By: Steve Barasch
In today’s world, more and more people are embracing organic foods due to their numerous health and environmental benefits. However, high inflation and the perceived premium pricing of organic products can be a barrier for budget-conscious shoppers. This article aims to help you find the best deals on organic foods without compromising on quality. We’ll consider factors such as shipping costs and delivery times to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
Finding the lowest prices on organic foods can be a direct challenge, but there are several online retailers known for offering competitive prices on such products. Of course, fresh produce and frozen foods are not good ideas to buy online considering shipping costs and freshness. Keep in mind that prices can vary and may change frequently, so it’s always a good idea to compare prices across different websites before making a purchase. Some of the websites you can consider are:
- Thrive Market (thrivemarket.com) – Thrive Market is a membership-based online store offering a wide range of organic and natural products at discounted prices. They frequently run promotions and offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
- Vitacost (vitacost.com) – Vitacost is an online retailer offering a variety of health and wellness products, including organic foods. They often have sales and discounts, which makes it easier to find competitive prices.
- Amazon (amazon.com) Amazon offers a wide range of organic products, including their own AmazonFresh and Whole Foods line. By using Amazon Prime, customers can take advantage of deals and discounts, as well as free shipping on eligible orders.
- iHerb (iherb.com) – iHerb is an online store specializing in health products, including organic foods. They offer competitive prices and regular promotions, as well as a loyalty program for additional discounts.
- Walmart (walmart.com) – Walmart’s online store carries various organic food options at affordable prices. Their Great Value Organic line provides budget-friendly choices for organic products.
- Brandless (brandless.com) – Brandless is an online retailer that offers a curated selection of organic and natural products at affordable prices. Their focus is on providing high-quality items without the added cost of branding.
Remember that prices may vary by location, and it’s always a good idea to check local grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or co-op markets for organic food deals. Additionally, consider subscribing to newsletters or following social media accounts for these websites to stay informed about sales, promotions, and special offers.
NOTE: Membership-based online stores, such as Thrive Market, offer discounted prices on a wide range of organic products. While these platforms often require a yearly or monthly fee, the savings on organic products can offset the membership cost. Additionally, these retailers usually offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, helping you save on delivery costs. Amazon Prime members have the perk of free shipping on most items so take that into consideration as well.
Take Advantage of Newsletters
Keep an eye out for sales, promotions, and exclusive deals, as these websites frequently offer discounts on organic products. Make sure to also factor in shipping costs and delivery times, as they can vary depending on your location and the retailer’s policies. Newsletters do have their value. Consider it as the weekly flyer that is delivered free to your snail mail address from your local food chain store. I use a separate email account for this as who knows what 3rd party companies your email address is going to be sold too.
Shortcuts
Okay, so going from site to site checking prices can be a time-consuming headache. There are several websites and apps that allow users to compare prices across multiple online retailers to find the lowest prices on specific items. Some apps can be added as an extension to your browser. Popular price comparison tools include:
- Google Shopping (shopping.google.com) – Google Shopping allows users to search for products and compare prices across various online retailers. You can filter results by price, seller, and other criteria to find the best deal.
- Honey (joinhoney.com) – Honey is a browser extension that automatically finds and applies the best coupon codes at checkout for online shopping. It also offers a price comparison tool called Droplist, which tracks the prices of selected items and notifies you when they drop.
- CamelCamelCamel (camelcamelcamel.com) – This website is specifically designed for tracking Amazon prices. You can input the URL or product name to see the price history and set up alerts for price drops.
- ShopSavvy (shopsavvy.com) – ShopSavvy is a mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. It allows users to scan barcodes or search for products to compare prices across online and local retailers.
- PriceGrabber (pricegrabber.com) – PriceGrabber is a price comparison website that helps users find the best prices for a wide range of products across multiple online retailers.
Remember that these tools may not cover all online retailers or product categories, so it’s still a good idea to check. As my good friend Michael always reminds me, “Think humus.”
Steve Barasch