| You will be surprise at organic food cost; it is not as expensive as people think. When you compare processes food and wholesome food, the value is definitely in the better food.
When you stop going to fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, buying processes food, pre-made food, and packaged foods you will see that the organic food cost will fit into your budget (if you have one).
Your grocery bills, you will see, will stay significantly the same. When you buy packaged/processed food, it may be convenient, but not really that much cheaper or definitely not better for you. In addition when you read the ingredients prepackaged foods you will be amazed how much junk is added. Companies add preservatives and additives to extend shelf-life and to maximize profit. Stay away from these products! Also, stay away from the entire middle aisles. Shop only the perimeter of the grocery store. This is usually where the organic and natural products are located, such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and seafood products. The only reason I may shop in the middle aisles is to buy organic tomato sauce, organic pasta, organic chicken/vegetable broth and my organic cereal because some grocery stores will have sections called “Organic and Natural”, in middle aisles.
Wouldn't you rather spend a little more money on food that are healthier than less on foods that can hurt you? I know I would.
A sample of Organic Food Cost
Here is a small sample of organic vs. non-organic prices that I have checked in a regular supermarket.
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Cost of Fruit
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Organic
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Non-Organic
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Banana
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.79/lb.
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.69/lb
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Apples
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$4.49 – 3 lbs.
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$3.99 – 3 lbs.
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Strawberries
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$4.49 – 16 oz.
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$3.99 – 16 oz.
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Oranges
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$4.99 – 4 lbs.
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$4.49 – 4 lbs.
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Total
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$14.76
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$13.17
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$1.59 (Difference in Organic vs. non-Organic Fruits)
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(Wait for Organic apples & strawberries to go on sale – Quite often they do)
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Cost of Vegetables
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Organic
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Non-Organic
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Carrots
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$1.99/3 lbs., .89/lb.
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$1.89/3 lbs., .89/lb.
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Broccoli
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$2.49/lb.
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$1.99/lb.
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Celery
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$.99/lb.
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$.89/lb.
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Total
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$5.47
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$4.77
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Only .70¢ Difference between organic and non-organic Vegetables
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FOR MORE COMPARISON SHOPPING
check out Organic Shopping
and see that organic food cost can be very reasonable.
Be Flexible
A little spontaneity will allow you to take advantage of sales items and store specials. Instead of chicken breasts, salmon, and tofu on your shopping list, try writing “protein – three meals”. Look for the freshest vegetables on sale and maybe even resolve to try something new every week, you will see Organic Food Cost is low. Recipe cards displayed on countertops and shelves are often keyed to supermarket promotions. If you get an advance copy of a store’s flyer, use the featured items to your plan meals.
Join a Co-Op
Another big way to cut the Organic Food Cost is with Co-ops. Many co-ops are as big and convenient as conventional supermarkets, complete with meat, deli, and health and beauty departments. All are excellent sources for organic and local brands . In most cases, you don’t have to bag groceries to belong; just sign up and pay dues. You’ll save big because these member-owned stores generally sell products with minimum markup. Most profit-sharing programs include discounts and yearly rebates. In addition, as the number of co-ops across the country continues to grow, so does their collective buying power, which lowers the cost of food for members. To learn more about co-op, visit
Co-op Grocers
and to find locally grown produce, anywhere in the country click
Local Harvest.
Buy in Bulk
Purchasing from bins helps minimize packaging waste and lets you take the exact quantities you need. The biggest price differences are in prepared foods, such as granola ($1.90 a pound less than packaged). Bulk rice, beans, and flour run 20 to 50 cents cheaper than their packaged counterparts. But some products, such as pasta, are pretty much the same – so comparisons shop.
You can also buy meat and poultry in large quantities directly from a farmer and freeze meal-size portions for future use. You’ll be able to feed your family organic beef for only $5 a pound. For a directory of farmers who supply 100% grass-fed meat, visit Eat Wild
Shop at the Farmers’ Market
Skip the middleman, shop at your closest farmers’ market.
Buying direct gets you the cheapest, freshest food possible and keeps the Organic Food Cost down. Here’s how to do it:
Shop at the Farmers’ Market as often as you can. Nineteen thousand (19,000) US farmers sell their produce only to farmers’ markets. Without them many farmers would be out of business. Locally grown produce is fresher, tastes better, and has higher nutrient content. Most markets offer ample organic selections and tasting is encouraged. Farmers’ markets are generally cheaper too. Organic farming, little or no packaging, and less transportation reduce the environmental cost as well. See and visit your market locations at
Farmers Markets.
From Organic Food Cost to Organic Shopping
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