Beat rising beef prices with Food and Meat Co-op. Shop affordable beef, bulk meat savings, grassfed beef, and the best beef co-op prices online.
If you’ve walked through the meat aisle recently, you’ve probably felt the sting of higher prices. Beef, in particular, has reached record levels, and it’s leaving many families wondering how to keep serving their favorite meals without breaking the bank.
This isn’t just a local issue—it’s happening across the country. Ranchers are facing drought conditions, higher feed costs, and smaller herds. In fact, there are fewer cattle in the U.S. today than at any point in the last 70 years. Add to that strong consumer demand for beef, and the result is simple economics: low supply + high demand = high prices.
The result? Ground beef climbing past $6 a pound and steaks topping $11 a pound in many grocery stores. Even wholesale markets are reporting some of the highest costs ever recorded.
But here’s the good news: there is a way to fight back against these rising prices—and it doesn’t involve cutting beef entirely off the menu.
At the Food and Meat Co-op, our unique buying model gives families access to affordable beef. By pooling our buying power, working directly with suppliers, and keeping overhead low, we’ve been able to slow down price increases in ways traditional grocery stores can’t. The more people who join the co-op, the stronger we all become—and the more we can shield one another from these big market spikes.
Let’s take a look at how this works, plus some practical ways you can still enjoy beef without overspending.
Why Co-Op Buying Beats Grocery Store Prices
Traditional grocery stores have a lot of extra costs baked into their prices: shipping to warehouses, storage, distribution, and retail markup. When beef prices climb, all of those layers stack additional costs on top.
With our co-op, we work directly with suppliers and local meat processors. This cuts out middlemen and lets us pass the savings directly to our members. On average, families save 20–50% on beef compared to grocery store prices depending on the cut. That’s a real win when families are looking for bulk meat savings that last.
That’s the first big adjustment many households are making: switching their beef purchases to the Food and Meat Co-op. But we also know that even with savings, beef is still expensive in today’s market. That’s where smart swaps come in.
Smart Beef Swaps That Stretch Your Dollar
Sometimes, a small adjustment in what you buy—or how you cook—can make a huge difference in your grocery bill. Here are four swap ideas to help your family keep enjoying beef without paying top dollar.
Swap #1 – Stretch Your Beef with Ground Pork
Ground beef is one of the most versatile staples in the kitchen, but it can also be one of the priciest right now. One of the best tricks to stretch your beef (without losing flavor) is to mix it with ground pork.
At the co-op, we offer Ground Sirloin. Pair this with a case of Ground Pork, and you’ve got a winning combo.
Not only does mixing pork into your recipes lower the cost per meal, but it actually enhances flavor. Burgers, tacos, spaghetti sauce, meatloaf—try using a half-and-half blend and see if your family even notices (spoiler: they’ll probably say it tastes better).
Buy a case of each and you’ll be surprised at how far your bulk ground beef will stretch.
Swap #2 – Hand-Made Patties Instead of Pre-Made Burgers
If you love our Cloud Burger Patties, you’re not alone—they’re a customer favorite. But if you’re looking to cut costs without giving up that juicy burger experience, consider switching to our Hand-Made Ground Sirloin Patties.
These patties are crafted fresh from real steak trim, giving you a bold, hearty flavor at a lower price per patty. You still get that satisfying burger bite—just with more savings (and maybe a little extra pride when you tell your guests you’re grilling hand-made burgers).
Swap #3 – Steak Night, Smarter
Ribeye steaks are incredible—there’s no denying it. But they’re also one of the most expensive cuts, and prices climb quickly when supply is low.
A smart alternative is Top Sirloin Steaks. They’re tender, flavorful, and perfect for grilling or skillet cooking, but they come in at a much more budget-friendly price. You still get that classic steak dinner your family loves, while keeping more money in your pocket.
And if ribeyes are non-negotiable for your family? The co-op still offers some of the best beef co-op prices available, saving you significantly compared to grocery stores.
Swap #4 – Switch to Local Grassfed Beef
Here’s a surprising fact: in today’s market, local grassfed beef can actually be more affordable than conventional grocery store beef.
When you buy our grassfed beef, you’re not just getting fresh, high-quality meat—you’re supporting farmers and ranchers in Utah and nearby states. Grassfed beef is naturally flavorful, nutrient-rich, and raised in a way that benefits both animals and the land.
Even better? Right now, the average price per pound is equal to or less than conventional beef in many stores. That means you can upgrade to grassfed while still saving money.
Buy Bigger, Save Bigger
If your freezer has the space, one of the best ways to lower your beef costs is to buy beef in bulk online. For example, our 40 lb case of 80/20 natural ground beef is currently available for less than $5 per pound (at least for right now!).
Buying larger cases means fewer trips to the store, more meals on hand, and a better overall price per pound. It’s one of the smartest strategies families can use to get ahead of rising prices and lock in true bulk meat savings.
Don’t Forget About VIP Membership
Another way to maximize savings is to become a Food and Meat Co-op VIP Member. For $39 a year, you get access to special perks that more than pay for themselves, including:
- Early access to sales (many overstock beef deals sell out with VIPs before they ever reach the general community)
- Exclusive discounts, like an extra 5% off all year
- Special perks and rewards throughout the year
Most of our VIP members recoup the cost of membership in just 2–3 orders. From there, it’s pure savings.
Check out VIP Membership here.
The Bottom Line: Together, We Save
Yes, beef prices are higher than ever. But families don’t have to shoulder the burden alone. By joining forces through the Food and Meat Co-op, we can reduce costs, support local farmers, and keep good food on the table—even in tough times.
Making small adjustments—like mixing ground meats, swapping cuts, choosing grassfed, or buying bulk—can add up to major savings. And with the added benefits of a VIP membership, those savings go even further.
So the next time you see those sky-high prices in the grocery store, remember: you have options. Together, we can beat the market and keep our families well-fed with affordable beef.
Ready to start saving?
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