{"id":1264,"date":"2026-06-05T13:04:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T13:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arizonamovinginsider.com\/?p=1264"},"modified":"2026-06-05T13:04:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T13:04:00","slug":"how-to-save-money-on-protein-this-summer-with-beef-near-all-time-highs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arizonamovinginsider.com\/?p=1264","title":{"rendered":"How to save money on protein this summer, with beef near all-time highs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Steak and other proteins are not cheap, with many cuts running more than $20 a pound. But there are ways to get quality protein for less this summer.<\/p>\n

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We visited a grocery store, ETC Produce, with dietitian Kayla Pasquale, to find some affordable alternatives to beef that can deliver the same nutritional value at a lower cost.<\/p>\n

“Things like chicken, or pork, or even some of our fish like tuna and salmon are great options,” she said. “Same protein but at a lower price point.”<\/p>\n

Pasquale said chicken is one of the best beef substitutes, and shoppers can save even more by skipping boneless skinless breasts in favor of whole birds or thighs.<\/p>\n

“I know it can sound intimidating but knowing how to roast a whole chicken \u2014 you really get a lot of bang for your buck,” she said.<\/p>\n

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If cooking a whole chicken is too much, she said, “Chicken thighs are very affordable and very flavorful.”<\/p>\n

Beans and lentils are also among the least expensive protein sources available and work well in soups and salads. <\/p>\n

Pasquale also recommends dairy options for breakfast or lunch. <\/p>\n

“We’ve also got Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, those are in the dairy group,” she said.<\/p>\n

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WATCH: We go through a grocery store to find cheaper ways to get your protein:<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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Save on protein, with beef prices near all time highs<\/div>\n
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Ways to save on summer cookouts<\/b><\/p>\n

For summer parties and cookouts, Kristin McGrath of The Krazy Coupon Lady said shoppers should let weekly sales drive their menu planning.<\/p>\n

“If chicken is on sale that week and you’ve got a barbecue coming up, well, you should plan your entire menu around chicken.”<\/p>\n

Timing matters as much as what you buy. McGrath recommends getting to know your local butcher and asking about manager specials \u2014 discounted meat marked down near its best-by date.<\/p>\n

“See which day of the week they mark those down so you can get in early in the morning and get first dibs.”<\/p>\n

Pasquale said those discounted cuts do not need to be used right away. <\/p>\n

“Your freezer is your friend, so throw it in there,” she said.<\/p>\n

RELATED STORY | <\/b>Why is beef and other meat so expensive right now?<\/b><\/p>\n

According to McGrath, it will remain fresh for up to four months (some cuts of beef last longer, but four months is a good rule of thumb).<\/p>\n

Stocking the freezer with marked-down steaks and chicken means affordable protein will be ready to grill all summer long.<\/p>\n

And that way you don’t waste your money.
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