We hear discussions all of the time about how much healthier it is to consume organic foods. There is also a stigma attached to these foods that they are costly. They do cost more, yes, but there are ways you can save on your organic products.
Believe it or not, you can still enjoy your favorite organic and natural foods, while shopping on a budget. You just need to learn some of the simple money-saving strategies the experts use. Below you’ll find some simple ways to eat organic on a budget!
HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON ORGANIC FOODS
Find Organic Product Coupons
Contrary to what many believe, there are a lot of coupons you can print to save on your organic, natural, gluten-free (and more) purchases. The best resource available is MamboSprouts. However, there are often coupons on coupons.com as well.
Also, take a moment to visit all of the sites for the products you use and sign up for newsletters, or check to see if they have coupons available. Doing so will often get you coupons that are not available otherwise via those special newsletters.
Shop for your favorite Organics on Amazon
Amazon offers great deals on organic products. The best deals come through the Subscribe & Save program which will knock off another 5 – 20% off of your purchase price plus give you free shipping. You can sign up for automatic shipments if that is an option which works for you.
Make sure you also carefully check the product descriptions for clipless coupons which can also help you save even more. Visit (and bookmark) the Amazon Natural and Organic page.
Shop at your local Farmer’s Market
Many times, you can find organic foods that are locally grown. Not only will you find good deals, but you will also help support your local economy by supporting your farmers and gardeners.
Buy Organic foods in bulk
Watch your local store or warehouse store for organic products which are sold in bulk. Make sure you re-package these items as needed so that they do not go bad before you can consume the products. You might even connect with friends and then split the products (and cost) with them! You all end up winning!
Plant an organic vegetable garden
Why not skip the store altogether? You could start your garden (even if in pots on your deck) and grow those foods you love. You can read these tips on growing your own organic garden.
Start Small
The most expensive organic items to purchase are meat and dairy. You can start by replacing only your fruits, and veggies with organic products and that won’t affect your budget as much. Then, as you can afford, slip in organic meat and dairy products.
Check out your local store’s line of organic products
Many stores offer a line of store-branded organic products. If you purchase those brands rather than the name brands, you are still getting quality without paying too much. The reason is that they also are required to follow the same guidelines to use the USDA Organic Seal.
Some of these stores include Aldi, ShopRite, Publix, Kroger, Trader Joe’s and Earth Fare. You can also check your local store to see if they have organic products on their shelves too.
Don’t waste food
This may sound simple, but it is something we do far too often. Make sure you properly store your food and consume it before it spoils. If you can not finish it in time, you might invest in a vacuum sealer and then freeze those items (works great for fruits and veggies).
You can also reuse food into a second dish. You might start with chicken breasts for one meal and then dice and use the leftovers for wraps or salads the following night. You are getting two meals out of one item that way – saving you money and NOT throwing away those leftovers. Make sure you create and use a meal plan when determining your weekly meals to help stretch your food budget.
Saving money on healthy eating can be tough — but it is possible. Just apply a few simple tricks, and you’ll be saving in no time at all!
