Editor’s Picks: The Products Our AAPI Employee Resource Group Can’t Live Without

As Thrive Market employees, we know a lot about our products. We swap recommendations, we sample freely 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 employees are loving.

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, we tapped the members of our GOAT Employee Resource Group (that stands for ‘Group of AAPI Thrivers’, but is, of course, a play on ‘Greatest of All Time’) to recommend their favorite Thrive Market products. From K-Beauty skincare hacks to organic, chocolate-covered treats to spicy, aromatic Chinese chili crisp, these are the products they hope you’ll add to your cart.

f.a.e. Vitamine E Oil
This oil has replaced my nighttime moisturizer; it’s lightweight and leaves my skin feeling smooth! When it first launched, I started using it to lighten some dark spots on my cheeks – it’s working!

Thrive Market Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Hazelnuts
I’m not a dark chocolate girly, but this is my favorite snack of the 4 different chocolate covered items we have! To me, it tastes just like a Ferrero Rocher, but I don’t feel guilty eating 10 in one sitting.

Thrive Market Organic Pumpkin
I love this pumpkin puree because I know it’s a clean, one-ingredient-only product that I can give my two pups! They each get a tablespoon with breakfast & I’ll use it in their biscuits – they LOVE pumpkin!

Fly by Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp
I cannot shut up about my love for chili crisp oil, but that’s because I care about you. And your taste buds. It’s not just heat we’re going for here, it’s the combination of delicious aromatics, rich but balanced savoriness, satisfying crunchy bits… and it doesn’t hurt that that lil’ bright red drizzle looks cute as heck over anything. All conveniently bottled in a jar of spoonable joy. :’)

Red Boat Fish Sauce
I would never judge you, except… if you based your opinion of fish sauce only on the smell and thus refused to try it. This is a ~judgement free zone~. Like, okay yeah—maybe it’s a lil’ pungent upon first whiff, but that’s just because of the umami deliciousness that’s been uber concentrated per your convenience. And this one is as clean as it gets with ONLY TWO INGREDIENTS. In a dish, it brings its own scrumptious savory flavor, while also accentuating the flavors around it (see, fish sauce is out here supporting the whole team, so we shouldn’t tear it down just cuz’ of a lil’ funky smell). It’s probably best known in nước chấm (Vietnamese dipping sauce with just fish sauce, sweetener, lime juice, garlic, and thai chili), but a splash of it to any savory dish makes a world of difference… and not just in Asian cuisines. As an example: since dairy and I don’t play well, I’ve used it paired it with nutritional yeast to mimic the umami-rich flavor of parmigiano (conceptually, obviously it doesn’t taste exactly like parm) in many an Italian-inspired sauce. And it works. It works wonderfully.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
Of all the “hacks” to come out of Korean Beauty trends, hydrocolloid bandaids as pimple patches is unequivically my favorite. When it come to pores and zits that are even remotely poppable, I lose all self-control. These things are a LIFE-SAVER for absorbing any remaining gunk and for keeping the spots from getting infected. And —something of a tip — I usually cut each circle in half so I can get double the use out of them.

Thrive Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
My all time, everyday, must have pantry staple! I use this for cooking, baking, making salad dressings or just even dipping bread with some balsamic vinegar too! I’m also always gifting it to friends and family. I mean, who doesn’t love EVOO?

Thrive Market Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
My guilty “healthy” pleasure! This is my go-to treat when I crave for sweets. It’s that good balance of sweet and nutty!

Thrive Market Organic Apricot Fruit Spread
The best simple fruit spread ever! You can really taste the flavor of the fruit. I love that it’s sweetened by real fruit juices and not refined sugars. I use this a lot for baking. From topping on Kolaches, brushing it as a glaze on French Apples Tarts or just simply spreading on some toast or crackers.

Hoptonic Sparkling Tea with Hops, Jasmine Green Tea
I love Hoptonic! It’s the perfect drink when I don’t feel like having alcohol but still want something flavorful, crisp and crushable. I like that it’s only light hopped, plus it’s made with regenerative ingredients like whole jasmine flowers!

Dave’s Killer Bread, 21 Whole Grains & Seeds Sliced Bread
I’m so happy we started carrying Dave’s Killer Bread. This is a staple in my house. It smells so good when I toast it and I like that it has a hint of sweetness from the molasses. It’s actually a great source of fiber and protein too!

Popcorn Popper
This is one of the best things I have purchased this year and it’s changed the way I make popcorn. I usually do it on a stovetop with oil and I always end up burning the batch! This microwaveable bowl makes it so easy. You just fill the bottom of the bowl with about a quarter cup of your favorite popcorn kernels. Then microwave for about 2 minutes until you hear the popping slow down. Season with salt, butter or anything else you want (like Thrive Market Nooch). It’s perfect popcorn every time!