Is spending extra money for organic milk worth it? Some scientists have been unable to draw a clean line of health benefits between organic and conventional milk. On the other side of the coin, health experts such as noted pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene say switching to organic dairy is one switch we should all make. With the jury still out on official research and approval of the advantages of organic milk, savvy consumers will need to weigh the facts to decide what’s best.

Milk labeled “USDA Organic” must meet several requirements.

1. Organic milk must come from cows that have not been treated with bovine growth hormone (rBGH), given to cows to increase their milk production.
2. Organic milk must come from cows that have not been treated with antibiotics.
3. Organic milk must come from cows whose feed is grown without pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
4. Cows that produce organic milk must have “access to pasture,” but no specific guidelines have been set for the length or frequency of their access. (NPR has reported on a growing movement to ensure cows are feeding on plenty of fresh grass if producers want to label the milk as organic.)

The dilemma for consumers is that not enough impartial studies have been released to show whether or not these factors confer actual health benefits. The field is fraught with fractured opinion.

Of course, many families buy organic milk based not only on health benefits but also on its gentler environmental footprint and more humane treatment of dairy cows. And nobody disputes that conventional milk does contain certain levels of hormones and pesticides—so if you’re the type who’d rather be safe than sorry, organic is the way to go.

(Photo credit:chefranden, flickr)

"Quit eating organic ASAP." That's my tax man's advice on hoarding cash in tight times. "You're in survival mode. Who cares if hormones are in your milk?"

Hello?! I do! My kids are drinking rBGH-free milk. And, honestly, they're slurping an awful lot of it between meals. Sure, it would be cheaper to abandon my weekly trips to Trader Joe's or Fresh & Easy and shop at non-health food grocers instead. Or, we could eat less fresh produce, but what mom in her right mind would give that up?

I've tried the organic wallet fast, and I have the Ramen Noodles wrappers to prove it. The shame! Of course, feeding my family gut-garbage never lasts. I come to my (junk-dulled) senses, tweak our food budget yet more and we climb back on the five-a-day fruits-and-veg routine.

These two quick, no-brainer tricks help keep us healthy, even munching organic, on a budget:

The season is the reason. Stock up on savings with seasonal fruits and vegetables. You'll save on seasonal eats at local farmer's markets, health food stores and mainstream markets. Freeze or dehydrate what you don't eat.

CIY - Cook it yourself. Make your fav spreads and dressings at home. Whip up a tangy homemade hummus from fresh-squeezed organic lemon juice, chopped fresh organic garlic, canned tahini and canned organic garbanzo beans. With a pinch of effort and the push of a blender button, you've got an affordable dip your kids will dig (up) with home-baked pita triangles or carrots.

Your little chefs can help you make CIY salad dressings, chip dips and toast toppers—instead of buying them pre-made, overpriced and wastefully packaged. It's faster, easier, cheaper—and tastier—than you think.

More cheap, healthy eats to come.

(Photo credit:Sandip Bhattacharya, Flickr)