How to Save Money When Buying Meat in the UK

1. Buy in Bulk and Freeze

Purchasing larger quantities of meat can significantly reduce the cost per kilogram. Many supermarkets and butchers offer bulk discounts, allowing you to save money in the long run.

Money-Saving Tips:

• Buy larger packs and portion them out into freezer bags for later use.
• Look for family-sized packs, which are often cheaper per gram than smaller portions.
• Invest in a chest freezer if you have space to store bulk purchases.

2. Shop at Local Butchers and Markets

Supermarkets are convenient, but local butchers and markets can offer better quality meat at lower prices. Many butchers also provide personalised service, such as cutting meat to your preferred size or offering bulk deals.

Benefits of Shopping Locally:

• Fresh, high-quality meat often at lower prices.
• Opportunities to negotiate or ask about special offers.
• Less packaging waste compared to pre-packed supermarket meat.

3. Choose Cheaper Cuts

Premium cuts like fillet steak or chicken breast tend to be expensive. Opting for cheaper alternatives can make a big difference in your shopping bill without sacrificing taste.

Affordable Alternatives:

• Chicken thighs and drumsticks instead of chicken breast.
• Pork shoulder or belly instead of pork chops.
• Beef brisket or shin instead of sirloin steak.
• Lamb neck or shoulder instead of lamb chops.

These cuts often have more flavour and are perfect for slow cooking, making them ideal for stews, casseroles, and roasts.

4. Buy Meat from Wholesalers or Cash & Carry Stores

Wholesale retailers like Costco, Makro, and local cash & carry stores often sell meat at significantly lower prices compared to supermarkets.

How to Save:

• Sign up for membership at wholesale clubs if required.
• Split large packs with family or friends to make bulk buying more manageable.
• Store meat properly in vacuum-sealed bags to extend its freshness.

5. Make the Most of Supermarket Deals and Discounts

Supermarkets frequently offer discounts, multi-buy offers, and reduced-to-clear deals, especially on meat products close to their expiry date.

Smart Shopping Strategies:

• Look for yellow sticker reductions in the evenings or just before store closing times.
• Use supermarket loyalty cards to earn points and discounts.
• Buy “wonky” or misshapen meat cuts, which are often cheaper but just as good.

6. Consider Frozen Meat

Frozen meat is often significantly cheaper than fresh alternatives while maintaining similar nutritional value.

Benefits of Buying Frozen:

• Longer shelf life, reducing food waste.
• Often pre-portioned, making meal planning easier.
• Retains nutrients and quality if frozen properly.

7. Reduce Meat Consumption

Cutting back on the amount of meat you eat can help save money. Incorporate more vegetarian meals or use meat as a flavour enhancer rather than the main ingredient.

Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas:

• Use lentils, beans, or chickpeas to bulk out meat dishes.
• Try Meat-Free Mondays to reduce weekly meat consumption.
• Experiment with tofu, tempeh, or Quorn as meat substitutes.

8. Make Your Own Mince and Sausages

Pre-packaged minced meat and sausages often cost more than whole cuts. Buying whole cuts and mincing them yourself can save money and give you control over quality.

How to Save:

• Buy whole chicken, pork shoulder, or beef brisket and mince it yourself.
• Use a food processor or manual mincer to create your own mince.
• Mix different meats for added flavour and cost savings.

9. Use Meat Bones for Stocks and Soups

Instead of throwing away bones, use them to make homemade stocks, broths, and soups. This not only saves money but also adds depth of flavour to meals.

Tips for Using Bones:

• Ask your butcher for leftover bones—they’re often free or very cheap.
• Simmer bones with herbs and vegetables to create a nutritious broth.
• Freeze homemade stock in portions for easy use later.

10. Try Online Meat Subscription Services

Some online butchers offer high-quality meat at discounted prices through subscription boxes. These services often provide better value than supermarket meat.

Popular Online Butchers in the UK:

• MuscleFood – Bulk-buy deals and high-protein options.
• Farmison & Co – Ethically sourced British meat.
• Abel & Cole – Organic meat subscription boxes.

Check for introductory offers, referral discounts, or bulk-buy savings when using these services.

11. Avoid Pre-Packaged and Pre-Marinated Meat

Pre-marinated or pre-sliced meats tend to be more expensive. Buying plain meat and seasoning it yourself can save money and give you control over ingredients.

DIY Seasoning Tips:

• Use homemade spice rubs for BBQs and roasts.
• Marinate meat overnight with simple ingredients like garlic, herbs, and citrus juice.
• Make your own burger patties using minced meat, onions, and spices.

12. Store Meat Properly to Reduce Waste

Proper storage extends the shelf life of meat and reduces food waste, ensuring you get the most value from your purchases.

Storage Tips:

• Keep fresh meat in the fridge and use it within 2-3 days.
• Freeze meat in airtight freezer bags with labels indicating the date of freezing.
• Defrost meat safely in the fridge rather than at room temperature.

Conclusion

Saving money on meat in the UK requires smart shopping, meal planning, and proper storage. By buying in bulk, choosing cheaper cuts, looking for discounts, and reducing waste, you can significantly lower your grocery bill while still enjoying high-quality meat. Whether shopping at local butchers, wholesale stores, or supermarkets, these strategies will help you get the best value for your money.