Organic Food Costs Rise – 11 Ways to Save Money on Organic Food
May 20, 2008 by Jennifer
A recent slew of high-cost organic food articles have been making the rounds lately. There’s a good one at Newsweek; but many others of the same type all over.
I agree that organics are insanely high when compared to conventional, but we’ve talked about this before, and your family can eat organic; maybe not on the cheap, but organic foods can be surprisingly affordable using some basic tactics.
1. Don’t shop at Whole Foods. I wish I had a nickel for each “Whole Foods is too expensive” reference I see in organic food articles. Well then, don’t shop there. Currently, they’ve created (or tried to) somewhat of a monopoly on organics and natural foods. I’m not saying ban them, but don’t buy there if you can get it cheaper elsewhere.
For example, in my city, at least five other stores carry organics, many their own USDA certified store brand of organics. These usually cost a fraction of what Whole Foods organics cost. Check around your local stores to see what’s out there.
2. Only buy the organics you need. For instance, cereal comes low on the found pesticide level, you can buy conventional and save a few dollars. Save your cash for organics that actually matter, like apples, cheese, butter, eggs, bell peppers, soy, and so fourth.
3. Eat less meat. Honestly, you should only buy organic meat, which can get expensive, but conventional meat is a big baddie. Eat less, save more.
4. If you’ve got the space, grow some of your own organic food.
5. Buy in season. There’s a reason out of season foods cost more; shipping costs and demand vs. availability. Buying in season saves transport energy and costs less. You don’t need melon year round.
6. Save money elsewhere. For example if you make my Homemade Sugar Body Scrub instead of buying a $25 jar of body scrub, that’s money saved for food which your family needs. You can also do things like sign up for a Weatherization Assistance Programor use less AC and save money that way.
7. Don’t buy junk. Seriously, if you’re buying chips and soda, I don’t even want to hear any. “Organic foods are too expensive” whining. Beans, veggies, and rice can be tasty fun – I swear.
8. Cook it yourself. Cooking a veggie pot pie vs. buying frozen will save you money, lots. In the long run, you can master cooking your own soups, chili, breads, cookies, and more. Believe me, you’ll get faster as you learn (if I can you can).
9. Don’t spend money because you’re tricked. Get to know your labels. In some cases buying a food (or other item) labeled “organic” may mean you’re only getting a food that’s 40% organic. People will say anything to get you to spend more, but it’s not always worth it. For example, you can’t even buy organic fish – did you know that? There’s no standards for organic fish, so don’t waste your money.
10. Look online. Sometimes bulk ordering organics online can save you money. Sometimes! Check prices, also, you’ll have to contend with the fact of transport energy; but hey, you didn’t have to drive to the store, so bonus.
Places to check:
- Diamond Organics
- Amazon
- True Foods Market
- Organic Kingdom
- See a bigger list here – some links are dead, some not.
- Check your yellow pages. Some organic food delivery services are locally based.
11. Visit your local farmers market at the end of the day, when folks are looking to sell stuff no matter what.
What other ways can you think of to save on organics?
[Store brand O Organics, image via Safeway - one of the local stores in my area carrying lower cost organics]
I know you’re on a Target ban, but they do have several organic options as well — milk, eggs, fruit, veggies and more.
Bulk food bins that offer dried foods such as oatmeal and rice are usually a real bargain.
Being careful to use your leftovers can help, too.
Also, I don’t belong to a Sam’s Club or BJ’s any longer, but I know they have begun to carry organics such as milk and eggs. They may be a less expensive option.
I wrote a post back in March about this
http://robinshreeves.blogspot.com/2008/03/staying-green-during-possible-recession.html
I’m going to point my readers to your post here because I think its an important discussion.
Hmmm, did not know about Target, but that’s good for people not on a ban, also Walmart I hear has organics. I can’t stand them, but I hear they have cheap stuff.
@Robin I don’t promote club type stores because paying to shop is about as promotional for consumerism as you can get. However, thanks for the tip. I’ll check out your article too.
Jennifer, what about natural food co-ops? How do you feel about paying $100/ year to get special prices and 2% off purchases?