Save Money: 13 Foods You Don’t NEED to Buy Organic

I know what you’re thinking, Mamavation is big on eating organic, so why are we writing about the opposite? We’ve shared the reason’s why you should feed your family organic as well as the dangers of GMOs and glyphosate. Organic is always the best option to avoid GMOs, synthetic pesticides, biosolids, and artificial ingredients, but eating 100% organic isn’t always an option for everyone. If you’re looking to cut costs when it comes to what you eat, then this is the list for you. Save money on food you don’t need to buy organic

The Environmental Working Group has determined the level of pesticide exposure when it comes to the fruits and vegetables we eat. Plucked from the 15 cleanest foods on that list, these 13 foods are both GMO free and low in pesticide residue. Choosing conventional options of these foods can help you save money on organic.

1. Avocados

Foods where you don’t eat the skin or outer shell are generally going to result in less exposure to pesticides. Avocados have a tough exterior, so when you discard the skin, you are also discarding most of the pesticides. The EWG found only 1% of avocados tested to contain any detectable pesticides.

2. Pineapples

Just as with avocados, pineapples have a thick outer layer. The fruit in the middle is protected from high pesticide exposure.

3. Cabbage

A sturdy leafed vegetable, cabbage requires lower doses of pesticides to grow.

4. Sweet Peas

Housed in a protective pod, peas are safe from the elements. Not only does this mean less damage from bugs, but it also means less pesticides need to be sprayed to protect the crop.

5. Onions

Onions are not a bug’s choice of plant. They are often used to as a companion plant to deter pests in the garden. As a result, they are treated with fewer pesticides.

6. Asparagus

Similarly to onions, this vegetable seems not to be a favorite for insects. Asparagus stalks ranked number seven overall on the EWG’s full list of pesticide data.

7. Mangoes

Cut open a mango to reveal it’s fruity flesh that has only a 12% chance of containing pesticide residues, according to the latest findings of the EWG.

8. Kiwi

The tough and fuzzy outside of a kiwi keeps the tangy fruit protected from pesticides. Although, you may want to opt for an organic version if you prefer to eat your kiwis with the skin on.

9. Eggplant

Eggplants don’t have a particularly thick skin, but it may be the slickness of their exterior that keep pesticides from sticking. This ranked number 11 overall fruits and vegetable tested.

10. Grapefruit

The thick peel of a grapefruit leaves the sour flesh relatively clean of pesticides.

11. Cantaloupe

Melons rind prevents the insides of the cantaloupe from persistent pesticides. It was found that 61% of the melons tested were completely free of pesticides residue.

12. Cauliflower

This hearty head of vegetable can be pricey when purchased organic. Thankfully it was found to be a low risk choice as far as pesticides are concerned. Save money on organic and buy the conventional version with piece of mind.

13. Sweet Potatoes

Despite a recent hike in the approved level of applied pesticides allowed on sweet potatoes, these rounded out the EWG’s top 15 foods with the lowest residue.

Other Ways to Limit Pesticide Exposure

The EWG points out that leafy greens, not on the list, are high in pesticides residue. Their recommendation is that if you cannot purchase organic greens, then be sure to cook them before eating. In general, pesticides levels decrease when food is cooked, which is a good tip of you are trying to save money on organic.

Shopping at farmer’s markets may be a way to buy food that is grown with little or no pesticides. Many small farms can’t afford organic certification, but use organic farming practices. At your local farmer’s market you can speak to the farmer directly and found out more about how your food was grown.