Before the Mediterranean Diet became a household name, the people living on islands around the Mediterranean Sea enjoyed high life expectancy rates and low rates of chronic illness. Researchers wanted to know their secret. Research findings concluded that “large cohort studies have shown that a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced blood pressure levels and markers of vascular inflammation.” In addition to maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy relationships, the region’s traditional way of eating plays a role in longevity, especially the inclusion of foods such as whole grains, healthy fats, fish, nuts, dairy, and pure oils.

The History of Kitchen & Love

As a busy mother of three and a breast cancer survivor, Ruth Wilkinson knew firsthand how challenging it can be to get healthy meals on the family table every night. After noticing that many ready-made dishes didn’t always get high marks in the nutrition department, Wilkinson wanted to develop a way to simplify food prep for working moms. Her husband, Hoessein Banejad, had spent nearly two decades working with specialty food companies, and the two launched their own epicurean vision to the world in 2007.

Kitchen & Love Company Mission

Healthy food—fast—is the inspiration behind Kitchen & Love, rooted in one family’s love of good food with a Mediterranean spin. A deep desire to simplify meal time is what got this business off the ground, and the brand’s sauces, pestos, vinegars, quick-cooking grains, and other food staples are well suited to making food prep easier, especially on a busy weeknight.

Benefits of Kitchen & Love

Kitchen & Love makes products using recognizable, non-GMO ingredients and minimal processing. Many of its offerings are gluten-free, high in protein, high in fiber, and vegetarian or vegan, and the brand works with renowned Italian chefs to develop authentic recipes your family will love. Kitchen & Love also focuses on addressing its environmental impact, including these examples:

Developing sauce recipes using typically discarded artichoke leaves

Working with farmers who practice sustainable methods

Replacing pesticides with natural pest management techniques

Top Kitchen & Love Products

Give your meals an Italian spin with some of Kitchen & Love’s top products.

Kitchen & Love Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

This premium vinegar is made in Italy and will quickly become a cooking staple for homemade salad dressings, sauces, and dipping.

Kitchen & Love Basil Pesto Sauce

Classic basil pesto has roots in Genoa and this version is blended with fresh basil, Grana Padano and Parmesan cheeses, Brazil nuts, garlic, and sunflower oil.

Kitchen & Love Artichoke Pesto Sauce

This alternative, creamy pesto is made with artichokes, crushed garlic, and basil. Try it as a sandwich spread, dip, or tossed with pasta.

Italian Recipes From Thrive Market

Put your new Kitchen & Love products to work in some of our favorite Italian recipes.

How to Make Balsamic Braised Short Ribs

Balsamic vinegar adds rich flavor to these tender short ribs that braise low and slow. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, or a fresh green salad.

Easy Italian Baked Chicken

One-pan dinners are always a win, especially when it comes to streamlining kitchen clean up. Just add chicken, olives, and tomatoes for a hearty meal that’s ready in under an hour.

Mediterranean Diet Tips

Get the lowdown on the Mediterranean Diet with our shopping list and go-to strategies for eating like the Greeks and Italians.

Kitchen & Love, Grilled Vegetables & Herbs Farro Quinoa Meal