Meat is often one of the most expensive items in our grocery budget, and prices continue to rise. Whether you’re looking to save money or just get more value from your meat purchases, these tips can help you stretch your dollar further while still enjoying quality protein.

1. Reduce your meat consumption

First and foremost, you can save money by eating less meat. Most Americans eat more meat than they need, which impacts both our wallets and potentially our health.

Consider implementing:

• Vegetarian lunches or breakfasts
• “Meatless Monday” or other designated days without meat
• Recipes where meat is a complementary ingredient rather than the main focus
• Protein alternatives like beans, lentils, and eggs for some meals

Eating less meat means you’ll automatically save money because you won’t need to buy as much.

2. Learn how to cook inexpensive cuts of meat

Certain cuts of meat are significantly less expensive than others and can be just as delicious if you learn how to cook them properly:

• Whole chickens cost much less than buying only boneless, skinless breasts
• Bone-in thighs and drumsticks offer great flavor at lower prices
• Ground beef and ground turkey are versatile and economical
• Bone-in pork shoulder, pork chops, chuck roast, and brisket provide excellent value
• Organ meats like liver are nutritious and very affordable

Using marinades and cooking slowly on low heat often transforms less expensive cuts into flavorful meals. A slow cooker or pressure cooker can be your best friend for tenderizing tougher cuts!

3. Compare prices and track costs

Developing a grocery price point list is invaluable. For instance, knowing that ground beef costs $4.99 per pound at one store but $3.99 at another helps you make informed purchasing decisions. Pay attention to:

• Price per pound (not just package price)
• Package sizes (sometimes larger isn’t better if you can’t use it all)
• Sale cycles (many stores put different meats on sale in predictable patterns)
• Warehouse club prices versus regular grocery stores
• Local butcher shop specials

Apps like Flipp or store loyalty programs can help you track prices and find the best deals.

4. Buy in bulk and freeze properly

Buying meat in larger quantities when it’s on sale can lead to significant savings:

• Purchase family packs and divide into meal-sized portions
• Consider splitting a quarter or half of beef, pork, or lamb with friends or family
• Watch for “buy one, get one” sales on more expensive cuts
• Learn proper freezing techniques to maintain quality (vacuum sealing is ideal)
• Label packages with contents and date to maintain organization

Remember that properly frozen meat can last 3-12 months depending on the type, so you can take advantage of sales without waste.

5. Find local sources

Buying meat directly from farmers or local processors can save money while supporting your local economy:

• Check out LocalHarvest.org to find farmers in your area
• Join local Facebook groups focused on farm-direct purchasing
• Visit farmers’ markets and ask about bulk purchasing options
• Look into meat CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs
• Explore Amish or Mennonite communities if you live near them

Once you’ve found a farmer and have a meat order, learn how to talk to the meat locker as someone other than the farmer will likely do the meat processing.

6. Watch for markdowns and learn store patterns

Most grocery stores mark down meat that’s approaching its sell-by date. These markdowns typically follow patterns:

• Learn which days your local stores do markdowns (often early in the week)
• Shop early in the morning or later in the evening when markdowns are most common
• Look for special stickers indicating discounts (often 30-50% off)
• Be prepared to cook or freeze these items promptly

These marked-down items are perfectly safe when properly handled and can yield significant savings.

7. Use a meat grinder for additional savings

If you have a meat grinder (or a food processor in a pinch), you can create your own ground meat from less expensive cuts:

• Chuck roast can become ground beef
• Pork shoulder can become ground pork
• Chicken thighs can become ground chicken
• Trimmings from various cuts can be combined for mixed ground meat

This approach not only saves money but also gives you control over the fat content and quality of your ground meat.

8. Stretch meat with other ingredients

Make your meat go further by combining it with other ingredients:

• Add beans to taco meat (half meat, half beans) – check out our favorite taco meat recipe
• Mix lentils into ground beef for burgers or meatloaf
• Use mushrooms to extend meatballs (they have a similar texture)
• Incorporate breadcrumbs or cooked rice in meatloaf and similar dishes
• Add vegetables to stews and casseroles to reduce the meat needed

These approaches not only save money but often result in healthier, more flavorful meals.

9. Save on Premium and Organic Options

If you’re concerned about meat quality, hormones, or environmental impact, you don’t necessarily have to pay top dollar. Understanding how to approach premium meat options can save you money while still aligning with your values.

Organic, grass-fed, and humanely-raised meats typically command higher prices, but there are still ways to make these premium options more affordable. The key is understanding what matters most to you and where you can find the best value without compromising on your priorities.

• Understand certification terminology: “Organic” requires USDA certification, while terms like “natural” have no regulated meaning. For small farmers, getting an organic certification is often cost-prohibitive, even when they follow organic practices.
• Build relationships with local producers: Many small-scale farmers use sustainable practices without formal certification. Visit farms, ask questions about their animal raising practices, and develop trust.
• Focus on certain animal products: If budget is tight, prioritize organic/grass-fed for ground meats and less expensive cuts rather than premium steaks.
• Look for sales and freezer clearance: Even high-end butchers and natural food stores mark down inventory periodically.
• Consider a meat CSA: Community Supported Agriculture programs for meat often provide bulk discounts for committing to regular purchases.

I hope you found these 5 tips to save money on organic meat helpful. I would love to hear your ideas, if you have other tried and true methods to save on organic meat!

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