Prioritize
As with anything in life, we often want more than we can afford. Organic products are more expensive than their non-organic counterparts, which means we may not be able to afford a fully organic diet and lifestyle.
Use a list foods ranked by the level of toxins and pesticides they retain to prioritize your organic purchases. I like the list provided by Environmental Working Group. The non-profit ranks 45 produce items and provides the results in a downloadable pdf file or a free iPhone app for easy reference while you’re in the store.
A general rule of thumb is that thin-skinned fruits and vegetables, or those whose skin you consumer are more important to buy organic than thick-skinned. For instance, peaches, rank higher on the Environmental Working Group’s list than bananas.
Price compare
After you’ve identified which items you want to be sure and purchase in an organic variety, figure out where to get them for the best price. Take a short list of 5-10 high priority items and compare the everyday, non-sale price at couple of stores. I’d recommend including Trader Joe’s, a warehouse club like Costco or Sam’s Club, and a big box retailer like Target or Walmart as retailers to compare. When you factor the price difference between stores, be sure to include a monthly amount of the annual membership fee for a warehouse club since shopping there is not free (i.e. – add in another $4 to what you think the 5-10 items would cost you in a month).
After you’ve figured out which store has the best everyday prices, I’d encourage you watch the sale prices for your 5-10 items. In particular, watch the advertisements for grocery stores in your area. They tend to have higher everyday prices, but their advertised sales are generally better than their competition. You may notice a pattern where some of your favorite products go on sale every xx number of weeks, which allows you to buy enough to make it from sale to sale.
Coupons
It’s a misnomer that there are not coupons for organic items. What’s true is that there is not a single website that aggregates and compiles all the organic coupons in one place. Instead, you can print coupons for hundreds of organic items by visiting the manufacturer’s website. I’ve previously mentioned this extensive list of websites where you can print organic coupons.
If you decide that using coupons is a money-saving strategy for you, keep that in mind as you price compare. Some stores, like Trader Joe’s, Costco and Sam’s Club do not accept manufacturer-issued coupons. You may end up paying less in instances where the full-price is higher, but the store accepts a coupon.
Watch the label
Organic is not the same as all natural or hormone free, although retailers that sell organic products often sell the others as well. The USDA certifies fully organic products and items that meet their requirements have the USDA image pictured above. If you don’t see the USDA label, then it is not organic even if it sits on the shelves in the whole foods section or in an alternative grocery store like Trader Joe’s.
I’ve noticed that whether it’s the whole foods section of a grocery store or an alternative grocery store like Trader Joe’s, not everything on the shelves is organic.
Your turn: What else do you do to eat organic products without breaking the bank?
About Carrie Rocha
Carrie, thanks for this information! I always figured that organic was just not possible to do. I’ll look at it differently from now on and choose what I can afford to fit into the budget. Come to think of it, I’ve done that with eggs. I’m willing to pay more for eggs from free-range hens fed an organic diet. We go through so many eggs, I figure it’s one place I’m willing to splurge if I can cut in other areas.
Did anyone else see Oprah’s food show? It is amazing insight into how our food is processed, mistreatment of animals and people…
My favorite example is : crack an organic egg into a bowl…then crack a regular egg in another bowl….the organic yoke is deep in color….the other is pale.
Just a thought…we can change the process…by using organic coupons and buying organic products…law of supply and demand. I love saving $$$, but want the healthiest food available.
Just thoughts
I just found your site… Love it! I did see the Oprah show and also just watched the movie Food Inc. I wish everyone would watch it! We all need to be responsible consumers. I buy organic, but could use some help on the price. This is helpful! Thanks!
-MamaE http://www.mystorytour.blogspot.com
Just to let you know the Trader Joe’s in St.Louis Park and Minnetonka do accept Manufacturer’s coupons. I have used Kashi, Toblerone, Vinta crackers, and Tofurky coupons at these stores. (I haven’t shopped at the other locations to know if they accept coupons or not.) Bring your coupons into the store and see what else you can find.
Another obvious place to shop for organic foods is at your local Twin Cities co-op. The Twin Cities is blessed to have many, many co-ops and they all pretty much run the same month-long specials. Regular prices can be high, but for items such as Cascadia Farms frozen fruit ($3.29 this month) and vegetables and Muir Glen tomatoes, I always find the best prices at the co-op during the month they are on sale. You don’t need to be a member to shop at a co-op!
I also like Mike’s discount foods in Fridley as an option for some organic. There are 2 other locations also! FYI- it is hit or miss– some days great options, some days nothing. I’d love to know what supplier they use. Within the last 3 weeks, I got organic butter, milk (single serve), cookie mix and yogurt as well as fruit. I also saw baby food and some frozen entrees. Often items are at or just beyond the expiration date, so if this isn’t you, don’t go. I stock up when I can. Good hunting!
We buy organic beef, in fact we buy a whole cow’s worth once every 12-18 months directly from a farmer. We pay between $3-$4 per pound, and that includes the sirloin steaks. Often, buying directly from a local farmer or CSA makes the price significantly cheaper than one would pay in a store.
Hi Julie!
Would you be able to tell us where you buy your cow each year? My husband & I have been searching for a local farmer or CSA from which to buy organic, grass-fed beef, but we haven’t been able to find one where the price is as low as $3-4 per pound. So any information you have would be a great help to us!
Thank you!
Hi there ~ was just browsing this article on eating organic. My Dad sells natural free-range, grass fed beef at $3.50/lb. Raised traditionally, no hormones, no antibiotics, no corn, etc. He is a small farmer and does not plan to certify organic. His meat is natural and delicious. He delivers to the Twin Cities area with drops in Maple Grove, St Paul and Lakeville.
You can email me at janejensen2@hotmail.com for a breakdown of cuts and weight, etc.
Happy eating!
We buy from a farmer in Fairmont. It’s a bit of a drive, but worth it.