9 Practical Tips For Saving Money On Organic Food

Do you want some tips for saving money on organic food? When I first started buying organic food, I was really surprised at how much more expensive it was than the conventional food I was used to purchasing.

However, organic food is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and is not processed with chemicals.

So, an obvious no-brainer as far as wellness is concerned.

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While organic foods are generally more expensive than conventional foods, I was determined to find ways to save money on my organic purchases!

Here are a few tips I’ve discovered for saving money on organic food:

1. Shop at farmer’s markets or join a CSA.

Buying direct from farmers is usually cheaper than purchasing organic food at the grocery store. Farmer’s markets are great places to find organic produce at a lower cost.

You can also join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, which is basically a subscription to a farmer’s harvest. You pay upfront for a share of the season’s harvest and then receive weekly deliveries of fresh, seasonal produce.

2. Research which foods are the most important to buy organic.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases an annual list of the “Dirty Dozen” fruits and vegetables that contain the most pesticide residues.

These are the foods you should try to buy organic, as they will have the highest concentration of pesticides if they are not grown organically.

The EWG also releases a “Clean Fifteen” list of fruits and vegetables that contain the least amount of pesticides, so you can feel good about buying these conventional.

3. Prioritize fresh, in-season produce over packaged or frozen items.

Not only is produce that’s in season typically cheaper than out-of-season produce, but it also tastes better! When fruits and vegetables are in season, they’re at the peak of their flavor.

And since they don’t have to travel as far to get to you, they’re often fresher too.

Frozen organic fruits and vegetables can be a good way to save money out of season, just make sure to check the labels to see where they’re sourced from.

4. Buy in bulk when possible, and cook large meals to freeze for later.

Organic meats and pantry staples like grains, beans, and nuts are often cheaper when purchased in bulk. I like to buy these items in larger quantities and then cook big batches of food to freeze for later.

This way I have quick and easy meals on hand, and I don’t have to worry about food going bad before I can use it. BJs and Costco are good places to buy organic in bulk.

5. Make your own condiments, sauces, and dressings.

One way to save money on organic food is to cook more meals from scratch. This can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be! Start by making your own condiments, sauces, and dressings.

These items can be expensive, and they often contain unhealthy ingredients. By making them yourself, you can control what goes into them and save money at the same time.

Check out the Healthy French Wife for tons of vegan recipes.

6. Grow your own food.

If you have even a small amount of space, you can grow your own food! Even if you don’t have a yard, you can grow herbs and vegetables in pots on your porch or balcony.

Growing your own food is a great way to save money, and it’s also really satisfying.

There’s nothing better than being able to walk out your door and pick fresh produce for your meal. If you’re looking for tutorials on growing your own food, YouTube is the best place to start.

7. Preserve foods.

Another way to make the most of seasonal produce is to preserve it. Canning and pickling are great ways to extend the life of fruits and vegetables.

You can also freeze produce, or make jams and jellies. Preserving food is a great way to save money, and it also means you can enjoy seasonal produce all year long!

8. Use every part of the food you purchase.

One way to save money and reduce food waste is to use every part of the food you purchase. For example, when you’re cooking dinner, save the scraps to make vegetable stock.

You can also compost your food waste, which is a great way to fertilize your garden.

9. Shop at discount grocers or online retailers.

If you’re looking for ways to save money on organic food, it’s worth checking out discount grocers or online retailers.

These stores often have great deals on organic produce and other items. And since they don’t have the overhead costs of a traditional grocery store, they can pass the savings on to you. Be sure to “shop the sales” and look out for coupons.

This can be time-consuming if you are shopping at multiple stores, but the savings, in the end, are worth it.