Organic on a student budget

The theme of this year’s Organic September is Choose Organic but we also know that budgetary concerns remain a barrier to accessing organic food especially when you are leaving home for the first time.

Heading off to uni for your first year, you’re entering a new phase of life where your diet plays a crucial role in supporting your energy levels and concentration. Let’s face it, the life of a student can give your immune system a battering - there is a reason that many students succumb to the student flu in their first term: late nights, irregular eating and a changed diet plus stress can all take their toll on your health.

Eating well is a great first step to improving your overall well-being. However, as a student, managing your budget can be tough, especially when it comes to food. But here’s the good news: you can enjoy the benefits of organic food without breaking the bank. 
 

Our Organic Tips for Students

If you can’t afford to go fully organic, start by focusing on the foods you eat the most. Items like organic flour, eggs, and milk can be affordable and provide the base for many meals. You can also check out the "Dirty Dozen" list, which highlights the fruits and vegetables most likely to be contaminated with pesticides, and swap to organic for those when possible.

Grains, pulses, and dried beans are inexpensive and versatile ingredients that can be purchased in bulk. Many health food stores offer bulk bins where you can buy organic versions of these staples at a lower cost than pre-packaged options.

Pre-packaged food and ready meals, even organic ones, can be pricey. Instead, learn a few simple recipes that you can make from scratch using organic ingredients. Not only will this save you money, but it will also ensure you’re eating nutritious, unprocessed meals. We love this River Cottage recipe for DIY Pot Noodles!

Planning your meals in advance helps avoid impulse buying and ensures you use up what you have. This reduces food waste and helps you stick to your budget. If you come across a great deal on organic meat, buy in bulk and freeze what you won’t use immediately.

Organic meat is more expensive due to the higher standards during rearing and processing, so for at least half the week, consider plant-based meals based around organic lentils, beans, and chickpeas, which are more affordable and equally nutritious, to stretch your budget.

Our Student Friendly Picks

Organic Free Range Chicken Wings and Drumsticks

Organic, free range chicken is a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, and helps keep you full and satisfied and provide important nutrients like B vitamins (especially niacin and riboflavin), which help with energy metabolism, and minerals such as phosphorus and selenium for  overall health.

They are a great choice on a budget as they are a cheaper cut compared to chicken breasts or thighs, but have a surprising amount of meat on them due to their slow reared and active lifestyle.

Organic Outdoor Reared Pork Sausages

Our organic pork sausages are meatier than most with and made with only the good stuff - lean, organic pork, organic oats and seasoning.  They provide a good source of protein, for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function, B vitamins for energy and brain health, and zinc and iron for your immune system.

They can be used in a variety of easy dishes, from breakfast options to casseroles and pasta dishes, making them a versatile choice for your student shopping basket.

Organic Grass Fed Beef Minute Steaks

Organic grass fed beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein and is an excellent source of essential nutrients like iron, which helps in the production of red blood cells and energy, and zinc, which supports the immune system. Beef also provides B vitamins, especially B12, which is crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells. 

As well as having all the same nutritional benefits, organic minute steaks are really great value and enormously versatile. They lend themselves to all sorts of cuisine. From the irresistible classic combo of steak and chips to steak sandwiches, cut into strips for fajitas and stir fries.

Tinned Wild Sardines

Sardines are rich in omega-3s, which are essential for brain health and can help improve concentration and cognitive function and  are packed with important nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin B12. 

They may be the perfect student food - they are inexpensive, have a long shelf life, require no cooking and can be easily added to salads, pasta, mashed onto toast, or even eaten straight from the tin!