Some people may think that purchasing organic foods is expensive and that it is a luxury that the average person or family cannot afford, at least not on a regular basis. In fact, several
recent studies showed that consumers actually expect to pay more when buying items considered healthier. Although certain organic items will be more expensive than their conventional counterpart, by being a savvy shopper you may find that the organic option costs no more and may even be less expensive than the non-organic option.
First, get to know the stores in your neighborhood. As with any shopping, it does pay to comparison shop and know what stores carry which items for less. That is not to say that you spend your entire day driving around from one store to the next, but if you are familiar with the inventory and typical pricing of the store's in your area, then when you are out shopping you will know whether or not that $3.99 bag of red quinoa is a good deal. For example, I took a drive around Manchester the other day to see what organic foods grocery several stores carry and to do a little comparison pricing. A natural foods market is sure to have a wide selection of organic items and many of those items will be competitively priced while others may be more expensive. For example at
A Market, a natural foods store, a box of Newman's Own organic black tea was $5.89, however that same box at Market Basket is regularly priced at $2.99, almost half the price.
On the other hand, the same natural food store was carrying organic canned tomatoes on-sale for $1.00 a can (no you did not have to buy 10 cans), the cheapest price I found ($2.19 at Whole Foods and $1.39 at Market Basket). This is an item that one could stock up on for the future.
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| Sale of Muir Glen Organic tomatoes at A Market |
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| Imported Organic Meats at Market Basket |
If you can, it is always best to support your local economy. We all know that you can buy locally sourced food at a farmers market, but many locally sourced foods can also be found on the shelves of grocery stores. Market Basket does carry an organic selection of ground beef, but most of it is farmed overseas, and for those that may be from the United States, they are from farms in Western states. At A Market, the meats were competitively priced and farmed within the Northeast. They even carry meat from
Miles Smith Farm, a New Hampshire farm only 30 miles away.
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| Locally sourced meats at A Market |
Price conscious shoppers should also know that even budget stores, such as
Aldi, carry an organic line of items. Aldi grocery store's roots go back to the early 1900s in Germany. Their first U.S. location opened in Iowa in 1972. They are currently undergoing a market expansion and have over 4000 stores worldwide. There business model are small stores, no frills and low prices. When you shop there, you must bring your own bags and a quarter to borrow and return one of their shopping carts. Ninety percent of their products are their own brand, which includes an organic line called "Simply Nature." This brand includes breads, cereals, canned goods, produce, dairy products and frozen fruits and vegetables. You won't find all these items all the time as they keep their inventory low to save costs, but there are plenty of choices, all competitively priced.
Above: Aldi's Simply Nature brand of organic products
Whole Foods Market offers a unique shopping experience. In general, prices tend to be higher, but if you're not sure what you need, Whole Foods is sure to have something to pique your interest. The produce section seems to carry every vegetable or fruit imaginable. In addition, they carry "Whole Trade" products which ensures fair treatment and fair wages for workers as well commiting to donating a portion of each sale to fund community projects.
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| Whole Trade Organic Bananas at Whole Foods |
In addition to its variety of products, Whole Foods also has an extensive salad and hot foods bar, as well as a real bar for meeting up with friends for a drink. So, although I wouldn't suggest shopping there for the best prices, there may be other reasons for you to visit.
I hope that more people realize that they can buy healthier and organic items even on a limited budget. Further, as more and more consumers chose organic options, this will drive the demand for organic foods up, increasing production and lowering costs so that more people can enjoy them.
First, get to know the stores in your neighborhood. As with any shopping, it does pay to comparison shop and know what stores carry which items for less. That is not to say that you spend your entire day driving around from one store to the next, but if you are familiar with the inventory and typical pricing of the store's in your area, then when you are out shopping you will know whether or not that $3.99 bag of red quinoa is a good deal. For example, I took a drive around Manchester the other day to see what organic foods grocery several stores carry and to do a little comparison pricing. A natural foods market is sure to have a wide selection of organic items and many of those items will be competitively priced while others may be more expensive. For example at A Market, a natural foods store, a box of Newman's Own organic black tea was $5.89, however that same box at Market Basket is regularly priced at $2.99, almost half the price. 
If you can, it is always best to support your local economy. We all know that you can buy locally sourced food at a farmers market, but many locally sourced foods can also be found on the shelves of grocery stores. Market Basket does carry an organic selection of ground beef, but most of it is farmed overseas, and for those that may be from the United States, they are from farms in Western states. At A Market, the meats were competitively priced and farmed within the Northeast. They even carry meat from Miles Smith Farm, a New Hampshire farm only 30 miles away. 
Price conscious shoppers should also know that even budget stores, such as Aldi, carry an organic line of items. Aldi grocery store's roots go back to the early 1900s in Germany. Their first U.S. location opened in Iowa in 1972. They are currently undergoing a market expansion and have over 4000 stores worldwide. There business model are small stores, no frills and low prices. When you shop there, you must bring your own bags and a quarter to borrow and return one of their shopping carts. Ninety percent of their products are their own brand, which includes an organic line called "Simply Nature." This brand includes breads, cereals, canned goods, produce, dairy products and frozen fruits and vegetables. You won't find all these items all the time as they keep their inventory low to save costs, but there are plenty of choices, all competitively priced.
I love Whole Foods! I completely agree though that the prices are high but they have such a wide variety of food and their pre-made food and salad bar are so good!
ReplyDeleteTrue, they do have the convenience and quality.
DeleteVery interesting article. I"ll take the time to do more comparison shopping and shop organic
ReplyDeleteGlad that it was informative and hope you can save some money too!
Delete