Good Deal: Organic Foods You CAN Afford

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Recent studies have shown that more people are starting to give up organic foods for lower cost alternatives that may not be as healthy. For many people it must makes good financial sense. You have to feed the family but don't have as much money to spend.

But, I've found a way you can still get your organic food and stay on your budget. In fact, some of the products may be cheaper than regular grocery store items.

I found these deals at the new Whole Foods on San Jose Boulevard near I-295.

Neda Yazdanpanah, their marketing specialist took me on one of their "Healthy Value" tours they offer the public. The first thing I learned is that Whole Foods buys things in bulk, that way they can sell things for less than other smaller health food stores.

They also have their own store brand called 365 that has prices which rival regular grocery store items. For instance, I checked out the price for their brand of Raisin Bran cereal. A 16 ounce box was $2.69. For Kellog's brand that same size box was $3.49.

Whole Foods also lets you buy just the amount you need on things like fruit and cheese. "You can come to us and let us know that your recipe only calls for half a head of cabbage, and one of our team members will give you what you need," says Yazdanpanah." They will actually cut off the piece you want. And, the same goes for cheese.

In addition to buying products in bulk, Whole Foods lets you buy in bulk or as little as you want in the bulk food section. "For example, if you are looking for quick oats and you only want a small amount you can get that. And, you get a better price because there's less waste on packaging," says Yazdanpanah.

For more on buying organic food on a budget click on the video.

And, for more information on Whole Foods click here.

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