Saving on Organic Foods

I had a great question asked to me by a reader:

"I'm checking out your blog b/c you posted on 805moms that you and your family spend $150 per month on household and food. That is unreal. I can't wait to read every post in this blog. So you have any advice for saving on organic food and products?"

My Reply to Her:

"It's harder to save on organic & natural products, but you can still save. That $150/mo. is only on food items. Actually, over the past 2 months, I've only spent approx. $50 each month. I have so much in my stockpile or the promos at the grocery stores have been so good, I've managed to keep my grocery expenses down. I don't pay for shampoo, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, maxi pads, etc.... I get all of that stuff free playing the "drugstore games"... Walgreens and CVS has specials all the time. I even get my milk from CVS for free. I've been doing this for YEARS, so I have a stockpile built up, but stick around and you can learn too.

Ralphs has a free magazine in their store called OPTIMA. Most of the time it's up near the front of the store by the sales flyers... sometimes these include Manufacturer's Coupons for organic products. You CAN use coupons at Trader Joe's too, but there's just not very many out there and they are redeemed at face value at Trader Joe's.

GOOGLE "Organic printable coupons" and you will probably find a couple websites that list the different coupons "out there" to print for organic products. If you are shopping for organic, I hope you are shopping at Trader Joe's, because their items are cheaper versus the major markets, if you are shopping without coupons. Even the .99 Cents Only stores sell lots of fruits & veggies. Highly worth it.... and to save, eat the fruits & veggies that are "in season".. they cost less."

Thanks to about.com for the following:

Save on Organics

Ten Ways to Buy Organics for Less

Trying to go organic without going broke? Here are eleven ways to squeeze organics into any budget – big or small:

1. Buy Store Brands

A growing consumer interest in organics has prompted many grocery chains to launch their own organic product lines. Make the switch to store brand, and you could shave an easy 25% off of your bill.

2. Look for Coupons

While you probably won't find many coupons for organics in your Sunday paper (yet), coupons for organics do exist. Here's a list of manufacturers offering coupons:

• Organic Coupons

3. Grow Your Own

Plant a garden in your yard and grow your own organics. You may spend a bit more for organic seeds, but otherwise it won't cost you any more (and may even cost you less) to grow organic produce.

4. Seek Reduced Produce

The organic trend is still new, and that means many stores haven't figured out how much to order. Look for reduced prices on produce (and other goodies) that need to be used today or tomorrow, and you could snatch up organics at or below the price of traditionally grown produce.

5. Buy in Bulk

Warehouse stores like Sam's and Costco are a great source for bargain-priced organics if you're willing to buy in bulk, as is Amazon.com – a newcomer to the grocery market.

6. Buy Unprocessed Foods

Processed foods are more expensive than whole foods, whether they're organic or not. Spend the bulk of your grocery dollars on basic foods – fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains – and you'll be able to afford more organics for your money.

7. Shop Locally

Farmer's markets are a great source for value-priced organics. No markets in your area? Then, look for locally grown organics in your grocery store. Since local produce doesn't have to travel far, the prices are often lower.

8. Shop Seasonally

Foods--organic and otherwise – are cheapest when they're in season. Here's a guide to what's in season now:

• Cheapest Fruits and Vegetables Month-by-Month

9. Join a Co-Op

Farm Co-ops and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups allow you to buy a share in a local farm in exchange for a portion of the food that the farm produces – a real bargain. Locate an organic co-op or CSA in your area through Local Harvest.org, and enjoy more organic fare for your money.

10. Stick to the Dirty Dozen

Can't afford to buy all-organic produce? Then, stick to the twelve fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide levels. According to The Environmental Working Group, this includes: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, pears, spinach, potatoes.