Is there any way to buy organic food without going into bankruptcy?
Yes, if you select carefully what you buy.
Some things labeled ‘organic’ might not be that organic after all. Products like cleaners, cosmetics, even seafood does not face the same requirements as meat and vegetables.
What is worth buying organic:
– Fruits: Apples, cherries, grapes, pears, berries, peaches, nectarines, plums
– Vegetables: Celery, potatoes, spinach, bell peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, green beans
– Meat: Beef, pork, poultry
– Eggs and dairy
– Baby food
What is not worth it:
– Fruits: Bananas, kiwis, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, oranges
– Vegetables: Asparagus, avocados, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, onions, sweet peas
– Meat: seafood
– Processed food (including pasta!!), cleaning products, cosmetics
The price on organic meat and eggs very often is 100% more than regular one; the reason is the expensive organic feed for animals.
Alternative: consider antibiotic and/or hormone free meat
Long time I thought that free-range eggs were coming closer to the organic version. Actually I was wrong. Free-range means that the chickens are not living in cages, but allow roam freely within the farm and they are going to feed on greens and insects. But that does not mean they are going to be fed organic food.
The good part is that eggs from free-range chickens have higher nutritional value, more Omega 3, Vitamins A and E and lower levels of total fat.
From my shopping experience I can say that the price difference between free-range eggs and organic eggs is not that big, but if you buy on a budget it can be taken into account.
Another way to budget your organic shopping: look for what’s on sale. Also, buy fruits and veggies that are in season when pricing becomes much more competitive.