Like Skippy peanut butter or Crest toothpaste anyway. If you want those, you must shop somewhere else.

Comparing what things cost is fun. Between Thrive Market and Whole Foods prices. This is where that “Costco meets Whole Foods” idea is interesting. What I found show prices at Thrive often lower. Like one dollar or two less, it seems.

For same or similar items sold at Whole Foods. A granola bag, twelve ounces, Purely Elizabeth brand. Was $6. 99 at Thrive Market I see. That was $7. 99 at Whole Foods, you know.

Store brand apple cider vinegar, 32 ounces. $5. 49 at Thrive and $6. 79 at Whole Foods.

Product on Amazon: Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Seeds, 18oz, 10g Plant Based Protein and 12g Omega 3 & 6 per Srv, smoothies, yogurt & salad, Non-GMO, Vegan, Keto, Paleo, Gluten Free
Brand: Visit the Manitoba Harvest Store
Price: 17.08 USD
Rating: 4.8        Total reviews: 23067
Flavor: Delicious Nutty
Allergen Information: Gluten Free
Item Weight: 18 Ounces
Item Form: Whole
Features:
1. ORGANIC HEMP SEEDS ARE A PROTEIN-PACKED SUPERFOOD: With 10g of plant protein per serving, Hemp Hearts have two times more protein than chia or flax. These super seeds also offer 12g Omegas 3 & 6 and only 1g of carbs per serving
2. VERSATILE & TASTY: With a light, nutty flavor that complements almost any dish, Hemp Hearts are an easy and perfect boost to any meal. Sprinkle Hemp Hearts on salad, cereal, yogurt or blend them into smoothies – shelf-stable and ready to eat, hemp seeds are a must-have addition to any pantry.
3. QUALITY FROM SEED TO SHELF: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts takes only the freshest, highest quality hemp seeds from field to table. Since 1998, we’ve grown our portfolio of hemp products with a dedication to quality, sustainability, and consumer wellness as a global leader in hemp foods.
4. A FIT FOR A VARIETY OF DIETS & LIFESTYLES: USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Keto Certified, Paleo Certified, Gluten Free, Vegan, Whole 30 Approved and Kosher.
Top Review from US: “I put a healthy scoop in my cereal in the morning, it tastes so good. It’s great on waffles, and in salads. On a scoop of chocolate ice cream it just adds a great flavor to it. I put it in my smoothies too. I am always looking for things to put it on. One day I will have to try it mixed with honey and walnuts and cooked up in the air frier…
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File:5-Minute Egg Drop Soup-5 (32079790121).jpg – Wikimedia Commons, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Even Kettle & Fire chicken bone broth was cheaper. On sale at Thrive it was $5. 31. A sixteen-ounce box, compare to $8. 99 at Whole Foods. These examples hint at real savings.

Especially for stuff you buy lot.

But it is not always a win for price. Sometimes savings weren’t there like. Or Thrive brand cost slight more even. Compare to same item at Whole Foods stores. A jar of Whole Foods’ 365 peanut butter was $4.99. The Thrive brand one cost $5.49 I saw. The difference wasn’t huge, but it show. You still must be careful with pricing. Savings add up buying many items. If you only need few things, maybe not. Prices everywhere went up though. Since those first comparisons got made.

Product on Amazon: Chicken Bone Broth Soup by Kettle and Fire, Pack of 6, Keto Diet, Paleo Friendly, Whole 30 Approved, Gluten Free, with Collagen, 10g of protein, 16.9 Ounce (Pack of 6)
Brand: Visit the Kettle & Fire Store
Price: 38.94 USD
Rating: 4.3        Total reviews: 11129
Flavor: Chicken Bone Broth
Item Form: Liquid
Package Information: Pouch
Number of Items: 6
Features:
1. Incredibly delicious bone broth with collagen: we simmer free-range chicken bones with organic vegetables for 14+ hours to get the maximum amount of collagen, proteins and amino acids into our tasty bone broth.
2. Enhanced diet results: perfect for intermittent fasting, low carb, keto, paleo, whole 30 approved diets.
3. Bone broth benefits: use our bone broth soup to support youthful skin, promote a healthy gut, boost the immune system and improve joint health. nutritionists prescribe daily bone broth soup as part of weight loss regimen or as a simple way to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs to thrive.
4. High quality premium ingredients: our bone broth is made with bones from pasture-raised chicken & organic herbs, veggies, and spices. our organic bone broths are also dairy-free, non-gmo, gluten-free. no hormones, antibiotics, or additives ever.
5. Try it risk free: if you’re not 100% satisfied with your purchase, kettle & fire will happily refund your order within 30 days of purchase with no questions asked.
Top Review from US: “I have been purchasing for a few years. Best, bone broth!”
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Photo by Mykhaylo Kopyt on Unsplash

Products quality of Thrive brand items sound good. Compare to Whole Foods own versions anyway. Text mention Thrive peppermint tea and honey. Maple syrup too, and bamboo bath tissue. Though that last one had problems. It isn’t sold anymore sadly. Online shopping has surprises, you see. Other brands there are the same or similar. Found at Whole Foods or Hungryroot too. They stock reliable, known, and good options. The selection grew much big over time. It offers lots more needs today. Especially snacks and pantry things now. This fits my good experience. With Misfits Market’s variety too.

Getting your goodies shipped is quick generally. Orders often come in three work days. They give standard tracking for you. Text notifications is an option. That is handy for people busy. Packaging is tight and snug. It match Thrive’s stated green mission. All inside packaging is recyclable. Or it will break down later. This is good for delivery impact. Building on Misfits Market’s waste idea.

Certain delivery things need more planning though. Compare to grocery runs or Misfits Market orders. They ship different types separate. Standard groceries, frozen stuff, and wine.

Product on Amazon: Thrive Travel Essentials Mini First Aid Kit – 66 FSA HSA Approved Products Includes Multi-Sized Bandage, Wipes, Safety Pins, and More (Pouch)
Brand: Visit the Thrive Store
Price: 9.99 USD
Rating: 4.7        Total reviews: 9148
Special Feature: Waterproof
Number of Pieces: 66
Recommended Uses For Product: Camping
Age Range (Description): Adult
Features:
1. First Aid Supplies: The Thrive Travel First Aid Kit is packed with 66 must-have pieces of hospital-grade medical gear. This complete home first aid kit is also ideal in a small emergency road kit, adventure or military kit, or nursing supply kit
2. Travel Essentials in One Mini Bag: This lightweight, compact, and portable kit comes in a waterproof, red rip-stop 600D polyester nylon bag to fit perfectly in a purse, diaper bag, or fanny pack. This first aid medical kit weighs approximately 0.3 lbs and measures 7.0″ long X 4.0″ wide X 2.0″ thick
3. Ideal for Personal Emergency Situations: This emergency travel medicine kit is great for daily home use, or in your bag when traveling, camping, hiking, fishing, backpacking, and on any outdoor adventure
4. Versatile Kit: This complete first aid kit can be used as an earthquake survival kit, school nurse first aid kit, tactical medic kit, or as part of a family vacation or cruise safety kit to keep your kids safe
Top Review from US: “I carry it in my car! It has a lot of supplies for any kind of emergency& it’s very organized with instructions on how to correctly use it.”
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You cannot just add a frozen chicken. Or a wine bottle to your main cart. They must be separate orders, you see. These separate orders have their own minimums. For getting free shipping cost.

It is $49 for grocery orders. $120 for frozen boxes though. And $79 if you order wine bottles. Don’t hit minimums and you pay much.

$19. 95 for frozen orders, wow. $13. 95 for wine, it says. Grocery orders under $49 pay shipping too.

This make you buy bigger orders. Less often for certain items too. If you want avoid extra fees.

Product on Amazon: Tyson Frozen Southern Style Chicken Breast Tenderloins, 25 Oz
Brand: Brand: Tyson
Price: 5.79 USD
Rating: 4.5        Total reviews: 24705
Item Weight: 1.56 Pounds
Specialty: No Preservatives
Package Weight: 0.76 Kilograms
Temperature Condition: Frozen
Top Review from US: “Great for a snack, great Price”
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Photo by planet_fox on Pixabay

Frozen box delivery sound handled well. Packed with dry ice, it stay frozen right. Text notes a frozen box order I saw. It had chicken, salmon, shrimp, bacon. And frozen sides or entrees there. It meets that $120 minimum okay. Seems good to stock grass-fed meats. Or wild-caught seafood maybe. If that is important for your food. Compare to local stores perhaps. Prices can be high there or less stock. Minimum order for frozen boxes is $65. Even if you pay the shipping money. You still need plan for good quantity. For frozen things in your cart.

One area Thrive packaging fall a little short. For refrigerated items in grocery boxes. These don’t come with cold packs. Or any insulation, text noted. This might be okay in winter months. Or grab box right away from porch. It makes you question other times. Like yogurt, cheese, stay cold summer delivery? Or delays happen too. This contrasts with Misfits Market care. For packaging my tricky perishable things. Though Misfits Market carry meat and dairy too. Within its standard deliveries they do.

And that brings up a main point you see. Thrive Market currently don’t offer produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are missing. This is a big problem if you want one place. For all your weekly groceries at once. You still must shop for these elsewhere. Maybe pair Thrive for pantry stuff. And meats and frozen items too. With Misfits Market who has produce. Or go to a physical store or market. This lack of produce means Thrive Market cannot be. A full grocery fix for everyone now. Why I stopped Whole Foods twelve years ago? Time, cost, the hassle of it all. These delivery services fix some points. Better than others, it seem.

Product on Amazon: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan, Convenient Microwave Meal Made With No Preservatives, Frozen Meal, 9.5 OZ Bowl
Brand: Visit the Healthy Choice Store
Price: 2.99 USD
Rating: 4.5        Total reviews: 4022
Package Information: Box
Number of Items: 1
Flavor: Chicken
Item Weight: 9.5 Ounces
Features:
1. One 9.5 oz Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan frozen meal
2. Featuring grilled chicken breast with penne pasta and broccoli in zesty marinara sauce, these frozen entrees provide an easy and healthy solution for delicious healthy frozen meals any day of the week
3. Made with quality ingredients and no preservatives, the frozen pasta meals offer a satisfying, healthy dinner with a flavor everyone will love
4. Perfect frozen dinner for those who value health and want an easy meal solution without compromising on flavor or quality
5. Microwave meal is ideal for lunch or quick meals at home, simply heat in the microwave 3 1/2 to 4 minutes and stir into sauce; keep frozen food in the freezer until ready to prepare
Top Review from US: “If you are dieting and have to count calories, get the whole brand of these Healthy choices. Fills you up, taste good (add seasoning to it that don’t have calories), and quick to heat up in 5 minutes, eat in 10 minutes and still have 15 more minutes of your lunchtime”
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Read more about: Everyday Items People Say Are Now Too Expensive to Justify Buying

File:Organic foods.jpg – Wikimedia Commons, Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Misfits Market handle waste good. It was convenient with nice variety. Prove delivery worked for fragile stuff. Thrive Market has deep selection organic.

Specialty items too with savings maybe. But membership fee, separate shipments, no produce. It means it isn’t perfect Whole Foods swap. Not for everything you need anyway. Instacart is easy from local stores. Quality varies depending on shopper though.

Traditional stores let you pick your own stuff. Get items right away too. Find brands not online sometimes. But they take more time always. And maybe more money too. Depend on the store you go to.

Product on Amazon: Organic Blueberries Pint
Brand: Brand: Fresh Produce (Brands May Vary)
Price: 5.54 USD
Rating: 4.7        Total reviews: 22257
Size: 1 PT
Specialty: Organic
Package Weight: 0.32 Kilograms
Number of Pieces: 1
Features:
1. Recommended to wash before consuming
2. Grown in United States, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, or Canada
3. Delicious on their own as a healthy snack or as part of a recipe
4. Sourced with high quality standards
5. Refrigerate immediately for maximum shelf life and flavor
Top Review from US: “These organic blueberries are fresh, juicy, and bursting with flavor. They’re perfect for snacking, adding to smoothies, or topping off yogurt and cereal. I appreciate that they’re pesticide-free and responsibly grown. You can really taste the difference—sweet with just the right amount of tartness. Definitely worth the extra cost for the quality and peace of mind.”
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File:Whole Foods Market Cranbrook Village Ann Arbor Michigan.JPG – Wikimedia Commons, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Recent cost compares show some stores pricey. Like Whole Foods, The Fresh Market, even Publix maybe. A gallon milk at Fresh Market is high. Over double national average probably. Whole Foods eggs might be competitive prices.

But milk or meat often cost more there. Publix show high meat and egg prices too. Even with some staples lower average. These compare shows traditional stores often cost more. Especially those focused on quality or experience places. Online services have diff costs.

Memberships or ‘rescued’ food models help maybe. They might undercut on certain items prices.


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Garden Harvest | Our last 2011 harvest from our front-yard g… | Andrea Parrish – Geyer | Flickr, Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Finally, this new world is not one service. Replacing all old stores forever anyway. It’s like a mosaic of options now. Misfits Market suit folks wanting less waste. And good value across many goods.

Including produce, which is nice. Thrive Market fits those deep into organic. Specialty items with a membership maybe. And managing separate orders too.

For potential savings on non-produce things. Instacart gives convenience from local shops. But quality can change person to person. Traditional stores offer picking produce yourself.

Photo by nrd on Unsplash

Getting things now you know. Finding certain brands online miss. But they take time and often cost much. Depend on the place you visit. My thoughts on groceries changed much. Since twelve years ago, it is true.


Read more about: Everyday Items People Say Are Now Too Expensive to Justify Buying

The scene is more exciting and tailored now. Different benefits and trade-offs you see. Make it worth checking the mix. What works best for you now today.

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