It’s True! Farmers Markets Are Cheaper Than Supermarkets

Anjali Prasertong
Anjali Prasertong
Anjali Prasertong is a writer and public health dietitian focused on food systems, racial equity, and nutrition. Originally from Los Angeles, she has taught English in rural Japan, worked as a private chef in Malibu, and led an innovative city-funded corner store program in New Orleans that increased fresh food access in low-income neighborhoods. She was previously a contributing editor for The Kitchn, and currently lives in Denver with her husband and two kids.
Follow
updated May 11, 2022
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
(Image credit: The Kitchn)

Fair or not, farmers markets are often viewed as places where wealthy people shop for expensive organic produce. But this week The Atlantic wrote about several studies proving exactly the opposite, that overall the goods from farmers markets in various regions are less expensive than the same items at nearby grocery stores. Surprised?

The studies — conducted in Vermont, Washington State and Iowa — compared farmers market and grocery store prices on a small selection of items. Among the conventionally-raised goods in one study, only eggs and potatoes were less expensive at the grocery store. And in that same study, every single organic item was almost 40 percent cheaper at the farmers markets.

This actually doesn’t come as a surprise. While the biggest, busiest farmers markets in my area can be quite expensive, the smaller, neighborhood farmers market I frequent generally has prices that are much lower than the surrounding grocery stores, especially for organic produce and responsibly-raised eggs and meat.

• Read the article: The Farmers’ Market Myth – The Atlantic

Are the farmers markets in your area generally cheaper than surrounding supermarkets?

Related: 10 Things Not To Say at the Farmers Market

(Image: Emily Ho)