I have to admit I’m sold on organic products. They’re not as expensive as they once were but still can take a bit out your budget. However, I have found some ways to buy organic for less than you’d think-

Grow Your Own, Farmer’s Markets etc.

You’ve heard me say it many times but an easy way to eat organic foods is to grow your own. Another idea is to head to the local farmer’s market. They’re the best places to strike a deal if you buy in bulk and split the items with friends. And now that growing season is in full swing another option is to head to a farm where you can save money by picking your own produce.

Store Brands

 

One thing lots of people over look and that’s store brands. It’s a great way to afford all sorts of organic foods, like peanut butter and pizza and best of all the perfect way to buy organic veggies. Both of these bags of vegetables cost less than $1.90. I couldn’t buy that amount of food in the produce department for that small amount.

Warehouse Stores

I no longer have a membership to a warehouse store and I sometimes think it’s worth the cost just for all the organic foods I could buy there. Things like orange juice, field greens, cereal and cheese. See if you can tag along with someone with a membership. If you do buy organic produce in bulk either freeze it, use it quickly or share it with someone else because it tends to spoil faster. If you end up throwing it away it’s not a bargain.

Trader Joe’s

For those of you who’ve been reading Budget Smart Girl for years, you know how much I love a trip to Trader Joe’s. I always find lots of organic goodies there, great prices and even things like this shampoo which was $3.98. www.traderjoes.com Their Web site is fun too!

Online

I’ve found another way to buy organics on a budget is online. One place I always mention is http://www.vitacost.com/. If you type in organic food in a Google search you’ll probably find a whole bunch of other sites too.

Co-ops

I know prices at co-ops have been moving up rapidly too but I usually find bargains if I buy items in bags, like apples, pears and kiwis.

Bulk Bins

And you know another one of my favorite places to shop is in the bulk bin section of the supermarket. I buy everything from organic oatmeal to dried fruit there and at a fraction of the cost of prepackaged items.

What’s Important To You?

Like all things related to your budget, one way to afford what you really want is to know what’s important to you. For example, maybe you can cut back on soda and put the money toward some organic fruit or veggies.

Don’t Be Fooled By Imitations

One thing I’ve learned over the years (and as lots of companies have jumped on the natural bandwagon) is to check labels. Something might say natural or organic and still contain other non-natural or non-organic ingredients so don’t waste your money.