Organic Grocery Shopping 101
Often people believe that eating organically has to be expensive. But, it can be done economically with a little planning. Here are a few tips:
1. COMBINE COUPONS AND SALES – The basic principle is this: a grocery item usually goes on sale once every 6-8 weeks. At that time it is at it’s LOWEST price. This is when you want to buy enough to last you until it goes on sale again. Add any coupons to this and you get the lowest price possible!
2. COLLECTING THE COUPONS- Sign-up for home mailers, look for online coupons from manufacturer’s sites and places like Mambo Sprouts and , buy the Sunday newspaper, grab grocery store flyers, and pull coupons from the tear pads on the shelves. All of these are great coupon resources.
3. FREEZE PRODUCE- Buy produce when it is on sale. Wash it and freeze it for later use. The fruit isn’t great raw once it has been frozen. But, it is great to use in smoothies, oatmeal or puree and pour into popsicle molds to use as a frozen treat. Vegetables can be steamed or grilled, used in soup or sauces and taste great!
4. MEAL PLANNING- Plan your meals around what groceries, produce and meat are on sale that week or what you have stockpiled in your kitchen. That way you can have the most affordable meal possible.
5. BE PREPARED FOR UNADVERTISED SALES- Look for in store sales and manager’s specials and be sure to bring your coupon planner with you to the store in case you find an unadvertised deal. As long as the expiration date hasn’t passed, the food is still good. I find great deals on organics all the time! I always buy as much as they have on the shelf.
6. SHOP LOCALLY- Shop at a local farmer’s market or join a co-op. Not only will you save money, you will also be supporting local farmers and will have the freshesh food possible. Visit to find local farmer’s in your area.
With a few simple steps, you can eat organically and still stay within your food budget.