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As an every-aisle grocery shopper, I have mixed feelings on grocery delivery. I recognize the convenience of shopping from home and the luxury of not juggling an assortment of overflowing bags and boxes from store to trunk to doorstep. But, I’m a proud procurer of well-made pantry goods -- I love finding a new, beautifully packaged, sustainably sourced product in the nooks and crannies of a local market aisle. Online grocery shopping? Hardly the same.
The founders of Hive Brands combined years of experience in the DTC space to build an online ecosystem of positive-impact foods and household goods. Each brand sold on Hive’s website has been closely vetted across a number of criteria (more on those below) so shoppers can get lost in Hive’s virtual grocery aisles with peace of mind: Every single item tastes great, does good, and supports the little guy or gal. Turns out you can source great products via online grocery with Hive Brands.
What’s All The Buzz About?
Founded to create a more “equitable and sustainable world,” Hive Brands runs every brand through its “Hive Five” vetting process to screen for Ingredient Integrity, Recyclable Packaging, a Low Carbon Footprint, Commitment to Social Good, and Rave-worthiness. Brands must pass muster for all five categories, and Hive regularly checks in to ensure its site is up to date with best-performers in the space. The result is a family of brands who are as committed to bettering the environment as they are to creating top notch products.
Hive Brands runs every brand through its “Hive Five” vetting process to screen for Ingredient Integrity, Recyclable Packaging, a Low Carbon Footprint, Commitment to Social Good, and Rave-worthiness. Brands must pass muster for all five categories, and Hive regularly checks in to ensure its site is up to date with best-performers in the space.
By taking the heavy-lifting off of the consumer, Hive connects conscious consumers with their crafter counterparts for a seamless and feel-good shopping experience. That experience entails buying delicious items without the ever-growing list of am-I-doing-my-part questions: Are these ingredients well-sourced? Is this packaging sustainable? Was someone fairly paid for their labor to create this? Hive has already answered these (and many more) questions for you: Yes, yes, and yes.
The Goodies Doing Good
If shopping on Hive sounds simple, that’s because it is. Unlike other services, Hive doesn’t require a membership. Anyone is able to check out the site’s offerings, which can be sorted by type of good (Pantry, Snacks, Beverages, Personal Care, Household) or cause (Community & Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health & Disease, Human & Animal Rights, Poverty & Hunger). In the latter case, Hive divides products into the causes they support: for instance, if you shop by ‘Environment,’ you’ll meet brands like Big Spoon Roasters and Alter Eco that prioritize renewable energy and regenerative agriculture. Choose ‘Poverty & Hunger’ and meet The GFB and Pipsnacks (among others) that donate products and money to food banks, shelters, and organizations like Feeding America and Children’s Hunger Fund.
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Whatever your motive for shopping (which, for the record, may just be discovering really good products), Hive has something delicious for you. I was elated to surf through an ever-impressive selection of Nut and Seed Butters, top-notch Teas, better-for-you Pastas, and Salad Dressings and Spices I’d never seen before. It’s safe to say that Hive products have been integrated into every part of my day -- from my morning tea and almond butter dalloped oatmeal to a mid-day zestily-dressed salad and pesto whole grain pasta for dinner.
Every single item I ordered has been delicious -- no seriously: I tore through my Toasted Coconut Almond Butter with Sea Salt ($13.75), Masala Chai Tea Concentrate ($9.95), Unsweetened Milked Walnuts ($5.95), and two boxes of pasta within a week of receiving my delivery. The site also has a ton of great household goods, personal care items, and pet foods. Just be careful -- I almost accidentally ordered myself dog food because it sounded so tasty (Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter for Dogs? I’d give it a go...).
From The Hive To Your Home
Hive packs your goodies in 100% recyclable packaging and sends your carbon neutral order on its way. Yes, you read that right: Hive ships in recycled boxes designed with non-toxic, water-based ink. Plus, the brand has offset all of the carbon used for its operations and 72,842 lbs (at the time of writing) of goods delivered.
Once you’ve filled your bag, Hive packs your goodies in 100% recyclable packaging and sends your carbon neutral order on its way. Yes, you read that right: Hive ships in recycled boxes designed with non-toxic, water-based ink. Plus, the brand has offset all of the carbon used for its operations and 72,842 lbs (at the time of writing) of goods delivered. The brand also follows up with a recap of the impact your order will have:
My shipment arrived within three days of ordering and was well-packaged with easily recycled materials. If you ever have questions on recycling best practices, check out Hive’s Recycling page, which offers a comprehensive guide for shoppers. On top of that, the brand has partnered with Terracycle for hard-to-recycle goods: If your order contains components that are difficult to recycle, you can request an envelope with your box to send Terracycle’s way. The waste management brand then reuses or refurbishes the materials for new products.
A Win, Win, Win
At a time when shopping online often feels like putting money straight into the pockets of Big Grocery, it’s amazing to support a brand that’s committed to the little brands. Hive carries 769 products verified for fair or direct trade practices and sustainable agriculture and represents 65 environmental and social certified groups across its brands. It’s clear that the company takes its commitment to the Hive Five seriously -- screening for excellent practices and top-notch taste. My recommendation? Order two of everything that catches your eye: I have a feeling your new goodies may disappear at a surprisingly rapid rate.
Five More Reasons To Love Hive Brands:
- Shop your values! Hive allows you to sort products by cause, so you can feel good knowing your dollar is doing good.
- A tasty selection: Hive takes “Rave-worthiness” seriously. These products are seriously delicious.
- Mindful convenience: Hive offsets the carbon footprint of its operations and deliveries.
- Best-in-class founding team: Hive’s founders have worked for (or founded) brands like Freshpet, Casper, and Jet.com.
- Something for everyone: Hive caters to a number of dietary needs, including Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Kosher, Nut-Free, Paleo, Vegan, and Vegetarian.
