How to Save on Organic Produce

Buying organic is a good option if you want to avoid pesticides—but it can be expensive. Here's how to spend less.

By Catherine Roberts

April 18, 2024

illustration of various fruits and vegetables with money and a scale

Organic fruits and vegetables pose little risk from pesticides, according to a new Consumer Reports analysis of Department of Agriculture data. But going organic can cost more—sometimes a lot more—because of differences in production and handling. You can limit the added expense by buying organic when it matters most: That is, when you’re shopping for food with a high or very high pesticide risk.

Even then, the cost of switching to organic can be steep. For example, organic apples and green beans cost around 67 percent more, on average, than their conventionally grown forms, according to recent data from the Department of Agriculture, shown below. These strategies can help you save money.

Price of Fresh Conventional vs. Organic Produce

CONVENTIONAL

ORGANIC

fruits

Apples LB.

$1.51

$2.52

Blueberries PINT

$3.56

$3.82

Grapes LB.

$2.63

$3.42

Peaches LB.

$2.69

$3.46

Pears LB.

$1.76

$2.13

Strawberries LB.

$3.11

$4.51

Watermelon LB.

$0.71

$1.00

vegetables

Bell peppers LB.

$2.67

$3.97

Celery BUNCH

$2.22

$2.67

Collard greens BUNCH

$1.81

$2.48

Green beans LB.

$1.86

$3.13

Kale BUNCH

$1.62

$2.21

Potatoes LB.

$1.12

$1.51

Radishes BUNCH

$0.94

$1.57

Spinach BUNCH

$1.18

$1.70

Tomatoes LB.

$1.78

$2.79

Source: Average prices from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service retail pricing reports from March 2023 through February 2024.

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the May/June 2024 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Catherine Roberts

Catherine Roberts is a health and science journalist at Consumer Reports. She has been at CR since 2016, covering infectious diseases, bugs and bug sprays, consumer medical devices like hearing aids and blood pressure monitors, health privacy, and more. As a civilian, her passions include bike rides, horror films and fiction, and research rabbit holes. Follow her on Twitter @catharob.