Organic food has been a popular thing for years now, largely because of the proposed health benefits. A lot of people think that organic food is inheritably better for them as opposed to other kinds of food, but a lot of questions remain unanswered. The most pressing question people have about this type of food is why it seems to be so much more expensive than other types of food. Another popular one is, what is organic food exactly as everyone seems to have a different definition. In this article, we’ll explore organic food as a whole, explain why it’s more costly than other types of food, and give you some quick tips on how you can go organic on a budget. So without any further ado, let’s get to deciphering the mystery of organic food products.  

What Is Organic Food Exactly?

That might come as a shocking revelation to some, but organic food has a very clear and simply defined definition. It’s any food that’s produced on a farm that doesn’t use any human-made pesticide or human-made fertiliser. While organic agriculture doesn’t use any human-made pesticide or fertiliser, that doesn’t mean that they avoid the two altogether. There are plenty of entirely natural pesticides and fertilisers out there that have worked fine for millennia of human agriculture. Now, this doesn’t mean that organic farms don’t use artificial means if they’re necessary – it just means that the products produced by organic farms are far more natural, sustainable, and as free of artificial ingredients as possible. Organic food has to be certified by the proper authority to be considered organic. There are plenty of these around most first world countries. The concept of organic food is far more sustainable and kind to the environment. We have only one planet, and the current world of commercial agriculture is not doing it a whole heap of good.. Organic food promises to change that, as it brings more sustainable solutions for the management of nature and land.  

Is It Healthier for Me?

In short, yes and no. Organic food is healthier when compared to food that’s sourced from non-organic farms because it’s handled, produced, and stored differently. That means that with every single organic product, you can trace back its origin to the farm and check it out for yourself. But the way that the food is grown, doesn’t necessarily affect its micro and macronutrient content. This doesn’t necessarily mean it has any purely nutritional benefits above non-organic. Organic food itself provides a far lower risk of allergic reactions and obesity – and people who consume organic are known to live healthier lifestyles. Other than that, organic food doesn’t contain any notable nutritional differences from food sourced from non-organic farms. Organic produce contains fewer pesticides than their non-organic counterparts, which is fantastic for people who are sensitive to particular types of food – or the preservatives that are in them. Organic food, however, does come from better farms that have a much more positive effect on the environment. Since organic farms produce less greenhouse gas emissions, don’t pollute water nearly as much as non-organic farms, and have an overall smaller carbon footprint – you could argue that they’re far healthier for you in indirect ways.  

Why Is It More Expensive?

Non-organic farms use artificial fertilisers, pesticides, and antibiotics because it ultimately cuts down on the cost of products. These things work well to preserve the food and make it as profitable as possible. Since organic farms use natural alternatives – the products produced by them tend to be more expensive than their non-organic counterparts. Organic farms also aren’t nearly as large as non-organic farms, meaning that they can produce less cost-effective produce. The relatively low yield, greater labour required, and natural alternatives to artificial fertilisers and pesticides all contribute to the relatively high price placed on organic products.

How Can I Budget but Remain Organic?

You don’t have to make six figures to eat Organic. Organic food can, at times, be even cheaper than its non-organic counterparts. If you’re on a budget but still want to eat organic, we’ll give you ten golden rules you need to remember.  

1. Purchase your organic food at farmers markets rather than supermarkets.
2. Always buy seasonal fruits and vegetables.
3. If possible, buy in bulk to cut down on the overall price.
4. Don’t get reeled in by fancy labels – you’re buying organic, not trendy.
5. Consider cutting down on your meat consumption.
6. Blemished goods might be cheaper but are just as delicious.
7. Consider planting some produce and growing your own organic food.
8. Always purchase for quality rather than quantity.
9. Consider getting into meal prepping.
10. Freeze your organic foods.

  Buying organic doesn’t have to be expensive, and as long you remember these ten golden rules – it’s going to be as affordable as possible.  

Is There Some Food That I Don’t Need to Buy Organic?

Yes, there are some foods that you don’t need to buy organic and other foods that are usually organic all on their own. Foods that contain little to no pesticides and come from conventional farms are known as clean foods. Some of the most popular clean foods are:  

• Avocados
• Onions
• Sweet Corn
• Pineapples
• Flash-frozen peas
• Asparagus
• Sweet Potatoes
• Cauliflowers
• Eggplants
• Mangos
• Cantaloupes
• Broccoli
• Watermelons
• Squash
• Kiwis

  On the other side of the spectrum, there are a couple of things you really should buy organic such as:  

• Milk
• Berries
• Leafy greens
• Meat
• Peppers

 

Conclusion

Going organic could be one of the best things you can do both for yourself and the environment. While organic food might be a bit more expensive than regular food – it doesn’t have to be, as long as you’re smart with your shopping.