Are Offcut Meats Worth the Savings? Bargain hunters weigh in
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- Replies 12
Are you a savvy shopper who loves nothing more than finding a good bargain during their weekly grocery shop?
Then you'll know that the little you save here and there can add up over time, giving you a nice lump sum you can use to treat yourself!
But while saving money is one of our favourite pastimes, no one likes being shortchanged on quality.
This is most obvious regarding your meat selection - you want to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck.
When the Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook group members discovered that a Woolworths store was selling Lamb Offcuts at almost $10 less per kilo than Lamb Forequarter Chops, they immediately began discussing the matter.
For the unfamiliar, Lamb Offcuts–as suggested by their name–are off-sized cuts of lamb that supermarkets package as more cost-effective alternatives to premium lamb cuts.
One bargain hunter wrote in a post: ‘Check out the lamb offcuts vs forequarter chops…at a Woolies store in WA tonight.’
‘Offcuts only cost $7.65 compared to Lamb Forequarter Chops, which cost $13.75.’
‘Just to clarify - not saying that all lamb offcut packs are like this, this was just 1 pack that I’ve come across in WA and many people in this group have seen them around the country too.’
Members of Markdown Addicts Australia were divided on their thoughts about the quality of Offcuts but generally agreed that it had a few pros and cons.
One person argued that offcut packets are not always reliable, noting that you could get 'random bony bits' in them.
One comment read: ‘The offcuts have too much fat for my liking.’
‘Offcuts are garbage most of the time and usually more bone and fat than meat,’ another wrote.
A third chimed in: ‘Offcuts are exactly what they say they are off (sized) cuts from the animal that they couldn't package as proper cuts e.g the forequarter.’
Despite that, members did share their success with offcuts, particularly when it came to lamb loin chops.
One person shared: ‘Not always bad. Sometimes you can get really good offcut packets. I’ve brought them before and they have hardly any fat on them.’
‘This is awesome! Sometimes offcuts have more fat so I just fry them longer to burn it off. If it’s too much fat though it outweighs the benefits of it being cheaper,’ another suggested.
‘I always marinate them in mint, sugar and olive oil with a big salad. So yum.’
However, there was one other issue that the group faced: when buying directly from the shelf, they pointed out that supermarkets have been known to 'double stack' the chops, making it difficult to determine whether the bottom layer is indeed offcuts or proper forequarter chops.
One person said: ‘The offcuts are hit and miss though, just keep that in mind.’
Nevertheless, bargain hunters seemed to prefer offcuts over forequarter chops. Yet, they all agreed that it is necessary to pay close attention when selecting offcuts to ensure that one is not buying a pack of mostly fat, bones and other random unsaleable cuts.
Also, we recommend checking out this article, where we revealed some insider tips from a butcher on how to score more meat products for less money.
So, members, have you bought offcuts in the past, or have you chosen to stick with the more expensive forequarter chops? Please share your stories in the comments below!
Then you'll know that the little you save here and there can add up over time, giving you a nice lump sum you can use to treat yourself!
But while saving money is one of our favourite pastimes, no one likes being shortchanged on quality.
This is most obvious regarding your meat selection - you want to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck.
When the Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook group members discovered that a Woolworths store was selling Lamb Offcuts at almost $10 less per kilo than Lamb Forequarter Chops, they immediately began discussing the matter.
For the unfamiliar, Lamb Offcuts–as suggested by their name–are off-sized cuts of lamb that supermarkets package as more cost-effective alternatives to premium lamb cuts.
One bargain hunter wrote in a post: ‘Check out the lamb offcuts vs forequarter chops…at a Woolies store in WA tonight.’
‘Offcuts only cost $7.65 compared to Lamb Forequarter Chops, which cost $13.75.’
‘Just to clarify - not saying that all lamb offcut packs are like this, this was just 1 pack that I’ve come across in WA and many people in this group have seen them around the country too.’
Members of Markdown Addicts Australia were divided on their thoughts about the quality of Offcuts but generally agreed that it had a few pros and cons.
One person argued that offcut packets are not always reliable, noting that you could get 'random bony bits' in them.
One comment read: ‘The offcuts have too much fat for my liking.’
‘Offcuts are garbage most of the time and usually more bone and fat than meat,’ another wrote.
A third chimed in: ‘Offcuts are exactly what they say they are off (sized) cuts from the animal that they couldn't package as proper cuts e.g the forequarter.’
Despite that, members did share their success with offcuts, particularly when it came to lamb loin chops.
One person shared: ‘Not always bad. Sometimes you can get really good offcut packets. I’ve brought them before and they have hardly any fat on them.’
‘This is awesome! Sometimes offcuts have more fat so I just fry them longer to burn it off. If it’s too much fat though it outweighs the benefits of it being cheaper,’ another suggested.
‘I always marinate them in mint, sugar and olive oil with a big salad. So yum.’
However, there was one other issue that the group faced: when buying directly from the shelf, they pointed out that supermarkets have been known to 'double stack' the chops, making it difficult to determine whether the bottom layer is indeed offcuts or proper forequarter chops.
One person said: ‘The offcuts are hit and miss though, just keep that in mind.’
Key Takeaways
- Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook group members discovered that a Woolworths store was selling Lamb Offcuts at almost $10 less per kilo than Lamb Forequarter Chops, sparking a debate.
- Members had mixed opinions about the quality and value of Offcuts, with some claiming that they usually contain more bone and fat than meat, while others have had positive experiences with them.
- Some shoppers shared their tips for making the most out of the offcuts, such as marinating them in mint, sugar and olive oil with a big salad.
- Bargain hunters agreed that it is crucial to pay close attention to the offcuts when selecting them, as supermarkets have been known to 'double stack' the chops, making it difficult to determine the true contents of the package.
Nevertheless, bargain hunters seemed to prefer offcuts over forequarter chops. Yet, they all agreed that it is necessary to pay close attention when selecting offcuts to ensure that one is not buying a pack of mostly fat, bones and other random unsaleable cuts.
Also, we recommend checking out this article, where we revealed some insider tips from a butcher on how to score more meat products for less money.
So, members, have you bought offcuts in the past, or have you chosen to stick with the more expensive forequarter chops? Please share your stories in the comments below!