In an ideal world, I’d consume only organic products.
Why? Organic farming practices tend to have a reduced environmental footprint, and I find that organic produce often tastes superior to conventionally grown items. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s strict organic standards guarantee that organic products haven’t been exposed to synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or “sewage sludge” — things I prefer not to have in my meals.
But we don’t live in a perfect world.
Organic groceries come with a higher price tag than conventional options. If you bought only organic items, especially for a household, your grocery receipts might start to look like a car payment.
That doesn’t mean organic eating is out of reach; it just requires a bit of strategy in how you include organics on your shopping list. Below are my preferred tactics for purchasing organic foods while staying within a budget.
1. Be Selective About Which Items You Buy Organic
At my place, we strike a balance. Certain conventionally grown items, like bananas and avocados, are fine. Others — such as soy products, grains and apples — generally need to be organic.
Unsure which organics to prioritize? A few resources can guide your choices:
- The Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce
- WebMD’s Organic Foods: Top Picks
- Good Housekeeping’s The New Dirty Dozen: 12 Foods to Eat Organic
Keep in mind that the label “natural” isn’t synonymous with organic. It’s unregulated and can be used broadly by marketers, as ABC News points out. Don’t be misled — “natural” on a package doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a wise purchase.
2. Know Where to Hunt for Savings
Coupons for organic products aren’t as common as those for conventional goods, but they do exist. Here’s where you can locate them:
Manufacturer Websites
Many of us gravitate toward specific organic brands, like Organic Valley, Amy’s Kitchen, Eden Foods, Newman’s Own Organics, Bob’s Red Mill and Simply Organic. Look for promotions and coupons by visiting their sites, following their social feeds, and subscribing to their email newsletters.
At Your Grocery Store
You might be surprised, but grocery stores are excellent spots to find coupons.
I often spot store-specific deals in flyers at the entrance, such as Whole Foods’ Whole Deal. I also keep an eye out for manufacturer coupons in aisles, on packaging and attached to displays. It mainly takes vigilance — the offers are available if you look.
Pairing these store promotions with manufacturer coupons yields the biggest discounts. For instance, by combining an in-store sale with a manufacturer coupon, I once bought an $8.99 bottle of Avalon Organics Shampoo for $1. It wasn’t an advertised sale — I discovered it because I was attentive while shopping.
Coupon Websites
You can try general coupon sites like ShopAtHome.com, but you’ll probably have better luck on health-oriented sites such as Organicdeals.com or Mambo Sprouts.
Health-Focused Magazines
Occasionally you’ll find manufacturer coupons in specialty magazines, though they’re not my primary sources. Publications where limited coupons may appear include Taste for Life and Natural Health.
3. Get Reimbursed for Healthy Purchases
Does your health insurer provide preventive health incentives? Group Health Cooperative, for example, reimburses members who buy produce via Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs that connect consumers with small farmers. Check with your insurance carrier or your employer’s HR team to see if a similar benefit exists.
One drawback is that CSA shares are often provided in bulk — memberships suit families or people willing to split the share, but they’re less convenient for single households. You also typically receive whatever is in season that week rather than hand-selecting items.
Still, given the food quality and potential reimbursements, it’s worth investigating. For listings of CSAs near you, visit localharvest.org.
4. Cultivate Your Own Produce
Home-grown food is about as affordable — and flavorful — as it gets.
You can even produce fresh vegetables indoors during colder months. Check out this helpful piece from the Organic Consumers Association to get started. Even without a green thumb, the cost savings might tempt you to try.
For instance, a packet of 25 organic cherry tomato seeds might cost $2.99. Each seed can become a plant, so that’s 25 plants at roughly 12 cents apiece. If each plant produces just 30 tomatoes (a modest estimate), you’d harvest about 750 tomatoes — all from a $2.99 outlay!
If you prefer not to start from seed, you can buy a starter plant for around $6. Purchasing organic cherry tomatoes at a grocery store would likely cost you roughly $4.99 per pint.
5. Shop Different Stores and Compare Prices
Where you shop matters — organic prices can differ widely. Here are some of my preferred retailers.
SuperTarget
SuperTarget offers an impressive range of organics, from produce to snacks and frozen meals, often at attractive prices. I typically save at least 30% shopping there and using a few Target savings tricks.
For example, compare prices for an Amy’s Kitchen Pasta and Veggies frozen entrée.
- Average price at other stores in our area: $5.50
- Regular price at SuperTarget (my area): $3.49
- Using my REDcard for an extra 5% off, final price: $3.31
Add a manufacturer coupon and the price can drop even further!
Costco
The warehouse club now carries more organic items, although the membership cost, bulk sizes and narrower selection may be drawbacks.
Decide whether the membership fee is worthwhile for your household. For us, it is — we save on both organic and conventional goods. Also, Executive members receive an annual 2% cash-back reward on purchases — up to $750 per household or business. Savinly has previously discussed ways to maximize a warehouse club membership.
Trader Joe’s
I’m regularly impressed by Trader Joe’s pricing, particularly for organic items. Don’t be put off by generic branding; when a product is certified organic, it’s the genuine article. Why overspend?
Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market doesn’t have to drain your wallet if you come prepared with coupons from their Whole Deal and choose their store-label items.
Watch their weekly loss leaders in the flyer. For instance, they’ve recently advertised blueberries at $1.50 per pint.
6. Work Somewhere That Offers Grocery Perks
One benefit of employment at a food retailer is staff discounts. This can be a way to earn income while enjoying lower prices on groceries and other frequently used items.
Employee discounts often complement other benefits that some stores provide — which can be as valuable as wages. For example, Whole Foods, Target and Trader Joe’s offer employees perks like paid time off and retirement plans.
Possible employee discounts (may differ by location):
- Whole Foods: Minimum 20% off for employees working 20+ hours per week after probation.
- Trader Joe’s: 10% discount on all products.
- SuperTarget: 10% off purchases.
7. Buy Local
My experiences with prices at farmers markets and roadside stands have been mixed. Use localharvest.org to locate farms, markets, food co-ops and fruit stands nearby. Compare prices with other options, but also weigh the benefit of eating produce that was likely harvested within the last 24 hours.
I hope this guide demonstrates that organic groceries can be affordable. By employing these approaches, you can enjoy high-quality food from nature while keeping your finances intact. Cheers to eating well.
Jordan Keating is a freelance writer who cares about animals and sustainable living.
