How to Buy & Consume Organic Foods Within a Budget

What comes to your mind when you think about a healthy lifestyle? It probably revolves around working out, getting enough sleep, and, of course, consuming organic food.

Understandably, organic food can be pretty expensive, which is why we ought to come up with economical ways while shopping for healthy produce and not let it impact our finances.

Besides, you might have already heard about the fact that we are what we eat.

Since the global pandemic has forced most of us to live a sedentary lifestyle, it has become more important than before to eat healthily.

The kind of food choices we make has a profound impact on our mental and emotional health. That said, while you have to amend and correct your eating habits, you should also see how you can benefit from various effective health schemes, such as the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme.

The Popularity of Organic Foods

We have seen a massive boost in the way people think about their health now, especially in the face of the ongoing pandemic. Organic fresh food choices are especially popular amongst those who have actively sat down and decided to live a healthy lifestyle.

Nonetheless, the fact remains that organic food costs more than other edible produce.

While an increase in consumer demands is a significant cause of the increase in the demand for organic foods, another reason for this is that farmers put loads of effort into the production.

For instance, the farmers invest more time in harvesting and maintaining while avoiding traditional pesticides. Now, you can understand why organic products are pricier than regular food.

Nonetheless, none of this means that you have to essentially break your bank to afford some.

Here are some frugal ways to purchase and consume organic food while you are on a budget:

Set Your Priorities

Understandably, the purchase of organic foods is not potentially possible for some, which is why families must set their priorities and understand what they should purchase and what products they can do without.

To limit and minimize the exposure to harmful pesticides, households need to understand which products will give them more value for their money.

For instance, the organic food choices of asparagus and mushrooms contain little to no exposure to pesticides.

Besides, other organic products have loads of skin that need to be removed anyway, so what is the point of buying those products?

While prioritizing your food choices, sit down, take your time, and come up with a list that will make your trips to the store quicker and more efficient.

Not to mention that you won’t end up wasting money on foods that you can do without anyway.

Read Before You Buy

Before going to the markets, make yourself familiar with the marketing strategies and terminologies used by different manufacturers to sell a product.

For instance, the labels of a product might refer to the terminology of “natural.” However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the product is free of pesticides, chemicals, fertilizers, etc.

That said, make it a priority to comprehend the labels carefully before making a buying decision.

Hence, keep your eyes open for the USDA organic label as it allows potential buyers to make an informed decision about the food that they are about to buy.

If the product has a USDA organic label on it, it indicates that it contains at least 70% natural ingredients, the least amount of added sugar and fats.

Only Purchase Organic Foods That Are in Season

Another tip that will help you stay within your budget while making healthier food choices is purchasing in-season foods. As a matter of fact, the foods out of season will be costlier as they will come from other countries to reach the consumer.

Besides, a majority of out-of-season foods aren’t environmentally friendly as well.

That said, make it a priority to purchase only in-season produce. It will allow you to maintain your healthy eating lifestyle and exempt you from a possible financial strain on your bank account.

Switch Frozen Food with Fresh

Another budget-friendly tip for consuming more organic food is to switch frozen produce with fresh produce. You don’t necessarily have to buy fresh to feel the health effects.

You can obtain the same nutrients and that level of satisfaction with frozen produce. Besides, frozen food won’t ruin your budget, while you and your family will benefit from the healthy nutrients of home-cooked meals.

Buy Foods in Bulk

You can save loads of money by buying in bulk, and you will be surprised about how much money you can save in the long run. As compared to buying organic food sparingly, you will find bulk food cheaper.

While buying in bulk, ensure that you are only buying organic foods that are more durable, such as dried foods, pasta, rice, pulses, and even onions and potatoes.

Grow Your Own Organic Food

Did you know that you can even grow your own food in the absence of a garden?

All you need are a few pots, and soon you will have all your favorite herbs and veggies growing at your home. And trust us when we tell you that home-grown food tastes so much better than the products that you buy at the stores.

You can grow organic food anywhere, including on windowsills and even on the driveway.

Since herbs are usually quite expensive, you can buy a couple of pots and start growing herbs at your home.

Final Thoughts

Familiarize yourself with the different markets so that you know from where you can get good quality at less price.

You might not be aware of the fact that supermarkets are guilty of presenting organic foods as premium foods and selling them at a higher price.

If you don’t want to hit your local supermarket or are confused about where to shop organic food, you can always check for the best and cheap organic stores online.

You might also be able to have organic food products delivered to your doorstep and save more money.