3 Pros and Cons of Buying Food at Farmers Markets

If it seems like farmers markets are popping up more frequently where you live, you may be onto something. As of early 2023, there were approximately 8,600 farmers markets in the U.S., according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

You may be inclined to visit a farmers market the next time one rolls into town. But while doing so has its benefits, there can also be some drawbacks to keep on your radar. Here are three pros and cons.

Pro No. 1: Getting access to fresh food that might last longer

When you buy produce at a supermarket, you have no idea how long ago those items were picked or harvested. When you purchase produce at a farmers market, you can ask that question and get a direct answer. And chances are, you'll be looking at produce that's way fresher than what you'll find at your local grocery store. That could translate into more days of freshness in your refrigerator.

Pro No. 2: Getting higher-quality produce

The items you buy at farmers markets are probably not mass-produced like some of the products you might find at your local grocery store. The result? You can enjoy items that are fresher and higher in quality on a whole. And this doesn't just apply to fruits and vegetables. You may find items like honey or baked goods that make for a better experience.

Pro No. 3: You're supporting local farmers and businesses

The vendors at your neighborhood farmers market may not be local to your area -- but they're local somewhere. And they're certainly not large corporations. If you're someone who believes in supporting small businesses, that's reason enough to shop at farmers markets. By keeping farmers and small businesses afloat, you're helping create and sustain local jobs.

Con No. 1: You won't necessarily save money

The items you buy at a farmers market may be fresh and high in quality. But if your goal is to save money on food, then shopping at a farmers market may not be the way to go. If anything, you might pay a lot more for food at one of these markets. If that just doesn't work for your budget right now, you may need to stick to visiting the grocery store.

Con No. 2: You may not have regular access to the items you want

Chances are, your local supermarket is open all day, every day. But you may only have access to a farmers market in close proximity to where you live once a week. That could be a problem if you run out of certain items or are unable to get to your local farmers market during the limited window when it's open.

Con No. 3: You might lose out on cash back or credit card rewards

It's common to pay for groceries at the supermarket using a credit card. At a farmers market, you may be limited to using cash. But beyond the annoyance and time cost of having to hit the ATM, that could also mean giving up the cash back or reward points your credit card would normally give you. With some credit cards offering 3% back on grocery purchases, a $50 farmers market purchase in cash gives you $0, while a credit card puts $1.50 back in your wallet.

All told, shopping at farmers markets can be a positive experience. But do be aware of the potential drawbacks involved.

Of course, you may decide that you'll shop at your local farmers market for a few specialty products each week or as a means of supplementing your regular supermarket purchases. That may be a more reasonable approach than planning to purchase the bulk of your food from farmers markets, especially if you do have a limited grocery budget to work with.