Is 'Organic = Expensive' Just a Misconception? Smart Shopping Tips and Recommended Online Stores to Incorporate Organic Foods Without Stress🍅
Hello! I'm Haruka, and I share tips on how to incorporate a additive-free lifestyle in a relaxed way.
I've talked about additive-free foods you can buy at supermarkets and convenience stores, but I often hear these concerns from you all.
'I understand about avoiding additives, but are vegetables and seasonings really better if they're organic (pesticide-free/organically grown)?' 'But when I go to an organic supermarket, the prices are twice as high as regular vegetables, and I can't afford them...' 'In the end, isn't organic just a hobby for the wealthy?'
I truly understand how you feel. When I first started my additive-free life, I was so enthusiastic about 'my family's health!' that I frequented natural food stores, andI had an experience where my monthly food budget jumped to 1.5 times what it used to be, leading to a huge fight with my husband (lol).
However, please rest assured. After much trial and error and study, I realized one fact: 'As long as you know how to shop smartly, it is perfectly possible to incorporate organic foods without skyrocketing your food budget.'
This time, I will dispel the misconception that 'organic = expensive and impossible,' and introduce 'smart shopping methods and recommended online stores' that we ordinary families can incorporate without stress!
Prioritize: Why you don't need to make everything organic
This is the most important mindset I want to share first. It is that 'you don't need to make every ingredient organic.'
In fact, there are vegetables and fruits that 'tend to retain pesticides (absorb them easily)' and those that 'are less affected by pesticides.' By referring to the famous data (Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen) published annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in the U.S., you can see at a glance where you should spend your money.
Vegetables to prioritize as organic (those with thin skins that you eat as-is) Strawberries, spinach, apples, tomatoes, grapes, peaches, etc. Since these absorb pesticides easily, they are worth choosing as 'organically grown' or 'reduced-pesticide' if your budget allows.
Vegetables that are safe to buy at regular supermarkets (those with thick skins that you peel) Avocados, onions, cabbage, broccoli, kiwis, bananas, etc. Since the outer skin protects the inside from pesticides, there is absolutely no problem buying cheap ones at regular supermarkets as long as you peel them or discard the outer leaves.
'Today, let's just buy tomatoes and apples in the organic section.' This way, the impact on your food budget will only be a few hundred yen. This is the first step to making smart choices.
Smart Shopping Tip 1: Target 'Organic Private Brands' at your local supermarket
You don't have to go to a specialty natural food store (high-end supermarket); the 'private brands (PB)' of large supermarkets near you are now causing a price revolution in the organic world.
The one I recommend most is 'Aeon's Topvalu Greeneye,' which I introduced in a previous article. You can buy organic frozen vegetables, ketchup, tea, and more for just a few dozen yen more than regular products, or even the same price. Also, the 'BIO-RAL' natural brand developed by the supermarket 'Life' is also super excellent. With organic oatmeal, additive-free retort foods, and stylish packaging, it offers great value for money. If you have an Aeon or Life near your home, just making these PB products your base will save you a significant amount of money.
Smart Shopping Tip 2: Utilize 'iHerb,' a treasure trove of organic products
'Buying organic online' is the smartest way in the modern age. Among them, the one I can confidently say is an absolute must is the U.S.-based natural online store 'iHerb'.
The United States has stricter organic standards than Japan and a larger market, so high-quality products are sold at unbelievably low prices. The site is fully supported in Japanese, and you can shop with the same ease as Amazon or Rakuten. (If you buy over a certain amount, shipping is free even though it's coming from the U.S.!)
【Items that are overwhelmingly cheaper when bought on iHerb】
Organic herbal teas and black teas (Less than half the price of Japanese supermarkets!)
Spices (Organic cinnamon and organic black pepper in large quantities at rock-bottom prices)
Honey and maple syrup (You can get authentic, pure products for cheap)
Oatmeal and additive-free peanut butter
In fact, just by switching your daily 'drinks' from convenience store options to iHerb's organic teas, you can save this much.
Convenience store bottled tea = 150 yen x 30 days = 4,500 yen
iHerb organic herbal tea = approx. 15 yen per cup x 30 days = 450 yen
Use the 4,050 yen you saved to buy slightly more expensive organic vegetables or delicious additive-free seasonings. This is the 'magic cycle' of improving quality without increasing your food budget!
Smart shopping tip 3: Use 'trial sets' from farmers
For those who think, 'I want to eat safe and delicious vegetables, but they aren't sold in my neighborhood,' vegetable delivery services are recommended. Famous ones include 'Oisix,' 'Radish Boya,' and 'Saka no Tochu.'
You might think, 'Aren't delivered vegetables expensive?' but in fact, 'first-time only trial sets' are offered at unbelievably low prices that are prepared to take a loss (below cost). For example, you can sometimes buy a selection of pesticide-free vegetables and additive-free foods worth 4,000 to 5,000 yen for just 1,980 yen (including shipping) for your first order.
First, try ordering a few of these trial sets and experience the 'rich taste of real vegetables.' If you like them, you can continue, and if they don't suit you, there is absolutely no problem with canceling after just one time.
Summary: Don't seek perfection, find a balance
How was it? Has the misconception that 'organic equals expensive' been cleared up a little?
Let's review the three rules for enjoying organic food without skyrocketing your food budget.
Choose organic only for vegetables that tend to retain pesticides (like tomatoes and leafy greens)
Smartly import seasonings and tea personally via 'iHerb'
Enjoy the real thing at a great value with 'first-time trial sets' from vegetable delivery services
Trying to do everything perfectly will drain both your wallet and your spirit. The biggest secret to sustaining a 'relaxed additive-free life' for a long time is to be selective, such as saying, 'It's okay to buy vegetables you peel at a cheap supermarket!' or 'Instead, let's make the tea we drink every day organic from iHerb!'
Now that you know how easy organic can be, next time I'll introduce my actual favorite products! 'The Top 5 Organic Foods I Actually Bought and Loved! Definitely Buying Again✨' I'll be reviewing delicious and exciting products you can buy at iHerb or the supermarket, so please look forward to it!
If you found this article helpful or think you might check out iHerb, please let me know by clicking the 'Like (♡)' button on the bottom right🌿