Economical ways to buy meats and meat substitutes

  • legumes.jpgReady-to-cook and cooked meats are more expensive (e.g. marinated, hot chickens). Buy plain meats and prepare them yourself.
  • Buy lean meats. Remember to still drain the excess fat after cooking.
  • Use canned fish mixed with other ingredients to help it go further, as fillings for lunches in; rolls, sandwiches, quesadillas or salads e.g. a lite mayo and some grated carrot and parsley.
  • Extend your protein dollars by eating two or more meatless meals weekly.
  • Add lentils to your meat dishes as fillers – mostly no one will even notice that the lasagne is a mix of mince and brown lentils!
  • Soups, stews, chilli bean mix and spaghetti bolognaise are some of the types of sauces that can help you stretch your food dollars further and make filling meals – because you are using more veggies and potatoes or rice and less meat. They can be made in bulk and frozen to use on those days that you are looking for a quick meal!
  • New Zealanders are big meat eaters and often eat more than the recommended serving size of 100-120g meat per day. By reducing your serving sizes you can help your budget and your nutrition.
  • Buy whole chickens instead of portions.  You will find you can get two meals for the price of one, by using the leftovers for a stir-fry or fried rice.
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