How to Save Money on Organic Food

With the economy in trouble and the rising price of fuel, people are feeling the pinch everywhere, especially in their grocery bills. Consumers are having to tighten the reigns of their spending, as well as having to find creative ways to maintain quality without going broke. If eating organic, natural food free of chemicals or pesticides is important to your family, this guide to saving money on organic food can help by providing useful ideas and tips to eating organic on a budget.

The first advice I would give anyone trying to eat an organic whole foods diet on a budget is to cook from scratch. Convenience foods are often the most expensive anyway, but organic convenience foods will eat your grocery bill and before you know it you have spent a lot of money for not much food. Avoid pre-packaged and organic junk food, instead opting for organics in their most natural state. It is very easy and so much more inexpensive to cook organic dry beans than to buy organic canned. Try to find ways to make your favorite organic snacks from scratch. Granola for example, is a very easy inexpensive snack to make from scratch without too much time, effort, and far less than store bought granola.

Secondly, if you consume meat, try to incorporate more vegetarian meals in your diet. If the thought of eating bean sprouts makes you ill, take heart. There are many meatless dishes that are filling and don't require meat. Lasagna, chili, and stir fry are great options. Organic meat costs an arm and a leg, so if you do consume meat try to use it as a complement to a dish rather than a main dish. For example, instead of an organic steak or salmon fillet with a side dish, try something like shepherd's pie or salmon burgers which use less meat per serving.

Coupons are another way to help keep costs down when eating organic. Brands such as Stonyfield Farm give out free coupons, for a dollar or more off one item sometimes. Also, websites like Ebay often have auctions for lots of many coupons for just a couple of bucks. Search for organics. Amazon now sells food and has many organics for sale. They sell items in bulk, but if there is a product your family consumes all the time it can yield big savings.

Don't be afraid of the bulk bins, store brands, or scratch and dents. Many health food stores have their own in-store brand of organic or all natural foods. Whole foods 365 Brand for example, is very high quality in my experience and helps our family eat organic foods on a budget. The bulk bins in health food stores are bins of dry goods that you can measure out and purchase. They are often less expensive because they are not packaged, and you can buy only what you need. Also, many health food stores have a section in their produce aisle where the food is just about to spoil. These fruits and vegetables are often a fraction of the price and with a little preparation, can be frozen and used for up to months later with no loss of quality or taste.

Growing a garden is one of the least expensive ways to save on your organic grocery bill, however, it is not possible for some people. In that case, why not put a free ad on Freecyle or Craigslist looking for folks who have extra bounty in their gardens. People love to share their harvest if not for free, for a fraction of grocery store prices or to barter for a good or service. Also, joining a CSA, or a community supported agriculture organization, is a good way to save money on organics. For a small fee and minimal volunteering, you own a stake in an organic community garden. Since the food is local and seasonal, it is often less expensive (and tastes better!) The other benefit is that you are supporting local agriculture.

Buy organic from the 'dirty dozen' first. The 'dirty dozen' are the top 12 foods that are contaminated from pesticides and chemicals. If you can only afford some but not all organic, these are the foods to make priority on your organic list: peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes. Source: Healthy Living For People And Planet Earth

Organic foods are expensive, but if you can afford it they are worth it for the planet and for the help of your family. I hope these tips make eating organic a more attainable goal for your family with less impact on your wallet.