GMO:
Kirkland - GMO
Thrive - non GMO
**This is a *huge* difference, and really doesn't make it a fair comparison. Specifically, when our bodies receive a genetically modified food, our body does not recognize it and doesn’t know what to do with it. The body can respond to a GMO with an allergic reaction or an autoimmune reaction, and eventually lead to infertility, immune problems, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs including the digestive track. Why are there GMO's? Several websites state that it is so the crops can be more resistant to highly toxic weed killers, or so the plant can produce their own poisonous insecticide inside every cell.
Country of Origin:
Kirkland - package indicates that it is a product of the USA, but there are reports on the web that Kirkland freeze dried food was from China.... or it used to be from China. Glad they moved to a better source
Thrive - bananas are from Ecuador and strawberries are from USA. Thrive chooses the best possible food sources from around the world. They have set a very high standard and constantly test their products to ensure those standards are met or exceeded.
Shelf Life:
Kirkland - unopened package lasts under 1 year (stated expiry date is Oct 16, 2014)
Thrive - unopened can lasts 25 years. Opened can lasts 1 year.
Packaging:
Kirkland - flexible individual packages are non-recyclable
Thrive - pantry cans and #10 cans are recyclable. Some products are available in non-recyclable flexible packaging.
Price (not a fair comparison since it is comparing GMO and non GMO products):
Kirkland - paid $16.69 for a box of 20 pouches, where there were 10 10g apple pouches, 5 12g strawberry banana pouches, and 5 10g apple with cinnamon pouches. Since there are 3 fruits involved, all with different prices (originally), it's hard to figure out a completely accurate price. But, the price per gram is $0.083
Thrive - Q price for a #10 can of fuji apples is $28.29US for 46 servings of 1/4 cup (7grams) equals $0.088US per g, bananas is $25.99US for 42 servings of 1/4 cup (11grams) equals $0.056Us per gram, and sliced strawberries is $25.69US for 44 servings of 1/4 cup (4grams) equals $0.146US per gram. So....assuming that the strawberry banana pouch contained equal measurements of each product, we could say that a 12g equivalent of Thrive strawberries and bananas would cost ($0.146US per gram + $0.056US per gram)/2 = $0.101US per gram
Taste (I had my husband, and my 5 & 7 year old kids each give me their own opinions):
Kirkland - Banana's were sliced thinner (which was nice), but the taste was described as "plain" or "yucky". Strawberries taste like they were overripe, and has an aftertaste that just doesn't go away... even after coffee.
Thrive - Banana's are sliced thicker and the taste is really "flavored" and "tasty". Strawberries "taste a *lot* better; *way* more flavor.
In summary, Thrive is a bit more expensive per gram for the strawberry/banana combination when you are looking at your wallet... but the long term health implications of eating GMO food are equally important and really need to be considered. Taste-wise, Thrive is the clear winner.
I do have a lot of the Kirkland packets available and will be bringing a packet to every home party so you can do your own comparison. Contact me to set up your sampling session and take advantage of the incredible savings on Thrive packages! I hope you enjoyed my comparison :)
For more information on Thrive's strawberries:
https://shanna.thrivelife.com/freeze-dried-strawberries.html
For more information on Thrive's bananas:
https://shanna.thrivelife.com/freeze-dried-sliced-bananas.html
<<update April 30, 2014 - I have returned the Kirkland freeze dried food because a large majority of the packages were recalled due to salmonella contamination - I will never buy Kirkland freeze dried again>>
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