Organic food shopping tips

The decision to move away from consuming fully organic products that are less harmful to the environment is a very important one. To increase their consumer base, some popular brands have reoriented their marketing techniques to make their food appear both cheap and healthy. As organic has the wind in its sails, companies are obviously sniffing out the good deal. For the informed consumer, it is necessary to know how to discern the true from the false, in order not to be fooled by impostors.

You only have to look at the grocery store at the many products labeled as ‘Natural’, ‘Preservative Free’, ‘Made with Organic Ingredients’ to convince yourself that the industry is trying to adapt to the needs of consumers. These terms speak to people because they want to know what they are eating. The population is increasingly aware of the dangers of using certain preservatives and certain food manufacturing processes. However, since most consumers are still concerned about the cost of food, more than the nutritional value, organic food companies must compete strongly with popular brands to successfully market their products. People want to eat better, but the financial argument weighs heavily in the balance.

Compared to organic food companies, the traditional food industry uses preservatives to increase the shelf life of food. The product can thus stay longer on the supermarket shelves, and longer in the consumer’s fridge. Large companies also have more income to spend on advertising and marketing to expand their distribution area. These companies therefore have a clear advantage in reaching people. As a result, organic food companies are sometimes forced to distribute locally to reduce shipping costs and save time on shelf life. As a result, organic companies will distribute smaller quantities of products to different regions. Some brands of organic products may therefore not be found across the country. So, it becomes important to recognize organic brands that are offered in your own area in local stores.

If you have recently gone organic, some organic brands may be new to you. You know them less and that is okay. The easiest way to get to know them is to start shopping “organic” in specialized organic food stores. Since these stores only carry this type of product, you will not have to worry about reading labels and trying to figure out whether the list of ingredients is natural or not. Once you are familiar with the brands offered in these stores, you will be able to easily target them in a traditional grocery store, as they are sometimes also available there. A large percentage of grocery stores offer sections entirely dedicated to organic food.

When shopping at traditional stores, which do not specialize in organic products, but may offer organic, trust the certifications. Take the time to read food labels. Organic products produced in the United States will be labeled “USDA Certified Organic”.

Organic accredited products in the USA will display the following logo:

In Canada, « any food, seed or feed that is labeled “organic” on the label is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Producers of these products must be able to demonstrate that the organic claims are true and not misleading and that all product specific requirements are met. All food sold in Canada must comply with the Food and Drugs Act and its regulations, as well as the Safe Food for Canadians Act and its regulations. » Source: https://www.inspection.gc.ca/produits-biologiques/reglementation/eng/1328082717777/1328082783032

Organic accredited products in Canada will display the following logo:

Organic accredited products in France may display the following logo:

It is important to take the time to read and know the ingredients of the products you buy. Ingredients with unpronounceable names and which contain food coloring should be avoided, as these ingredients are rarely found in nature. Some brands offer organic food, but not all are organic, so you need to read the ingredients carefully. For example, ’’Kashi ’’, offers a variety of products such as cereals and soft bars, many of which are organic. However, not all their products are 100% organic. Many companies that offer gluten-free products also use preservatives in their ingredients. So, rather than relying on brands, we must above all rely on the list of ingredients.

Let’s recap! Focus on finding a specialty health food store in your area, and find out what organic brands are available to you. Take the time to read the ingredient labels and get to know them. By using this technique, you can then ensure that the groceries you buy will be free from unnatural ingredients. If possible, buy local for your fruits and vegetables, it will reduce your carbon footprint, and you will encourage people in your area!

You have made the decision to switch to organic food, for the sake of the environment and your health. But sometimes, it can be more difficult to find them in the grocery store, the choice is more limited, and often, they are not affordable! Budgetary constraints can therefore make you doubt your convictions.

Here are some tips to help you persevere, and gently integrate this lifestyle into your daily life!

• Take it slow: do not try to change everything in your lifestyle overnight. Inform yourself, read on the subject, look at the labels of the products you already buy. Look at what they contain as ingredients. Several of them may already be organic.

• Watch for discounts: When you receive your grocery flyers, watch for discounts on products, including fruits and vegetables. Since organic products are more expensive in general, it is worth watching out for specials to get more for your money. If one-week, organic tomatoes are at a super discount, take the opportunity to buy more to do tomato-based recipes, for example lasagna, to freeze them for later. Canned food is convenient! Processing and freezing will save you big money!  Know the prices too. Do price checks for organic items purchased regularly. The price can vary a lot from place to place for the same product. Even from farm to farm, prices can vary a lot. Stores that sell only natural and organic foods also periodically make sales. Watch and shop!

• Eating in restaurants regularly for work can put a strain on your budget. Try to prepare meals yourself, using good organic foods. Even just a day or two a week. It will save you big! Picnicking in the park at noon, while eating good food, is very good for the soul, it allows you to relax. Try to decrease your portions too. In general, we always eat a little too much!

• Try to encourage local organic farmers. Many offer on-farm kiosks, and many offer a weekly fruit and vegetable basket program, delivered to your door, sometimes with seasonal produce of the producer’s choice. This will allow you to try new fruits and vegetables that you may never have tried. You will expand your food horizons! Remember that local purchases have a smaller ecological footprint than products from across the planet, even if these are organic.

• To help you, in the United States, a tool allows you to find an organic producer near you: https://www.localharvest.org/

In Quebec, here are some tools to help you:

Family farmers: https://www.fermierdefamille.org/

Organic Quebec products: http://www.produitsbioquebec.info/

In Canada:

British Columbia: knowwhereyourfoodcomesfrom.com

Alberta: csaalberta.com

Manitoba: csamanitoba.org

Canada: ACORN organics

Ontario: Organic Council of Ontario Directory

In France:

Natureo-Bio: https://www.natureo-bio.fr/producteur/recherche/

My Organic Farm: https://ma-ferme-bio.com/fr/

My Organic Basket: https://www.mon-panier-bio.com/

My producer: http://www.mon-producteur.com/

• Products that are complicated to prepare are not always the best! Sometimes after a grueling day, a nice, simple sandwich with whole grain bread and organic peanut butter, with a little bit of fruit jelly, can work wonders in no time! Add an apple, and you have a complete and nutritious meal at minimal cost.

• Buying wholesale always saves money. If you have friends or family with organic food enthusiasts, come together to negotiate prices with a local producer. If you guarantee him substantial purchases each week, he might be interested in giving you discounts.

• Buy seasonal products saves money. For example, in the spring, it is the time for fiddleheads and asparagus. In June and July, the strawberries arrive, and later in august the corn. Rather than grabbing high priced exotic fruits from elsewhere, try to focus on local, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Your ecological footprint will be smaller!

• Grow your own vegetable garden. If you have the possibility, this will allow you to reconnect with a relationship with the land that many have lost. You will have full control over what you eat. And you will find that a good tomato that you have grown yourself, or a good fresh cucumber taken from the plane, is much better!

By observing these few tips, eating organic without breaking the bank is possible. All it takes is a little time and good will! You will gain a lot in return: better health, and a lower carbon footprint!