Simple Swaps for Going Organic

Wondering why you should try organic? Here’s the easy bit: organic is food as it should be, brimming with goodness and with a wide range of benefits:

Better for nature: organic farming works with nature by using fewer pesticides, which helps protect soil, water and wildlife. Organic farms have 50% more wildlife - that means more buzzing bees, trilling birds and plants to pollinate.

Know what’s in your food: organic is free from GM ingredients, artificial additives and preservatives, so you know exactly what’s in your food and how it’s been produced.

Better for animals: when it comes to meat, dairy, eggs and other animal products, organic animals are naturally free range, able to feel the sunshine on their backs and with space to roam and grow.

To get you started, here's the top five foods to try organic and why:

#1 Milk - Organic cows are naturally free range, spending on average 200 days per year grazing outdoors.

Organic milk and dairy is nutritionally different from non-organic with 62% more omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to boosted brain and immune function.

It also has higher concentrations of iron and Vitamin E. Organic milk is easy to find and if you’re keen on cutting down on plastic, you can even get it delivered to your door in old-school glass bottles!

#2 Eggs - Eggs are a cracking source of vitamins D and B12, and are packed with protein and selenium. Not only do organic hens live in smaller flocks and have more space in their houses, they also have better access to the outdoors. This means they can breathe fresh air and behave more naturally by foraging for insects and dust bathing, helping them stay healthier and more relaxed.

#3 Pulses - Pulses like beans, lentils and peas are great low-fat source of protein and fibre. The wonderful thing about organic pulses is that they’re affordable, long lasting and so versatile; essentially only a dinner away from becoming a vegan chilli or a hearty salad.

#4 Carrots - An impressive 15.3% of carrots sold in UK supermarkets are organic, so they’re one of the easiest vegetables to get your hands on. Research has found that organic fruit and veg crops, including carrots, are 18-69% higher in antioxidants and lower in potentially harmful cadmium and pesticides.

#5 Meat - If you’re a meat eater, choosing organic is one of the best ways to make sure that animals have had access to the outdoors and are farmed to the highest welfare standards. Like organic milk, organic meat is also nutritionally different, with around 50% more omega-3 fatty acids and lower saturated fats than non-organic.

The important thing to remember, no matter where you are on your journey, is that it’s not about going 100% organic all at once - instead, you can help make great changes by swapping even just a few items in your basket to organic versions. Happy feasting!