Organic foods are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Replacing conventional produce, meat, and dairy with organic options can significantly reduce the amount of toxins you put in your body! I believe that organic foods are also more nutritious and delicious than their conventional counterparts, but that subject is up to debate if you look at the fancy research studies. For me, organic is a personal choice and preference. I try to support organic and local food producers whenever I can, and I focus my efforts on produce, meat, and dairy.
Shopping for organic foods can be a little confusing and even frustrating. I purchase organic items on a regular basis, along with conventional and local foods. For me, it’s about finding a balance between quality, price, and convenience. Here are my top tips to help you on your next organic shopping trip. Enjoy!
- Look for the USDA Certified Organic food label.
Food companies must meet strict criteria of organic practices before they can receive the organic seal of approval. Inspectors are regularly checking up on Certified Organic companies, so you can be pretty confident that those foods are truly organic. If you don’t see the seal, you have no way of knowing what’s going on behind the scenes. Organic fruits and vegetables contain a sticker with a 5-digit number beginning with a “9″. If the number begins with a “4″ or “3″, it is not organic.
- Don’t be fooled by the word “natural.”
Any food company can use the word “natural” on their food labels…they don’t have to practice organic farming or preparation methods. Unfortunately, the word “natural” is pretty useless when it comes to food labels, but it is very common on meat and dairy products. You are taking the company’s word for it, so if you like a product labeled “natural,” it’s best to do your research on the company before you purchase their products. - Visit the organic section FIRST.
When you go to the produce section, visit the organic fruits and veggies first and see if anything is on sale (same for the meat and dairy sections). You can also take mental note of the prices and quality of the organic items on display, so you can compare when you stroll through the conventional items. - Chat with local farmers.
Local farmers often practice organic methods, but may not have the funds to get the official USDA certification. Go to your local farmers markets on the weekends and don’t be afraid to ask the farmers about their production practices and whether they use fertilizers and pesticides. Local producers often have affordable and extremely fresh foods (they don’t have to travel far on trucks). - Plan special trips to health food stores or produce stands.
Even if your closest grocery store or market does not carry organic items, you can make a trip out to a health food store once a week or twice a month. Stock up on your favorite items while you’re there, and you can always freeze extra items when you get home. Check the paper for coupons and plan for the trip ahead of time. - Thin skin? Buy organic!
Fruits and veggies with the thinnest skins are most susceptible to toxins and pesticides (so you should buy organic whenever possible). Put the following items on a list in your purse, wallet, or on your refrigerator so you remember them: apples, berries, leafy greens, peaches, cherries, peppers, celery, grapes, pears, nectarines, carrots, and potatoes. - Don’t forget the frozen section.
The frozen foods section will likely have some of the most affordable organic foods at the store. Check for organic frozen berries and bags of vegetables. They are picked at their peak of freshness and frozen before they travel long distances to your grocery store. That means they are in top nutritional shape and will stay fresh until you’re ready to eat them.
Depending on your location, organic foods can be easy to find or very difficult to find. The good news is that the demand for organics is on the rise, so you’re bound to see more and more organic options coming your way.
If you have the ability, grow some of your own organic produce at home! Then you can really be sure you’re eating organic and local. Plus, it’s a great way to cut down on your grocery bills. I look forward to having a big garden someday! For now, I’ll enjoy all the fun markets and health food stores that Manhattan has to offer. 
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Laurel,
These are wonderful tips! Thanks so much for putting together a great summary for those of us who need a no-nonsense guide to organic shopping. I’ve posted a link to this guide on my own site, http://www.livingbetterfeelingbetter.typepad.com/, so others can benefit. I hope you’ll visit and check out my new blog. I’ve new to organic living and would welcome your comments.
Lori
Thank you so much for encouraging people to buy organic. In thinking about which organic products to buy, consider this: instead of focusing your organic purchases on a particular group of items, choose organic versions of the products you buy most. Whether that is milk, produce, or personal care products, buying organic will not only help reduce your exposure to harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, but also support a system of agricultural management that is great for the planet.
Organic. It’s worth it.
Glad you both enjoyed it! Thanks for your comments.
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