Is It Cheaper To Buy Meat From A Butcher Or Grocery Store?

Meat is one of the most expensive line items in many Americans' grocery budgets, which means any ways to cut costs in this protein-packed category are especially welcome. With beef prices skyrocketing and grocery prices on the rise, shoppers may wonder if old-school butcher shops can be a cheaper alternative to the supermarket meat aisle. Many meat buyers are aware that there is a difference between butcher and grocery store meats. Smaller local butcher shops often offer fresher and higher quality products than their big box counterparts, but from a purely financial perspective, does shopping for meat at a butcher shop check out?

We won't butcher words: while prices vary widely, butcher shops tend to skew slightly more expensive than grocery stores on average. However, there are several sizable caveats to keep in mind. For one thing, it depends on the supermarket — if you're shopping at one of America's most overpriced grocery stores, your local butcher could very likely be far more budget-friendly. The price difference also depends heavily on what kind of meat you're buying. Many customers agree that butchers are often better for less in-demand (aka more interesting) cuts of meat. For example, while boneless skinless chicken breast might be cheaper at the supermarket, you're much more likely to find a great deal on something like beef tongue or pork liver at your local butcher.

Shopping at your local butcher could very possibly save you some dough in many meat-buying situations. One benefit of butcher shops is that you can usually buy the exact amount of meat you need for a recipe, so that you're not left with an awkward amount of precious protein that goes to waste in the back of your fridge. Additionally, many customers find that butcher shops offer competitive prices on less commonly requested or fattier cuts of meat and conveniently prepared products like meatballs and flavored sausages.

One of the best parts of shopping at your local butcher is that you can develop a relationship with the workers. Chatting with your butcher isn't just socially satisfying; it can also help you score meaty money-saving secrets. You can ask your butcher which cuts of meat are the best bang for your buck, what time of day or days of the week you might find discounted products, and even advice and recipe suggestions to make the most of your protein. 

While not every butcher may be so forthcoming, many are more than happy to share their professional expertise (if you're looking for a tasty way to start the conversation, try making this beef request for the tastiest burger possible). Buying meat from a butcher won't always be cheaper than the supermarket, but if you know what to look for and ask for, you could score some meaty savings.