Budget-Friendly Organic Shopping Tips
Shop seasonally. Have you noticed how fruit and vegetable prices change based on the time of year? That has a lot to do with when these crops are harvested. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite fruit when it’s not in season, but to save money, incorporate more of the in-season produce into your meals as it might be on sale now and more expensive in a few months.
Visit your farmer’s market. Compare prices between items you find at the grocery store and at your local farmer’s market. You’ll find that farmer’s markets will often carry organic food staples, and you might even get to talk to the farmers themselves! With less travel time from farm to market, you might see a lower price. Plus, you’ll be supporting local farmers and your local economy!
Consider raw, unprocessed products. There is a definite convenience to pre-made organic meals. However, those can come with a higher price tag. Consider buying the organic, raw food items to make these meals yourself if the organic processed packages are out of your price range. Know that either way, when you see the USDA organic seal, you’re avoiding toxic synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
Make it from scratch. Too many meals out can lead to pinching pennies before your next payday. Cooking at home allows you to make budget-friendly decisions at the grocery store and have complete control over what ingredients are in the homecooked meals for your family.
Compare fresh, frozen, dried and canned organic varieties. You could see price differences based on preparation and packaging. If the organic frozen version is cheaper than fresh, opt for frozen and adjust your recipe so there’s no impact on the final taste or texture of your dish!
Be a coupon clipper. Maybe not literally since a lot of coupons are digital nowadays, but you get it. Do you have some favorite organic brands? We sure do! Sign up for their email newsletters (like ours: Juicy News!) and you can get coupon codes to shop directly on their websites. You might even consider signing up for a subscription to have some of your favorites shipped to you regularly. These often come with a discount, too!
Don’t forget your list! Avoid the dreaded “impulse buy” at the grocery store – unless you see a really good deal. Some things you just can’t pass up! When you have a plan and stick to it, you can avoid buying extra things you don’t actually need. One sure way to do this is to use a personal shopping service or grocery pickup option so you’re only shopping for exactly what you need. This could not only save you money in the long run but you save time as well!
Bulk buying is your friend. It’s no secret that buying in bulk can save money. Think about the food items you constantly restock or those favorites your family just can’t get enough of. When those food items are offered in bigger packaging and you know it’ll be consumed before the expiration date, stock up!
Organic food can be more expensive, but when you set a budget, plan ahead and consider your buying options, you can find ways to make organic staples economical for your family needs. Always remember that investing in organic isn’t about the price tag. It’s about investing in your health — today and for the future.
