Editor’s Picks: The Black Thriver Union’s Favorite Products in February

As Thrive Market employees, we know a lot about our products. We swap recommendations, we sample from the “free table” at Thrive Market HQ, 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.

The Black Thriver Union, or BTU, is a resource group for BIPOC employees at Thrive Market. In February, we asked members of the BTU to share a few of their favorite products. Read on for their picks—from natural skincare essentials to flavorful meal shortcuts—and learn more about the BTU here.

Kadeesha Lockworth | Demand Planner

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

This item has been a favorite of mine for a while now. I have combination skin that’s acne prone and I find this toner is very calming & balancing especially in the warmer months. It also just looks really nice on my top shelf.

f.a.e. by Thrive Market Organic Jojoba Oil

I use this oil on my scalp and my body. I’m pretty low maintenance when it comes to my hair and on wash days I use this oil to lock in the moisture. The price point is great especially for cold pressed and organic.

Learn more about f.a.e. ethically sourced facial oils here.

Thrive Market Movie Theatre Popcorn Kernels

I love making my own popcorn at home. It’s been a habit I picked up at the beginning of the pandemic & now it’s one of my favorite snacks to make. I’ve tried many different kernels and this is the only one that actually tastes a bit buttery without anything on it. The kernels pop full, great for adding your own seasonings.

Austin Parks | Employee Resource Planning

Thrive Market Organic Pasta Sauce, Sicilian Gravy

I’m a sucker for “easy” sauces that pack a flavor punch, and that’s exactly what the Sicilian Gravy sauce is. This was the first packaged pasta sauce I’ve used where I do not add seasonings during preparation, which for me says quite a lot. The only exception is when I occasionally want a little spicy flavor to partner. My family loves this with the Thrive Market Fusilli since they are a bit easier for my 2-year-old niece to manage than spaghetti noodles and the adults love the “stick” of the sauce on the thicker noodle. Highly recommend it!

Maya Kaimal Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce, Mild

I’ve only had tikka masala sauce a few times prior to deciding to give this a try and I’ve been hooked ever since. It is so flavorful yet easy to whip together in a dish. I recommend making this and garlic naan your perfect pair.  My go-to is to use it with chicken breasts cut into cubes, season with turmeric, paprika, and black pepper, then cook with avocado oil in a skillet (not to completion! It’s gonna need to simmer in the lovely sauce for a bit). Get your jasmine rice ready and don’t forget to heat up the garlic naan. You’re welcome! 

Learn more about Maya Kaimal here.

A Dozen Cousins Trini Chickpea Curry

This has become a must for my lunch rotation since I discovered it. Super fast to make on its own and has tons of flavor. I always like to pair it with some jasmine rice and sometimes I might grab naan or any other kind of bread I have in the house to dip into the sauce. The chickpeas are a good texture; they have a little bite but are not what I would consider firm. Also, all that flavor in the microwaveable package (or boil the package if you wish!) is from just six listed ingredients!

Learn more about A Dozen Cousins here.

Lanae Williams | Accounting

Acure Brightening Night Cream

This is really great for fall/winter seasons when it’s dry and windy outside. It gives really great moisture to the skin. I pair it with with f.a.e by Thrive Market Organic Rosehip Oil; two to three nights out of the week, I add the oil on top of the night cream before bed and let it soak into my skin. You’ll wake up with the brightest, smoothest skin. 

Thrive Market Organic Peppermint Tea

I’m an avid tea drinker, so I love our peppermint tea with Thrive Market Organic Honey. Something about peppermint tea is so calming and soothing to the soul.  

Thrive Market Plantain Chips, Lightly Salted 

A classic for me is our plantain chips, which I also like to drizzle with our honey for a sweet and salty spin.

Halle Banks | Member Services

Four Sigmatic Lion’s Mane Mushroom Elixir Mix

This product has quickly become a staple in my morning routine! Whether it’s an iced coffee or a smoothie, I just mix one of these in and find that it boosts my focus and energy throughout the day.

Learn more about Four Sigmatic’s functional mushrooms here.

LesserEvil x Thrive Market Organic Popcorn, Himalayan Gold

Just like movie theater popcorn, but without all the extra stuff! One of my favorite snacks, but be warned, the entire bag can easily be devoured in one sitting!

Maya Kaimal Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce

My favorite quick and easy weeknight dinner! Great flavor and a close second to takeout. It’s so versatile that any protein of choice can be used and a vegan option is available as well.