# Are there any cheap cuts of meat we can buy or is it all expensive? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [April 8, 2025, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782 "2025-04-08T05:56:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/101 "2025-04-11T15:34:24Z")
Interesting article, thanks. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/102 "2025-04-11T16:41:37Z")
It adds a little acid, though. And acid tastes good. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/103 "2025-04-11T16:50:11Z")
I 100% agree but if it is the taste you want to add I think you’d likely need more than the 1 tbsp (or whatever little amount) asked for in many recipes. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/104 "2025-04-11T17:53:54Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > But it appears that at least for now, prime rib isn’t even put out in the prepackaged meat section any more. In fact, I found it wasn’t even on display at the butcher counter. An older guy who appeared to be the head of that department told me that it was now so costly that they don’t even have prime rib roasts out for customer display any more. He said they could cut a piece for me, but the minimum single-bone piece they could cut would be at least $70 and probably more. I was at that same grocery store today and whoever gave me this information was either mistaken or exaggerating. Ironically, today when I wasn’t looking for prime rib, they not only had it, but it was on sale. I asked a different butcher about it and he said the first guy didn’t know what he was talking about. Yes, prime rib is still quite expensive, but not ridiculously so. A one-bone cut that would have been plenty for four was on sale for around $36, and a bigger piece that would easily have fed six was around $50. Far from cheap, but the occasional purchase isn’t going to break the bank, and this was well-marbled prime rib. This may not be much of an answer to the OP, but I just wanted to set the record straight that contrary to my earlier comments, prime rib is very much still out there and in ordinary supermarkets and sometimes goes on sale. Speaking of cheap, I picked up a package of lamb chops today for half price because they expire in two days. Didn’t bother me – I just threw them in the freezer because I’m going to use them to make Vindaloo lamb curry when I’m good and ready, which won’t be for awhile. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/105 "2025-04-11T18:16:13Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > It adds a little acid, though. And acid tastes good. True, I normally add about 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to a bowl of freshly made stock if I’m having it straight up with nothing but some minced green onions on top. Really brightens it up, and cuts my generally very collagen heavy broths delightfully. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/106 "2025-04-11T18:50:45Z")
Searching through the web for a site that includes a reasonably wide variety of meats, so we’re comparing apples-to-apples in terms of the sorts of decisions that the seller is making in terms of markups/glamming it up/etc. I came across this site: > **[Chicken](https://tapiarawmeatsforpetfood.com/collections/chicken)** > > tapiarawmeatsforpetfood Chicken hearts, livers, and gizzards appear to be the cheapest. Chicken hearts are probably the most delicious of those. I’m not sure I’d recommend purchasing from a pet food supply, per se, but that would indicate to me that probably - if you hunt around - you could _probably_ find hearts for the cheapest in your area. Local availability might affect it. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/107 "2025-04-14T01:32:24Z")
Searching on Gordon’s food service website, you can buy 40 pounds of chicken legs with backs attached for $27. That’s $0.68 a pound. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/108 "2025-04-14T02:24:11Z")
Around here I see chicken hearts and livers for about $2/lb, though I’ve seen as high as $4 for at least livers. Leg quarters or drumsticks are cheaper at $1/lb. I’ve always thought hearts and liver should be more expensive as that’s a lot of chickens to make a pound! ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/109 "2025-04-14T05:47:23Z")
I looked at the prices for various off-cuts of meat at the local (Toronto/North York) grocery store the other day. The cheapest seemed to be pig kidneys at $1.79/lb. Pig and beef hearts were not very expensive either. Tripe was not cheap at all, starting at $5.50/lb for the cheapest type and going up from there. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/110 "2025-04-14T12:41:16Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Pork tenderloin, the filet mignon of pork, is _much_ cheaper than beef tenderloin, and if cooked properly is delicious-- use a meat thermometer and cook to no more than 145 degrees internal temp. 160 and it’s dried out and not nearly as good. Bought a pork tenderloin this weekend on sale for $3.99/lb. Gave it a spice rub with shawarma spices and grilled it. Yummy. ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/111 "2025-04-14T13:00:41Z")
> [@hogarth](#): > > I looked at the prices for various off-cuts of meat at the local (Toronto/North York) grocery store the other day. The cheapest seemed to be pig kidneys at $1.79/lb. Pig and beef hearts were not very expensive either. Tripe was not cheap at all, starting at $5.50/lb for the cheapest type and going up from there. Is this a “mainstream” grocery store? Loblaws, Sobeys, No Frills, Food Basics? I don’t think any mainstream American grocery stores would carry those items at all. Kroger, Safeway, Meijer, Publix, etc. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/112 "2025-04-14T13:35:38Z")
> [@Mighty\_Mouse](#): > > Is this a “mainstream” grocery store? Loblaws, Sobeys, No Frills, Food Basics? No Frills. This would be in an “ethnic” neighbourhood (Persian, Korean, Chinese, etc.), for what it’s worth. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/113 "2025-04-14T13:38:14Z")
> [@Mighty\_Mouse](#): > > Is this a “mainstream” grocery store? Loblaws… Bob Loblaws? ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/114 "2025-04-14T14:20:03Z")
I have noticed that big chains in Canada do a lot better customization of assortment to micro-market demographics than the American chains do. I went to a few grocery stores in an area where it seemed the population was heavily South Indian (including Indo-Guyanese/Trinidadian) but the stores did not reflect this at all. That market was seemingly left to the Indian and Caribbean stores. In France and UK I also noticed there was a lot more customization in locations of chains (Tesco & Carrefour) operating in heavily South Asian, North African or Afro Caribbean areas. I’m a long time retail employee, so this is how I spend my vacations. ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/115 "2025-04-14T14:40:22Z")
> [@Mighty\_Mouse](#): > > I don’t think any mainstream American grocery stores would carry those items at all. Kroger, Safeway, Meijer, Publix, etc. FWIW, my local Kroger affiliate (Smith’s) always has tripe and tongue available, alongside the normal muscle cuts. No hearts/kidneys/livers though. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/116 "2025-04-14T14:43:57Z")
My local farm store sells pretty much all parts of the animals or has slaughtered. It’s the only place i know if where i can buy a pound of chicken hearts. But only shortly after a big chicken harvest. And everything there is expensive. (And actually, i can’t recall seeing tripe or brain. I’ve seen livers, kidneys, and hearts of many animals, though. Also tongue and tail) ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/117 "2025-04-14T14:51:54Z")
Canadian grocers do a good job of catering to niche ethnic markets. T&T is an Asian supermarket that became popular in Toronto and Vancouver. Loblaws, the biggest Canadian grocer, bought them out and has their products in other stores. Canada has a growing South Asian population. Although they have many small grocers, large grocery stores carry the most popular products. I could go into any Canadian grocery and buy frozen curry, lemongrass, shrimp paste, oxtail, liver and hearts, scotch bonnets, etc. I’m not sure this is unique to Canada. I’ve read grocery stores carry seven times the number of products that they did just thirty years ago - a fact I find astonishing. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/118 "2025-04-14T14:52:04Z")
> [@Kron](#): > > FWIW, my local Kroger affiliate (Smith’s) always has tripe Is there any good recipe ever for tripe? My grandma would make it and it was awful. That and shit-on-a-shingle. I loved my grandma but was always worried when she would babysit for us. I’m fine with offal (mostly) but never tripe. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/119 "2025-04-14T14:52:53Z")
Tripe is good in soup. Mexican soups like menudo, and Vietnamese soups like pho. If tripe is similar to haggis, I’ve also had it when friends held Scottish poetry parties. I can stomach it, but washing it down with whiskey helps. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782/120 "2025-04-14T14:56:28Z")
Tripe is a primary ingredient of [Pepper Pot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper_pot_soup). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cheap-cuts-of-meat-we-can-buy-or-is-it-all-expensive/1016782.md?page=7)