Mention organic food to most shoppers and they’ll likely respond that it’s too expensive. For the most part, they’d be right. Because of high inflation, food prices for non-organic foods increased 9.9% in the last year, and the price for organic foods went up even more.
A recent study from Lending Tree, based on retail pricing data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that prices for organic fruits and vegetables rose 13.1% over the last year. Price increases varied among specific foods, with organic strawberries going from $3.08 a pound to $9.99 — a 224.4% increase.
So what do you do if you want to buy organic for less? Saving money on organic foods doesn't just come down to what you buy, but where you buy it. Try shopping at these places to keep costs down, noting that you should price compare on specific items, as some products cost less elsewhere.
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Trader Joe’s. This quirky grocery chain, with more than 500 locations across the U.S., is known for its low prices. Many of its organic offerings are bargains compared with similar products at supermarkets and organic grocers. Fruits and vegetables, beef, yogurt and coffee are among its top organic deals.
For example, we found that a 5-ounce package of organic spinach & spring mix was $1 less at Trader Joe’s than at several supermarkets we checked. Learn more about the secrets to shopping at Trader Joe's.
Aldi. This low-cost supermarket chain originated in Germany and now operates over 2,000 locations in the U.S. Aldi keeps its prices low because of its no-frills approach – you have to bag your own groceries, for example – and its lineup of exclusive brands.
The organic selection isn’t extensive, but the items that are available tend to be priced lower than similar products at supermarkets and Whole Foods. For example, a 24-ounce jar of organic marinara sauce at Aldi’s is between 50 cents and more than $1 less than similar sauces at other grocers we checked.
Walmart. Yes, Walmart. The mega-retailer has used its size and scale to make organic affordable, Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman said in 2015. “We don’t think people should have to pay more to put organic on the table.” Walmart stocks over 1,000 organic grocery items, including in the Great Value line. A 51-ounce bottle of organic extra virgin olive oil costs close to $10.
Warehouse clubs. You’ll pay $50 or more a year to join a warehouse club such as Costco, BJ’s or Sam’s Club. But you can recoup the annual fee with the savings you’ll get by buying warehouse clubs' discounted bulk items, especially organic fare.
For example, BJ’s organic chicken breasts are about $1 less per pound than at the other stores we checked; a 36-ounce jar of organic peanut butter costs under $10. BJ’s carries dozens of organic items, and both BJ's and Sam's Club offer free one-day passes if you want to check out the organic offerings before committing to a membership (there are surcharges for non-members, though).
It is worth noting that to take full advantage of warehouse clubs’ discount pricing, you need to be able to consume the entire amount of your bulk purchases before those items spoil or expire. See 7 Costly Mistakes Shoppers Make at Warehouse Clubs for more.
Farmers markets. Because prices can vary greatly from market to market and even vendor to vendor at the same market, it’s hard to claim that this option is one of the best places across the board to buy organic on a budget. Plus, although you might find an abundance of naturally grown or raised produce, you likely won’t find many — or any — items that are actually certified organic, which requires meeting requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Nonetheless, it’s worth doing some comparison shopping of your own at your local farmers market to see how its prices stack up. There’s a good chance you’ll find that it won’t cost you more than shopping at the supermarket – and might cost even less if you follow these tips for saving money at farmers markets.
The bottom line
While organic food can be pricey, smart shopping strategies can help you save. Comparing prices across different retailers — whether it’s Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Walmart, warehouse clubs or local farmers markets — can make a big difference.
By being flexible with where you shop and taking advantage of bulk deals, store brands and seasonal produce, you can enjoy organic foods without overspending.
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