6 Tips for Buying Organic Food On A Budget

_{Who says that eating healthy Organic Foods doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money? But with the right tips for buying organic food, your money will be better spent! Use these tips on buying organic food on a budget.}

Buying organic produce on a budget - pictured variety of vegetables laid out on table

6 Tips for Saving Money on Organic Food

We want to eat healthier and have foods with no pesticides or preservatives, but Buying Organic Food can be so expensive. Walking into the grocery store in search of healthy food can leave you feeling robbed of your money.

Next thing you know, you are now suffering from some serious sticker shock. I am very passionate about helping others save on Organic Food. Why? Because I have been doing it for years and it really is quite easy to do.

What can you do to get that healthy food on a budget? There are many ways you can eat organic without blowing your food budget.

I believe eating healthy food is the most important element of a healthy lifestyle. Eating is something we do (at least) three to six times a day, every day. It’s what fuels our bodies to get the exercise we need, nourishes our brains to support our mental health, and builds up our immune system to fight off sickness.

Food affects the way we feel, the way we look, our energy level, and our general health. Living healthy means that nutrition is 80% key to a healthy lifestyle. I am sure most of you have heard the story about my son having behavioral problems in the very first month of 4th grade.

I just happened to be reading a book on nutrition. When it dawned on me, “his diet needs to change”.

It was a light bulb moment for me. I pulled out all foods that contained high fructose corn syrup, red dye, nitrates, and any food items that were labeled as enriched. Within one week, I had my son back. As the saying goes, “We are what we eat”.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my coupons and I do save some serious cash. My family’s dietary needs changed and so did my tactics for saving money. It wasn’t difficult to stay within the same budget and buy healthy food. The first thing is first –

Organic produce buying on a budget - pictured box of market fresh produce

Easy Tips for Eating Organic On A Budget

These are just some of the many tips that I now use to help save money, all while keeping my family eating healthy. And I’m standing on my soapbox to say that it IS possible to eat healthy without spending a fortune.

It can be hard to convert fully to an all-organic diet, so do it in small steps.

Buying produce in bulk potatoes - pictured box of different types of potatoes - white, red and russet potatoes

Buy In Bulk

When you buy from the bulk bins, you skip both the packaging and the marketing – why waste your money on things that don’t add value? Search the bulk bins at your local grocery store for items such as dry goods; like flour, oats, grains, beans, pasta & nuts.

Some stores (co-ops) do sell oils, nut butter, honey, and other wet foods in bulk. Some require you to bring in jars from home. This also saves on packaging.

Many conventional grocery stores have bulk bins these days. Just beware – not everything in there is healthy – I often see candy and snack-like food in the bulk bins these days!

Organic Produce at farmers' market - produce stand at farmer's market

Try The Farmer’s Market

If you have a farmer’s market in your town or nearby, make a point of going. You will get local produce and most of it is organic (be sure to ask if you’re not sure!) Some grocery stores in my area have a ‘local’ section and I always find great organic fruits and veggies at a good price.

Much of these produce items can be frozen for later use, so stock up when you find a great deal! To visit one of your local Farmer’s Market search here.

Many companies that sell organic items have a good presence on Social Media. Make sure to look for your favorite brands on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Being a social media follower will give you a head-up on sales and special promotions, including coupons. Make sure you are also checking their weekly sales ad.

Use Organic Food Coupons

Check out a company’s website for coupon deals, too. If you like a brand or store, sign up for their email list. Whole Foods Market has coupons weekly, and your favorite store might as well.

There are even coupon sites that focus on organics, such as the Makeena app (Use my referral code for a bonus – SGCMON).

Many stores will put tear pads of coupons right by the products. So keep those eyes peeled. You can also save great money by using the Fetch app. It makes grocery saving a little easier. And don’t forget to look those this list of Best Printable Coupon Sites.

Do It Yourself

With a little effort and research, you will find that you can make a lot of products yourself. Try making your own granola and juices to save money. If your fruit gets too ripe, freeze it and then make yummy smoothies for the kids.

Don’t forget to think ahead, if organic bananas are on sale, buy more than you will need for that week. When they are ripe, you can freeze whole bananas for later use or make my favorite banana bread (then freeze).

Here are a few of our favorite “Make your own” recipes

Spreading Out Your Proteins

Meat and dairy are worth paying a bit more for since the risk of pesticides and antibiotics is higher. You can make your meat last longer by only using half of the amount needed in a recipe and then using organic beans to make up the rest.

You will save money and get more fiber, too. Buy organic chicken, but buy the whole chicken and not the higher-priced pieces. When you cook chicken, save the broth to make soups or gravy later.

Final Thoughts On Buying Organic Foods on a Budget

Start with small steps on your journey to go organic. You will find that you are able to stretch your dollar while still enjoying healthy and organic food.

But the KEY to Buy Organic Foods on a Budget is to purchase those items that you can while on sale and with a coupon. Remember to stock up on those items until the next sale.

Overall, be smart about your food choices and know that buying organic when it counts can have a huge impact on your health.