Thrive Market Vs. Fresh Direct

For those that are busy with work and life, or just want to avoid going outside whenever possible, grocery delivery services can be the perfect option. However, it can be hard to decide on a grocery service for you.

We will discuss two options for grocery delivery services. These are Thrive Market and Fresh Direct. Each has their distinct pros and cons that may make one stand out as a better option for you.

Keep reading to get a side-by-side comparison of the two companies, as well as the pros and cons of each so you can make an educated and informed decision.

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Thrive MarketFresh Direct
  • Mostly non-perishable foods
  • Monthly fee
  • Can sort products by preferences (non-GMO, vegan, keto, cruelty-free, etc)
  • Gives back money to the community
  • Low impact/zero waste
  • Can choose delivery dates
  • Orders ship fast
  • Many sales throughout the year
  • Veterans, low-income families, students, and teachers get free memberships
  • Offers premade meals
  • Scheduled delivery
  • Same day delivery sometimes
  • Fresh foods and pre packaged goods
  • Can sort by dietary restrictions
  • Reusable tote bags
  • Deliver to Northeast US
  • Costs more than average grocery store
  • Can order to make your food based on one of their recipes

Thrive Market Pros and Cons

Thrive Market does not deliver a lot of fresh produce, meaning if you want fruits and vegetables, you will have to use a different service. However, they do sell beauty and health products in their store.

Thrive is also not local. This can be great, since you can then get delivery for almost any location in the United States.

However, you lose out on getting local products. Their products are often cheaper than in most stores, but you do have to pay a membership fee to be able to order from them.

If you order a lot, this cost may be worth it for some people, but not for everyone.

Thrive allows you to shop based on dietary restrictions, but also causes, such as cruelty-free products. They also give back to schools, communities, and shelters with every membership and item bought, which is a great way to give back.

For every membership bought, they donate a membership to a low income family, or someone else that needs it most. Students, teachers, veterans, and low income families can get Thrive without paying for a membership.

For more, see our full review of the Thrive Market website, customer experience, cost and more.

Pros:Cons:
  • Household products are also sold
  • Available throughout the US
  • Can sort by causes
  • Requires a membership
  • No fresh produce
  • Shipments may take a few days

Fresh Direct Pros and Cons

If you live in the Northeast part of the United States, you may have Fresh Direct as an option. It provides local, fresh foods.

The costs are a little bit higher than in traditional stores, but you get to order all of your groceries online without going to the store. This can make it well worth the extra cost for some.

Current Thrive Market Promo:

If you want even more convenience, Fresh Direct offers meal delivery as well. You can get full meals, sides, and even party trays as part of their delivery service.

One downside that a few customers have pointed out is that the company delivers your groceries in reusable totes. However, there is no way for you to return the bags, so you just keep getting more bags.

It also doesn’t provide anything except food and drinks, so when you need household products, you will need a separate store or delivery service.

Pros: Cons:
  • Doubles as a meal delivery service
  • Local farms
  • Very option nutrition label
  • Wide selection
  • Can get same-day delivery
  • Costs more than going to the store
  • Reusable bags aren’t returnable
  • A lot of waste

Which One is Best For You?

If you live in the Northeast where Fresh Direct delivers, and want the ability to do any of your shopping online, Fresh Direct might be the option for you. They are a little more expensive than the average store, but if you don’t mind paying a little extra for convenience, it is a great option.

If you don’t want online shopping to be your only option and want to be able to shop based on the cause you believe in, Thrive Market is another great option. Also, Fresh Direct only offers a pretty small location delivery, so if you are outside of that area, Thrive may be your best option.