I’m a sucker for anything deemed organic, especially milk
My college roommates made fun of my weekly organic milk splurges, partially because I drank milk at the rate of a baby cow. But also because it was expensive — about $2 more per half gallon than “regular” milk; I actually checked once.
*Cue all Penny Hoarders cringing.*
But that was my choice and what I wanted to — and felt good — drinking.
11 Ways to Save Money on Organic Groceries
If you’re in the same boat (or shopping cart) and prefer to buy organic products, know it doesn’t have to be expensive.
You might not be able to find a ton of coupons for your favorite products in the Sunday newspaper, but there are still tons of tools and strategies you can employ to save money.
Here are a few of our favorites.
1. Scan Your Receipt and Earn Cash Back (Yes, Even For Organic Products)
Ibotta is a cash-back app that houses tons of rebates for all of your favorite stores.
I’ve always liked it because the offers aren’t just for a can of beans or the most generic brand of orange juice. It actually lists good, conscious brands I already enjoy from my favorite stores — from Target and Publix to The Fresh Market and Whole Foods (when I’m in that “treat yo ’self mood).
For example, right now you can get 25 cents back on any brand of avocados — even organic.
Sometimes you’ll find bananas; other times you’ll find limes or bell peppers. There’s almost always a fresh fruit or vegetable you can earn cash back on, even with that “organic” sticker.
Ibotta also has tons of offers for packaged organic foods. The other day I received $3 back on Organic Valley Grassmilk. I’d never tried it, but I love Organic Valley, so why not? The rebate drove the price down to the price of “regular” milk and even put me closer to a $1 bonus.
Other offers include organic plant-based protein, organic almond milk, organic cookie mix, organic yogurt smoothies — even organic sunscreen.
If you haven’t explored Ibotta yet, you really oughta. Download it now for a $10 bonus.
2. Get Organic Products Delivered to Your Door
Ordering groceries online and having them delivered to your door saves so many headaches. (Plus, you’ll never have to run into that kid you went to high school with again.)
If you haven’t found your favorite online grocery platform, check out Thrive Market, which exclusively stocks organic products, including gluten-free, paleo, raw and vegan. Shopping categories range from food to pet care and health.
I recognized a ton of food I already buy at the grocery store.
For example, I love Lundberg Farms Organic Brown Rice Cakes — lightly salted, of course. But a pack of these suckers push $5, so I only buy them once in a blue moon. However, I can get them on Thrive for 33% off at $2.85.
I also like throwing chia seeds into my morning smoothies, but those are so, so pricy. If I buy the Thrive brand, I’ll save 50%, driving the price down to $7.95.
When you sign up for Thrive Market now, you’ll get a 20% discount on your first order.
Pro tip: After you’ve signed up with Ibotta, you’ll find a 15% cash-back deal for Thrive.
Brb. I’m stocking up.
3. Add More and More Organic Items to Your Cart
Sounds counterintuitive, right? Jet is actually a pretty fun online shopping place because of that.
Think of it as an online warehouse club. You can buy items in bulk and save. Additionally, the more you add to your cart, the more you save.
Here’s an example: I add organic coconut oil to my cart. It’s already discounted, but when I add a box of Kashi cereal, some canned organic pumpkin purée and a box of quinoa, the item’s price continues to drop.
If you want to find the organic items, just search “organic” on the site. You’ll find product categories as well as the top brands (like Amy’s, Annie’s and Nature’s Path).
If this is your first time shopping with Jet, you can get even more of a discount. It’s offering 15% off your first three orders when you sign up.
And if you spend at least $35, you’ll get free shipping.
Pro tip No. 2: You guessed it! Jet also has a deal with Ibotta right now where you can earn an additional 10% cash back on any orders. Even more? Make your first Ibotta/Jet purchase, and you’ll snag another $2 bonus.
Brb. Again.
4. Download This “Berry” Cool App
BerryCart is a cash-back app I just discovered — but will probably start checking.
It’s perfect for organic shoppers because it aggregates the best deals on organic, gluten-free and non-GMO products, so you know what you’re looking at is, well, organic.
It works just like Ibotta in that you download the free app, find your favorite deals, buy ’em, then snap a photo of your receipt.
There’s no need to pick which store you want to shop at; just snap a photo of your receipt no matter where it’s from.
Here are a few examples of cash-back offers available right now: 75 cents back on Hope organic hummus, $2 back on NutZo organic nut and seed butter and $1 back on organic sparkling water.
The app seems like a neat way to earn cash back while also discovering new organic products.
Outside the realm of apps and websites, there are tons of other strategies to employ when shopping organic. Let me share a few…
5. Know Your Seasons
Whether you’re shopping for produce or meat, you’ll notice prices drop when something’s in season.
Take Heidi Medina’s advice. Her family lives on a budget, but she opts to buy organic meat. Like produce, meats have seasons, which will vary depending on where you live.
For example, beef season is typically after the first cold spell in the fall. You’ll likely find better beef prices then. Pork season, on the other hand, is later in the fall, after the pigs feed on the late-season fruits and nuts.
If you want to read all of Medina’s tips, we’ve got ’em here.
6. Learn How to Spot Your Favorite Store’s Organic Brand
We all know the generic store brands can save you money, but did you know many retailers also have a line of organic store-brand products?
Here are a few examples:
- Aldi: Simply Nature
- Kroger: Simple Truth
- Publix: Greenwise
- Safeway: Organics
- Target: Simply Balanced
- Whole Foods: 365 Everyday Value
Scout out your favorite store’s generic organic brand before your next grocery run.
7. Discover Your Local CSA
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs connect consumers directly to the producers.
For example, your local beet farmer (Dwight Schrute, probably) will offer “shares” of beets to consumers in the area. These “shares” will likely come in the form of a bag or box of beets. Those consumers will pay a fee and receive the shares seasonally.
CSAs help the farmer, who can pocket the money early in the season, and it helps the consumer, who can eat local, ultra-fresh produce at a reduced rate.
For example, Penny Hoarder Kristen Pope joined her local CSA by purchasing a “quarter share.” For $9.53 per week, she received a box of fresh organic produce.
Check out local CSA offerings in your area at Local Harvest.
8. Take a Trip to HomeGoods
You’re going to think I sound crazy because you don’t need organic furniture and decor.
But HomeGoods houses tons of organic items in its pantry aisle — typically in the kitchen section.
Find everything from discounted chia seeds and organic coconut oil to organic baking mixes.
I’ve found so many gems in that store. It’s hit or miss, but it’s worth a look on your next visit.
9. Don’t Be Afraid to Buy in Bulk
Before you start filling up bags of organic nuts, grains and legumes, be sure to check the unit prices.
But chances are, you’re going to be able to save more by buying in bulk.
Some stores even have self-serve organic flours, honey and coffee.
Another perk of buying in bulk? You’re able to control how much you want or need, so that’s convenient, too. But if you end up with leftovers you can always stock up the freezer!
10. Take the DIY Path: Grow Your Own Organic Produce
Part of the reason I like buying organic is because I know pesticides and other nasty chemicals weren’t involved in the production process.
You can alleviate that concern when you take matters into your own dirt-covered hands and grow your own food.
If you’re rolling your eyes right now wondering how this is going to work, here’s a beginner’s guide. Read that.
You’ll also want to make sure what you’re growing is actually cost-effective, so here’s a list of vegetables that are cheaper to grow than buy.
11. Know What’s Worth Buying Organic
If you’re organic all the way, that’s fine: You do you.
But if you buy organic in anything and everything just because you feel like it’s better, well, maybe do some research.
Start here: Know what organic actually means.
It’s helpful to determine what is worth the splurge and what isn’t.
If you find that you do want to opt for organic, well, you now know how to save money!
Carson Kohler (@CarsonKohler) is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder. She’ll always splurge on her organic skim milk. So worth it.
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, one of the largest personal finance websites. We help millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. In 2016, Inc. 500 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the No. 1 fastest-growing private media company in the U.S.
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