Discount or no discount, the ranking of these eight affordable cuts of meat will help you make a more informed choice. Here they are, priced per 100 g, from least to most expensive, at the time this article was written:
- 1. Chicken thighs with skin: $0.90/100 g
- 2. Whole chicken: $1.00/100g
- 3. Chicken drumsticks with skin: $1.20/100 g
- 4. Lean ground pork: $1.30/100 g
- 5. Boneless pork chops: $1.50/100 g
- 6. Lean ground beef: $1.80/100 g
- 7. French beef roast: $2.50/100 g
- 8. Chuck steak: $2.70/100 g
1. Affordable ground pork
Ground pork often stands out as a winner when it comes to low-priced meats. It’s one of the tastiest and is great for preparing easy recipes. It’s perfect in stir-fries and for meatballs that can be made ahead of time and frozen raw to be enjoyed for weeks to come.
Chinese Cuisine
Dan Dan-Style Asian Noodles with Pork
Budget Recipes
Green Bean and Ground Pork Stir-Fry
2. All-encompassing chicken
Opt for chicken drumsticks and thighs with skin on, because it protects the meat and keeps it from drying out. It’s also convenient as they’re often cheaper, especially when sold in family packs. This allows you to buy in bulk, divide them up, and freeze.
Spicy Recipes
Sesame-Crusted Chicken Drumsticks with Spicy Lemon Sauce
Sheet-Pan Recipes
Honey-Garlic Chicken Drumsticks
3. Choose chops
You can always count on pork chops as a reliable cut of meat where cost is concerned. Select ones that have a layer of fat and a nice thickness, which helps maintain their texture and tenderness after they’ve been cooked.
30-Minute Recipes
Pork Chop with Cherry Tomatoes
4. Reliable beef
Beef shoulder is often on sale, especially when the colder weather (a.k.a. stew season!) arrives. It’s great for recipes with a long cooking time. Once cooked, the meat can be pulled apart easily with a fork.
BATCH COOKING
Korean-Style Braised Beef
Slow Cooker recipes
Slow Cooker Stewed Beef and Tomatoes
Are you looking for even more tips on how to save money at the meat counter? Be sure to read this article: