How To Save On Organic Food
Organic foods are not just a fad. There is a real concern about the pesticides and chemicals that are used on and in foods, so organic is becoming a much more popular path to follow. That said, the biggest qualm is that it’s not the cheapest option. Organic foods tend to be more expensive, and while “you get what you pay for” can be true in this arena, there are some ways to save. Here are a few tips to get you going!
Buy Marked Down Organic Items
Most grocery stores mark down their grocery items at one point or another. Your best bet for eating organic on the cheap is to buy things when they’re on sale or on clearance. Because organic items have become more popular, you should occasionally be able to stack some coupons on top of this savings for an even better price. And another tip for your organic goods – try shopping at the end of your store circular (i.e. if the sale runs from Wednesday-Tuesday each week, stop by on Tuesday to see if anything is on clearance). Sometimes stores will mark down their items at this point in order to make room for the new things. Not always, but it can’t hurt to try!
Grow Your Own Food
The food that you grow yourself is not only cheap, but it is organic! You know exactly what you are putting on your plants to help them grow, therefore, you can have total control. Growing your own food is as cheap as you want it to be and it’s a great way to get the family involved. Start small with one or two items and then branch out once you have a pattern for care down pat.
Be Flexible
If you are on a budget and trying to eat organic food, you need to be flexible. You may not be able to afford organic food for every single item you are buying, but you can try. Relax! Don’t get stressed out if something you really want is not available in an organic variety. Do the best you can with what you have.
Head to a Farmer’s Market
It may be hard to get to the Farmer’s Market because life is so busy and crazy, but it’s worth it. When you head to a Farmer’s Market, you are usually buying local produce. The farmers are typically pretty honest about whether or not their items are organic and they absolutely appreciate the business. Supporting local farmers is a huge deal in this day and age, so not only are you buying good produce, you’re paying it forward. Even better, a market will allow for some added variety. Do they have a huge sale on beets and you’ve never tried them? Do it!
Head to ALDI
As we’ve already discussed, it can be tough to buy everyday foods that are organic without paying a ton of money. Lots of people are shopping at ALDI because there is so much promise – including their organic line. They have great everyday prices as well, so take a trip over to your local store and see what you can find. Prices will vary in each area, but it’s worth a look and they are expanding their line all the time.
Take Advantage of a Community Supported Agriculture
If you can swing this one, it’s worth it! There are food produce box subscriptions in many parts of the country. This is where you pay a certain amount of money for produce each week and you may or may not know what you’re going to get. You can ask questions and make sure they offer organic produce, but after that, it’s all up to fate (and what crops are in season!) This option not only gives you variety, but it also supports local farmers. You can look for something near you here or do a search in your area.
Buy Organic and DIY
It is unrealistic to think you will be able to buy every single thing you need in an organic fashion. That said, you can often make the items that you cannot buy! It’s super fun to buy ingredients like organic coconut oil and make your own shampoos, soaps, and lotions. With a little creativity, you can gather organic ingredients, make your own products, and stretch your budget even further! Start with some ideas on Pinterest to get you going.
Shop the Big Stores
Stores like Walmart and Target may not be the first places you think of when it comes to organic, but they can deliver. They may not be as plentiful as a store like ALDI or a Farmer’s Market, but you can find some good stuff in a pinch. Target in particular has begun to offer store coupons on organic items, so keep an eye out for those!
Buy in Bulk
Another way you can eat organic for cheap is to buy in bulk. Go into a store like Costco or Sam’s Club and buy larger amounts of the items you use the most. Be sure to compare prices (and quantities included) at different stores so you know where the best price is. If you don’t need 30 lbs of organic produce in one purchase, consider splitting it with friends. Additionally, you may be able to buy grass fed beef from a local farmer. Talk to some friends and pool your money to buy a quarter or a half a cow’s worth of beef. This has become a more and more common option in many areas, so do a search near you if you’re interested.
Finding savings on organic food can be nerve-wracking, but it’s not impossible. There really are many ideas and paths that you can follow to save money! Do you have additional ideas? I’d love to hear them!
