Going organic has many benefits – from taste to more nutrient content to long-term health benefits (and savings). However, buying organic can leave quite a dent in your pocketbook. But it doesn’t have to be the case. With some research, a little footwork, a few changes in your shopping and eating habits, and some suggestions, your family could be buying organic foods for less than you think. A lot less.
Here are few tips when budgeting organic food buying:
1. Start by baby stepping into your organic venture. Buy only those items on the “Dirty Dozen” list (those with the most pesticide residue), for instance. Or buy organic when it comes to those staple items (those that you eat most often). In our home, it’s berries. My son loves berries, namely blueberries. And we eat a lot of dairy and spinach. So, we started with blueberries, spinach, and milk, and then branched out from there.
2. Buy from a local farm or farmer’s markets. They are local, fresher, cheaper and taste better. Sometimes farmers grow organically but do not have the money to certify it as organic. So, even if they don’t grow certified organic produce, ask if they avoid chemicals. Also, ask to purchase misshapen produce (tastes the same and often with cheaper price tags).
3. Find a CSA (Community-Supported Agricultural) program that is organic and buy a share. (Check out my tips for joining a CSA).
4. Grow your own. You can start small – some herbs or tomatoes, perhaps? Things like growing your own garlic is surprisingly easy, and it is a great learning experience for kids – my daughter is an expert! You will need all organic supplies, including seeds, organic garden soil, and organic fertilizer.
5. Buy in bulk when it’s cheaper (make to calculate, as it’s not always cheaper). Join Costco or Sam’s Club (they have a lot of organic options), or ask your grocer if you can order in bulk. If you don’t have room to keep items in bulk, see if a friend or two will share with you. You can also order bulk items on Amazon, available with free shipping.
6. Find a co-op.
7. Buy in-season fruits and vegetables. These tend to be cheaper. Plus, you can always freeze and store some produce for the winter or off-season months. During the off-season, buy preserved organic foods in jars and cans if you can’t freeze. They are much cheaper than the hiked-up prices in the produce section.
8. Look for sales and use coupons when available. I often use online coupons from Organic Valley and YoBaby.
9. Limit buying processed and packaged foods, and certainly of the organic variety. Things like organic cereals, chips, and pastas often lose nutritional value when processed anyway, so opt for non-organic. Cook from scratch instead… it’s better for you and your wallet.
10. Pay attention to what you can cut down or even cut off completely from your grocery list. (Sodas could be a start.) And why stop there? (Do you really need that new iPhone?)
11. Watch portion sizes. We often overestimate portions and end up consuming a lot more food. This tip is doubly good for your waistline.
12. Eat more whole grains, beans, and vegetables (which cost less) and less meat (which costs more).
13. Eat out less. Buy less coffee at a coffee shop. It’s amazing how much you can save when you do these two things!
17. Branch out and research all your organic food options (grocery stores available to you, online shops, local farms, co-ops, etc.) to find out what items will be cheaper at which locations. [Use the Eat Well Guide to find fresh, locally grown and sustainable foods in your area. It’s an online directory that lists family farms, restaurants, grocery stores, CSA programs, farmer’s markets, and more throughout the US and Canada.]
Last, consider where your values and priorities lie. Would you rather nourish your family with tasty, nutritionally dense, high-quality, toxin-free foods that will benefit their health now and in the future? Personally, it’s worth the price.
Valerie, a God-fearing coach’s wife and stay at home mom of five bright-eyed little ones. She is the original founder of A Nation of Moms, a “one-stop shop” blog-azine of resources and advice for all moms who, like Valerie, just needed a little help.
Most of the times I prefer to buy organic products, as they are healthier and chemical free. But I had no idea about the budgeting of it. You have really shared some amazing information.
From the world that’s full of chemical anywhere, we need this kind of organic food to take as this has many natural nutrients. Totally agree with you that we need to have a lot of budget for this kind of food.
Great post, thank you for the tips! I think considering which fruits & veggies are most important to buy organic is such a great way to start. There is such a big difference between them as to how much pesticides are being used!
Finding local farmer’s markets near me is hectic because of my work schedules. By the time my shift ends most of them are closed and I have no choice but go to Walmart
Yes! Organic food can be costly, but buying by the bulk can pay off in the long run! Growing your own vegetables and fruits can also dramatically help cut down the costs.
this is a good idea… i really recommend this to everyone… i started using organic after my major surgery and honestly it works well.. thanks for spreading awareness
Glad to hear that there is a way to budget when buying an organic product. Thank you for sharing these tips.
I love an organic product. Yes, it was a bit expensive but thanks for sharing this information. This can be very useful to save money when buying
Most of the times I prefer to buy organic products, as they are healthier and chemical free. But I had no idea about the budgeting of it. You have really shared some amazing information.
From the world that’s full of chemical anywhere, we need this kind of organic food to take as this has many natural nutrients. Totally agree with you that we need to have a lot of budget for this kind of food.
Great post, thank you for the tips! I think considering which fruits & veggies are most important to buy organic is such a great way to start. There is such a big difference between them as to how much pesticides are being used!
Finding local farmer’s markets near me is hectic because of my work schedules. By the time my shift ends most of them are closed and I have no choice but go to Walmart
Good point about avoiding buying organic for certain items, no point in wasting money over items that are equally good non organic.
I love buying organic when I can! I have so many incredible farms in my area and I take full advantage of it all year round.
Yes! Organic food can be costly, but buying by the bulk can pay off in the long run! Growing your own vegetables and fruits can also dramatically help cut down the costs.
It is worth the price. We buy organic when we can and it makes me feel good about what the fam. is eating.
We should buy an organic food, because is healthy. I am agree with this article. So many benefit when we consume it.
these are amazing tips! sometimes i don’t buy organic to save money but i will def be following your instructions next time i plan to shop!
this is a good idea… i really recommend this to everyone… i started using organic after my major surgery and honestly it works well.. thanks for spreading awareness
This sound really cool, its time I introduce this to my family again because the price has shut them from it