Meat prices are on the rise, but a local Cleveland butcher says there are still smart ways to save.
Hank Kornblut runs a butcher and sandwich shop, Mister Brisket, in Cleveland Heights. He says rising costs for water, grain, and cattle are driving up prices at the meat counter, but buying smarter can help.
His top tips:
Buy in bulk: Purchasing an entire tenderloin and having it cut into filets (and trimmings ground) can lower your cost per meal. Work with your butcher: Local shops offer custom cuts you wont always get at big chains. Look for value cuts: A chuck steak, for example, can be cubed for stewssome grocery stores like Giant Eagle will even cut it for free. Dont sacrifice quality: Bad meat spoils quickly. If it doesnt smell right or looks off, skip iteven if its cheap.
If you buy something thats inexpensive and you end up throwing it away because you dont use it right away then youre wasting money, Kornblut said.
Grocery prices continue to strain household budgets, and that’s exactly why we have launched a weekly price tracker to help you save before you shop.
Each week, well visit Meijer, Giant Eagle, Aldi, Walmart, Heinen’s and Dave’s Market, checking prices on everyday essentials.
Those include: 2% milk, a loaf of wheat bread, chicken price per pound, ground beef tray or patty per pound (80% lean 20% fat), 12 dozen white eggs, and toasted oats cereal.
If you’re willing to shop around, you can snag even deeper discounts on meat, dairy, and pantry goods.
<img src=”https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/22936070/thumbnail” width=”100%” alt=”chart visualization” />
Were also giving you a chance to see how your favorite stores stack up week to week. Well compare how grocery prices change at each store on a weekly basis.
Here’s how prices compare across stores this week:
Meijer
<img src=”https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/23057638/thumbnail” width=”100%” alt=”chart visualization” />
Giant Eagle
<img src=”https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/23057788/thumbnail” width=”100%” alt=”chart visualization” />
Aldi
<img src=”https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/23057838/thumbnail” width=”100%” alt=”chart visualization” />
Walmart
<img src=”https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/23057908/thumbnail” width=”100%” alt=”chart visualization” />
Heinens
<img src=”https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/23057953/thumbnail” width=”100%” alt=”chart visualization” />
Dave’s Market
<img src=”https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/23058033/thumbnail” width=”100%” alt=”chart visualization” />
From buy-one-get-one-free meat deals to cereal under $2, our Dont Waste Your Money team will be keeping an eye on store shelves and sharing what we find.
Find a better deal? We want to hear from you! Submit your finds through the form below. If you beat our prices, well feature them.
And if youre a savvy shopper, always chasing the best deals, we may even join you on your next grocery run.