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Special Edition: The Dirty Dozen
20% more for organic may be worth it
Dollar Dad
September 30, 2024
In partnership with
Read time: 3.5 minutes
Welcome Back, Fellow Parent
I know the newsletter typically comes out on Wednesdays, but when your daughter’s favorite snack brand knocks on your door, you make an exception.
Today’s special Monday edition of the Knocked-up Money newsletter is sponsored by Little Bellies.
Take a moment to check out their offer below - every click helps me keep the lights on.
As parents, we’re constantly making decisions about our family’s health, and one of the most challenging places to do that is in the grocery store.
We all want to give our kids the healthiest food possible, but organic produce often comes with a higher price tag—around 20% more on average.
So, is it really worth it?
To our family, YES.
At first, I couldn’t get over the cost. But after our daughter was born and my lovely bride showed me the research for the millionth time, I was all in.
If you’re curious, check out the list of the Dirty Dozen. This is a list compiled each year by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) of the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue.
Turns out, the list is usually full of our household’s favorite foods - strawberries, blueberries, green beans, and bell peppers…
These are just the worst offenders. The EWG has a full list you can explore. The extra chemicals may not seem like a big deal day-to-day, but over time, those toxins can build up, potentially affecting your family’s health and well-being.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to buy everything organic to protect your family. By focusing on the Dirty Dozen, you can prioritize where to spend that extra 20% and get the biggest health benefits.
A Message from Today’s Sponsor:
(Every click supports Knocked-up Money)
Natural and fun ways to make snack time easier!
Our baby snacks are certified organic, natural, unsweetened and delicious, designed with the utmost consideration for child safety. Our Yoghurt Pick-Me Sticks from 10+ months bring new adventures in taste, shapes and textures to help promote independence, expand palate and aid motor skill progression, such as pincer grasp and hand-eye coordination. Quick to melt in the little mouth, they are safe for self-feeding and perfect for first-stage snacking.
Why Buying Organic is A Smart Investment
The long-term effects are what got me on board. I want to live a long and healthy life, mainly because a longer and healthier life typically can equal more earnings over time. Which I can then use to have more fun.
Here’s why it’s a smart investment both for your health and your wallet:
Better Health = lower health-related expenses: The biggest reason to choose organic is to avoid pesticides. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including developmental problems in kids. By reducing their exposure, you’re safeguarding their health today and for years to come. This should mean spending less on doctor visits and medications.
Nutrient-Dense Foods for Growing Kids: Organic produce often has higher levels of essential nutrients like Vitamin C, iron, and magnesium. Your kids get more vitamins and minerals in every bite, which means they’re healthier, stronger, and better equipped to fight off illness.
Fewer Allergies and Sensitivities: Kids today seem to be more sensitive to additives and chemicals than ever before. Organic foods, especially dairy and meat, don’t contain synthetic hormones or antibiotics, which may reduce the risk of triggering allergies.
Prevention of Future Health Issues: By feeding your family organic foods now, you could potentially reduce their risk of long-term health problems down the road, which can save on medical bills and missed work in the future.
Better for the Planet, Better for Your Kids: Organic farming is more sustainable, reducing pollution and conserving water and soil. So, while you’re protecting your kids’ health, you’re also investing in a healthier planet for them to grow up on.
Yes, spending more on organic food can feel like a stretch when you’re working hard to stay on budget. It’s not easy for us but we make sacrifices elsewhere. Some weeks it’s just our daughter who eats organic.
Natural and fun ways to make snack time easier!
Our baby snacks are certified organic, natural, unsweetened and delicious, designed with the utmost consideration for child safety. Our Yoghurt Pick-Me Sticks from 10+ months bring new adventures in taste, shapes and textures to help promote independence, expand palate and aid motor skill progression, such as pincer grasp and hand-eye coordination. Quick to melt in the little mouth, they are safe for self-feeding and perfect for first-stage snacking.
Eat Organic Without Breaking The Bank
The cost of organic might seem intimidating at first, but there are plenty of ways to make it more affordable. Here’s how to keep your grocery bill in check while feeding your family the best.
Focus on the Dirty Dozen: Focus your organic food budget on the Dirty Dozen, as they’re the worst offenders. For fruits and veggies with lower pesticide levels (like those on the "Clean Fifteen" list), you can stick to conventional without much worry.
Plan Meals Around What’s in Season: Organic produce is cheapest when it’s in season. Summer is perfect for organic berries and tomatoes, while fall is great for organic apples and squash. Keep an eye on what’s in season locally and build your meals around that to save money.
Shop in Bulk and Freeze for Later: Items like organic grains, beans, and chicken can be bought in bulk for less, and organic produce can be frozen when it’s on sale, giving you quality food all year round without paying premium prices. I was quoted in GOBankingRates last year for my love of organic deals at Costco, and I’m happy to report the organic chicken drumsticks are still only $1.99 per pound.
Prioritize Store-Brand Organic: Grocery chains like Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Costco carry their own organic product lines at significantly lower prices than name-brand items. The quality is still top-notch, but the cost savings are huge.