by Frances Laing

Created on: February 16, 2009   Last Updated: February 17, 2009

Food budgeting is close to every householders heart. Here are my top tips for saving money on organic produce:

1. Buy in bulk if you can

This is not easy if your budget is really tight but it can be done. Every month check prices and see which organic staples are on offer and then stock up on those.

Examples might be cooking oil. Bottles of concentrated organic juice which you dilute to taste. Tins of organic tomatoes - that sort of thing.

You can buy these things on-line from stores like the Ethical Superstore and they're always cheaper in bulk. The organic workers cooperative Suma do bulk orders too, so if you can get together with neighbours you'll be able to do this more easily. Information on your local suppliers is but a Google search away, as there are loads of good organic directories now.

2. Think less meat

You don't need a vast amount of meat for many meals. There again, ordering organic meat in bulk from a local farm might be a useful option.

In our house we buy a whole lamb sometimes. The different cuts go into stews and soups in the Winter and a little goes a long way. Bulk your recipes out with pasta, rice and pulses.

Becoming a vegetarian is a very attractive option these days too, as there are lots of great recipes out there. Contact the vegetarian society in your country.

3. Steer clear of processed foods as far as you can

Processed foods are generally more expensive, and have you noticed how the portions are always smaller? Make meals ahead and freeze them and you'll save a lot. Delia Smith's book 'Frugal Food' is still as topical as ever on this one.

4. Get a breadmaker

Ready made organic bread tends to be expensive. Get a simple breadmaker and make your own instead. You can buy the flour in bulk. Fresh home made bread makes a simple soup dish into a luxury meal.

5. Grow your own fruit and vegetables

You may need to spend time learning how to do this. Start with growing what you will actually want to eat and consider the space you have available. Cut and come again lettuces sown in succession are really useful and you might even want to consider small fruit trees.

Some people are put off by the sheer physical work they think is involved, but don't forget - fresh air and exercise are priceless, and there are very few hobbies which don't cost you much and fill your grocery cupboard. It might even save you the cost of that expensive gym membership!

6. Learn to cook (again)

If your range of meals is limited and you don't know how to make staples like home made pizza, brush up your skills. Generally anything home made is going to save you money.

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