How to afford Organic

[Prizm99]

Since I am new, I hope I am posting this in the right place.
Where do you cut costs in order to afford organic food?
With the high gas prices and the midwest floods, food is already expensive to begin with. I want to buy organic food but I don't know if I can afford it. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[RedSoxRosie]

Coupons, coupons, and more coupons.
Stockpiling a good deal on organics when you can.
And I would suggest just little by little, do what you can.
Hopefully you have farmer's markets in your area to pick up fresh local produce.

[jujubee]

My family is on a tight budget as well, and I still manage to buy at least 50% organic and sometimes more.

I use coupons whenever I can, even if I have to get creative. For example: I had a coupon last week that was Buy Hidden Valley refrigerated dressing, save $1.50 on produce. I found the Hidden Valley marked down to $2 close to expiration, and found organic salad mix marked down to $2, also close to expiration. So:

$2 + $2 = $4 - $1.50 = $2.50

My hubby eats ranch dressing on literally everything (including pizza!), so that made a great deal for me, even though the dressing wasn’t organic.

I also choose to put my money where it matters most: I mostly buy organic only for the things we eat almost daily – salad greens, carrots, apples, eggs, milk (for dd), apple juice (for dd), etc. So I can focus the majority of my budget on what I feel are the “important” things, and for the rest I go organic if I find a good deal.

Contact companies for coupons. Smaller organic companies are happy to send coupons to potential/loyal customers to try their products.

Look for organics in unconventional places. I discovered that Big Lots carries tons of organic non-perishables such as Kashi, Back to Nature, Annies. We have an entire thread of all the things our members have found at Big Lots.

And I think, too, that you really have to feel the conviction to not only choose organic, but just to eat healthier in general. Once you have the knowledge of why taking care of your body should rank #1 on your priority list, you’ll find ways to incorporate healthy eating into your lifestyle. I read the book In Defense of Food and it changed me forever.

And lastly, come hang out with us! We have organic in our title, but most importantly we want to encourage and support each other to adopt a healthy lifestyle – whether it’s with organic or conventional foods.

[OHeather]

Take it one product at a time. You will overwhelm yourself if you try to go all out all at once. As your stockpile of conventional food dwindles, start replacing it with organic instead. While the cost of organic might be higher, say for shampoo etc, you end up using less of it.

Also, contact companies like Jujubee said. They are more than willing to send Q's to people just starting out. You can focus on the products that you already use that are organic (if any) and contact those companies, or try to find one product that is similar to what you already use and contact that company.

I wouldn't suggest throwing out the things that you have already in your house. But if you can find a great deal on a product that is more natural or organic than what you use, go ahead and pick it up. If you decide that you want to keep the organic product, you can always donate the non-organic items to the food pantry.

One thing that Jujubee said that I think needs reapeating is that when you have a q good off produce, for example, go with organic. Yeah, you might get 4 bananas instead of 6 or 7, but it is worth it in the long run. (And I find that those "extra" bananas go to waste anyhow...into the compost pile for sure).

The same goes with MIR. If the rebate requires a meat purchase, try to find grass feed beef or the like. Again, it costs more and you get less meat, but it is healthier for you and you might just eat a little less, which is not bad.

[derketchup]

For produce -- stick with only buying the dirty dozen organic (I try to do the first 20), and buy in season. Out of season artichokes are WAY more expensive than in season ones.

Also, see if there is a local coop or farmer's market. Talk to the farmers -- find out if they grow their food organically but don't want the hassle of paying/becoming USDA certified.

I can't reiterate the dirty dozen. There is no reason to spend money on organic onions if money is tight!

[samosa]

I buy nearly 100% organic. I make my menus based on what produce is on sale that week and cook mostly from scratch. Nothing too fancy, just good, healthy meals. If I want to buy organic 'junk food', I wait until it goes on sale or I have a coupon for it, hopefully both.

[ocean_brez]

What is the shelf life and flavor difference between whole milk and organic milk. My DH is a junk-food-aholic (is that even a word?) that rarely tries new new things, and I am wanting to try organic milk along with a few other new organic food items and he is against it. Any thoughts? I am stil fairly new to the OGD forum and as much as I am trying to read up/play catch up, it is taking time. TIA.

[RedSoxRosie]

Organic milk usually has the same shelf life as regular milk. Though it is more expensive. If you want to try it, just buy a half gallon. The expiration date is stamped on it just like conventional milk. It is pasteurized and you can get it in whole, 2%, 1% and fat free.
I buy raw milk, which I've been told is usually only good for about 7 days on average. This is usually from a health food store or a dairy farm. It is not pasteurized and just comes as whole.
If I buy organic milk from the store I always get whole because it has been less processed and I feel it's truer to being organic...that of course is just my opinion.

What other things are you looking to try that your husband is veto-ing?

[Ayanna]

Shelf life:
The Organic Valley brand is UHT (ultra high temperature processed), so it is one organic brand that likely has a longer shelf life than normal milk. I do not know if all of the organic brands are processed at UHT, but I do know that in my area the regular milk is regular pastureization and all the organic is UHT. Some people believe that UHT milk is actually worse than non-organic (kills more nutrients, might cause cancer).

Flavor:
I believe there is a flavor difference, but I think the main difference I taste is when we buy organic milk it's in a paper package, non-organic is in plastic. Even buying organic milk in plastic though it does taste better than regular, but I think not using plastic at all makes it taste even better!

Best bet is buying raw milk if you can find a provider! That has a very different taste, but no shelf life :-p

A little advice for your junk-food-aholid DH, there is organic junk-food, could switch him to that and prove that organic doesn't taste bad without trying anything really healthy. Then do the switch to healthy. Or just start buying fresh fruit and veg switch him to that and he'll have to realize how much yummier that is than processed junk!

[derketchup]

actually if you want him to taste "chemicals" have him compare organic baby carrots to conventional baby carrots. Blech!

[RedSoxRosie]

Originally Posted by Ayanna

Shelf life:
The Organic Valley brand is UHT (ultra high temperature processed), so it is one organic brand that likely has a longer shelf life than normal milk. I do not know if all of the organic brands are processed at UHT, but I do know that in my area the regular milk is regular pastureization and all the organic is UHT. Some people believe that UHT milk is actually worse than non-organic (kills more nutrients, might cause cancer).

Flavor:
I believe there is a flavor difference, but I think the main difference I taste is when we buy organic milk it's in a paper package, non-organic is in plastic. Even buying organic milk in plastic though it does taste better than regular, but I think not using plastic at all makes it taste even better!

Best bet is buying raw milk if you can find a provider! That has a very different taste, but no shelf life :-p

A little advice for your junk-food-aholid DH, there is organic junk-food, could switch him to that and prove that organic doesn't taste bad without trying anything really healthy. Then do the switch to healthy. Or just start buying fresh fruit and veg switch him to that and he'll have to realize how much yummier that is than processed junk!

I am one of those people that think pasteurization is bad...whatever the temp. It kills the living enzymes that we need for proper digestion. This is why I believe some people are lactose intolerant. Perhaps if they tried raw milk or cheese, they would find it doesn't bother them. I'm not sure about this, just what I think. I very rarely will buy juice either because even if it's organic it has to be pasteurized as well to be bottled. We mostly drink filtered water. But, I have bought organic juice for my daughter, but I also own a juicer and make it fresh...AWESOME!!! You'll never get a better fruit punch then juicing (organic) strawberries, blueberries and grapes together! YUM!!

And for the junk food...yup!! There is plenty of organic snacks...Newman's Own Organics makes great cookies! BUT...they are not filled with chemicals or dyes or man-made sugars that (I believe) make us want more and overeat which obviously puts more of this "junk" into our bodies and turns into a horrible cycle...

Ok..enough ranting. sorry.

[ocean_brez]

Originally Posted by Ayanna

Shelf life:
The Organic Valley brand is UHT (ultra high temperature processed), so it is one organic brand that likely has a longer shelf life than normal milk. I do not know if all of the organic brands are processed at UHT, but I do know that in my area the regular milk is regular pastureization and all the organic is UHT. Some people believe that UHT milk is actually worse than non-organic (kills more nutrients, might cause cancer).

I don't think I care for anything that might cause cancer. My mother died of uterine cancer 9 years ago and a few of my neighbors are breast cancer survivors. My one fav neighbor even went so far as informing me that she had read that Soy products have been known to feed cancer and since she is in remission, she is not chancing it or the health of her family by buying/eating anything with soy. Knowing that my mother used to eat tofu regularly as well as a few other soy products, has now made me leary and I will forever wonder if that's what helped speed up the spread of her cancer. So, no soy products for us until I can gain more beneficial info on it.

As for the raw milk, that is not an option because we don't have it here and DH definitely won't go for that.

I have already started checking out and have bought a few organic fruits and vegetables from my local Henry's and now that healthier junk food is available, I will be checking into that too.

So far, the only real thing that he has vetoed is some of the Kashi cereals. Not sweet enough or something. Although I can't really complain there because although he eats the sweet kids cereals during the work week, he will eat oatmeal and Cream of Wheat on the weekends. Oh and forgot, he also likes Post Grape Nuts. Now that is a cereal I can't eat because I feel like I am eating rocks.

[derketchup]

Ayanna... you might try to find cream top milk -- this milk hasn't been homogenized. It's still been pasteurized. I find it's a nice compromise for people who don't want to go fully "raw".

[RedSoxRosie]

Ocean Brez, there are lost of kids cereals out there that are organic that your hubby might go for.
In another post I mentioned I've gotten ones from Envirokids for my daughter that are Peanut Butter Puffs (had a panda on the front), and ones like Cocoa Krispies (had a koala on it) that I can't think of the name of, and we haven't tried it yet, but there is also one that seems similar to Trix (had a toucan on the front). So there are also comparable cereals...haven't found one that contains rocks yet.

[Ayanna]

Originally Posted by derketchup

actually if you want him to taste "chemicals" have him compare organic baby carrots to conventional baby carrots. Blech!

Mmm okay little tangent here...we grew carrots in our little container garden this year. First time I've ever had carrots out of a garden. OMG seriously...the things at the grocery story are NOT carrots! The flavor the crispness of biting into the carrot straight out of the garden was incredible!

If you have space I think carrots should be on an absolute must add to a garden list!

[OHeather]

You might want to try to purchase organic items and just cook with them. If DH doesn't know what he's eating (which he probably doesn't anyhow with conventional food) he may find that he is satisfied more and enjoys the food better. Make a regular dinner--one you've made many times before--but substitute organic items, like spices, vegetables, etc. If he asks what it is, tell him you just changed the ingredients to organic and it makes a huge difference.

[ocean_brez]

Originally Posted by OHeather

You might want to try to purchase organic items and just cook with them. If DH doesn't know what he's eating (which he probably doesn't anyhow with conventional food) he may find that he is satisfied more and enjoys the food better. Make a regular dinner--one you've made many times before--but substitute organic items, like spices, vegetables, etc. If he asks what it is, tell him you just changed the ingredients to organic and it makes a huge difference.

That's a good idea. I think I am going to try that trick with an Italian pasta dish. Those always go over well.

[queenofthehivemomof5]

Originally Posted by Ayanna

Mmm okay little tangent here...we grew carrots in our little container garden this year. First time I've ever had carrots out of a garden. OMG seriously...the things at the grocery story are NOT carrots! The flavor the crispness of biting into the carrot straight out of the garden was incredible!

If you have space I think carrots should be on an absolute must add to a garden list!

I agree, I have ranted about store bought conventionaly grown carrots before and how they taste like chemicals, organic is better and homegrown is best. And they are super duper easy to grow yourself, I have some growing in my front flower beds even, you can grow them in pots or just about any patch of dirt you have.

[yellowlilax]

Does anyone know if Horizon milk is ultra high temperature processed?

[jujubee]

Originally Posted by yellowlilax

Does anyone know if Horizon milk is ultra high temperature processed?

Yes, it is. From their site: Horizon Organic - FAQs: Organic Milk Processing and Packaging

How is milk pasteurized?

Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to make it bacteriologically safe and to increase its keeping quality. Horizon Organic™ milk uses two types of pasteurization processes: high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization, referred to simply as pasteurization, and ultra-high temperature pasteurization (UHT), also called ultra-pasteurization.

Pasteurization requires heating milk at a temperature of 162°F for only 15 seconds. Horizon Organic offers whole, reduced fat (2%), lowfat (1%) and fat free milk in both HTST and UP varieties. You can look on the carton to see if the milk you are buying is pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized.

[yellowlilax]

Great (sarcastic) so regular non organic milk causes cancer, but organic milk that is high temp pasteurized causes cancer too. Ok, so which is worse...I'm so frustrated with everything causing cancer. My mom had breast cancer and I feel like my turn is just coming and its a matter of when. It seems like EVERYTHING will give you cancer.

[RedSoxRosie]

Originally Posted by yellowlilax

Great (sarcastic) so regular non organic milk causes cancer, but organic milk that is high temp pasteurized causes cancer too. Ok, so which is worse...I'm so frustrated with everything causing cancer. My mom had breast cancer and I feel like my turn is just coming and its a matter of when. It seems like EVERYTHING will give you cancer.

I understand where you are coming from. My dad battled with and passed away from cancer in '07 and now my uncle is going through it.
Have you tried raw milk? It's hard to find and can be expensive...I've also noticed though that my store brand, Nature's Promise, organic milk is pasteurized, but not ultra-pasteurized...not sure if you have looked at all the brands of milk you may have available to you. You could pick the lesser of the evils.

[OHeather]

You could also ask yourself if you actually need cow's milk to survive. I know that's a whole different topic than this thread was initially, but it's something that you may want to question. Are we as humans really meant to drink cow's milk? If you can change your habits, little by little, you may be able to switch over to rice milk or almond milk (or any other type) with no cow's milk consumption. Just a thought.

[yellowlilax]

I guess I'm not overly concerned with it, because the only time I have milk is when its on cereal in the morning and thats not an every day thing or for recipes. Tried rice milk and wanted to puke. I'm allergic to nuts, so almond won't work for me and soy milk I'm not supposed to have soy because my moms cancer was estrogen positive and soy can act as a hormone. So I'm not left with a lot of options.

[cityhopper]

I am not 100% organic yet but I am taking baby steps. I shop weekly for produce and dairy. I have learned to buy ingredients rather than "organic meals". It can be cheaper and healthier to buy the ingredients and prepare an organic meal rather than buying a frozen organic meal.

Living in a large city has helped as I found grocers like Kroger and Publix want to be more competitive and a one stop shop against grocers like Whole Foods/Harry's, Trader Joe's, and a few local organic, natural grocers. So this help with the pricing of "name-brand" organic products.