Save on Organic Foods

I have received enough requests for how to save on Organic food. Unfortunately, you won't find many organic coupons in your Sunday newspaper just yet, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Here's a list of organic manufacturers who offer coupons and instructions on how to get them.

Barbara's - Sign up for the online store newsletter to receive special offers and discounts.

Brown Cow Farm - Print a coupon from the website.

Cascadian Farm - Get a coupon for $1 off any Cascadian Farm product on the Pillsbury website. (Offer may vary monthly)

Dreamfields Pasta - Sign up for the newsletter to get $1 off any box of Dreamfields pasta, plus get even more coupons in the newsletter.

Earthbound Farm - Take a quiz about organic farming, and get a coupon for $1 off when you answer all of the questions correctly.

Earth's Best - Choose from two printable coupons: $1 off of two Earth's Best Sesame Street products or $1 off of 10 jars of Earth's Best baby food.

Eden Foods - Sign up for the e-newsletter to receive special offers.

Hain - Look for the Hain Healthy Holiday Cooking Recipe Booklet at health food stores. Includes $6 in coupons.

Horizon Organic - Print a coupon for 55 cents off milk.

Imagine Foods - Sign up for the quarterly e-newsletter to receive special offers and promotions.

Kiss My Face - Join the Kiss My Face mailing list to receive special offers, discounts, samples and the opportunity to test new products.

Knudsen Juice - Print coupons from the website. Current offer: $1 off an 8-pack of Sensible Sippers juice boxes.

Organic Valley - Choose one coupon to print from several listed on the site.

Mrs. Meyer's - Sign up for the e-newsletter, and receive a coupon for $5 off $25.

Muir Glen - Get a coupon for $1 off any Muir Glen product on the Pillsbury website. (Offer may vary monthly)

Pearl Soy - Sign up for the e-newsletter to receive special offers.

Seventh Generation - Print coupons directly from the website.

Stonyfield Farms - Print coupons directly from the website.

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Trying to go organic without going broke? Here are some ways to squeeze organics into any budget – big or small:

1. Buy Store Brands
A growing consumer interest in organics has prompted many grocery chains to launch their own organic product lines. Make the switch to store brand, and you could shave an easy 25% off of your bill.

2. Grow Your Own
Plant a garden in your yard and grow your own organics. You may spend a bit more for organic seeds, but otherwise it won't cost you any more (and may even cost you less) to grow organic produce.

3. Seek Reduced Produce
The organic trend is still new, and that means many stores haven't figured out how much to order. Look for reduced prices on produce (and other goodies) that need to be used today or tomorrow, and you could snatch up organics at or below the price of traditionally grown produce.
4. Buy in Bulk
Warehouse stores like Sam's and Costco are a great source for bargain-priced organics if you're willing to buy in bulk, as is Amazon.com – a newcomer to the grocery market.

5. Buy Unprocessed Foods
Processed foods are more expensive than whole foods, whether they're organic or not. Spend the bulk of your grocery dollars on basic foods – fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains – and you'll be able to afford more organics for your money.

6. Shop Locally
Farmer's markets are a great source for value-priced organics. No markets in your area? Then, look for locally grown organics in your grocery store. Since local produce doesn't have to travel far, the prices are often lower.

7. Shop Seasonally
Foods--organic and otherwise – are cheapest when they're in season. Here's a guide to what's in season now:
Cheapest Fruits and Vegetables Month-by-Month

8. Join a Co-Op
Farm Co-ops and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups allow you to buy a share in a local farm in exchange for a portion of the food that the farm produces – a real bargain. Locate an organic co-op or CSA in your area through Local Harvest.org, and enjoy more organic fare for your money.

9. Stick to the Dirty Dozen
Can't afford to buy all-organic produce? Then, stick to the twelve fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide levels. According to The Environmental Working Group, this includes: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, pears, spinach, potatoes.