45 Back-to-Busy Sale Picks That Are Already in Our Carts

Every August at Thrive Market, the Slack conversations and chats before meetings center around the same question: what’s going in the lunchbox this year? The nice thing about working at Thrive Market is that we shop the same better-for-you products that you do—and we get a front-row seat to what’s new, what’s trending, and what’s popular with our members. 

Just in time for our annual Back-to-Busy Sale, we did the sensible thing and made a list of the things we can’t wait to add to our own carts, sorted by the moments that make or break a weekday: the frantic morning, the lunchbox, the 6 p.m. dinner scramble, the parent survival kit, and the great household reset.

If you want to take advantage of our Back-to-Busy Sale like a Thrive Market employee, read on for our list of 45 top picks—and the inside scoop on why our employees love them. 

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The Lunchbox Wins 

Snacks that survive a backpack, disappear by 10 a.m., and get requested by name. They’re so good, our employees even buy them to snack on themselves! 

1. The Good Crisp Company Crisps, Original & Sour Cream & Onion Mini Canisters
Single-serve canisters mean no crushed-chip tragedy at the bottom of the bag, and while the flavor is nostalgic, they’re made with way better ingredients than the chips you ate as a kid.

2. Thrive Market Grass-Fed Beef Sticks, Original
Shelf-stable, filled with protein, and made from grass-fed beef, this is the kind of lunchbox addition that keeps a kid full from the cafeteria to afternoon extracurriculars. They’re a favorite among our own (adult!) employees, too. “These beef sticks are in every box I order,” says Alex Roberts, recipe developer and Organic Social Content Creator at Thrive Market. “I always eat one on my walks to the gym as a pre-workout boost. I love that these have 9g of protein!”

3. YumEarth Organic Fruit Snacks, Favorites, Snack Packs
Organic, allergen-friendly, and made without high-fructose corn syrup or artificial dyes, these updated fruit snacks are always in our employees’ carts. “We bring these to the beach, pack them in our diaper bag, and put them in our toddler’s daycare lunchbox as a healthy treat,” says Amy Osni, Thrive Market’s Content & Communications Manager.

4. The New Primal Snack Mates Sticks, Chicken & Maple, Value Pack
Protein is trending in the snack world, and it makes sense why: getting enough protein is a great way to ensure that both adults and kiddos stay fuller, longer. “I recently bought these and my husband ate them all while I was out of town for the week,” says Adrienne Lotto, Thrive Market’s Senior Copywriter. “I guess I need to order twice as many next time.”

5. Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar Snack Pack
Ask most parents about their kids’ favorite snacks and they’ll likely mention Pirate’s Booty. Now is a great time to save big on the oversized snack pack box—perfect for lunchboxes, but just as great during movie nights at home. 

6. Annie’s Organic Crackers & Grahams, Variety Snack Pack
With both savory and sweet options, one box actually keeps the peace between siblings with different snack preferences. Annie’s is always a favorite among our employees, and many mention stocking up during sales so they never run out. 

7. Lakewood Littles Juice Boxes, Organic Fruit Punch
Organic, low-sugar, and easy to toss in a lunchbox, these juice boxes are made with real fruit and come in kid-sized containers for hydration on the go. 

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Busy Morning Breakfasts 

Mornings are a sprint. These are the grab-and-go goodies and the weekend-batch heroes that our employees always stock up on when they go on sale. 

8. NOKA Organic Superfood Smoothie, Immunity Boost Super Berry
Simple ingredient smoothies—no blender required. “Everyone in our family loves these smoothie pouches,” Osni says. “We buy them for our toddler, but my husband and I usually end up eating half the box!” 

9. Thrive Market Organic Strawberry Apple Sauce with Probiotics
These squeezable pouches pull double duty: either part of breakfast on a rushed morning, or a snack later in the day. Thrive Market parents also love that they contain probiotics, which help keep little tummies happy. 

10. Thrive Market Organic Whole-Grain Granola, Toasted Vanilla Crunch
Over yogurt, in a bag, or by the handful, this member- and employee-favorite granola is a staple in lots of pantries. It’s gluten-free, contains prebiotic fiber for gut health, and it’s made with quinoa, chia, and flaxseeds for a superfood boost. 

11. Bobo’s Oat Bites, Chocolate Chip
Soft-baked, portable, and just indulgent enough to be considered a sweet snack. “Grab a bite for breakfast. Grab a bite for dessert. Grab a bite for a cheeky afternoon snack,” says Jon Kim, Thrive Market’s Creative Producer. “Any time of day is perfect for a little choco chip bite.”

12. Simple Mills Protein Almond Flour Pancake & Waffle Mix
Pro tip: Sunday morning pancakes reheat perfectly into a Monday morning breakfast! This gluten-free mix is a must-have for many of our team members as soon as it goes on sale. “Pancake mix is the one thing I always keep in my pantry to make breakfasts breezy,” Roberts says. “I also love using this one for waffles!” 

13. Seven Sundays Oat Protein Cereal, Simply Honey
A protein-forward take on the classic breakfast cereal. The shape is familiar, but the ingredients are much better than the ones you likely had as a kid (think: coconut flour and wildflower honey instead of added sugars and filler ingredients). “Some days I have a hard time with breakfast, and having some better-for-you cereal on hand makes for such an easy breakfast,” says Elisha Knight, Thrive Market’s Art Director for Photography. “Also, you can’t go wrong with a bowl of cereal for dessert!”

14. Magic Spoon Fruity Protein Cereal
This one keeps the “fun cereal” crowd happy—without the sugar crash. “These are great for kids and adults!” says Schuyler Blyth Martindale, who oversees merchandising at Thrive Market. “They’re so nostalgic, they take you right back to school mornings even if you’re well past the age of going back to school.”

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Weeknight Dinner Shortcuts 

The 6 p.m. scramble, solved. Pantry proteins, fast pastas, and a taco night that comes together in one pan—these are the must-have dinner staples that our employees are adding to their carts. 

15. Lotus Foods Organic Millet & Brown Rice Ramen
Dinner in the time it takes to boil water (without all the added sodium of conventional ramen noodles). The four-pack is already a great value, but it becomes a real no-brainer when it goes on sale! 

16. Wild Planet Organic Roasted Chicken Breast
A protein shortcut that our employees always keep in their pantries. “When I need an easy weeknight meal, I love using this chicken breast for a quick chicken salad,” Roberts says. 

17. Brami Italian Protein Pasta, Curly Mac
Familiar shape, more protein. Our employees always stock up and keep a box (or two) in their pantries for busy weeknights. “These make my pantry pastas feel so much more substantial because they’re extra filling, but I love that they still taste like normal pasta,” Lotto says. 

18. Siete Taco Seasoning, Mild
Taco night in one packet: Mild enough for the whole table, and made with only wholesome ingredients. “Taco bowls are a weekly staple in my house, and this seasoning adds the perfect blend of flavor every time,” says Angie Valle, Thrive Market’s Senior Creative Project Manager. “It’s become my go-to for making an easy dinner taste even better.”

19. Kaizen Protein Rice
Made from lupini beans, this rice-like side helps to add some substance to salads, “grain” bowls, and anywhere else you’d normally use rice. It’s a must-have for anyone who prioritizes low-carb, high-protein eating.

20. Banza Chickpea Pasta Cheddar Mac & Cheese Elbows
For the kids in the “I-only-eat-mac-and-cheese” phase, this chickpea-based pasta offers a little something more to feel good about. Our in-the-know parents are already stocking up. 

21. Annie’s Mac & Cheese Shells Multipack, White Cheddar
When only the classic mac and cheese will do—but you still want something healthier—this multipack covers a full week of requests. “An easy, weeknight meal hack I love is using Annie’s Mac & Cheese as a building block for a 30-minute dinner,” Roberts says. “I’ll often make it with some air-fried chicken and broccoli for a balanced meal.” 

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Adult Fuel & Wellness 

Whether you’re a parent who has to make it to school pickup or you’ve got a busy lifestyle that’s only getting busier, these are the must-have Thrive Market products that offer whatever adults might need—a boost of immunity, a moment of calm, or just a really good cup of coffee.

22. Thrive Market Breakfast Blend Coffee, Regeneratively Grown Organic, Whole Bean
Coffee is an early morning non-negotiable, especially once those mornings get a bit chillier. Regeneratively grown, whole bean, and complexly flavorful, this Thrive Market coffee is an employee favorite—especially when it comes to the value size bag. 

23. Aloha Protein Bar, Mixed Variety Sampler Pack
Minimal ingredient protein, maximum flavors: this sampler pack is a must-have for any devoted Aloha fan. 

24. Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Immune Support Throat Spray
A secret weapon that comes out the second the season’s first classroom cold makes it home. “My son just started pre-school, so I find myself reaching for this a lot more than I used to,” Osni says. “It’s so easy to store it in a purse, and it actually tastes yummy—like a really good honey.” 

25. Olipop Prebiotic Soda Favorites Variety Pack
The better-for-you afternoon treat, with a variety pack so everyone gets their flavor. “We always keep a healthy stock of Olipop in the Thrive Market photo studio!” says Kim. “Bonus: They’re also a good source of fiber.”

26. Thrive Market Organic Ceremonial Matcha Tea
For the afternoon reset that isn’t a fourth cup of coffee. “This matcha is genuinely better than the one they use at my local coffee shop,” Osni says. 

27. New Chapter Magnesium + Ashwagandha
A double dose of relaxation for busy minds and busier routines, from a tried-and-true brand that our employees always add to their carts. 

28. Four Sigmatic Focus Organic Ground Coffee
Coffee with a little extra focus support—for the afternoon stretch that needs it.

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The Back-to-Routine Home Reset 

New school year, fresh reset (with a sustainable twist). This is the unglamorous stuff that keeps the household running, and this is how our employees plan to get it done. 

29. Rosey by Thrive Market Laundry Detergent, Lavender
For the mountain of gym clothes, sports jerseys, and mystery stains that arrives come September. “I recently switched to a clean laundry detergent, and I love this one!” Valle says. “My clothes smell fresh, look brighter, and I love having the peace of mind that it’s made without dyes or synthetic fragrances.”

30. Caboo Paper-Wrapped Bamboo Bath Tissue
A no-brainer bathroom essential, made tree-free and paper-wrapped. Stock up now, thank yourself later.

31. Blueland Dishwasher Tablets Refill
Refillable, tidy, and one less plastic jug under the sink. “I made the switch to these recently because I was tired of dealing with big plastic boxes,” Lotto says. “So far, I’m loving the more sustainable refill lifestyle.” 

32. Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes, Lemongrass Citrus
The onset of fall often brings on the onset of cold season, and these wipes are essential for wiping down counters, doorknobs, school supplies, and any other high-traffic items. 

33. Molly’s Suds Bulk Laundry Powder, Unscented
Buying in bulk is the wallet-friendly (and planet-friendly) option for households doing laundry on repeat, and this one is also unscented for the sensitive-skin crowd.

34. Alaffia Everyday Shea Kids Bubble Bath, Lemon Lavender
Makes bathtime a little less of a battle and a little more of a wind-down. Our Thrive Market parents love to stock up on this value bottle when it’s heavily discounted—each one lasts through lots of sudsy bathtimes! 

35. Aunt Fannie’s All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes, Bright Lemon
The grab-and-wipe for backpacks, lunchboxes, and everything they touch on the way in the door. “I love all the Aunt Fannie’s products because the ingredients are minimal, the scents are subtle, and they work really well,” says Osni. 

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Buzzy New Arrivals for 25% Off  

New to our virtual shelves this year, and already earning a spot in our carts. Pro tip: Everything in this section is 25% off during the Back-to-Busy Sale!

36. Aloha Protein Bar, Cookies & Creme
Already an employee-favorite flavor, these sweet and creamy bars are made with wholesome, plant-based protein from organic brown rice and pumpkin seeds.

37. The Good Crisp Co. Mini Cheese Balls Snack Pack
If your household can’t get enough of these crunchy, fun-to-eat snacks, you’ll want to snap up this snack pack while it’s 25% off. 

38. Simple Mills Oat Flour Baking Mix, Cinnamon Swirl Muffin & Cake
Whether you’re making breakfast muffins for the week or a cake for the class party, this gluten-free mix is perfect for easing into the fall season. 

39. Olipop Prebiotic Soda, Shirley Temple 
This nostalgic new flavor from an employee- and member-favorite brand is sure to be in lots of carts during the Back-to-Busy Sale! 

40. That’s It Fiber Fun Size Fruit Bars, Apple, Mango & Pear
Fun-size, fiber-forward, and a feel-good treat to toss into the lunchbox.

41. Once Upon A Farm Soft-Baked Tractor Wheels, Apple, Sweet Potato & Spinach
Kid-approved, but made with real fruits and veggies—a rare and beautiful combination. “These are the ultimate kids’ snack must-have in my house,” Osni says. “My 2-year-old climbs up in his toddler tower to get them for himself.” 

42. Skout Organic Kids Snack Bars, Variety Pack
They may taste like dessert (looking at you, chocolate brownie flavor) but these bars are made with parent-approved ingredients like organic dates, coconut cream, and sunflower seed protein. 

43. Carbone Classic Vodka Sauce
The shortcut to a restaurant-feeling dinner on a night you have nothing left to give. “Most pasta sauces need a little zhuzhing up before dinner,” Kim says. “This sauce is super tasty on its own.”

44. Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Sheets, Unscented
Lightweight, mess-free, and travel- and dorm-friendly—no single-use plastic jug required. Our employees love the unscented version for babies, young kids, or anyone with sensitive skin. 

45. wellmade by Thrive Market Sugar-Free Electrolyte Drink Mix, Variety Pack For workouts, sports practices, or just the last hot weeks of the season. “An underrated time to take electrolytes is right before bed,” Kim says. “I was once a frequent 4:30 am bathroom-goer. No more! I’m getting good sleep with these handy packs.” 

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Ready to shop the sale? 

That’s all 45 of our employee must-haves—steal whatever’s useful, add them to your cart early, and get ready to hit “checkout”! 

Become a Thrive Market member to shop the Back-to-Busy Sale now!