Organic Produce Costs 59% More Than Conventional Options, LendingTree Analysis Finds
A LendingTree analysis of USDA price data found that organic fruits and vegetables cost 59% more on average than conventional options across the U.S. The study also noted a significant price increase for organic produce over the past year, contributing…
Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, September 16, 2026 — A recent analysis by LendingTree, utilizing USDA price data, has revealed a substantial cost difference between organic and conventional produce nationwide. The study found that organic fruits and vegetables are, on average, 59% more expensive than their conventionally grown counterparts across the United States.
In addition to the overall price disparity, the analysis highlighted a notable trend of increasing costs for organic produce over the past year. This upward price trajectory for organic items is contributing to the growing financial challenge for households aiming to incorporate healthier food options into their diets.
The findings suggest that consumers seeking to purchase organic produce may face a significantly higher grocery bill. The 59% average price premium indicates that for every dollar spent on conventional fruits and vegetables, consumers are spending an additional 59 cents for organic versions. This percentage difference was calculated based on an aggregation of price data for various organic and conventional produce items across the country.
The trend summary did not specify the exact methodology used for calculating the average price difference beyond the use of USDA price data, nor did it detail which specific fruits and vegetables were included in the analysis. The timeline for the “past year” price increase was also not further detailed, nor were specific percentage increases for that period. The summary did not provide comparative data for specific regions or states, nor did it name the specific USDA data sources utilized by LendingTree.
The increasing cost of organic produce, as identified by the LendingTree study, is a factor that consumers must consider when making purchasing decisions. The study’s findings underscore the ongoing discussion about food affordability and accessibility, particularly for those prioritizing organic options as part of a healthy lifestyle. The full report details and specific data points leading to these conclusions were not provided in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Caresse Jackman on www.foxcarolina.com, see more information here.
