We’ve all heard so much about the benefit of organic foods, but the fact is they’re often more expensive, especially produce. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) offers a free downloadable guide listing the Dirty Dozen (buy these organic) and the Clean 15 (lowest in pesticides) to help you decide when it might make sense to purchase organic produce.
The EWG’s Dirty Dozen–Buy These Organic:
These foods are known to have a high amount of pesticides.
1. Apples (worst)
2. Celery (worst)
3. Strawberries (worst)
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Nectarines (imported)
7. Grapes (imported)
8. Sweet Bell Peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Blueberries (domestic)
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/collard greens.
How To Save on Organic Produce and Foods:
Our best tips:
1. Buy fresh produce in season when it’s cheapest.
2. Look for sales and buy accordingly.
3. Consider stores like Trader Joes, Whole Foods or local health food stores–they often have better organic selections at lower prices.
4. Use coupons in other areas to offset the cost of organic produce.
5. Use organic produce coupons. There are plenty of coupons available for organic foods. Here are some of the best sources:
- Check printable coupon sites like Mambo Sprouts, Coupons.com [printable] coupons (currently has coupons for Cascadian Farms and Oliva’s Organic Salads) and CouponNetwork printable coupons.
- Individual product websites like Driscoll’s, Stonyfield, Earth’s Best Organic, Organic Valley, Olivia’s Organics.
A final note-be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables, even if they are organic. We are big fans of Fit Fruit and Vegetable Wash and did our own experiment to see if it really cleans better than water–It does!
Do you have any tips on saving on organic produce or products? We would love to hear them!
Written by Grace from www.couponsarebeneathme.com
This post may contain affiliate links, please read my disclosure policy HERE
