Hubert Muckel, a retired butcher and meat cutter from southwestern Manitoba, offers practical advice to help consumers stretch their food dollars amid rising food prices. Having worked over 50 years in the industry before retiring in 2023, Muckel has witnessed significant changes in the cost of meat, particularly pork.
“Over the past four years, pork prices have nearly doubled,” he notes. “A pound of medium ground pork that used to cost $1.99 now sells for $4.50. While the wholesale price for sides of pork has decreased, retail cuts continue to climb.”
Tips for Saving Money on Meat
Muckel emphasizes the importance of smart shopping and planning:
- Leverage Online Resources: “Many grocery stores now share their specials online, often on their websites or social media pages like Facebook. Instead of spending time and fuel driving around, check for deals on the internet,” he advises.
- Buy in Bulk and Freeze: Purchasing in bulk during sales and freezing meat can save money. However, Muckel cautions against freezing items like ham sausages, which are best consumed fresh.
- Shop Strategically: While seeking deals is important, he warns against spending excessive time or money on transportation to save small amounts.
Pork Prices in Manitoba
Muckel observes a surplus of pork loins in Manitoba, with boneless pork loin prices currently as low as $2.50 per pound. By comparison, sausages are priced at approximately $5.00 per pound.
“Shopping wisely and freezing good deals can make a big difference, especially with today’s food costs,” he says.
