Food is the third most costly aspect of our lives. However, when it comes to organic foods, the price tag is much higher. US shoppers who consistently choose healthy foods spend nearly 20 percent more on groceries. The study also said the higher price of these healthier choices can consume 35 to 40 percent of a low-income family's grocery budget. Organic foods are, by far, the most expensive of all groceries.  

Analysts claim that the demand for organics drive prices down over time. However, that is not the case so far. Even though organics sales are growing by about 20 percent a year, nearly10 times the rate of increase in total US food sales, these cleaner, greener products still carry a hefty premium.

Today, roughly three-quarters of conventional grocery stores carry natural and/or organic food, according to a 2002 Food Marketing Institute study. Restaurants across the country, from the high end to the greasy spoon, are plunking organic ingredients onto their menus. Still, organics represent only about 2 percent of the food industry, both in the U.S. and worldwide. And less than 10 percent of U.S. consumers buy organic items regularly.

If you are one of the go-hard organic goers, you already know that you have to account for the greater costs of your annual food bill. If you are only the occasional organic shopper, your bank thanks you for now. It is important to know the difference among foods when buying organic versus the non-organic. Ask your local grocer about the differences among meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables when they are or aren’t organic. Some foods aren’t different, although the price tags may represent a gap larger than the Grand Canyon. However, there are a large number of organic foods that truly present a much healthier means, and that may be worth the extra few dollars.