Top Organic Foods at Your Local Grocery Store: Why Buy Organic?

Why buy organic? We've all heard the quote, "You are what you eat," - drink, use on your skin, and don't forget your pets. The news in 2007 was the tainted pet food from China. Tainted wheat gluten is suspected in sickening hundreds, if not thousands of pets. Contaminated food made it into the human food chain. What better reason to restrict ingesting foods that are treated to boost nutrient levels. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website, all organic ingredients must meet the strict USDA guidelines. The National Organic Program covers Standard Organic Labeling for Consumers, Organic Farming Production and Export and Import of Organic Products. (here)

Eating raw organic produce requires safe handling. The U.S. Food and Drug website offers a multitude of information (here). The information includes everything from buying to preparation of raw produce. There is even information regarding safety and fresh squeezed produces. The Q & A sections answers questions such what is "organic" produce in simpler terms than The USDA website. Other questions answered are what do the use by date mean, and waxes on foods.

According to the Egg Nutrition Center, (here) the nutritional value of an egg is affected ONLY by the feed. In other words, specialty eggs such as organic eggs, or cage-free eggs provide the same nutritional value as the regular varieties if their feeds are the same. The USDA has a publication on the premium price of organic chicken and eggs (here)

Family Farm Co-Op Organic Partnership is a symbol you'll see on many websites of family owned farms. The Soil Association certification is another endorsement of organic products. The Soil Association is based in England and a certification organization for organic food and farming (here). When browsing companies' websites with organic products, you may see the organizations seal.

Organic produces have progressed into the main stream since the 1990's. Such produces were found in one's garden, at farmer's markets or natural food stores like Whole Food, Trader Joe's, and Chamberlin. Today organic produce, meats and poultry, and processed foods can be found on the shelves of large food chains. Some supermarket food chains have special organic, natural food sections. Other stores stock organic foods alongside conventional foods. This point is important. Get to know your local store. You may miss sales and bargains on organic foods because they are over looked. Check the stores that are having 10-$10 sales and the like. Sometimes organic foods are included in the sale, making them very affordable. You can save 30-50 cents per can on organic. Check the "use by date" and stock up the panty on canned items. With the bad weather we experienced in various parts of the country, it's good to have non-perishable food items on hand.

By far the best produce I found is at Whole Food. Produce from Whole Food is pricey, but that price includes, beautiful, fresh fruits and vegetable. When looking for bargains, try farmer's markets. All Whole Foods are not created equal. The Whole Food located in Silver Spring, MD, also has the best bakery for fresh baked breads I've found. You are handed breads sliced or whole over the counter, still warm from the oven. Place your new purchase in the passenger seat, and you have a great incentive to go straight home. At $2.50 that price is a great bargain and the same price as supermarket in house bakeries.

40oz Marques de Paiva Organic decaffeinated or regular whole beans are harvested coffee from Brazil. At $16.00 from the bulk warehouse, this is a good buy. Chain store brand ground coffee can cost $6 for a 13oz container. Grinding fresh coffee beans each morning is like having a coffee shop in your kitchen. The beans stay aromatic well pass the two week "use by" recommendation when stored in a dry, air tight container. No harsh burned taste, but has a rich, full bodied flavor. If you drink black coffee, you'll love this coffee. Flavored creamers do not dilute the coffee taste.

Libby's is a U.S. company with its origins in Chicago in the late 1800's. I've found there products to be of high quality. Now they have an organic line of canned vegetables. This week I found organic canned kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas on sale for 10-$10, mix and match. At this supermarket it was a savings of $.39 per can. The savings is a good reason to stock up.

Horizon Organic milks are available at local supermarket chains. The price of the organic 2% with DHA Omega-3 has risen in price from 2-1/2 gallons for $6 to $8. The other varieties are about 50 cents cheaper. The milk has a good shelf life after opened and properly refrigerated. Horizon Organics has a long line of dairy products, but the milk seems more widely distributed. I find that stocked in supermarket chain stores, including chocolate milk.

Publix Greenwise Market organic products include baby care, baby food, frozen foods, pasta, rice, assorted meats and poultry, produce, canned and jar items, cereals and dairy. Greenwise is part of a large supermarket chain which allows for slightly lower prices than other organic products, sales, varieties and large inventory. Without a sales the items are a bit pricey especially the meats and poultry. If buying meat or poultry for 1-2 servings, it is possible to spend less than $10 depending on price per pound and cut of meat. The steaks melt in your mouth. On the few occasions I eat red meat, I lean toward Greenwise.

Stoneyfield yogurt has a creamy sweeter, less tart taste than other yogurts. If you never had yogurt, one should experience Stoneyfield before the rest. Like a lot of organic foods, the price of Stoneyfield has gone up. I don't see as many sales for this item. I do take advantage of the manufacturer's coupons found in print or online.

Now on to good food for the skin. Whatever you put on your skin and hair is absorbed into the body. Using quality organic skincare products is a logical progression. According to Juice Organics, they use freshly-squeezed organic juice concentrates as our base. Many beauty products are water based. At approximately $10 per item, it's a product packed with rich and potent antioxidants, and nutrients. There were far more expensive products on the shelves and not organic. The trial size starter pack is small enough to get pass airport screeners. The starter kit provides the necessary items for your daily skincare needs.

According to the package, by Nature Organics is a 140 year old small New England company that makes high quality dog food. It doesn't use any by-products, wheat gluten, soy or corn in its dry dog food. Tainted wheat gluten is suspected in sickening hundreds of pets. Packaging also states it certified organic by Oregon Tilth. According to its website, Oregon Tilth has been offering organic certification services for over 30 years. It states the organization helped develop the National Organic Standards of the USDA. Natural organic dry dog food is what I used since my dog was a pup. She gets so many compliments on the condition of her coat. My vet uses the dog's coat and eyes as an indication of health. My dog's is shiny and soft. A pet's diet is crucial to its overall health. My dog is at a healthy weight with lots of energy.

Newman's Organic chicken treat is another favorite. It's priced comparably with other dog treats. The Newman's website outlines the ingredients used in the treats, and it is certified by Oregon Tilth. As noted on the Newman website, all his after-tax profits from the royalties from Newman's Own and Newman's Own Organics to educational and charitable organizations. By buying the product you help others.