Save Up to 50% Buying Meat in Bulk

November 18, 2025

Save up to 50% by buying meat in bulk. Learn where to buy wholesale meat, how bulk beef pricing works, and why bulk buying is the smartest way to cut grocery costs.

Buying meat in bulk is one of the best ways to stretch your grocery budget, stock your freezer, and always have high-quality protein on hand. Whether you’re feeding a large family or just want to avoid the rising prices at the grocery store, bulk buying can save you time and money. Many families save up to 50% or more compared to traditional retail prices—and with smart storage and planning, the savings can last for months.

In this guide, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about buying meat in bulk, including where to buy meat in bulk, how to store it, what cuts are best for bulk purchase, and how to make sure you’re truly getting a great deal.

If you’re ready to try out buying meat in bulk without committing to a large order, we offer a $29 Try It Out Box—the perfect low-cost way to experience the quality and savings for yourself. It’s an easy, risk-free way to see why thousands of families love stocking up through the Food and Meat Co-op.

Why Buying Meat in Bulk Saves You Money

When you bulk buy meat, you’re purchasing directly from suppliers or co-ops instead of paying for grocery store markups. Retail stores often add significant costs for packaging, transportation, and marketing. By skipping those steps, you get access to the same high-quality meat for far less per pound.

Here are a few ways buying in bulk adds up to major savings:

Lower cost per pound – When you buy larger quantities, you pay wholesale or near-wholesale pricing.
Fewer trips to the store – Buying in bulk reduces impulse purchases and last-minute grocery runs.
Better meal planning – Having your meat stocked makes it easier to cook at home and skip takeout.

Many customers at Food and Meat Co-op report cutting their protein costs by nearly half compared to buying small packages at the grocery store.

Where to Buy Meat in Bulk

One of the top questions people ask is: “Where can I buy meat in bulk near me?”

Here are several reliable options:

Local Co-ops and Buying Groups
Community-based co-ops like the Food and Meat Co-op specialize in helping families save money by pooling orders together. This allows customers to access wholesale pricing without needing a business license or massive freezer space.
Butcher Shops and Local Farms
Many butchers and farmers offer bulk meat for sale by the quarter, half, or whole animal. While this often requires more freezer space, it’s a great way to support local agriculture and customize your cuts.
Online Meat Marketplaces
If you’re searching for bulk meat for sale online, several companies deliver large meat boxes directly to your door. However, be sure to compare shipping costs, as frozen meat delivery can add extra fees.
Warehouse Clubs
Stores like Costco and Sam’s Club offer larger packages of meat at lower prices, but the cost per pound is often still higher than through a co-op or direct bulk source.

If you’re in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, or nearby regions, the Food and Meat Co-op offers local pickup locations where you can buy meat in bulk near me without membership fees or minimum orders.

What Types of Meat Can You Buy in Bulk?

When you start shopping for bulk meat for sale, you’ll notice that many options go beyond just ground beef or chicken breasts. Here are some popular choices:

Chicken – Tenderloins, thighs, and breasts are available in bulk boxes at a fraction of grocery store prices.
Beef – From ground beef to steaks, roasts, and mixed variety boxes, bulk beef is one of the most popular money-savers.
Pork – Sausage, bacon, ribs, and pork chops often come in 10–20 lb cases.
Seafood – Some co-ops and farms offer wild-caught fish and shrimp in bulk packs.
Mixed Boxes – If you like variety, a sampler box (like the Food and Meat Co-op’s Protein Sampler) gives you multiple meats at one low price.

How Much Meat Should You Buy?

A common question is how much freezer space is needed when you bulk buy meat. As a general guide:

¼ cubic foot of freezer space per pound of meat.
A standard household freezer (4–5 cubic feet) holds around 100–120 lbs of meat.

If you have limited space, start with smaller bulk boxes, like 15–20 lbs. These can fit easily into a standard refrigerator freezer while still providing big savings. Get more details of How Much Freezer Space Do You Need Per Pound of Meat?

How to Store Bulk Meat Safely

To make the most of your savings, proper storage is essential. Here’s how to keep your bulk meat fresh for months:

Repackage in Meal-Sized Portions
Divide large cases into smaller bags before freezing. Use vacuum sealers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Label Clearly
Write the type of meat and date frozen on each package. This helps you use older items first.
Maintain a Consistent Freezer Temperature
Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for best quality.
Follow Recommended Storage Times

- Ground meats: 3–4 months
- Steaks & roasts: up to 12 months
- Chicken pieces: 9 months
- Whole chicken: 12 months

Is Buying Meat in Bulk Worth It?

Absolutely—if you plan and store correctly. Families that buy meat in bulk can easily save hundreds per year while improving meal quality. The key is to buy what you know you’ll use and have a system for rotating your freezer stock.

Bulk buying is especially beneficial for:

Families who cook at home regularly.
Meal preppers or those on special diets (like keto or high-protein).
Anyone looking to reduce grocery store runs.

How to Find Bulk Meat Deals Near You

If you’ve searched for “buy meat in bulk near me”, you’ve probably seen a range of options—from local farms to online subscription boxes. Here’s what to look for before placing an order:

Transparent pricing: Look for sellers that list the price per pound clearly.
Quality sourcing: Choose meat that’s hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and raised with humane practices.
Flexible quantities: Not everyone can store 100 lbs at once, so look for smaller case options.
Customer reviews: Read feedback about quality, packaging, and customer service.

At Food and Meat Co-op, customers can see the exact price per pound before ordering and pick up their boxes at convenient local sites—no membership or shipping fees required.

Common Questions About Buying Meat in Bulk

1. Is bulk meat cheaper than grocery store meat?

Yes. Most co-ops and direct suppliers offer wholesale or near-wholesale pricing, saving you up to 50%.

2. Do I need a huge freezer?

No — you absolutely don’t need a giant chest freezer to start buying meat in bulk. Many co-ops offer convenient 15–30 lb boxes that fit perfectly into a standard refrigerator freezer, making bulk buying accessible for any household size.

If you’re curious exactly how much meat your freezer can hold, check out our detailed guide: How Much Freezer Space Do You Need Per Pound of Meat? This article walks you through freezer capacity, how many pounds fit in common freezer sizes, and tips for maximizing space so you can confidently plan your bulk purchases.

3. How do I know I’m getting quality meat?

Look for suppliers that source from trusted farms and use transparent labeling. Food and Meat Co-op products are inspected, vacuum sealed, and flash-frozen for freshness.

4. Can I split a bulk order with friends or family?

Absolutely! Splitting a bulk case is a great way to enjoy the savings without needing to store it all yourself.

5. Where can I buy wholesale meat?

You can buy wholesale meat from several sources, depending on your location and preferred buying experience. The most common places include:

Local meat co-ops or buying clubs (like the Food and Meat Co-op), which pool community orders so customers can access wholesale pricing without needing a business license.
Butcher shops and local farms, which often sell meat in bulk packages or by the quarter, half, or whole animal.
Wholesale distributors that sell directly to consumers—some require minimum orders or business memberships, while others offer open-to-public sales.
Online bulk meat suppliers that ship cases or variety boxes to your home (shipping fees may apply).
Warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club, which offer larger meat packs at lower prices, though usually still higher per pound than a co-op.

6. Why should you buy bulk beef?

Buying bulk beef has several advantages:

Cost savings – Purchasing beef in larger quantities lowers the cost per pound, often by 30–50%.
Higher quality – Bulk beef often comes directly from farms, ranchers, or curated suppliers, meaning fresher, more consistent cuts.
Less packaging waste – Buying in bulk cuts down on the small plastic trays and wrap associated with individual packages.
Convenience – A stocked freezer makes meal planning easier and reduces grocery store visits.
Customization – When buying a quarter, half, or whole cow, you often choose your preferred cuts and packaging.

7. Why should you buy wholesale meat?

Wholesale meat offers benefits that go beyond just saving money:

Wholesale pricing – You pay near the same prices restaurants and butchers pay, unlocking huge savings.
Better value for families – Great for meal prepping, large families, or anyone wanting to stretch their grocery budget.
Access to specialty cuts – Wholesale suppliers often provide cuts or items not always found in stores.
Consistent supply – Instead of relying on grocery store stock, you can source meat year-round in reliable quantities.
Higher freshness standards – Wholesale suppliers usually flash-freeze meat at peak freshness, preserving quality and flavor.

8. What is bulk beef pricing?

Bulk beef pricing refers to the lower price per pound you pay when purchasing beef in larger quantities. Instead of paying retail prices for individual packages, you buy:

Beef by the case, such as 10–40 lb boxes
Ground beef in 10 lb chubs or 20–30 lb packs
Quarter, half, or whole cows, priced by hanging weight or packaged weight

Bulk beef pricing varies by region and quality, but typical savings include:

Ground beef: up to 30–40% less
Steaks and roasts: up to 40–50% less
Mixed boxes: often 25–50% less than grocery store prices

Co-ops often publish the exact price per pound upfront so you know exactly what you're paying without surprises.

9. Do I need a deposit for meat packages?

Whether you need a deposit depends on the company you buy from:

Food and Meat Co-op: Usually no deposit is required—you simply select your products, pay the full amount at checkout, and pick up your box at your local site.
Farm-direct purchases: Many farms require a deposit (often $100–$400) when you reserve a quarter, half, or whole beef. This secures your portion while the animal is processed.
Custom butcher orders: Deposits are commonly required to cover processing and ensure you pick up your order.
Online bulk suppliers: Typically no deposit—full payment is made at the time of ordering.

If you're purchasing through the Food and Meat Co-op, it's very convenient because you pay upfront and don’t have to worry about deposits, reservation fees, or waiting for processing dates.

Big Savings Made Simple

Buying meat in bulk isn’t just for large families or restaurants—it’s for anyone who wants to eat better and spend less. By finding trusted sources like Food and Meat Co-op, you can enjoy premium cuts, local pickup convenience, and real savings—often up to 50% off regular retail prices.

So next time you’re searching for bulk meat for sale, bulk buy meat, or where to buy meat in bulk near me, remember that the Food and Meat Co-op brings the savings directly to your community—helping families stock their freezers and stretch their grocery dollars.