Eating Organic on a Budget: Tips and Tricks in Canada
Do you want to eat healthy food but worry about the cost? Organic food is good for you, but it can be expensive. Don’t worry! Here are 15 ways to eat organic without spending too much money in Canada.
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1. Buy Seasonal Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and veggies that grow in each season cost less. They’re fresh and yummy too! Here’s a list of seasonal produce in Canada:
Season Fruits Vegetables Spring Strawberries, Rhubarb Asparagus, Spinach Summer Blueberries, Peaches Tomatoes, Corn Fall Apples, Pears Pumpkin, Squash Winter Oranges, Grapefruit Carrots, Potatoes -
2. Shop at Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets have fresh, local food. You can often find organic foods for less money there. Talk to the farmers and learn about their food!
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3. Join a CSA Program
CSA means Community Supported Agriculture. You pay a farm at the start of the growing season. Then you get fresh veggies all summer long. It’s a great way to get cheap organic food!
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4. Grow Your Own Food
You can grow your own organic food! Start small with herbs in pots. If you have space, try a veggie garden. It’s fun and saves money.
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5. Buy in Bulk
Buying a lot at once can save money. Look for sales on things that last a long time, like:
- Rice
- Beans
- Nuts
- Dried fruit
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6. Freeze Extra Food
When organic food is cheap, buy extra and freeze it. You can enjoy summer berries all winter long!
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7. Make a Meal Plan
Plan your meals for the week. This helps you buy only what you need. You’ll waste less food and save money.
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8. Cook from Scratch
Ready-made organic meals cost a lot. Cooking your own food saves money. It’s healthier too!
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9. Use Coupons and Apps
Look for coupons for organic food. Use apps that tell you about sales. Some good apps are:
- Flipp
- Checkout 51
- Reebee
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10. Buy Store Brands
Many stores have their own organic brands. These often cost less than other brands. Look for them at stores like:
- Loblaw
- Sobeys
- Metro
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11. Focus on the “Dirty Dozen”
Some fruits and veggies have more pesticides than others. Try to buy these organic if you can:
Dirty Dozen Strawberries Spinach Kale Nectarines Apples Grapes Peaches Cherries Pears Tomatoes Celery Potatoes For other produce, non-organic might be okay.
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12. Shop Online
Online stores sometimes have good deals on organic food. Check out:
- Well.ca
- Organic Garage
- Natura Market
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13. Join a Buying Club
A buying club is a group of people who buy food together. You can get better prices by buying a lot. Ask around or look online for clubs near you.
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14. Learn About Price Matching
Some stores will match lower prices from other stores. This can help you get the best deals on organic food.
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15. Don’t Forget About Frozen Foods
Frozen organic fruits and veggies can be cheaper than fresh ones. They’re just as healthy and last longer too!
Bonus Tip: The “Clean Fifteen”
These fruits and veggies usually have less pesticides. You might not need to buy them organic:
| Clean Fifteen |
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| Avocados |
| Sweet Corn |
| Pineapple |
| Onions |
| Papaya |
| Sweet Peas (Frozen) |
| Eggplant |
| Asparagus |
| Cauliflower |
| Cantaloupes |
| Broccoli |
| Mushrooms |
| Cabbage |
| Honeydew Melon |
| Kiwi |
By using these tips, you can eat healthy organic food without spending too much money. Start with a few ideas and see what works for you. Happy healthy eating!