When you go to the grocery store these days, there are many possibilities and options. You have many choices, from different brands and types of food to other ways to grow, produce, and make the food itself; this can be overwhelming just in the produce section alone.
One of the most important decisions that people make at the grocery store is whether or not to buy organic. While the phrase “organic” has received much attention in recent decades, it is not always clear to customers what they are getting by purchasing food with this label. Also, organic food is frequently more expensive than average food. They are making organic a more costly option for your food budget.
With all of these factors to consider when deciding whether or not to buy organically, it is critical to understand what organic means, how you and your family may benefit, and how to shop for organics in a way that makes sense. We cut through some jargon to help you understand what it means to shop organic.
What Exactly Does Organic Mean?
When foods are branded organic, it relates to how they were manufactured or farmed. For example, suppose you buy organic meats, poultry, eggs, or dairy products. In that case, they were without antibiotics or growth hormones.
In the meantime, organic fruits and vegetables were grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, or genetic engineering. Before giving a producer or grower the USDA organic label, a government-approved certifier ensures that the producer or grower follows a set of rules.
While many people equate organic food with being healthier, it is vital to note that this label has nothing to do with health.
There are three kinds of organic food claims, each with its meaning. These include 100% organic, organic, or manufactured with organic ingredients.
Organic Label Types
Items wholly organic or manufactured entirely of organic materials are eligible for this claim and the USDA organic seal.
Organic: Goods with at least 95% organic components are eligible for this claim and the USDA organic label. Except as stated on the National List of Approved and Banned Substances, the product and ingredients in this category must be certified organic.
Organic Ingredients: These goods include at least 70% certified organic ingredients. Some items cannot bear the USDA organic seal. However, the statement “produced with organic ingredients” may appear on their packaging.
The Advantages of Buying Organic
If you shop organic, you should consider your family’s goals and budget. If you do decide to shop organic, there are many benefits to doing so. Below are a few of the more noticeable benefits.
Reduced Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals
The most significant advantage of purchasing and consuming organic foods is that it decreases exposure to potentially dangerous and cancer-causing chemicals in conventional farming pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
One study discovered that organic foods contain lower amounts of harmful metabolites. Examples are heavy metals such as cadmium, synthetic fertilizer, and pesticide residues.
Buying organic means consuming fewer toxic pesticides that have no place in the body. In general, the fewer pesticides we ingest, the less strain we put on our liver, which can significantly impact our overall quality of life over time.
It could have a higher nutritional content.
A previous study found that organic foods have more vitamins and minerals than foods not grown organically. Researchers also noticed that many studies have shown that organic foods have a lot more vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus than their non-organic counterparts.
Even though there isn’t much difference between organic and non-organic food in terms of macronutrients (fat, protein, carbohydrate, and dietary fiber), some researchers have found other changes in composition. Some examples are that organic crops have more antioxidants (especially polyphenols), organic meats have better fatty acid profiles, and organic dairy products have more omega-3 fatty acids.
Variations in nutrients, flavor, and appearance can exist among all types of fruits and vegetables, whether organic or not. Growing in different seasons, weather conditions, and soils can all impact their nutritional makeup.
It May Be Better for the Environment
Organic products are beneficial for the environment. In reality, the herbicides used in organic farming are more natural and less harmful to the soil and earth, which means that the soil nutrients are better.
A prior study, for example, discovered that organic farming had eight inches more topsoil on average than non-organic farms. Another study suggests that organic farming is a better alternative than other types of farming since it decreases pollution, conserves water, reduces soil erosion, promotes soil fertility, and consumes less energy.
Shopping Suggestions
If you want to purchase organic but need help knowing where to begin, we’ve put together some pointers to get you started. These expert-approved suggestions assist you in making wise choices as you walk the grocery store aisles looking for organic foods for your family.
Learn About Nutrition Labeling
Because not all organic labels are created equal, it is critical to study the product packaging to understand what you are purchasing. For example, foods labeled 100% organic are made entirely of organic components.
Suppose you need clarification on whether something is organic when shopping for vegetables. In that case, the price look-up (PLU) tag can help. If it reads “produced with organic ingredients,” it means the product has at least 70% certified organic components, excluding salt and water.
Organic products have a five-digit identifier that starts with a nine, whereas conventionally cultivated produce has four digits.
Prioritize vegetables with high porosity.
Certain fruits and vegetables may have higher levels of hazardous compounds than others. As a result, each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes a Clean Fifteen and a Dirty Dozen handbook.
The Clean Fifteen list shows which non-organic fruits and vegetables have minor pesticide residue, whereas the Dirty Dozen list shows which non-organic fruits and vegetables have the most. These lists can help people decide when to buy organic food and when to buy regular food so they don’t get too much pesticide.
Strawberries, spinach, kale, apples, and grapes, for example, are porous fruits and vegetables that should be purchased organically, according to the EWG’s guidelines. Meanwhile, traditionally grown sweet corn, asparagus, mushrooms, and mangoes should be okay.
Seasonal Shopping
While shopping for organic goods, aim to buy seasonal fruits and vegetables to save money. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are less expensive and easier to find than non-seasonal items; this can reduce the cost significantly depending on factors like regional location, weather, and other farming conditions.
Strawberries, for example, are in season during the summer, when they taste the finest and are frequently on sale. Meanwhile, squash and asparagus are in season in the fall and spring, respectively.
Ask about the practices of local farmers.
If you live near a farmer’s market or visit one while on vacation, ask the farmers about their farming methods. Some farmers utilize a blend of organic and conventional farming practices. While farmers may have used organic farming methods, they may not be legally allowed to use the label “100% organic” on their food.
Even if a farm technically meets the rules for organic farming, it can be too expensive for them to get certified as an organic farmer.
Purchase in Bulk
Purchasing ready-to-eat organic produce, such as pre-peeled or pre-chopped organic produce, is always more expensive than purchasing it whole. As a result, buying organic produce in bulk or, at the very least, eschewing cut-up versions in favor of the whole fruit to save money is a good idea. She also mentions that some organic produce may be worth purchasing frozen if shopping in bulk because organic food spoils faster.
If you cook for a large family, buying frozen food in bulk can help you avoid making many trips to the grocery store each week.
Finally, we state
The decision to buy organic is frequently a personal one. It can be an overwhelming situation when presented with so many options. Still, there are significant advantages worth examining. Buying organic will cost you more at the grocery store, so it may be worthwhile to check out the EWG’s Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen lists, which indicate which foods are worth purchasing organically and which are not. One good idea is to research the items in the local sales papers, keep track of the average prices of the things you purchase most often, and pick them up when there are sales on items you will be using.