Experts Reveal Which Grocery Splurges Are Worth It
By now, it feels like the world is an impending dumpster fire. And in a cruel twist of fate, that fire is coming for your pantry. Thanks to rising tariffs and global chaos, some of our favorite foods are suddenly looking like luxury goods — RIP San Marzano tomatoes, chocolate, olive oil, and avocado toast (you were too beautiful for this world).
So, what is worth the splurge in this economy? Should we still be buying organic? Can we justify $11 eggs or $9 strawberries? We asked a couple of experts to help us figure out what to cling to and what to leave behind at the checkout line.
🥕 PRODUCE: The organic guilt trip (let's talk about it).
Spoiler: Not everything has to be organic, despite what your favorite wellness influencer-slash-matcha-merchant says. You can let go of the guilt. You're not going to die from eating a non-organic banana (and your bank account will thank you).
But there are a few fruits and veggies worth the splurge, especially the ones you eat whole or can't peel. 'As a rule of thumb, anything with a thin or edible skin. Think strawberries, apples, and spinach are more vulnerable to pesticides and worth buying organic,' says Olivia Hensal, a Miami-based functional nutritionist. 'I always tell clients to check the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists each year.'
This year's Dirty Dozen (aka the produce items with the most pesticide residue) includes spinach, strawberries, kale, collard and mustard greens, grapes, peaches, cherries, nectarines, pears, apples, blackberries, blueberries, and potatoes.
This year's Clean Fifteen (aka the lowest amount of pesticide residue) includes: pineapples, sweet corn, avocados, papaya, onions, sweet peas, asparagus, cabbage, watermelon, cauliflower, bananas, mangos, carrots, mushrooms, and kiwi.
Basically, if it stains your cutting board, buy it organic. 'Vegetables and fruits that you eat whole (or eat the skin of) and don't have a 'protective' outer barrier like avocados or bananas are best to buy organic,' Hensal explains.
Verdict: SPLURGE on the Dirty Dozen. SKIP organic for thick-skinned friends like bananas, avocados, and onions. They're doing just fine.
🍳 MEAT & EGGS: Not all protein is created equal.
If you're going to eat meat, it's worth thinking about how that meat lived before it made its way to your fridge. (Morbid? Maybe. Helpful? Definitely.) Grass-fed beef and pastured chickens aren't just buzzwords for bougie brunch menus; they're actually more nutrient-dense and arguably more ethical.
'I recommend splurging on meats from grass-fed or grass-finished cows and pastured chickens,' says Hensal. 'It's worth it not just for your health, but for the planet too.' These animals lived the dream: wide open spaces, a natural diet, and way less stress. (Unlike us, whose blood pressure spikes when eggs hit $9.) And yes, their quality of life actually affects the nutritional value. Stress and diet impact them just like us.
Sure, they were still raised for slaughter (dark), but at least they had a better time getting there? Maybe? Moving on…
Verdict: SPLURGE — but maybe do it less often so your wallet doesn't panic. Budget move: beans are your bestie. They're cheap, packed with protein, and stress-free (as far as we know).
Hey, you! Wanna cook 7,500+ recipes in step-by-step mode (with helpful videos) right from your phone? Download the free Tasty app right now.
🫒 OIL: If it comes in a plastic jug, just no.
You can absolutely judge an olive oil by its bottle. If it's in clear plastic and on sale for $3.99, it's a no-go, chief. Look for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in dark glass bottles. Bonus points if it's single-origin and cold-pressed. 'High-quality cooking oil is a must,' says Hensal. 'The good stuff maintains more antioxidants and healthy fats.'
Verdict: SPLURGE — your roasted veggies deserve it.
🧂 SALT: Your fancy pink rock may be doing the most.
Before you toss your Himalayan salt in the 'rich people nonsense' pile, consider this: your basic table salt? Basically just sodium and chloride. Your fancy pink stuff? A literal mineral flex. 'Standard table salt doesn't offer much nutritional value. But unrefined salts like Himalayan salt naturally contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, and more,' says Hensal. 'Think of it as a vitamin with seasoning potential.'
So yes, you're regressing to a 17th-century European who hoards salt, but honestly? Same.
Verdict: SPLURGE (but maybe don't get the $35 ceramic jar just for the aesthetic).
🥑 SEASONAL & LOCAL: Because maybe you don't need avocados in January.
Michael Beltran, chef, restaurant owner, and king of chaotic culinary realness, puts it simply: 'I would say it's not worth it from the veggie standpoint, right? Because you can go to a farmers market and get local veggies that are going to be better.'
Translation: Don't blow your budget on sad, out-of-season produce that's traveled farther than you have this year. Shopping seasonally and locally doesn't just support small farms; it also means your food actually tastes like something. Sure, it might mean skipping avocados in winter, but you'll live.
And when it comes to fish, Beltran doubles down: 'If I had to choose between a wild-caught salmon or [farm-raised] salmon, I'm gonna buy wild-caught salmon…but there's a fish market close to my house, and 99% of the time it's fucking delicious and better fish than I'll get anywhere.'
So, yeah. If you live near the water, flex. If you don't…well, we're sorry. Maybe stick to beans and vibes.
Verdict: SPLURGE on what's in season and close to home. Your taste buds (and budget) will thank you.
For those of us (let's be honest, all of us) who are still on a tight grocery budget, download the Tasty app to browse and save hundreds of budget-friendly recipes — no subscription required.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Chicago Tribune
an hour ago
- Chicago Tribune
President of Daley's ambulance company, started by his dad, dies at 67
A memorial service is planned for John 'Jack' Daley III, president and chief executive officer of Daley's Medical Transportation, who died June 23, according to the company. The Oak Lawn resident was 67, and Daley's said he was surrounded by family and friends at home when he died following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Dolton-based Daley's operates Bud's Ambulance, which provides paramedic-level ambulance response to 10 south suburbs. It also has a Joliet division that operates as Daley's Ambulance. Daley's Ambulance was founded in Harvey in 1950 by Daley's father, John 'Bud' Daley Jr. Daley's Medical said Daley was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2023, and he was 'determined not to let cancer hold him back. Even chemotherapy wasn't going to stop him from running ambulance calls.' 'Helping other people and caring for patients is what kept him alive,' the company said in announcing his passing. 'Jack Daley will always be the strongest and most resilient person we have ever known,' the company said. Daley's survivors include his wife and four daughters. The company said a memorial service will be announced at a later date. The company said Daley was a paramedic for 49 years in south Cook County and had been a police officer with the Burnham Police Department since 1980, rising to the rank of sergeant and serving on the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force for more than 10 years. The company's main office has been in Dolton since 1972 and it also has a location in Joliet that opened in 2012. John 'Bud' Daley founded the business in September 1950 after serving in the military, first as a corpsman in Korea then later managing a military ambulance on the Philippine Islands, according to a company history. Daley left the military in 1949, then after returning stateside worked for an ambulance company in Fargo, North Dakota, according to the company's history. The business was based at his home in Harvey, and Daley, in 1955, married Betty, who became his partner in the business and would answer the phone and communicate on the radio perched on the kitchen table. Daley's Ambulance, as it was known at the time, started with two used ambulances — a 1936 LaSalle and 1946 Packard — according to the company. It was Daley's experience in the military and overseeing the Army ambulance that made him realize that 'medically trained personnel should be available to everyone in a time of need,' according to the company. Daley died in 2001, and Jack formed Bud's Ambulance at the time. Daley's Medical Transportation also operates Daley's Ambulance in Will County. It responds to 911 calls in Rockdale and also serves multiple health care facilities in Will County, according to the company. Nearly all of Daley's employees are either trained and certified as emergency medical technicians or paramedics, according to John McGehee, vice president of administration. The company requires that executives go out on ambulance runs and work alongside crews on a regular basis.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Nationwide Cocktail Recall Over Exploding Can Fears
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A popular ready-to-drink alcohol-free cocktail brand is being pulled from shelves nationwide amid fears that some cans could burst unexpectedly. The nationwide recall was initiated by Columbus, Ohio-based company Peak Cocktails. Newsweek has contacted Peak Cocktails for comment via email. Why It Matters This recall highlights growing safety concerns in the booming canned cocktail industry, where improper production or storage can lead to dangerous pressure buildup. Stock photo: A can of drink in hand against the backdrop of a hotel pool. Close-up, blue aluminum can Stock photo: A can of drink in hand against the backdrop of a hotel pool. Close-up, blue aluminum can Getty Images What To Know The recall affects 16,128 units of Peak Cocktails Blood Orange Spritz 8.4 fl oz aluminum cans. The affected batches—codes B25127 and B25128—were packaged on May 7 and May 8, 2025, and sold both individually and in variety packs of 12, 24, and 48 cans. According to the recall notice, the recall was initiated over fears that the aluminum cans could explode due to dangerous overpressurization. The overpressurization issue can cause cans to burst, posing a potential safety risk to consumers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as Class II, meaning use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. No injuries have been reported so far, but consumers are urged to handle any affected cans with care and to dispose of them safely. The recalled product, identified by UPC 860013380571, was distributed nationwide across 50 states and Washington, D.C., including major markets such as California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. Peak Cocktails notified its distributors and customers via email when it initiated the recall on June 3. Peak Cocktails has not specified the exact reason for the overpressurization, but overpressurization in canned beverages like cocktails, beer, or sodas usually happens when excess gas builds up inside the sealed container, causing it to swell or even burst. One of the most common causes is unintended fermentation. If any yeast or bacteria remain in the drink after packaging, they can ferment leftover sugars, producing carbon dioxide that increases internal pressure. This risk can be heightened if sterilization or pasteurization processes aren't thorough. Temperature swings are another factor. High storage temperatures can expand liquids and gases inside the can, pushing the container beyond its designed pressure limit. Additionally, packaging defects such as weak seams or improper sealing can allow contamination or gas leaks that lead to uneven pressure. In rarer cases, certain acidic drinks may react chemically with the metal lining of the can, releasing more gas. What Happens Next Consumers are advised not to open or consume any cans from the affected batches. Instead, they should safely dispose of the products in a way that minimizes the risk of accidental rupture, such as placing them in a sealed bag and gently discarding them. Customers seeking a refund or more information should contact Peak Cocktails directly.
Buzz Feed
4 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
Experts Reveal Which Grocery Splurges Are Worth It
By now, it feels like the world is an impending dumpster fire. And in a cruel twist of fate, that fire is coming for your pantry. Thanks to rising tariffs and global chaos, some of our favorite foods are suddenly looking like luxury goods — RIP San Marzano tomatoes, chocolate, olive oil, and avocado toast (you were too beautiful for this world). So, what is worth the splurge in this economy? Should we still be buying organic? Can we justify $11 eggs or $9 strawberries? We asked a couple of experts to help us figure out what to cling to and what to leave behind at the checkout line. 🥕 PRODUCE: The organic guilt trip (let's talk about it). Spoiler: Not everything has to be organic, despite what your favorite wellness influencer-slash-matcha-merchant says. You can let go of the guilt. You're not going to die from eating a non-organic banana (and your bank account will thank you). But there are a few fruits and veggies worth the splurge, especially the ones you eat whole or can't peel. 'As a rule of thumb, anything with a thin or edible skin. Think strawberries, apples, and spinach are more vulnerable to pesticides and worth buying organic,' says Olivia Hensal, a Miami-based functional nutritionist. 'I always tell clients to check the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists each year.' This year's Dirty Dozen (aka the produce items with the most pesticide residue) includes spinach, strawberries, kale, collard and mustard greens, grapes, peaches, cherries, nectarines, pears, apples, blackberries, blueberries, and potatoes. This year's Clean Fifteen (aka the lowest amount of pesticide residue) includes: pineapples, sweet corn, avocados, papaya, onions, sweet peas, asparagus, cabbage, watermelon, cauliflower, bananas, mangos, carrots, mushrooms, and kiwi. Basically, if it stains your cutting board, buy it organic. 'Vegetables and fruits that you eat whole (or eat the skin of) and don't have a 'protective' outer barrier like avocados or bananas are best to buy organic,' Hensal explains. Verdict: SPLURGE on the Dirty Dozen. SKIP organic for thick-skinned friends like bananas, avocados, and onions. They're doing just fine. 🍳 MEAT & EGGS: Not all protein is created equal. If you're going to eat meat, it's worth thinking about how that meat lived before it made its way to your fridge. (Morbid? Maybe. Helpful? Definitely.) Grass-fed beef and pastured chickens aren't just buzzwords for bougie brunch menus; they're actually more nutrient-dense and arguably more ethical. 'I recommend splurging on meats from grass-fed or grass-finished cows and pastured chickens,' says Hensal. 'It's worth it not just for your health, but for the planet too.' These animals lived the dream: wide open spaces, a natural diet, and way less stress. (Unlike us, whose blood pressure spikes when eggs hit $9.) And yes, their quality of life actually affects the nutritional value. Stress and diet impact them just like us. Sure, they were still raised for slaughter (dark), but at least they had a better time getting there? Maybe? Moving on… Verdict: SPLURGE — but maybe do it less often so your wallet doesn't panic. Budget move: beans are your bestie. They're cheap, packed with protein, and stress-free (as far as we know). Hey, you! Wanna cook 7,500+ recipes in step-by-step mode (with helpful videos) right from your phone? Download the free Tasty app right now. 🫒 OIL: If it comes in a plastic jug, just no. You can absolutely judge an olive oil by its bottle. If it's in clear plastic and on sale for $3.99, it's a no-go, chief. Look for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in dark glass bottles. Bonus points if it's single-origin and cold-pressed. 'High-quality cooking oil is a must,' says Hensal. 'The good stuff maintains more antioxidants and healthy fats.' Verdict: SPLURGE — your roasted veggies deserve it. 🧂 SALT: Your fancy pink rock may be doing the most. Before you toss your Himalayan salt in the 'rich people nonsense' pile, consider this: your basic table salt? Basically just sodium and chloride. Your fancy pink stuff? A literal mineral flex. 'Standard table salt doesn't offer much nutritional value. But unrefined salts like Himalayan salt naturally contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, and more,' says Hensal. 'Think of it as a vitamin with seasoning potential.' So yes, you're regressing to a 17th-century European who hoards salt, but honestly? Same. Verdict: SPLURGE (but maybe don't get the $35 ceramic jar just for the aesthetic). 🥑 SEASONAL & LOCAL: Because maybe you don't need avocados in January. Michael Beltran, chef, restaurant owner, and king of chaotic culinary realness, puts it simply: 'I would say it's not worth it from the veggie standpoint, right? Because you can go to a farmers market and get local veggies that are going to be better.' Translation: Don't blow your budget on sad, out-of-season produce that's traveled farther than you have this year. Shopping seasonally and locally doesn't just support small farms; it also means your food actually tastes like something. Sure, it might mean skipping avocados in winter, but you'll live. And when it comes to fish, Beltran doubles down: 'If I had to choose between a wild-caught salmon or [farm-raised] salmon, I'm gonna buy wild-caught salmon…but there's a fish market close to my house, and 99% of the time it's fucking delicious and better fish than I'll get anywhere.' So, yeah. If you live near the water, flex. If you don't…well, we're sorry. Maybe stick to beans and vibes. Verdict: SPLURGE on what's in season and close to home. Your taste buds (and budget) will thank you. For those of us (let's be honest, all of us) who are still on a tight grocery budget, download the Tasty app to browse and save hundreds of budget-friendly recipes — no subscription required.
