15 Affordable alternatives to organic food that are just as healthy!

The health benefits of an organic diet cannot be denied. This is why more and more families are taking steps towards "clean and healthy" eating.

Aside from being a wealthier source of nutrients, organic food is fresher, since it doesn't contain preservatives.

What's more, going organic is good for the environment, as organic farming helps reduce pollution, conserve water and energy.

The one downside of an organic diet is that it can be quite pricey.

The good news is that the Environmental Working Group, has named the Clean 15, or non-organic foods that are as good as pesticide free.

Looking to eat healtheir, but don't want to spend too much? Try these non-organic alternatives that won't deprive your family of the benefits of going organic!

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is packed with vitamin C, but low in calories. It boosts heart health, helps control blood pressure, promotes healthy digestion and has been known to help prevent diseases, like stroke and cancer.

Going for non-organic grapefruit is totally fine because it’s not easily penetrated by pesticides! Why? It's all thanks to its super thick skin.

In Singapore, non-organic grapefruit costs only about $2.50 for a pack of two.

Honeydew

Honeydew melons aren't just delicious, they're super nutritious, too!

This fruit promotes hydration, boosts the immune system, improves eye health, prevents hypertension, and it can even keep your skin glowing!

You don't have to go organic to reap its benefits. Non-organic honeydew in Singapore costs $4.50 apiece.

Kiwi

Kiwis are packed with vitamin C, dietary fibre, folate, and vitamins A, B6, B12, E. To top it all off, it also has potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron!

Thanks to their fuzzy exterior, kiwi fruits are practically impenetrable to pesticides, making sure they maintain their nutritious quality.

You can grab a pack of six for only about $4.95 in Singapore.

Mangoes

Who doesn't love mangoes, right?

They're sweet, creamy, and they possess over 20 different types of vitamins and minerals, which lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity. Mangoes also have anti-oxidants and they give you a boost of energy and a youthful glow (need we say more?)

You probably already know this, but mangoes cost about $3.15 apiece in Singapore.

Pineapples

Aside from having a delectable sweet and sour flavor, pineapples are also packed with vitamin C. Eating pineapples regularly reduces the risk of diabetes and asthma and improves your energy level and overall wellness.

Thanks to its sturdy exterior, it is also safe from pesticides.

If you're craving pineapples in Singapore, it will cost about $3.05 for one entire fruit.

Onions

This culinary essential adds flavour to a variety of dishes. So it's good to know that even the non-organic variety boasts a minimal amount of pesticide residue.

Aside from its great taste, onions are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help reduce the risk of obesity, heart, disease, and cancer.

In Singapore, 500 grams of onions cost about $1.20.

Papaya

They're soft, fleshy, and packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants!

This delicious fruit helps improve digestion, and lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It's also been known to hasten the healing of wounds.

Papayas have been found to have super low pesticide residue, making the non-organic variety just as healthy!

Papayas in Singapore typically cost about $3.80, but Hong Kong Red Papayas are generally more affordable, at just $2.50 per fruit.

Frozen sweet peas

The EWG have ruled frozen sweet peas A-Ok when it comes to low pesticide residue.

This is good to know, especially since peas have been known to fight high blood pressure and prevent kidney disease.

In Singapore, Frozen Sweet Peas range from $4.40 to $4.90, while the organic variety costs about $5.30 to $5.90.

Asparagus

This flavourful vegetable is rich in iron, fibre, folate, and vitamin K, which makes it good for pregnant women. It's also been known to help prevent osteoporosis and improve heart health.

Best of all, non-organic asparagus has been deemed clean by the EWG, as it barely contains any pesticide residue.

Asparagus in Singapore costs about $5.95 per 300 g.

Avocados

Not only are they super tasty, avocadoes have been known to help digestion, lower the risk of depression, and provide protection against certain cancers.

Best of all, it's one of the most pesticide-free fruits, even if you buy the non-organic kind.

In Singapore, organic avocados cost about $11.95, but non-organic avocados only cost $4.95 for a pack of three!

Cabbages

This amazing vegetable has been known to prevent cancer and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also boosts immunity, digestion, and overall cardiovascular health.

In Singapore, cabbages are priced at $1.25 for every 700 grams.

Cantaloupe

This sweet and juicy fruit, whose rinds effectively shield them from pesticides, helps reduce the risk of asthma and cancer. Consuming cantaloupes regularly improves eye health and digestion.

They are rich in fibre, potassium, vitamin C and choline, which makes them good for the heart.

In Singapore, Cantaloupes sell for $8.50 for every 1.5 kg.

Cauliflower

A diet rich in cauliflower helps improve digestion and weight loss. Cauliflower is packed with B-vitamins, and choline that helps sharpen memory and boost learning.

This versatile vegetable can be a delicious ingredient for a variety of dishes.

For every 450 grams, you only have to shell out $3.50.

Corn

Corn is one of the most beloved cereal grains in the world, and rightly so because it boasts a load of benefits. It's packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

One cob of sweet corn just costs $2.40 in Singapore.

Eggplants

This pesticide-free, low-calorie, fibre-rich fruit (yes, it's technically not a vegetable!) is packed with potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and anti-oxidants that reduce free radicals and the risk of cancer.

If you're struggling with high cholesterol or obesity, eggplant would be a good addition to your diet!

Eggplants typically cost $2.65 for every 500 grams in Singapore.

We hope this helps you make the best shopping choices for your family. Remember: you don't have to spend too much to make sure your family stays healthy and happy!

sources: Medical News Today, Environmental Working Group,, Redmart Singapore, Popsugar.com

READ THIS ALSO: ‘Organic’ or nothing? You may be depriving your child of good nutrients

Written by

Bianchi Mendoza

budget friendlyorganic foodnon-organic food