Buying organic foods at the health food store can cost you an arm and a leg, but if you want to enjoy the fresh taste of organic foods without the high prices, there’s good news. When shopping, you can enjoy organic food without breaking your monthly food budget. Here are some tips to get you started enjoying organic food on the cheap.
Tip 1: Avoid buying organic products at your “regular” supermarket; You will almost always pay more at the big box conventional food stores for organic products.
Tip 2: Do your research. You probably have more organic food options in your area than you think. Organic organizations are good places to start. A quick search online will help you locate groups in your area.
Tip 3: Two words: farmers markets. Farmers’ markets are good sources of fresh organic produce. And locally grown fruits and vegetables will always taste better than those that have been shipped thousands of miles on the back of a truck.
Tip 4: Buy shares in a local agricultural CSA or cooperative program. In exchange for your investment, you will receive regular boxes of fresh produce from the next harvest.
Shares in a co-cop or CSA generally cost around $300 to $400 for a 6 month period. It is well worth the money!
Tip 5: Join shopping clubs. This is a very good way to get great organic food for a low price. Shopping clubs often offer 30 to 40 percent off the market price.
Tip 6: Buy organic foods in bulk. Buying in bulk can stretch your food dollars. For certain items, you can take the bulk bins, but make sure you have cool, dry storage for beans and lentils, etc.
Tip 7: Buy seasonal products. The best time to buy any organic product is the peak of its growing season.
There is more produce towards the height of a fruit or vegetable’s growing season, and this tends to drive prices down. Stock up on your favorite organic vegetables and fruits during peak season.
Tip 8: During the off-season, buy canned foods. In the winter, avoid high-priced fresh produce and buy canned or dried fruits and vegetables instead.
Organic peas and corn will hold up well, as will fruits like peaches and berries, to help you through the winter months.
Buying organic foods and healthy food products doesn’t have to break your piggy bank. Shopping smart, and particularly seasonal, will help you enjoy organic food year-round, while staying within your grocery budget.