How to Save Money on Meat (2024)

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So I've talked about many money-saving tips but today I want to share how to save money on meat.I'm sure I have mentioned this before, but I was at the store earlier today and was asked about this, so I think it bears repeating.

Table of Contents

How can I spend less money on meat?

I only buy meat on markdown, and here's why. This is meat that is being marked down because it is nearing its sell-by date. This does not mean the meat is bad, not AT ALL! The grocery stores have regulations that they can only have the meat out to sell in refrigerated areas for X amount of time. When this time nears, the stores would rather take a hit on the meat than throw it away and get paid nothing.

I take this food home, and either cook it up that day or freeze it right then. It's still good frozen as long as non-marked-down food!

Related: Sage Meatloaf Recipe

Other stores put a big orange sticker with the new price on the package that looks like this:

How to Save Money on Meat (2)

This was a 3 1/2 pound package of hamburger meat for $5.58, down from $7.99. I did a quick calculation to figure out that means about $1.59lb! That's $0.40 less than my stock up price, during a rock bottom sale! SoI grabbed the last 3 packs that were marked down within a few cents of each other and came home separated them into 1lb bags and froze them.

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How to Save Money on Meat (3)

That's 10 meals worth $15!! I also picked up 2 packs of round-eye steaks for $2.50 each, a pack of Denver steaks for $1.99, and a pack of chicken wings for $3 which was enough to make 2 meals worth!

Related: Cube Steak Recipes – Italian Cube Steak Parmesan

Where can I get the best price on meat?

There's no definitive answer to this question because it can vary depending on where you live and what type of meat you're looking for. However, a good rule of thumb is to buy meat from local farmers or ranchers who raise their animals on pasture. Not only will you get a better price, but you'll also be getting meat that's healthier and more sustainable.

What meats are inexpensive?

Cheap meats include chicken, pork, and beef. Lamb is also relatively affordable, though it can be a bit more pricey than chicken or pork.

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Is chicken cheaper than beef?

Yes, chicken is cheaper than beef. The price of chicken has remained relatively stable in recent years, while the price of beef has increased. This is largely due to the fact that there is a much greater supply of chicken than there is of beef.

How can I save on my grocery bill?

There are a few ways that you can save on your grocery bill. One way is to clip coupons. Another way is to buy store brands instead of name brands. You can also try to buy food in season, and you can shop at discount stores or warehouse clubs.

Related: 5 Easy Ways To Save On Groceries Without Clipping Coupons

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More Ways to Save Money on Meat

Butcher meats yourself

Many people are interested in saving money by butchering their own meats. The process is not as difficult as it may seem, and it can save you a significant amount of money over time. In addition, butchering your own meats allows you to have more control over the quality of the meat that you eat. When you purchase meat from the grocery store, you often do not know where it came from or how it was raised. However, when you butcher your own meat, you can be sure that it is fresh and of the highest quality.

Related: Easy Ways to Save Money – How to Cut Your Meat Prices in Half

Stretch meats farther

One way to make your meat go further is to add bulk with other ingredients. Beans, grains, and vegetables can all be used to extend ground beef, for instance. And chicken can be stretched by adding it to soups and casseroles. Another stretching technique is to use smaller cuts of meat in dishes where the meat is less central to the flavors. For example, cubed stewing beef can be used instead of steak in many recipes. And finally, don't forget about leftovers! A little meal planning ahead can help you make the most of your meat budget.

Buy in bulk

Bulk buying often allows you to take advantage of discounts and can help you to avoid wasting money on over-purchasing perishable items. However, before you head to the store, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, think about how much food your family will realistically consume within the expiration date. Second, consider whether you have enough storage space to accommodate a large quantity of food. Finally, make sure to compare prices so that you are getting the best possible deal. When done correctly, bulk buying can be a great way to save money on groceries.

Related: How to Get Started Buying in Bulk

Buy during a sale

When it comes to stocking up on groceries, timing is everything. Buying food during a sale can help you save money and ensure that you have a constant supply of fresh, healthy ingredients on hand. However, it's important to exercise caution when purchasing perishable items, as they may go bad before you have a chance to use them. With non-perishable items, such as canned goods and dried pasta, it's usually safe to buy in bulk. But with fresh produce and meat, you'll need to ensure that you can use the food before it expires. Plan meals in advance and make sure to check the expiration dates on any perishable items before making your purchase. By following these simple guidelines, you can take advantage of sales without wasting food or money.

Related: 20 Items You Can Freeze

Buy online

Now another trick I use to save money is an online one. Not all meat is a great deal in my area of the country, and I have heard things like outrageous bacon prices in other parts of the country or not being able to find ground chuck for under $4 a pound. OUCH! So if you are having this problem, no fear!

If you have a hard time finding a good deal on meat check out Zaycon Foods,sign up, it's free, and take a look around.You buy in bulk and pick it up at their drop-off location, normally a church parking lot. The chicken breasts are huge and at a price lower than my stock-up price! You can see my review here. Some prices won't work for you in your area like for me the bacon pricesare more than what I get locally. But for a friend of mine in Texas, the prices for her are less than she can get locally.

How to Save Money on Meat (2024)

FAQs

How can I save money on meat? ›

Tips for Finding Affordable Meat Options

Buy in bulk: Purchasing meat in bulk can often result in significant savings, particularly if you have the freezer space to store it. Look for family packs or larger cuts of meat that can be portioned out and frozen for later use.

What is the cheapest meat to buy? ›

10 Budget-Friendly Cuts of Meat
  • Ground beef or ground turkey.
  • Beef brisket.
  • Pork shoulder.
  • Chuck eye steak.
  • Whole chicken.
  • Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) or drumsticks.
  • Pork chops.
  • Whole turkey.

How can meat be so cheap? ›

The answer is the low cost of feed. 60% of crops and 30% of fish catches end up as animal feed. Because crops are heavily subsidized, livestock farmers can buy animal feed at extremely low prices which in turn lowers the cost of meat production.

What is the best way to save meat? ›

Freezer bags can be used, but it is important to exclude as much air as possible. For freshly slaughtered meat, first chill below 40°F (4°C) within 24 hours to prevent spoilage. While beef and venison can be stored refrigerated for several days before freezing (aging), other meats should be frozen after they are cold.

What are 2 tips for buying meat? ›

When purchasing meat and poultry, it's important to use your senses of touch, smell and sight. Always make sure the meat is firm to the touch, and check that they packaging doesn't have any tears, holes or excessive amounts of liquid. It should also be cold to the touch and have no odor.

What to eat if you can't afford meat? ›

Cereals and grains

Wholegrain breads, rice and pasta have more protein, fibre and iron than white versions. Brown rice with beans, or bread with hummus or nut butter, can give you as much protein as a piece of meat.

How can I eat more meat on a budget? ›

13 Savvy Tips for the Carnivore Diet on a Budget
  1. Buy cheaper cuts of meat. ...
  2. Buy lower grades of meat. ...
  3. Ground beef is your best friend. ...
  4. Opt for grain fed versus grass fed. ...
  5. Mix in cheaper options such as eggs, sardines, and beef organ meats such as beef liver. ...
  6. Buy meat on sale. ...
  7. Go direct to the source.
Jun 9, 2021

What is the most expensive meat right now? ›

Today, we're breaking down the top 5 most expensive cuts in the world that will make your taste buds tingle and your wallet ponder.
  • Japanese Kobe Beef. First on our list is the Japanese Kobe Beef. ...
  • Japanese Wagyu Beef. ...
  • Vintage Cote de Boeuf (Rib Steak) ...
  • Filet Mignon. ...
  • Tomahawk Steak.
Jan 18, 2024

What is the best cut of meat for the money? ›

The Best Cuts of Meat That Won't Break the Bank
  • Beef Chuck. A low heat for a long time—that's usually what it takes to get this cut of meat fork-tender. ...
  • Flank Steak. ...
  • Pork Chops. ...
  • Chicken Legs. ...
  • Pork Shoulder. ...
  • Chicken Thighs. ...
  • The Whole Chicken.

Does not eating meat save money? ›

A 2021 study from Oxford University found that vegan diets reduced food costs by as much as one-third. When you think about it, it makes sense: The average cost of a pound of ground beef was $5.23 in October 2023. If you replace that meat with chickpeas, you can expect to pay around a dollar for a 15.5-ounce can.

Why is meat becoming so expensive? ›

COVID-19 disrupted the beef supply chain and triggered panic buying among consumers anticipating a shortage. This resulted in unusually high demand and subsequent price hikes for beef.

Should humans eat less meat? ›

Research shows that people who eat red meat are at a higher risk of death from heart disease, stroke or diabetes. Processed meats also make the risk of death from these diseases go up.

How long can you keep meat in the freezer? ›

Cold Food Storage Chart
FoodTypeFreezer [0°F (-18°C) or below]
Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultryHamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of them3 to 4 months
Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and porkSteaks4 to 12 months
Chops4 to 12 months
Roasts4 to 12 months
49 more rows
Sep 19, 2023

How to save meat about to go bad? ›

Tips on how to store meat and keep it tasting great for longer
  1. 1 to 3 days: Salt and Refrigerate. Lightly sprinkle salt all over the cut of meat, and keep it uncovered on a rack in the fridge. ...
  2. 1 week to 1 month: Wrap and Freeze. ...
  3. 1 to 12 months: Double Wrap and Freeze.
Oct 15, 2023

How not to store meat? ›

Storing meat at home

Always store it in the fridge or freezer. Store raw meat away from any cooked food or food that doesn't get cooked (like raw fruit, vegetables, and salad).

How can I save money on animal food? ›

  1. Buying in bulk. Bulk buying is a sensible strategy for pet owners looking to make savings since larger bags of pet food typically come with a lower cost-per-kilo than smaller bags. ...
  2. Choosing store brands. ...
  3. Subscribing and shopping online. ...
  4. Coupon Clipping and Price Comparison. ...
  5. Pets come first.
Nov 7, 2023

What is the best meat money can buy? ›

Japanese Kobe beef, Japanese Wagyu beef, American Wagyu beef, filet mignon, and beef tenderloin are some of the best steaks in the world based on overall quality.

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