16 Savvy Ways to Save Money on Meat | Tips Every Carnivore Should Know

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Meat prices are getting ridiculous.

Some days, it feels like I need to take out a small loan just to buy a pack of chicken thighs. But before you start rationing your bacon like it’s the Great Depression, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to help you keep your fridge stocked without blowing your grocery budget – especially if you are on the popular Carnivore Diet.

From smart shopping hacks to a few unconventional (but genius) ideas, here are 16 ways to save money on meat—so you can keep those steaks sizzling without breaking the bank.

Tip #1 | Buy in Bulk & Portion It Like a Pro

Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club are basically meat lover’s heaven. Sure, buying a 10-pound log of ground beef might feel excessive, but trust me, your future self will thank you.

• Money-saving move: Portion your bulk buy into meal-sized servings, wrap them up, and freeze for easy access. Bonus points if you label them like a meal-prep wizard.

Tip #2 | Befriend Your Local Butcher (Seriously, Do It)

Grocery store butchers know all the secrets—like when the best sales happen, which cuts are the best bang for your buck, and sometimes, they’ll even toss in a little extra if you ask nicely.

• Pro tip: Ask for budget-friendly “butcher’s cuts” like chuck eye steak or pork shoulder—cheap, flavorful, and totally underrated.

Saving Tip #3 |Check the “Oops, We Need to Sell This Fast” Section

Most grocery stores have a markdown bin for meat that’s about to hit its sell-by date. If you’re willing to cook or freeze it that day, you can snag some serious discounts.

• Timing tip: Shop early in the morning or late at night when markdowns are freshest.

Saving Tip #4 | Embrace the Lesser-Known Cuts

Everyone’s after boneless, skinless chicken breasts and ribeye steaks, but that’s why they’re pricey. Instead, go for bone-in chicken thighs, pork shoulder, brisket, or beef shank—cheaper and just as delicious when cooked right.

• Slow-cooker magic: Toss a tough cut in a slow cooker or pressure cooker, and watch it turn into something tender and juicy.

Money Saving Tip #5 | Buy Whole Chickens (Yes, You Can Do This)

A whole chicken costs way less per pound than buying pre-cut parts. With a little practice, you can break it down yourself and use every single part—including the bones for homemade broth.

• Extra savings: Roast one for dinner, shred the leftovers for lunches, then use the carcass for soup. Maximum meat efficiency.

Saving Tip #6 | Shop at Discount Grocery Stores

If you’ve been sleeping on Aldi or Lidl, wake up. These stores often have quality meats at lower prices than big-name supermarkets.

• Secret tip: Meat markdowns usually happen in the morning, so grab your coffee and hit the store early.

Money Saving Tip #7 | Buy Direct from Local Farmers

Buying a quarter or half cow from a local farmer might sound intense, but it’s one of the best ways to get high-quality beef at a lower price per pound. Just make sure you have enough freezer space (or a friend to split it with!).

• Where to look: Check out local farmers’ markets or online farm directories like EatWild.com.

Money Saving Tip #8 | Cow Pooling: Share & Save

No, this doesn’t mean throwing a pool party for cows. It means splitting the cost of a whole cow with friends or family so everyone gets a variety of cuts at a lower price per pound.

• Bonus: You’ll end up with a mix of steaks, roasts, and ground beef—no boring weeknight meals here.

PRO TIP: If you just google “cow pooling near me” you’ll be AMAZED at how many options are available. I just did a search in the Atlanta area and dozens and dozens of options appearl

Savings Tip #9 | Take Advantage of Holiday Sales

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even Fourth of July bring insane meat discounts. Stock up when stores basically give away turkey, ham, or beef roasts.

• Smart move: Freeze extra turkeys or hams for meals throughout the year.

Savings Tip #10 | Mix in Budget-Friendly Proteins (Carnivore Dieters: Ignore this one!)

Want to make your meat go further? Stretch it with eggs, beans, mushrooms, or quinoa.

• Example: Swap half the ground beef in tacos with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms—it bulks up the dish without sacrificing flavor.

Savings Tip #11 | Sign Up for Store Rewards & Digital Coupons

Most grocery stores have free rewards programs that give you personalized meat discounts. Don’t sleep on those digital coupons either—some stores even offer BOGO meat deals if you pay attention.

• Savings tip: Stack a store sale with a coupon for double the discount.

Savings Tip #12 | Hunt for Your Own Meat (If You’re Into That Sort of Thing)

If you’re outdoorsy, hunting can be a game-changer (pun intended). Venison, elk, or even wild turkey can fill your freezer for months. If can get expensive you hire someone to process all the meat for you, so if you can do it yourself, that’s a big bonus.

• Not into hunting? Find a hunter friend who’s willing to share, or check local butchers who process wild game.

Savings Tip #13 | Use Freezer & Vacuum Seal Magic

The biggest enemy of budget meat shopping? Freezer burn. If you’re going to stock up, do it right.

• Best practices: Use freezer-safe bags, label everything, and squeeze out extra air to keep meat fresh. You may want to consider investing in a vacuum sealer. There are some really affordable options out there like this one….

Tip #14 | Buy From Restaurant Supply Stores

Some restaurant supply stores, like Restaurant Depot, sell meat at wholesale prices—no restaurant ownership required (in some locations, at least).

• Insider trick: Call ahead and ask if they offer one-day passes or memberships for non-business customers.

Tip #15 | Find a Meat CSA (Yes, That’s a Thing)

Did you know some Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs offer meat shares? You pay upfront for a monthly delivery of farm-fresh meat, often at a discount.

• Where to look: Check local farm co-ops or sites like LocalHarvest.org.

Tip #16 | Try Canned Fish & Shelf-Stable Proteins

Canned sardines, mackerel, salmon, or tuna are cheap, nutritious, and packed with protein. Perfect for quick meals when fresh meat isn’t in the budget.

• Budget-friendly recipe: Mash up sardines with avocado, lemon juice, and salt for an easy spread.

Final Thoughts: You CAN Eat Meat Without Going Broke

Meat prices might be high, but with a little strategy and creativity, you can still eat well without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re shopping smart, buying in bulk, or getting a little unconventional (hello, cow pooling), there’s a way to make meat work on any budget.

Now go forth and stock your freezer—your wallet will thank you.

FAQs: How to Save Money on Meat When Eating a Carnivore Diet

Q: How can I afford to eat a high-protein, all-meat diet without going broke?
A: The key is buying in bulk, shopping strategically, and choosing budget-friendly cuts. Warehouse stores like Costco offer bulk ground beef and chicken thighs at a fraction of grocery store prices. Also, check local butchers or farms for bulk packages, half cows, or even cow pooling to score high-quality meat at wholesale prices.

Q: What are the cheapest meats I should focus on for the Carnivore Diet?
A: Stick with fattier, tougher cuts that are both affordable and packed with nutrients. Some of the best budget-friendly carnivore meats include:

• Ground beef (80/20 or fattier for better satiety)
• Chicken thighs or whole chickens (cheaper than chicken breasts)
• Pork shoulder and pork belly (flavorful and high in fat)
• Beef chuck roast (great for slow cooking)
• Organ meats (liver, heart, and kidney are nutrient powerhouses and super cheap!)

Q: Where can I find the best deals on high-quality meat?
A: Besides Costco, Sam’s Club, and Aldi, here are some great ways to get high-quality meat at lower prices:

• Local butcher shops – Ask about bulk discounts or end-of-day markdowns.
• Farms & CSAs – Buy a quarter or half cow for a significant price break per pound.
• Restaurant supply stores – Some allow non-business shoppers to buy meat in bulk.
• Online meat subscriptions – ButcherBox and US Wellness Meats often run promotions for bulk buys.
• Grocery store markdowns – Go early in the morning or late at night to grab meat at a discount before sell-by dates.

Q: How do I store all this meat if I’m buying in bulk?
A: Invest in a chest freezer—it’s the best decision you’ll ever make for long-term savings.

• Divide bulk meat into meal-sized portions and vacuum-seal or use freezer-safe bags.
• Label everything so you don’t end up with a mysterious meat mystery box in six months.
• Keep track of expiration dates and rotate stock—first in, first out!

Q: I don’t like eating the same thing every day. How can I mix things up while sticking to Carnivore?
A: Even with limited ingredients, you can switch up textures and flavors:

• Try different cooking methods – Grill, sear, slow-cook, air-fry, or make broths.
• Experiment with seasonings – While strict carnivores skip seasonings, others use butter, salt, tallow, bone broth, or even a little garlic powder for variety.
• Use different meat sources – Rotate between beef, pork, chicken, lamb, seafood, and organ meats to prevent meal boredom.

Q: What’s the best way to get high-quality steak without paying a fortune?
A: Skip the ribeye (unless it’s on sale) and opt for chuck eye steak—it’s known as the “poor man’s ribeye” but tastes just as rich. Also, check out:

• Flat iron steak – Tender and more affordable than filet.
• Picanha – A flavorful, fatty cut that’s much cheaper than sirloin.
• Sirloin tip – Less expensive than sirloin but still delicious when cooked right.

Q: Are there any high-fat, budget-friendly meats for Carnivore?
A: Yep! Fatty cuts tend to be cheaper AND keep you full longer. Look for:

• Pork belly (cheaper than bacon, but just as tasty)
• Beef brisket (a little patience and a slow cooker = magic)
• 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef (higher fat keeps you full and satisfied)
• Chicken drumsticks (fatty, flavorful, and often on sale)

Q: What if I want to eat grass-fed beef but can’t afford it?
A: Grass-fed beef is great, but don’t stress if it’s out of your budget—regular beef still has plenty of nutrients.

• Compromise tip: Buy conventional ground beef for everyday meals but splurge on grass-fed organ meats (like liver), which are super nutrient-dense and often much cheaper.
• Find local deals: Check with farms directly—some have affordable grass-fed bulk packages that cost less per pound than grocery store prices.

Q: What about seafood? How can I eat fish on a budget?
A: Fresh seafood can be pricey, but these affordable options keep your budget intact:

• Canned fish – Sardines, tuna, and salmon are cheap, packed with omega-3s, and perfect for a quick protein boost.
• Frozen wild-caught fish – Often cheaper than fresh, and just as nutritious.
• Bulk-buy shrimp – Check warehouse stores for frozen bags of wild-caught shrimp at great prices.
• Buy in season – Some fish (like salmon) are cheaper at certain times of the year. Stock up and freeze when prices drop!

Q: Is it worth hunting for meat?
A: If you’re up for it, hunting is one of the most cost-effective ways to get high-quality meat. Venison, elk, wild boar, and duck are lean, rich in protein, and free once you’ve covered the initial costs (licenses, gear, processing). If you’re not into hunting, find a hunter friend—they often have extra meat to share.

Q: What’s the cheapest way to add variety to my Carnivore meals?
A: Here’s a trick: Use animal fats like butter, beef tallow, or pork lard to add richness and depth to your meals. They’re cheap, full of flavor, and help keep you full longer. Plus, you can make your own bone broth from leftover bones for an easy, nutrient-packed addition to any meal.

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