Insider tips from a butcher on how to get more meat for less money!
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As the cost of living hits an all-time high, shoppers across the country are increasingly looking for ways to save money on the basic items they need.
The most expensive items in the household budget after rent or mortgage payments and utilities are food costs, with one of the biggest budget drainers coming in the form of meat.
For most of us, it's impossible to do without protein-rich dishes, but with prices for even basic cuts of meat on the rise, it's no wonder so many shoppers are feeling the pinch.
Well, if you're looking for some tips on how to get more bang for your buck, then we may have the perfect solution. Recently a Brisbane shopper named Danielle shared a wonderful piece of advice on her Facebook page.
It seems her regular butcher sent their customers an email with five money-saving tips.
So what are these tips, we hear you ask? Well, here they are:
1. Buy in bulk
Buying meat in bulk from a trusted butcher can be a great way to save money on groceries, as long as you have the proper storage and planning in place to make the most of your purchase.
Many butchers get a better deal when they buy meat in bulk and they pass on these savings to their customers. That is why it’s generally better value to buy in bulk. But make sure you have enough space in your freezer to keep it in. This will help ensure that the meat stays fresh for as long as possible.
2. Portion it as soon as you can
When you buy meat in bulk, it's important to divide it up into meal-sized portions as soon as you get home. This will not only help you stay organised and ensure that you have the right amount of meat for each meal, but it will also help preserve the quality and freshness of the meat.
To divide the meat up into portions, you can use a kitchen scale to weigh out the desired amount for each meal. This can vary depending on your specific needs, but a standard portion size is around 100 to 150 grams of meat per person, according to the butcher. You can also use your judgement based on your family's preferences and the recipes you plan to make.
Once you've portioned out the meat, it's important to store it properly to prevent freezer burn and other forms of spoilage. Freezer-safe plastic bags or zip-lock bags are a great option for this, as they are easy to use and provide a tight seal that helps prevent air from getting in.
When storing the meat in the bags, make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. This can be done by squeezing out the air or by using a vacuum sealer if you have one. Label each bag with the type of meat and the date it was packaged, so you can easily keep track of what you have in the freezer and how long it has been stored.
3. Pre-cut your meat before freezing
If you pre-cut your meat before freezing it, you can save yourself time and hassle later on when it comes time to prepare your meals.
When meat is frozen in large portions, it can be difficult to cut it into smaller pieces when it is still frozen. This can result in uneven pieces, or even worse, a knife slipping and causing injury.
By pre-cutting your meat before freezing it, you can avoid this problem entirely. You can cut the meat as desired and then freeze each portion separately. This makes it much easier to use the meat in your recipes, as you can simply take out the pre-cut portions you need and use them right away.
For example, if you're planning to make a stir-fry, you can pre-cut your beef or chicken into thin strips and freeze them in small portions. When it comes time to cook, you can take out the amount you need and add it directly to your hot pan.
You can also consider marinating the meat before freezing it, which can add flavour and tenderness to the final product.
4. Bulk up your mince
According to the butcher, a portion size of 150 grams of minced meat is enough for one person.
If you're looking to make your meat go further, you can bulk up your mince with other ingredients, such as canned beans or lentils.
For example, if you're making spaghetti bolognese, you can add a can of red kidney beans to your minced beef. This not only adds additional protein and fibre to the dish but also helps to make the meat go further. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavour profile.
5. Join rewards programs
If you're someone who frequently shops at a specific butcher, it's worth looking into any rewards programs offered. Many grocery stores and butchers offer loyalty programs to their customers as a way to encourage repeat business.
These rewards programs often allow you to earn points or credits for each purchase you make. These points can then be redeemed for discounts on future purchases, free items, or other rewards.
Signing up for a rewards program is often free, and can be done either in-store or online.
You never know until you ask!
With these simple and effective tips, you can save money on meat and make the most out of every purchase. We're confident that these will help you keep your household budget under control and have plenty of delicious meals to please all palates without bursting your budget.
Members, we want to hear from you too! Do you have any additional tips to add to the list? Leave a comment below and let us know - we love hearing from you!
The most expensive items in the household budget after rent or mortgage payments and utilities are food costs, with one of the biggest budget drainers coming in the form of meat.
For most of us, it's impossible to do without protein-rich dishes, but with prices for even basic cuts of meat on the rise, it's no wonder so many shoppers are feeling the pinch.
Well, if you're looking for some tips on how to get more bang for your buck, then we may have the perfect solution. Recently a Brisbane shopper named Danielle shared a wonderful piece of advice on her Facebook page.
It seems her regular butcher sent their customers an email with five money-saving tips.
A butcher shared five clever money-saving tips to stretch your meat budget further, without jeopardising the quality of your meals. Credit: Unsplash/Gabriella Clare Marino.
So what are these tips, we hear you ask? Well, here they are:
1. Buy in bulk
Buying meat in bulk from a trusted butcher can be a great way to save money on groceries, as long as you have the proper storage and planning in place to make the most of your purchase.
Many butchers get a better deal when they buy meat in bulk and they pass on these savings to their customers. That is why it’s generally better value to buy in bulk. But make sure you have enough space in your freezer to keep it in. This will help ensure that the meat stays fresh for as long as possible.
2. Portion it as soon as you can
When you buy meat in bulk, it's important to divide it up into meal-sized portions as soon as you get home. This will not only help you stay organised and ensure that you have the right amount of meat for each meal, but it will also help preserve the quality and freshness of the meat.
To divide the meat up into portions, you can use a kitchen scale to weigh out the desired amount for each meal. This can vary depending on your specific needs, but a standard portion size is around 100 to 150 grams of meat per person, according to the butcher. You can also use your judgement based on your family's preferences and the recipes you plan to make.
Once you've portioned out the meat, it's important to store it properly to prevent freezer burn and other forms of spoilage. Freezer-safe plastic bags or zip-lock bags are a great option for this, as they are easy to use and provide a tight seal that helps prevent air from getting in.
When storing the meat in the bags, make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. This can be done by squeezing out the air or by using a vacuum sealer if you have one. Label each bag with the type of meat and the date it was packaged, so you can easily keep track of what you have in the freezer and how long it has been stored.
Pre-cutting your meat before freezing it can be a great way to save time and effort in the kitchen. Credit: Unsplash/Kyle Mackie.
3. Pre-cut your meat before freezing
If you pre-cut your meat before freezing it, you can save yourself time and hassle later on when it comes time to prepare your meals.
When meat is frozen in large portions, it can be difficult to cut it into smaller pieces when it is still frozen. This can result in uneven pieces, or even worse, a knife slipping and causing injury.
By pre-cutting your meat before freezing it, you can avoid this problem entirely. You can cut the meat as desired and then freeze each portion separately. This makes it much easier to use the meat in your recipes, as you can simply take out the pre-cut portions you need and use them right away.
For example, if you're planning to make a stir-fry, you can pre-cut your beef or chicken into thin strips and freeze them in small portions. When it comes time to cook, you can take out the amount you need and add it directly to your hot pan.
You can also consider marinating the meat before freezing it, which can add flavour and tenderness to the final product.
Adding extra ingredients such as beans will help you stretch your mince further, and make the meals more nutritious too. Credit: Pexels/Angele J.
4. Bulk up your mince
According to the butcher, a portion size of 150 grams of minced meat is enough for one person.
If you're looking to make your meat go further, you can bulk up your mince with other ingredients, such as canned beans or lentils.
For example, if you're making spaghetti bolognese, you can add a can of red kidney beans to your minced beef. This not only adds additional protein and fibre to the dish but also helps to make the meat go further. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavour profile.
5. Join rewards programs
If you're someone who frequently shops at a specific butcher, it's worth looking into any rewards programs offered. Many grocery stores and butchers offer loyalty programs to their customers as a way to encourage repeat business.
These rewards programs often allow you to earn points or credits for each purchase you make. These points can then be redeemed for discounts on future purchases, free items, or other rewards.
Signing up for a rewards program is often free, and can be done either in-store or online.
You never know until you ask!
Members, we want to hear from you too! Do you have any additional tips to add to the list? Leave a comment below and let us know - we love hearing from you!
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