If I’ve heard it once, I’m heard it a million times.  Organic food is too expensive.  I have always been a cheapskate.  I have always tried to find ways to save money on real food for my family.    Here are three ways I’ve managed to keep organic food in my budget.

Shop at discount Grocery stores:

My favorite discount grocery store is Grocery Outlet.  Hands down, I’ve found some amazing deals on organic food and body products.  I’ve mentioned my paleo diet and even with my “restrictions”, I’ve found great bargains.   First let me share my savings from the photo above.   The Coconut Secret Mint Coconut Bars were $6 a box.  They retail for $35.98 a box, not including shipping if you get them online.   I’ll admit that I bought a few boxes and sold them on Amazon and made a little more pocket-money for the month.  The Organic Sesame Tahini was $1.99 a jar.  At my local natural food store they were $9.99.  The Lurpak butter was $1.99. At my local store they were $7.99.    That $54 right there that I’ve saved on the foods that we eat.    Why are these items on discount?  Some are coming up on their expiration date.  The Coconut Secret Bars were 2 months away from their best buy date and some of the bars had sugar bloom.  Some, are just overstocked items and nothing is “wrong” with them. It is hit or miss so stock up if you find a great deal.

Join or Create a Neighborhood Co-op:  

I’m part of 2 neighborhood create co-ops, meaning I found a group of people all interested in trying to save money on real food and buy bulk items with them at cost – no markup.   The first group I found on Meetup.  The second group, I found through a search on google.   Here’s a video from a gal that I like on youtube, discussing how to buy produce in bulk.    You’d be surprised how many wholesalers you can work with but, again, you have to reach minimums.   Azure Standard is a great bulk wholesaler online that you can use ($250 minimum).  If you decide to create your own food club Foodclub.org is a free online program that makes large group purchases simple and trackable.

Buy a Chest Freezer and Buy in Bulk:

I have a tiny kitchen but I knew that in order to save money on real food, I would have to buy in bulk.   I found this tiny chest freezer and it works amazing in my small space.   I’ve been able to fit half a hog in it with no problems.  Here’s  a great post about buying a side of beef .  If you’re part of a food co-op, to make it more affordable you can split it amongst members.   Try calling your local natural foods store and ask if they sell value meat packs.  I was happy to find mine did and I’m getting pastured meats at $2.00/lb.    I’ve also had luck buying from local farmers who advertise at the local feed store or craigslist.  One rancher was selling his grass-fed beef as hamburger for $2.50/lb and all other cuts for $5.00/lb.

I hope these tips on how to save money on real food were helpful.  If I missed anything, share below!