Eating Organic Could Cost Over $100 More per Month. Is It Worth It?

Is it worth buying organic?

With such a big price difference on some products, it’s worth looking into the reasons for buying organic in more detail. If a product has been certified organic by the USDA, it means farmers rely on biologically based farming methods as much as possible. Animals raised for organic meat cannot be given antibiotics and hormones. As a result, organic farming is viewed as a more environmentally sustainable way to produce food.

Health-wise, the desire to reduce your family’s exposure to pesticides, hormones, and other chemicals is understandable. There are various studies that tout the health benefits of going organic. For example, one study by East Tennessee State University showed that organic produce contained lower concentrations of heavy metals.

Even so, a Harvard Health Publishing article says, “There isn’t clear evidence that organic foods are also healthier for people.” It cites one French study that showed the risk of cancer in people with the highest consumption of organic foods was reduced by 25%. However, it stressed that more research is needed, as it’s hard to prove cause and effect and pointed to issues with the study’s methodology.

You can find scientists on both sides of the organic debate. Our diets are so varied that it isn’t easy to prove whether one single food production factor is better for us. Ultimately, many people who opt for organic do so because they instinctively feel they’d rather put fewer chemicals into their bodies. One thing we do know is that eating fruit and vegetables — organic or not — is good for us. Don’t skip them altogether, even if you can’t afford the organic option.

Reducing the cost of organic shopping

If you’re looking to reduce the impact that organic foods have on your bank account, you might opt to buy organic for some, but not all, of your groceries. For example, produce with thin skins are more likely to be high in pesticides. In contrast, products like avocados, onions, and kiwis with thick, peelable skins are less likely to contain pesticide residues.

Every year, the Environmental Working Group publishes a list of fruit and vegetables that are most contaminated with pesticides, pushing them up people’s organic lists. Here’s its “dirty dozen” for 2023:

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, collard, and mustard greens
4. Peaches
5. Pears
6. Nectarines
7. Apples
8. Grapes
9. Bell and hot peppers
10. Cherries
11. Blueberries
12. Green beans

Seasonal produce is your friend when it comes to cutting costs and still eating healthfully. Farmers markets can sometimes be cheaper than grocery stores, but it depends on where you live and what you buy. One advantage of markets is being able to talk to producers directly about what chemicals they use. You may find food that’s been produced with limited pesticide use, even if it’s not certified as organic.

Bottom line

With any type of grocery shopping, price comparisons can be powerful. Shop around to find the best deals and be selective about which organic products you buy. Use rewards credit cards and cash back apps to help you earn points or rewards on all your grocery spending. And if you can’t afford to only eat organic, be selective. Prioritize organic options on produce containing particularly high levels of pesticides, but don’t skip fruit and vegetables altogether.

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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Emma Newbery has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.