Is it worth buying organic?

There is some evidence that there are more vitamins, minerals and omega-3s in organic produce – albeit sometimes just a small difference. A study showed higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants in some (though not all) organic fruit and vegetables, as well as lower levels of pesticide residues and heavy metals.

There are other reasons, too, such as taste, to avoid pesticides and a concern for the environment. The organic movement does promote better soil and it stands to reason that in the long run, organic farming is better for overall soil quality.

If you’re buying from supermarkets, organic food can be expensive, so if you are on a tight budget but would like to buy more organic food, then you could try prioritising your purchases. Items such as organic flour, milk, bread and butter can be cheaper, as can fresh seasonal produce such as salad leaves, herbs and fruit. If you do compare prices, you may actually find that many organic brands are a bit cheaper than their conventional equivalents, and are often on special offer.