Organic food shopping can be an expensive endeavor. The price of organic foods, fruits and vegetables in particular, is typically higher than for commercially grown products. Still, according to the Nutrition Business Journal, organic food sales are growing at about 20 percent per year in the United States.
Chemical toxins, like pesticides, are commonly used in commercial production of food. Research has linked pesticides to a number of health problems including cancer, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. There are also indications that chronic exposure can lead to neurological and endocrine damage. The more people know, the more organic foods become a healthy alternative. Organic foods are grown without pesticides, antibiotics or hormones.
As the organic food movement grows, so does the amount of money being spent by individuals when organic food shopping. However, there are a few tactics one can use to reduce the cost of buying organic.
Rinsing and Peeling Is Helpful But Not a Replacement for Organic Foods
Rinsing fruits and vegetables reduces but doesn’t eliminate chemical toxins. Peeling can help but remember that the peel of many fruits and vegetables contains added valuable nutrition. Rinsing and peeling is certainly helpful if purchasing non-organic, commercial fruits and vegetables. However, it isn’t a substitute for purchasing organic foods.
Organic Food Shopping: Focus on the Right Foods
According to the Environmental Working Group, some foods have higher levels of pesticides than others. Therefore, to stretch grocery dollars when organic food shopping, focus on purchasing items that are more likely to have higher levels of contamination. Items that generally have lower levels of contamination are less critical to purchase organic.
Organic Food Shopping: Most Necessary Items to Buy Organic
The following foods typically have the highest levels of pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group.
- celery
- peaches
- strawberries
- apples
- blueberries
- nectarines
- bell peppers
- spinach
- kale
- cherries
- potatoes
- grapes (imported)
Organic Food Shopping: Least Necessary Items to Buy Organic
The following foods typically have the lowest levels of pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group.
- onions
- avocado
- sweet corn
- pineapple
- mango
- sweet peas
- asparagus
- kiwi
- cabbage
- eggplant
- cantaloupe
- watermelon
- grapefruit
- sweet potato
- honeydew
- melon
To save money when organic food shopping, focus on choosing foods that typically have a higher level of contamination. These are the foods with the most potential for triggering the negative health consequences associated with chemicals and pesticides in non-organic, commercially grown products. The items with lower levels of contamination are not as important for those looking to save a few dollars when organic food shopping. These items are less likely to trigger negative health consequences. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly before enjoying!
Other related articles:
- Whole Foods for Whole Health
- Tips for Healthy Grocery Shopping: Make Smart Food Purchases
Christine Scivicque - Chrissy has been a passionate student of personal development for over 15 years. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration ...
