organic groceries

Grocery Jargon: 10 Terms to Know Before You Hit the Aisles

POPSUGAR Smart Living — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:50:16 +0000

The last thing you want to be confused about is the food you're eating, but with all the grocery buzzwords out there, it can feel like you're staring at some insider jargon. To break it down, we've put together meanings behind common terms that you'll find all along your supermarket aisles. Hopefully this will make it easy to remember why the labels are there in the first place — to help you make better decisions about what you're consuming and what's worth your money.

Free Range

This is a bit of a tricky one because, according to the FDA, free-range simply means that the birds have access to the outside; that doesn't necessarily mean that they actually spend large amounts of time outside. In contrast, cage-free typically describes birds raised outside of a cage, but it doesn't imply much else.

Grass Fed

Instead of being fed grains, these cows have only eaten grass throughout their lives. Advocates of grass feeding say it's a win-win for the cow, the consumer, and the planet because it requires less energy, there's less fat, and it's more humane.

MSG

In scientific speak, MSG stands for monosodium glutamate. In regular speak, it's a salt that's added to food to taste better. It's extremely hard to find items without MSG — it's in everything from frozen foods to restaurant meals — and there are different opinions on its effects. Some say it doesn't hurt, while others claim it's harmful to the body.

Whole Grain

This means that the entire grain is used in the product, including the parts of the kernel with the most nutrients. Rye and brown rice are common examples of whole grain. It shouldn't be confused with multigrain, which simply means that more than one grain is used in the product.

GMOs

Also known as genetically modified organisms, this term refers to organisms that have been altered to grow faster, have a longer shelf life, be disease-resistant, change color, and so on. Certain GMO-products don't require labeling for different reasons, so it's important to research before buying.

Natural

It's hard to believe, but just about anyone can slap a "natural" sticker on their product; that's because there's no set definition of the term from the FDA or USDA, so it can mean many different things. For example, even sodas have been labeled natural.

Organic

To be labeled "organic," a product must go through rigorous federal regulations. Essentially, you can rest assured that something organic has gone through strict farming or production practices and is made without pesticides, other toxins, GMOs, or artificial growth hormones. Many people say the quality of the product is worth its higher price tag.

Gluten Free

We should first understand what gluten is. The protein, commonly found in wheat and barley, gives dough its elasticity and allows it to keep its shape. Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular these days, and they're essential for people who suffer from digestive diseases, because it can damage their intestines. It typically doesn't affect others that strongly, but many are boycotting gluten because it's an unnatural additive.

Food labels are covered with feel-good terms these days — but what does "natural," "organic," or "grass fed" really mean? Find out here.

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This article is from POPSUGAR Smart Living of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

What NOT to Buy at a Farmers Market

Paul Michael — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:24:20 +0000

I love farmers markets. I do suffer from "can't get out of bed early enough" syndrome and usually miss the good stuff. But even when I do drag myself out of bed, I find some amazing produce that is tastier and healthier than anything found in the supermarket. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, farmers markets are tough to beat.

Now, having said that, I talked to some farmers market regulars who gave me advice on things you shouldn't buy. It's not a long list, and it's by no means a huge expose on shoddy produce or overpriced garbage. No, this is more of a guide to stop you spending a little more than you should on a few items that should, ideally, be bought elsewhere. (See also: Are Farmers Markets Frugal or a Luxury?)

I should also add that every farmers market is different, so while these guidelines are generally worth following, some may not apply to the markets in your area. I know I'll get a lot of comments pertaining to that, so I thought it best to disclose it first. So here is my list of what NOT to buy at your farmers market.

1. The First Items You See!

I know, bit of a broad one to start the list, but it is applicable to everything at the market. You will be greeted with a plethora of great fruits, veggies, and other items that are both good-looking and nutritious. But don't start loading up your eco-friendly shopping bag right from the get-go. Walk the stalls, note the prices, and come back when you can make a more informed decision. Cherries that are just as succulent but twice the price will leave a bitter taste in your mouth, and these places don't issue refunds.

2. Pristine Fruit and Veggies

We're a strange bunch. We buy based on looks, but eat for the flavor. As such, farmers and other vendors will knock-down the price of fruits and veggies that are odd-shaped, have peck-marks, or are generally just not as good-looking as the cream of the crop. Don't let that put you off. Avoid the perfect-looking stuff and ask for the discounted produce, but do so with one caveat — make sure you're not buying old, bruised, and rotten merchandise. It's not unknown for some stalls to pass this off as "misshapen" when in actuality they're spoiled and almost inedible. (See also: 7 Ways to Make Use of Sub-Par Produce)

3. Anything That's Out of Season

This shouldn't be available anyway, as farmers markets pride themselves on fresh, seasonal produce. But if you know your calendars, you know what to avoid. If someone is selling asparagus in September, you may be buying something that was previously frozen or bought cheap from a supermarket.

4. Honey

What could be wrong with honey? Well, nothing. The honey sold at these markets is good honey, better than the stuff found in chain supermarkets. However, a lot of the honey being sold at the market is being done through a third party. If you want to save some money, look at the label, find the beekeeper who produced the honey, and buy it direct from the source. Of course, if that beekeeper is miles and miles away, rethink your strategy.

5. Clothing

You go to a farmers market to buy produce fresh from the farm. At least, that's the goal. But over time, farmers markets have evolved to offer a little something for everyone. The strategy behind it is simple enough…people come for the fruits and veggies but invariably bring a family member or friend. And if they don't buy the produce, they may walk away with a nice pair of socks or a woolly hat. Well, it goes without saying that most of the time, these are not good quality items, and they have been marked up as well. Save your money for the incredible produce and leave the clothes shopping for another time.

6. Baked Goods

There's nothing like a home-cooked apple pie or raspberry turnover, but usually the people selling these have a local store somewhere in town. And they not only have to cover the costs of running a store, but renting a booth at the farmers market as well. In turn, that means these items are often marked up from the prices they would usually charge in their local store. It's also a good place to sell produce that is not quite as fresh as the pies that come fresh out of the oven and onto a shelf in their store. Saying that, I do know some bakers who prepare the pies fresh that morning just for the farmers market. It's a good idea to grab their information and pop by their store later in the week. You'll get the same fresh product at a lower price. If you have to drive hours to get there, well, then you may just want to pay extra and save gas money.

7. Chocolate

Chocolatiers would starve if they only sold their wares at the local market, once a week. It's a high-cost item to make, and they need a good return, so they almost always have a store somewhere in town where the chocolate is a little cheaper. Hunt it down and get yourself the same chocolate without paying the middleman. Freshness is not as much of a worry here though; chocolate does not spoil anywhere near as quickly as a baked apple pie or a slab of meat. Which brings us to…

8. Meat and Seafood

Although it's tempting to buy organic, grass-fed beef, wild boar sausages, or fresh salmon, it's difficult to judge how long these items have been sitting in the sun on a bed of melting ice. You probably won't have any sanitation or health issues, but it's better to get the phone number and address of the seller and pick it up direct from them. And if it's frozen, well, you've just eliminated one reason to buy fresh from the farmer's market. Of course, eggs are perfectly fine to buy as they don't need refrigeration (although you will lengthen their life by popping them in the fridge when you get home). And they're usually really tasty when they're fresh from the farm.

9. Gift Baskets

Another way to mark up produce, canned goods, and other fineries is to assemble them in a gift basket, tie a ribbon around the top and sell them for a nice fat profit. Unless you're heading off to a birthday party the second you leave, and have no time to go shopping, this is not a good way to spend your money. As with most gifts that offer convenience, you pay for it. The items in the basket can be bought separately for much less, and you don't have to get any unwanted items in the process.

10. Meals from Food Carts

This last one is a sticking point within my circle of friends. I equate ready-to-eat food available at farmers markets with concession stands at fairgrounds and county fairs. A recent one in my area was charging $5 for a small cup of chili. And that could be washed down with a small $3 cup of iced tea. No refills. I think there are better food deals to be had elsewhere.

However, a counter argument is that it's all part of the experience, and that you get to taste some great home-cooked food that you know has been made with fresh ingredients. For me, I'll usually pass unless the price is right.

What would you avoid at farmers markets? And to add a little meat to the discussion, what should you ONLY buy at farmers markets? Share your ideas.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Organic Groceries on a Budget

Staff — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:00:06 +0000

For years, I considered organic groceries to be out of reach and a poor use of our limited grocery monies. Now, several years into retirement and of the age where my husband and I both notice immediate physical results with every dietary change we make, I see things a bit differently. Organic groceries are now something I consider to be well worth the money. That being said, we do still have a budget to maintain.

Within that budget, I’ve managed to switch us over to the point where the majority of our food purchases are organic, at least on the items that are most critical. I’ve done this without access farmer’s markets or CSA programs. While I use those options when available, you won’t see them included in this article, because if they’re not readily available to me, I know there are others struggling with the same situation. So, how did I do it? Here are some strategies for affording organic groceries.

Stock Pantry Staples

I know most people tend to focus on the cost of transitioning to fresh produce, but to me the real money-savings are in the dry pantry staples. I covered this a bit in my recent article on bargain shopping at Whole Foods. Five dollars each for an organic beet might not be in most people’s budgets, but paying roughly two dollars a pound for organic oats, sunflower kernels, sesame seeds, and quinoa certainly is. Ditto with cornmeal. Peanuts are another area where I’ve made it a priority to make the switch to organic. The best price I’ve been able to find on organic raw peanuts is at SuperiorNutStore.com (affiliate link).

Cut the Crap

Seriously, cut the crap out of your grocery purchases. Think hard before you buy even the baked whole wheat crackers or honey-oat cereal. They may look like a healthier alternative at first glance, but comparatively you’ll get more nutrition from a bag of organic carrots. Not only can you use them for dunking and dipping, but they make an awesome dinner side and can be grated for savory muffins or decadent cakes. Also, when you look at the per pound price you are paying, cutting out even two–three boxes of prepared snack crackers and cereals can pay for several meals’ worth of other organic items.

Rethink Your Pizza Sauce

If you make your own pizza sauce with organic canned tomato products, this might not be an issue for you. While it’s not a huge time commitment to do so, in the interest of full disclosure I’ll admit things have gotten just crazy enough on my home front lately that I’ve opted for a more convenient option. When searching for organic pizza sauce however, the best price I could find was nearly four dollars for a small can. For nearly half that price I can get a large jar of organic marinara to use for spaghetti night. It’s no big deal to save enough for pizza sauce or a couple of toasted eggplant subs.

Use Your Yard Larder

Even if you don’t have the time or inclination to garden, there are numerous items in your yard or nearby forest worthy of serious attention. Consider the following:

With only these four ideas, you can make gourmet risotto, organic fat-free muffins and other baked goods, have frozen blueberries on hand for antioxidant smoothies or year round pie baking, and steam organic greens as a free side dish after an afternoon of trout fishing.

Minimize Meat and Dairy Purchases

By reducing your use of meat and dairy by even a moderate degree, monies are made available for upgrading to organic versions of such things as butter, cream, chicken and beef. Here some suggestions for saving money on meat purchases to get you started, and ideas for oven-toasted vegan sandwiches even meat lovers will enjoy.

Redefine Wine Vinegar

With the price of organic wine vinegar (when I can even find it) approaching the cost of a bottle of wine, I figure I might as well enjoy...well, wine. Here’s an organic red wine we drink quite frequently. It’s affordable, and I’ve used it for marinades and such when wine vinegar is called for.

Consider Nutritional Density

By choosing organic groceries that have a higher nutrient value, my system has adjusted to craving smaller amounts. Additionally, many of these foods have a good deal of fiber, making them more filling as well. I’m not saying there isn’t an adjustment period. In fact, there have been a few times in the last month when I over purchased due to the fact that my brain was still shopping as though I was tossing lower density foods in the cart. Don’t get me wrong, many of those foods are still healthy and worth buying. It’s just that including the more nutrient dense foods as the main focus of our grocery shopping runs has made for reduced consumption over all.

Homemade Dry Mixes and Baked Goods

By including dry ingredient pantry staples such as flour and cocoa as I suggested above, you can create your own at-home organic bakery. Here are a few resources to get you started.

With this short list of dry mix recipes alone, you can launch into organic dinner sides, lunch box treats, or even some of these simple meals based on tortillas. Also consider that many of your other recipes for family favorites can easily be made organic by substituting affordable dry ingredients from your pantry.

Celebrate the Cheap Stuff

While many types of organic groceries are outrageously expensive, many are not. Also, as Wise Bread’s own Carrie Kirby has already advised, when buying organic produce, not every item has to be organic. So pick your produce and other items with precision, and do as much as you can with those items that are super cheap. Some suggestions?

See how those bargain staples can really go the distance if you put your mind to it? For extra inspiration, check out my personal Survival Mode Produce List. It’s what we use at this house when our budget needs extra attention on any given month.

Warehouse Stores

As any of my long-time readers are already aware, I’m a huge fan of buying in bulk. Warehouse stores provide enormous savings opportunities on organic carrots, spinach, butter, soy and rice milks, frozen vegetables, salsa and more. For example, here are nine things that are worth buying at Costco.

Grocery Stores

While not every grocery chain has jumped on the organic groceries bandwagon, some have. Two in particular that come to mind are Hannaford and Target. Target has their own line of organic butter, blue corn chips and more, as well as a reasonable selection of well-priced organic apples, other produce and meats. The Sweet Bay grocery chain in my area is also apparently owned or has some sort of affiliation with Hannaford, because I see their entire line of generic items (including organics) carried in house. They have been featuring these items since we moved to Florida. It’s here that we regularly purchase organic tofu, spaghetti and the occasional bag of organic Spanish potatoes. There are also superior values to be found at Trader Joe’s, if you happen to have one in your area.

Egg Substitutions

By using egg substitutions in baking, you can channel saved funds towards organic egg purchases for use in main menus. Here are some money-saving suggestions for eggs to help get the ball rolling.

Be Traditional

What do I mean? Basically, I’m saying to use the same bargain shopping strategies you’ve had in place for years and put them to use as you begin to transition to organic groceries. Baking from scratch, shopping the perimeter, scoping out coupons and scouring sale fliers all work just as well for organic food purchases as they do for conventional ones.

There you have it, Wise Bread readers. Thirteen shopping tips that we use in our own home to purchase organic groceries on a regular basis. What are your favorite tips for making organic groceries affordable?

All food photos in this article are courtesy of TrekHound.com.

This article is from Staff of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: