How to Eat Organic on a Budget: 30+ Pantry Staples Under $10

Does eating organic automatically mean paying more for groceries? Can you eat organic without blowing your grocery budget?  

Eating organic doesn’t require a big budget—especially when you start in the pantry. While organic meats and produce can get pricey, investing in organic pantry staples may not cost much more than buying your usual conventional grocery items. This list covers more than 30 organic pantry essentials all under $10, from high-quality oats and grains to fiber-rich legumes to nut butters, spreads, and sauces.

When you become a Thrive Market member, you’ll get access to these member-only prices on organic pantry goods—a win for both your wallet and for the planet! 

Affordable Organic Pantry Staples Grocery List

Beans, Legumes & Canned Vegetables

For less than $10, you can add fiber and protein, and essential nutrients to just about any meal—all by shopping your own pantry. Stock up on organic legumes and organic canned veggies for an affordable alternative to fresh produce. 

Lentils. Red lentils are ideal for soups and curries, while firmer green lentils are perfect for salads and hearty sides.
Beans. A good source of plant protein, canned or dried beans are a staple in any organic pantry. Use black beans in burritos or rice dishes (or even for baking!), kidney beans in soups and chili, or stock up on refried beans for an easy side dish.
Chickpeas. Toss a handful of chickpeas on a salad, add them to a stew, or blend them into homemade hummus.
Canned tomatoes. Whole or diced tomatoes are essential for making sauces, thickening soups, or adding flavor to homemade marinades.
Pumpkin puree. It’s not just a seasonal must-have; canned pumpkin is an organic pantry essential all year round. Use it for baking, cooking, or even adding to smoothies. 

Grains & Pastas

When your pantry is always filled with organic grains and pastas, you’ll never be more than a few minutes (or a few dollars!) away from a healthy, filling meal. These are a few of our must-haves.

Rice. Stocking up on organic white rice or jasmine rice helps with making stir-fries, curries, or side dishes, while flavored rice pouches make easy starters for busy weeknight meals. 

Pasta. Stock your pantry with a variety of pastas in different shapes and sizes, which will help you make everything from spaghetti and meatballs to cold pasta salads. You may also choose gluten-free pastas or high-protein pastas to accommodate different dietary restrictions and nutrition goals.
Quinoa. While technically a seed, not a grain, quinoa is a staple in many pantries for those looking for a gluten-free grain alternative that’s also a complete source of protein.
Oats. Rolled oats are a classic for making warm breakfast bowls, cookies, bars, or overnight oats, while steel cut oats can be prepared either sweet or savory for breakfasts and lunches.

Nuts and Seeds 

Whether you’re using them as a snack or a topping for your favorite yogurt bowl, it’s always smart to have organic nuts and seeds on hand—and best of all, these all cost $10 or less. 

Chia seeds. Chia seeds are for adding to smoothies, making chia puddings, or topping yogurt for a bit of extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Almonds. This neutral-tasting, nutritious nut is great for snacking, baking, or adding to salads.
Peanuts. Keep roasted and salted peanuts on hand to add to trail mix, top noodle bowls, or just munch on straight from the bag.
Ground flaxseed. An affordable source of plant-based fiber, flaxseed is a pantry staple that adds a boost to smoothies or yogurt bowls. 

Condiments & Sauces

Not all condiments and sauces are created equal; in fact, many are filled with artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and other not-so-great ingredients. Here are a few of our essential organic condiments and sauces that you can find at Thrive Market—all with minimal ingredients, all for under $10. 

Tomato sauce. While many jarred tomato sauces contain ingredients you may not trust, investing in a high-quality, organic tomato sauce makes it easier (and healthier) to throw together quick pastas at home.
Soy sauce. Add an organic soy sauce to your pantry to bring a salty, umami flavor to marinades, rice bowls, or sushi.
Mustard. Keep a reliable dijon mustard on hand to make your own salad dressings or add flavor to sandwiches.
Ketchup. It’s a classic for a reason—but choosing an organic ketchup with wholesome ingredients makes it a whole lot healthier.
Mayonnaise. Spread mayonnaise on sandwiches or use it to make dips, spreads, and dressings. 
Salsa. An organic salsa is a pantry staple for its versatility and flavor: use it as a dip for chips, a topping for quesadillas, or to lend some color to your morning scrambled eggs. 

Baking Supplies 

Instead of buying pre-packaged baked goods with questionable ingredients, make your own homemade treats using organic baking supplies—for under $10!—from Thrive Market. 

Flour. An organic, all-purpose flour is the cornerstone of any home baker’s pantry.
Alternative flour. Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply want to enjoy gluten-free baked goods every once in a while, consider adding an organic alternative flour (like coconut flour or oat flour) to your pantry.
Sugar. The sugar industry is rife with harmful farming methods, and sugar is often processed using synthetic chemicals. Instead, choose organic sugar that is ethically sourced and unrefined. 

Brown sugar. The same goes for brown sugar—a deeper, richer sugar that’s equally as important in baked goods. 

A note on baking soda and baking powder: Baking soda and baking powder cannot, by definition, be certified as organic because the primary ingredient in both (sodium bicarbonate) is an inorganic compound. 

Nut Butters, Honey & Fruit Spreads

For under $10, organic nut butters, seed butters, and fruit spreads from Thrive Market can be used in a myriad of ways: spread on sandwiches, baked into cookies, or blended into your morning smoothie, just to name a few.

Peanut butter. Whether you like yours creamy or crunchy, an organic peanut butter with minimal ingredients is an essential in any pantry.
Almond butter. Almond butter offers a different taste and texture than classic peanut butter; it’s especially good in smoothies, spread on toast, or used in baked goods.
Allergen-free seed butter. If you’ve got a kid in school or daycare, you’ll likely want to keep an allergen-free seed butter (like sunflower seed butter) on hand for sandwiches or shareable baked goods.
Jam or jelly. Since many store-bought jellies are loaded with sugar and additives, look for an organic jelly that’s sweetened with real fruit juice for a healthier option. 

Honey. An organic honey is a sweet addition to warm beverages, oatmeal bowls, yogurt, and baked goods.  

Ghee, Oils & Vinegars

For cooking, baking, or making dressings and marinades, stocking your pantry with organic oils and vinegars is a smart way to stay prepared for any meal. These are all organic, high-quality, and available for under $10 from Thrive Market. 

Olive oil. Free of preservatives and made from only freshly harvested olives, an organic olive oil adds a bright, flavorful finish to salad dressings, drizzled over pastas, or when oven-roasting delicate meat and seafood.
High-heat oil. For high-heat cooking or grilling, it’s important to keep an oil on hand that can withstand the temperature without smoking. A few options: organic coconut oil, organic canola oil, or organic sunflower oil. 
Apple cider vinegar. For sipping, stirring into soups, or whisking into dressings, an apple cider vinegar made from fresh, organic apples is an essential part of any pantry.
Balsamic vinegar. Use this organic balsamic vinegar to dress a salad or whip up a quick and flavorful pasta.
Ghee. For anyone who observes a keto, paleo, or similar lifestyle, an organic ghee is a pantry staple. Use it for high-heat cooking or as an alternative to butter. 

FAQ: Eating Organic on a Budget

Is organic more expensive than conventional?
Sometimes—but buying organic pantry staples is one of the easiest, most budget-friendly places to start. Fresh organic produce usually carries the biggest premium, but shelf-stable staples like grains, beans, oils, and spices are where organic and conventional prices come closest together. 

How do I build an organic pantry without blowing my budget?
Start with the staples with a longer shelf life: think things like rice, oats, lentils, canned tomatoes, and oils. Buying in bulk and shopping at Thrive Market with a membership that offers savings on organic staples are two of the easiest ways to make it work.

Which organic pantry staples last the longest?
Dried grains and legumes (think rice, quinoa, lentils, and beans), oils, vinegars, honey, and most spices can last a year or more unopened. These are exactly the items worth stocking up on when you spot a good deal, since there’s no rush to use them before they go bad.

Is buying organic pantry staples in bulk actually worth it?
Yes. Because staples like grains, oats, and legumes don’t spoil quickly, buying larger sizes almost always brings the per-serving cost down, making it one of the simplest ways to stretch your organic grocery budget further.

Do I need to buy everything organic to eat well?
Not at all. A lot of shoppers use the “dirty dozen” approach: going organic for the 12 types of produce most exposed to pesticides, and sticking with conventional for lower-risk items. That way, you can put your money toward the staples that make the biggest difference.

How to Stock Your Pantry With Organic Groceries for Less With a Thrive Market Membership

When you sign up for a Thrive Market membership for as low as $5 a month, you’ll receive access to members-only prices on organic and non-GMO groceries—delivered straight to your door. To learn more, click here.