One popular misconception about organic foods is that making the switch is costly. But just like buying any groceries, you can save by being a savvy shopper.

To reap the benefits while staying on a budget, here are three cost-effective tips.

Buy in season. Fruits and vegetables are at their peak in terms of taste when you buy them in season. This is because the produce is typically grown locally and hasn’t travelled halfway across the world to reach your dinner table. Plus, it’s more abundant when in season, which always means lower prices. During the summer months, check to see what you can stock up on that can be cleaned, dried and frozen for later use.

Shop resourcefully. Each year, the Environmental Working Group releases a guide called the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen. The Clean 15 are fruits and vegetables that are not typically as contaminated by pesticide use, and the Dirty Dozen are those that are. Shopping while following these lists, you can prioritize which organic produce to buy.

Look beyond the produce aisles. You can find many non-perishable organic products at your local Canadian Health Food Association member health food store. To ensure that the products you’re buying are made of at least 95 per cent organic ingredients and up to Canada’s strict standards, simply look for the Canada Organic logo on the label.

Find more information online at chfa.ca.