Organic food has a reputation for being pricier.

But as the cost of living soars, one independent Cork shop is on a mission to show customers that choosing better quality food doesn’t always have to break the bank.

Sisters Hannah and Rachel Dare, owners of Organico health food shop in Bantry, are out to disprove the perception that sustainable, organic food has to be an expensive luxury.

They’ve sourced from over 40 brands to launch a new shopping category, Organico BASICS, which highlights affordable ‘basic’ organic products in-store and online.

“We know there are people who want to feed their families as healthily as possible while also watching what they spend on groceries,” says Hannah.

“So the idea behind Organico BASICS is that you can quickly identify those ‘everyday’ essentials in versions that are sustainable, healthy, high quality, and also affordable.”

There are no ultra-processed ‘cheap’ foods here – each pick is nutritionally sound and of high quality. Take peanut butter for instance – supermarket budget brands often include conventionally-grown peanuts, palm oil and sugar. The peanut butter in the Organico BASICS range is made by Ekoplaza and contains two ingredients: organic peanuts and organic sea salt.

“It’s been reported that the cost of living could increase by over €2,000 for most families this year” adds Hannah.

“We know it won’t fix the issue, but we hope Organico BASICS will make it less likely that families who want to eat healthily must choose between nutrition and price. No family should be forced to compromise.”

You can shop the full Organico BASICS range of over 120 organic foods, clean supplements, sustainable nappies, eco-friendly cleaning products here.