12 Foods to ALWAYS Buy Organic

If you’ve ever wondered whether organic food is worth the extra cost, you’re not alone. With rising awareness around pesticides, synthetic additives, and farming practices, more consumers are choosing organic food as a deliberate way to protect their health and the environment. But going 100% organic can be overwhelming and expensive. That’s why focusing on the foods that matter most can make all the difference.

Organic foods are grown according to strict standards that minimize or eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, antibiotics, and growth hormones, resulting in products that offer lower levels of chemical residues and more environmentally friendly farming practices overall.

In this guide, we break down the 12 foods you should always buy organic, especially if they’re part of your weekly grocery list.

Strawberries top nearly every list of produce with the highest pesticide residues. Their delicate, permeable skin means pesticides can cling easily, and washing doesn’t always remove all residues. Organic strawberries are widely available fresh or frozen and are worth prioritizing if you enjoy berries regularly.

👉 Pro tip: Frozen organic strawberries are often more affordable and just as nutritious, great for smoothies and baking.

Spinach tends to retain pesticide residues due to its large surface area, which makes it harder to fully clean when grown conventionally. Since spinach is often eaten raw in salads or blended into smoothies, choosing organic can make a meaningful difference.

Eggs are a staple in many households, which makes quality especially important. Organic eggs come from hens that are fed organic feed and raised without synthetic hormones or routine antibiotics.

If eggs are something you eat regularly, upgrading to organic is a small change that adds up over time, both nutritionally and ethically.

Grapes are thin-skinned and typically grown in large clusters, which makes them more susceptible during conventional growing methods. Because they’re eaten whole (skin included), organic grapes are a smart choice for snacking, lunchboxes, and fruit platters.

They’re also widely available organic year-round, making them an easy swap.

Peanuts are grown underground, where they can absorb what’s in the soil. Organic peanut butter ensures the peanuts were grown without synthetic pesticides and processed without unnecessary additives.

When shopping, look for organic peanut butter with minimal ingredients, ideally just peanuts (psst, we may know of one). 

Clean ingredients make all the difference, especially for something you eat often. At Spread The Love, we focus on clean and quality ingredients for all our products. Try our NAKED Organic Peanut Butter to experience the taste of pure peanut perfection. 

Apples are another fruit that’s usually eaten with the skin on, which is where residues tend to remain. Organic apples help reduce what you’re consuming while still delivering fiber, crunch, and natural sweetness.

They’re also incredibly versatile, whether eaten fresh, baked, sliced, or paired with peanut butter for an easy snack.

Celery has almost no protective outer layer, which means it can easily absorb what it’s grown with. Even thorough washing can’t always remove what’s been absorbed internally.

If celery is a regular part of your cooking, juicing, or snacking routine, organic celery is worth prioritizing.

Organic milk comes from cows raised without synthetic growth hormones or routine antibiotics and fed organic feed. Since milk is often consumed daily choosing organic helps minimize exposure to additives over time.

Many people also find organic milk tastes fresher and cleaner.

Conventional beef production may involve growth hormones and antibiotics, while organic beef is raised without them. If you eat beef regularly, buying organic supports better farming practices and gives you peace of mind about what’s on your plate.

Even if you don’t buy organic beef every time, prioritizing it when possible is a step in the right direction.

Peaches have thin, fuzzy skin that’s difficult to fully clean. Since they’re usually eaten whole, organic versions help limit unnecessary exposure.

When they’re in season, organic peaches often have better flavor and texture, making them a worthwhile splurge.

Potatoes grow directly in the soil and can absorb substances through their skin. Even when peeled, what’s absorbed during growth remains inside.

Organic potatoes are especially worth it if potatoes are a frequent part of your meals: roasted, mashed, baked, or fried.

Bell peppers have thin skin and are commonly used raw in salads, snacks, and dips. Organic bell peppers reduce what you’re consuming while still delivering crunch, color, and nutrients. 

They’re also widely available organic, making them an easy switch.

Buying organic doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. A few smart strategies can help you stay within budget while still making healthier choices.

• Prioritize the foods you eat most often

• Buy organic frozen produce when fresh is expensive

• Shop seasonal items

• Look for sales or bulk options

• Focus on simple, single-ingredient foods

Remember: doing some is better than doing none.

Choosing organic is about intention, not perfection. By focusing on these 12 foods, you’re making informed choices that support cleaner ingredients, more thoughtful farming practices, and better everyday nutrition.

Food should nourish your body and feel good to eat, and knowing where it comes from is part of that experience. Whether you’re fully organic or just starting to be more mindful, every small step counts.