Saving money on meat is crucial when: A. you eat meat, B. you have a house full of other meat-eaters, and C. you have budgeted very little for food.   With our grocery budget dropping several dollars every week, saving money on each food is crucial.  A few months ago, I posted articles on saving on milk and juice.  The response to those articles tells me that food-saving ideas are welcome.  And yet another series is born!  Without further ado, here are five tips for saving on meat:

1.  Always buy meat on sale

I set up little “rules” for myself when grocery shopping.  Meat, like most other foods, must be at least half of the regular price per pound.  Then, and only then, we buy lots of it- the type and cuts we will eat.  If there is nothing useful at the price I require, we dig into what’s been stockpiled in its’ own special place in the freezer.

2.  Check the mark-down bin

My favorite store used to offer meats at half-price (they no longer do, so I just check occasionally to see if prices are back down.)  Key here is avoiding the green pieces, of course, and cooking or freezing it immediately.  Using up meat is important anyway.  I especially like cooking meats now to use later in recipes.

3.  Fish, hunt, and barter

Yes, we do love a little taste of the pioneer life- free meat that is both free-range and organic can’t be beat.  (Just be sure to check your duck for shot to save yourself the dental bills [ahem]- it happens.)  We also barter from time to time.  My husband does favors for friends that pack deer meat and occasionally lets them know we would like some.

4.  Use sparingly

Another little “rule” I set is dinners that come in under five dollars.  And serving meat as a main course is commonplace in our home.  “How in the world?” people ask.  Plenty of sides are served to help fill tummies.  These are also from scratch, on sale, bought with coupons, or free from our backyard.  We also mix in lots of beans and pasta, which reduces the amount of meat used.

5.  Seek alternatives

In addition to beans, we eat lots of eggs since our hens are laying them for free….be sure to check out my “Eating Up Eggs” recipe series each Tuesday.  Cheese and peanut butter are other protein sources that suit kids to a tee.

And please do share- how are you budgeting for meats?

Each Friday, check back for more “Top Five Ways to Save Money on…” We’ll work our way through the food groups and keep going.

Linked to Frugal Fridays