We all know by now that there are benefits to buying organic. Mounting research suggests it brings a heap of health gains and is better for the welfare of the planet, and we can all get on board with that – at least in theory. But when it comes down to it, organic typically costs more than conventional, and most of us can’t afford to shop this way all of the time. And let’s not forget, availability is still an issue for some people – not everyone, everywhere in the country, can pick up organic swaps as easily as a detour down the wholefoods aisle in their usual supermarket. So it’s time to prioritise – when is your budget best spent on organic, and which products really are worth the extra effort to track down?
First, a stock check: unsurprisingly, conventionally grown food still makes up the majority of the food we consume, and in 2015 organic only had a 1.4 per cent share of the food and drink market. However, demand is growing every year and the UK market is now worth £1.95 billion. You could say that, as consumers, we’ve never had it better, making now the perfect moment to smarten up when it comes to our shopping. Our guide below tells you everything you need to know about organic – from food to beauty to household essentials, why chemical-free matters, and on exactly which products your money is best spent.