Sentry Page Protection
Tip Store: Groceries: Meat and Chicken
Buying Bulk Meat Saves $500
Due to health reasons I'm very fussy about the quality and ethics of the meat I buy. But grass fed, organic/free range meat is SO expensive. I also have a lot of dietary restrictions, so ready made things aren't an option for me. I've found a company that is a farm and butcher all in one. They are within 200km of home (I'm in a major city, so cattle farms aren't just up the road!) You can choose to buy large amounts of meat - up to a whole cow if you have the freezer space. I get a 1/4 cow, and spend a day portioning it out into one meal serves for my husband and I. This way we are getting the amount we need and not wasting money by eating more than we actually need. I prepare most of the mince into ready made patties with herbs and salt and pepper and this saves a lot of time on busy days. And if I run out of plain mince, I can still use these for most meals even with the flavouring in them. I cut the steaks down to weight and save all the off cuts for packages of diced meat. While I'm doing this, I throw all the fat into my slow cooker and render it down so I've got tallow as well. This gets frozen in small amounts and used instead of oil. For a day's work I usually save $400 - $500 vs buying it in smaller amounts from organic butchers and I know for certain I'm reducing food transport distance and supporting local farmers!
Contributed by Sonja Smout
Contributed by Sonja Smout
Cheapest Meat
I buy BBQ meat when on special; it makes the best goulash, stew and soup. I can buy it for $22 for 2 kilos on special at my local butcher, cheaper than chuck steak, gravy beef etc.
Contributed by Di Koszek
Contributed by Di Koszek
My Meat Savings Money Box
I used to buy meat at the one of big supermarkets every fortnight. I was spending $60-$80 and finding the quality poor, almost no flavour and for what I spent, I didn't seem get a lot in those little meat trays. I started to put $60 a fortnight in a pig shaped money box that I call my "meat savings" and bought nothing at the supermarket. I now go to the butcher once a month and spend $99 on a bulk pack of meat that does us for a month! With the excess "meat savings" once every 3 months I buy a side of pork or we treat ourselves and go out for tea or even sometimes go away for a weekend. My "meat savings" has caught on with the family too and now my sister-in-law does the same thing and we split the side of pork, which lets us keep more in our piggy banks! It's also handy for those occasions when you see a good meat special as you always have extra to go out and stock up the freezer!
Contributed by Eimar McNeil
Contributed by Eimar McNeil
Bulk Buying Meat
My thoughts are, first calculate present weekly meat costs and any wastage, including sourcing the meats. Then consider how long it will take to use what you purchase. I live alone and use a freezer but supplement when I see good markdowns on meat and seafood or poultry at my regular shopping venues. There are lots of local places in Tassie that bulk sell. However I know two in the north of the state both worth considering. One is at Killafaddy. The other Coonmara Farm. The first you need to visit. The second packs as you wish, delivers to the door, can be ordered on line and is ethically farmed. Last time my sons family bought with another family from Coonmara and beef worked out at$4.50 per kg. Less than meat off cuts at their supermarket! Freezers are also great for markdowns like bread and veggies that can be frozen. A good new freezer costs little to run easily maintained.
Contributed by Robyn Anderson, 29th October 2015
Contributed by Robyn Anderson, 29th October 2015
Layby a Cow
My parents used to lay buy half a cow with our local butcher. Mum would drop all her loose change and a little extra money coming home from work, and then when it was paid up we would get 6 months' worth of meat for a family of six delivered to us at a fraction of the normal cost. The cost would be market rates for the purchase and slaughter of the animal, then the butcher would keep half the meat as payment, and it worked well for both parties
Contributed by Sonya Strachan, 29th October 2015
Contributed by Sonya Strachan, 29th October 2015
Vacuum Seal Meat before Freezing for Extended Storing
When storing meat in the freezer for long term use it is a good idea to vacuum seal it. This extends shelf life up to 2-3 years and ensures that nothing goes to waste due to freezer burn. Vacuum sealers can be bought for less than $90 and will easily repay your investment.
Contributed by Julie Ismail, 29th October 2015
Contributed by Julie Ismail, 29th October 2015
Super Butcher
Approximate $ Savings: $1000 per year
Buy your meat in bulk from a super butcher. Your meat comes straight from the farmer to your butcher and is usually a better quality and mostly organic. You can buy half a cow pre cut for around $300. This should last the average family four - six months. Compared to spending $50 per week on meat you should be able to save around $1000 per year.
Contributed by Alison, Hope Island, 8th January 2009
Prioritise Organic Purchases
Foods high in protein are also toxic if not organic - including meat and milk. With a limited budget, the priority organics for a family's consumption are meat and milk products, then fruit and vegies, then last of all other things like tea, soap, breads etc.
Contributed by Luisa Sommers, 27th April 2010
Contributed by Luisa Sommers, 27th April 2010
Compare Deli Prices to Meat Cabinet Prices and Save
At the big chain supermarkets, items such as chicken breasts, thigh fillets and sausages are generally a few dollars cheaper per kilo in the serviced deli section compared to the identical product that is pre-packaged in the cold self-serve section.
Contributed by Sara, Hobart, 19th January 2009
Contributed by Sara, Hobart, 19th January 2009
Kangaroo On the Menu
Approximate $ Savings: $2 -$10 per kilo
Instead of buying beef mince, try kangaroo mince for all beef recipes. There are many reasons why using kangaroo meat is good for you and for Australia. Try not to be squeamish, or say that we shouldn't eat our coat of arms, as both health and environment benefit. Kangaroo mince is now readily available in main supermarkets in SA and Victoria, (I used to bring it back from SA after family visits and can now get it in Victoria). One kilo costs $7! It is a very lean meat, so you are getting the health equivalent of the $15/kg heart health minced beef. You won't notice any difference in taste in bolognaise sauce etc. If you do find a taste difference, start with half beef and half kangaroo. It is MUCH better for our environment than beef and sheep, as the kangaroo does not have the same impact on the soil or on the grass or in poos and methane gas! Try kangaroo sausages too - called kanga bangas! 97% fat free, almost all MEAT not filler, gluten free available too and very tasty. Once you've tried kangaroo, you won't want to go back to expensive, fatty, environmentally friendly beef!
Contributed by Vanessa, Alphington, 3rd November 2008
Instead of buying beef mince, try kangaroo mince for all beef recipes. There are many reasons why using kangaroo meat is good for you and for Australia. Try not to be squeamish, or say that we shouldn't eat our coat of arms, as both health and environment benefit. Kangaroo mince is now readily available in main supermarkets in SA and Victoria, (I used to bring it back from SA after family visits and can now get it in Victoria). One kilo costs $7! It is a very lean meat, so you are getting the health equivalent of the $15/kg heart health minced beef. You won't notice any difference in taste in bolognaise sauce etc. If you do find a taste difference, start with half beef and half kangaroo. It is MUCH better for our environment than beef and sheep, as the kangaroo does not have the same impact on the soil or on the grass or in poos and methane gas! Try kangaroo sausages too - called kanga bangas! 97% fat free, almost all MEAT not filler, gluten free available too and very tasty. Once you've tried kangaroo, you won't want to go back to expensive, fatty, environmentally friendly beef!
Contributed by Vanessa, Alphington, 3rd November 2008
Checking All the Labels Pays Off
Approximate $ Savings: $4 per kilo (or more!)
When you are buying meat or chicken at the supermarket, always look further than just the top tray. I was in my local supermarket and looked at some chicken breast fillets in a 'bulk' pack. They were marked at $11.99 a kilo. When I picked this up to look closer, I noticed the tray underneath was exactly the same stock with the same expiry date, only marked at $7.99 a kilo! It pays to notice the little details, as instead of paying $12 for 6 large fillets, I paid only $8, which I can stretch out to 3 meals for the family. Also, never assume that the stock with the SPECIAL sticker is actually cheaper- it pays to read the fine print.
Contributed by Erin, Abernethy, 8th August 2008
When you are buying meat or chicken at the supermarket, always look further than just the top tray. I was in my local supermarket and looked at some chicken breast fillets in a 'bulk' pack. They were marked at $11.99 a kilo. When I picked this up to look closer, I noticed the tray underneath was exactly the same stock with the same expiry date, only marked at $7.99 a kilo! It pays to notice the little details, as instead of paying $12 for 6 large fillets, I paid only $8, which I can stretch out to 3 meals for the family. Also, never assume that the stock with the SPECIAL sticker is actually cheaper- it pays to read the fine print.
Contributed by Erin, Abernethy, 8th August 2008
Deal Direct With Farmers
If you deal direct with the farmers for all your meat products (after all the farmers do all the hard yakka) I live near Mittagong and James Brooks meats farms near Braidwood said there was no problem with delivery. The meat is export quality. I have placed my first order and I have saved heaps. Just Google "farm direct meat" to find one near you. I feel we need to support our local farmers and help the families trying to save some money .I am a senior and it will save me money. Contributed by Drina, Yerinbool, 6th June 2008
Dinner Game
Approximate $ Savings: $5 to $10 per week
If you have a meat-eating family and want to reduce your shopping bill try kangaroo fillets or kebabs. Gourmet Game brand, available in Victoria at Safeway and Coles, have marinated fillet steaks and kebabs at around $15 per kilogram. Instead of a steak dinner for two at anything from $10 to $15, we are now purchasing 2 kangaroo fillet steaks for about $5. As an extra bonus raising kangaroo for food is considered to be easier on the environment than cows and sheep.
Contributed by Kelly, Mt. Waverley, 1st May 2008
If you have a meat-eating family and want to reduce your shopping bill try kangaroo fillets or kebabs. Gourmet Game brand, available in Victoria at Safeway and Coles, have marinated fillet steaks and kebabs at around $15 per kilogram. Instead of a steak dinner for two at anything from $10 to $15, we are now purchasing 2 kangaroo fillet steaks for about $5. As an extra bonus raising kangaroo for food is considered to be easier on the environment than cows and sheep.
Contributed by Kelly, Mt. Waverley, 1st May 2008
Cheaper Deli Meats
I use 200gms of sliced meat for lunches. By buying it from the deli it is much cheaper per kilo and there is more variety. Roast beef, silverside and roast pork to name a few. For example silverside was on special for $10.99 a kilo ($2.00 for 200g). Well known pre packaged meat I calculated at $26.45per kilo. Less packaging when you buy from the deli as well.
Contributed by Jennifer, Wattle Glen, 10th January 2008
Contributed by Jennifer, Wattle Glen, 10th January 2008
Meat from the Wholesaler
Approximate $ Savings: $200
Our pay recently changed to monthly so I needed to find even cheaper more efficient ways to shop. Especially when it came to our meat. After some hunting around I found a Wholesale Butcher, they sell to retail butcher's. I found out they are open to the public 3 days a week, the only catch is you need spend a minimum of $100. Seeing I am now shopping for the month this is no longer a problem. I now spend approximately $110 a month on our meat bill. If you pay cash you also get 2kg Sausages thrown in too. They also have a VIP rewards program which was free to join, once you have spent $500 you get a $50 meat pack for free. I did a Google search and found there are heaps of Wholesaler Butchers around. Since finding this I now have a family of 4 grocery bill down to $350 per month.
Contributed by Myf, Healesville, 11th September 2007
Our pay recently changed to monthly so I needed to find even cheaper more efficient ways to shop. Especially when it came to our meat. After some hunting around I found a Wholesale Butcher, they sell to retail butcher's. I found out they are open to the public 3 days a week, the only catch is you need spend a minimum of $100. Seeing I am now shopping for the month this is no longer a problem. I now spend approximately $110 a month on our meat bill. If you pay cash you also get 2kg Sausages thrown in too. They also have a VIP rewards program which was free to join, once you have spent $500 you get a $50 meat pack for free. I did a Google search and found there are heaps of Wholesaler Butchers around. Since finding this I now have a family of 4 grocery bill down to $350 per month.
Contributed by Myf, Healesville, 11th September 2007
Barney Point Butchery
Approximate $ Savings: $20/pw+ or $1040/yr+
I used to buy meat where I buy everything else at the local supermarket, but then a friend recommended a local butcher "Barney Point Butchery". Went to check it out one day and discovered that I could buy 5 pork spare ribs, 300g bacon and 1kg of beef mince for about $15 a pop. I remembered back to the old days buying 500 grams of beef mince from the supermarket cold section for $9. I AM CONVERTED. I now do all of my meat grocery shopping at our local butcher! They are more friendly and helpful, the meat tastes better, its local produce and I'm supporting my local bloke and getting myself something in return! What could be better!?
Contributed by Amanda, Gladstone, 16th August, 2007
I used to buy meat where I buy everything else at the local supermarket, but then a friend recommended a local butcher "Barney Point Butchery". Went to check it out one day and discovered that I could buy 5 pork spare ribs, 300g bacon and 1kg of beef mince for about $15 a pop. I remembered back to the old days buying 500 grams of beef mince from the supermarket cold section for $9. I AM CONVERTED. I now do all of my meat grocery shopping at our local butcher! They are more friendly and helpful, the meat tastes better, its local produce and I'm supporting my local bloke and getting myself something in return! What could be better!?
Contributed by Amanda, Gladstone, 16th August, 2007
50% Off Meat
If your usual supermarket stocks meat chances are they do the markdowns at the same time each week. My local Coles does it Friday at lunchtime. Visit your local a couple of times over the week to suss out when they do the mark downs. You can save up to 50% on your meat bill. Mark down products need to be frozen as soon as possible.
Contributed by Elena, Cambridge Park, 12th November 2007
Contributed by Elena, Cambridge Park, 12th November 2007
Reduced for Quick Sale
Approximate $ Savings: $50-100 per month
Work out when your local supermarket usually discounts meat "for quick sale" and shop then. I save heaps of money buying meat the local supermarket has "reduced for quick sale" - I buy up big and then freeze it all for future use. Some might be a bit cautious about buying meat that is close to the use-by-date, but rest assured they wouldn't sell meat that's off and if you freeze it as soon as you get home there is absolutely no risk. And by the way, we also invested in a small upright freezer so we have enough room to freeze all the cheap meat we buy. This also allows us to buy things like mince and chicken thighs in bulk (and hence cheaper) and separate them into meal-sized portions in snap lock bags before freezing.
Contributed by Leah, Port Fairy, 2nd September 2007
Work out when your local supermarket usually discounts meat "for quick sale" and shop then. I save heaps of money buying meat the local supermarket has "reduced for quick sale" - I buy up big and then freeze it all for future use. Some might be a bit cautious about buying meat that is close to the use-by-date, but rest assured they wouldn't sell meat that's off and if you freeze it as soon as you get home there is absolutely no risk. And by the way, we also invested in a small upright freezer so we have enough room to freeze all the cheap meat we buy. This also allows us to buy things like mince and chicken thighs in bulk (and hence cheaper) and separate them into meal-sized portions in snap lock bags before freezing.
Contributed by Leah, Port Fairy, 2nd September 2007
Excellent Meat, Great Prices
This is a great place to buy excellent quality meat at great prices. Narellan Country Meats phone 4647 8570 269. Camden Valley Way, Narellan, NSW. 2567. On Mondays - and most days - they have excellent specials on meat and poultry - easily the cheapest we've found with no issues
Contributed by David, Rosemeadow, 1st June 2005
Contributed by David, Rosemeadow, 1st June 2005
Change of Mince Saves Dollars
Approximate $ Savings: $5.00/kg
I have begun buying Roo Mince at Coles for aprox $6.60 instead of low fat beef mince which is approximately $11.99 at the butchers. My husband has had heart surgery so we have to have a low fat diet. I have found that this mince is extremely low in fat, and tastes exactly the same as beef mince. I have made meat pies, mince on toast, rissoles and anything else that mince is used for, with great success. I buy it in 1 kilo pre-packed trays. I then break it up into 250g lots, pack it into plastic bags, press them flat and freeze them. These flat packs de-frost quite quickly and can be used singly or together.
Contributed by Barbara, Narara, 31st March 2007
I have begun buying Roo Mince at Coles for aprox $6.60 instead of low fat beef mince which is approximately $11.99 at the butchers. My husband has had heart surgery so we have to have a low fat diet. I have found that this mince is extremely low in fat, and tastes exactly the same as beef mince. I have made meat pies, mince on toast, rissoles and anything else that mince is used for, with great success. I buy it in 1 kilo pre-packed trays. I then break it up into 250g lots, pack it into plastic bags, press them flat and freeze them. These flat packs de-frost quite quickly and can be used singly or together.
Contributed by Barbara, Narara, 31st March 2007
Getting Cheap Meat
To save money on meat, its advisable to visit your local supermarket like Coles or Woolworths between 4pm and 6pm. They usually discount meats or poultry that expire in the next day or so. You can save between 20 - 60% off especially when the meat expires on the day. These specials are marked usually by a discount sticker. You do need to check the amount of discount as their prices are usually inflated more than a local butcher. Once you've bought the meat, then freeze it and it can last fairly fresh for weeks on end, even months depending on how well its packed for freezing. As an example of the discount, I bought premium mincemeat at $4 a kilo. Its regular price was $8.99 kilo. Butchers have the same quality mince for between $6 and $8 a kilo.
Contributed by Anthony, Menai, May 11th 2005
Contributed by Anthony, Menai, May 11th 2005
Van Eyk Traditional Meats
A new butcher Van Eyk Traditional Meats opened recently on Blunder Road at Oxley, where the Aldi supermarket is and recently I purchased on special BBQ sausages and flavoured rissoles - 5kg of each for only $15!! I have four children and a husband and this was a huge money saver for us especially as I know that everyone in my family loves both. They are not on special like this all the time but if you live locally it is well worth checking them out as they often will have various meats, deli items, chicken products etc very cheaply.
Contributed by Lucinda, Inala, March 13th 2005
Contributed by Lucinda, Inala, March 13th 2005
Market Meat Cheaper at Closing Time
When shopping for meats, poultry and/or fish at the markets, go before closing time! You will be amazed how much you will save because all the produce will be heavily discounted because it needs to be sold.
Contributed by Tanya, Kinglake Central, March 4th 2005
Contributed by Tanya, Kinglake Central, March 4th 2005
To Save Time and Money Buy Your Meat at a Wholesaler
I buy all my meat, excellent quality, from Castricums in Dandenong south. I save about 30 % in total that is a huge saving seeing how expensive meat is. I come home and freeze it in meal size portions. I have been doing it for years. Also nearby is a fish wholesaler and again the savings are huge. Contributed by Gary, Croydon, March 2nd 2005
Buy Meat by the Side and Save Hundreds of Dollars
Buy meat in bulk and freeze. We buy half a beast and it works out to $5 a kg for steak, mince and roasts. Ask your butcher.
Contributed by Sharon, Hawker, March 14th 2005
Contributed by Sharon, Hawker, March 14th 2005
Buying Meat Direct from Abattoir and Save $1,300
To buy a full beef may cost you $400, to cut may cost you up to $100, but based on today's prices at roughly $12 kg, an average of good and bad meat, it can cost up to $1800! A full beef lasts 2 people up to 8 months. You just need to buy a decent freezer to put it in. Well worth the cost, and you can decide how you want your meat cut.
Contributed by Tamara, Minchinbury, March 10th 2005
Contributed by Tamara, Minchinbury, March 10th 2005
Walk the Meat Cabinet Looking for Bargains
Look for bargains in the meat section. My wife and I always walk past the meat section in the supermarket to see if there are any good discounts. Bulk packs offer the best saving - but grab some clear plastic bags so you can freeze all the meat.
Contributed by Justin, Dudley, March 10th 2005
Contributed by Justin, Dudley, March 10th 2005
Shopping/timesaving
I buy my chicken fillets in bulk when on special - last time $5.99 at a major chain. Then I remove all fat and icky bits. I cut some into minute steaks (great for the BBQ) and stir fry pieces then using ziplock bags, I add marinade and put in fridge for a few hours then into the freezer - defrost in the fridge - ready marinated chicken. The small pieces I use to make chicken nuggets & "crispy strips" which I coat in a commercial batter or crumb mix and cook (oven or deep fry) then freeze - better than any commercial nugget and healthier. The crispy strip mix you can also add herbs or spices to for extra flavour and greater variety. Easy meals in the freezer. Any remaining odd pieces, which don't seem to fit any category, can be minced using a food processor or mincer. By doing it all at one time you only have to deal with cutting up raw chicken once a month or so.
Contributed by Sharon, Ingleburn, January 1st, 2006
Contributed by Sharon, Ingleburn, January 1st, 2006
Buying organic
For those Melbournites dedicated to buying organic. OrganicOz in Murrumbeena delivers to Metro & suburbs for as low as $6.00 - including refrigerated goods. Organic Oz also sell organic/biodynamic meats. As we all know organic meat can put a huge strain on the budget. Do consider buying in bulk. I inquired about bulk lamb/beef. A whole spring lamb(19 kgs)works out at $9.50kg. 1/2 side of beef (50 kgs) works out at around $8.50 kg. Great value, I think! If anyone has any ideas on organic groceries, produce and meats at great value in around Melbourne Metro - I would love to hear.
Contributed by Desiree, Brunswick East, 13 October, 2004
Contributed by Desiree, Brunswick East, 13 October, 2004
Bulk Buying Caution
Never buy meat in bulk without trying first. Try any butcher that you think might give you good meat at a reasonable price than ask if for price of a side. This is usually quoted in $ for Kg. Cheap meat that one cannot eat is a waste of money. Most butchers will sell sides and quarters if asked.
Contributed by Lesley, 2004
Contributed by Lesley, 2004
On-line Meat
Try www.themeatshop.com.au excellent meat, excellent service and delivered to your door.
Contributed by Anne, 2004