Animal-Based Diet On A Budget: 9 Frugal Hacks

You’ve heard about the health benefits of an animal-based diet, but you’re worried about the cost of implementing and sustaining it. Meat isn’t cheap these days, right?

But do you really want to stick with the highly processed human-made junk food that’s doing your health no favors just because it’s cheaper?

Is there a way to follow an animal-based diet on a budget to enjoy the health you deserve?

Well, I’m here to tell you there is. Some tricks of the trade will allow you to eat as you’re designed to eat and as our ancestors would. This is what I like to call the ultimate human diet.

Right, let’s get into the meat of it.

TL;DR

• An animal-based diet emphasizes nutrient-dense animal products like meat, eggs, and raw dairy, with optional plant foods.
• Follow practical tips like bulk buying, choosing cheaper cuts, and sourcing meat locally to save money.
• Grass-fed meat offers more omega-3s and antioxidants but is more expensive; grain-fed is more budget-friendly.
• Use smart shopping strategies to thrive on a cost-effective, healthy diet without sacrificing quality.

What is an Animal-Based Diet?

You may have heard of an “animal-based diet,” but what does it mean?

At its simplest, this is eating foods from animals as your main source of nutrition. Many confuse it with the carnivore diet, where you’d only eat meat.

Instead, it combines nutrient-dense animal products with select plant-based foods based on personal preference and tolerance.

Principles

An animal-based diet includes high-quality, nutrient-dense animal foods such as meat, organ meats (beef liver, kidney, heart), eggs, and raw milk & dairy.

It also includes certain carbohydrates like honey and seasonal fruits & vegetables for those who tolerate them. The key is to eat foods that provide maximum nutrition with minimal downside.

Unlike diets that eliminate entire food groups, this one is flexible. While many people avoid vegetables high in plant toxins like leafy greens and legumes, the key is to find what works for your body.

The main rule? Eat real whole foods and avoid ultra-processed, factory-made foods.

Myths About Cost

Many people think eating this way is expensive, but that’s not necessarily true. While premium cuts of meat and specialty items can add up, there are plenty of ways to make it budget-friendly.

This can be done on any budget, from sourcing meat locally to using less popular cuts. A common myth is that an animal-based diet is expensive. While premium cuts and organic products can add up, there are ways to keep costs down.

You can eat this way without breaking the bank with some strategy and resourcefulness.

9 Ways to Save on an Animal-Based Diet

Eating an animal-based diet doesn’t have to mean emptying your bank account. With a little planning and smart decisions, you can eat nutrient-dense meals without overspending.

These tips will help you stretch your budget.

1. Buy in Bulk to Save

Buying meat in bulk is one of the best ways to save money. Wholesale stores, butcher shops, and even local farms offer discounts on larger quantities.

It may seem like a higher upfront cost, but over time, it will save you money and allow you to stock up on your favorite cuts when prices are low.

Invest in a good freezer to get the most out of bulk buying. Freezing portions of meat not only extends their shelf life but ensures you always have high-quality protein on hand. This will prevent those last-minute, expensive trips to the grocery store.

Another option is to team up with friends or family to split larger purchases, such as a whole cow or pig, reducing the cost per pound.

If you’re new to bulk buying, start small by buying family packs of chicken thighs, ground beef, or pork shoulder. These versatile, easy-to-prepare, and storeable items will allow you to make multiple meals without breaking the bank.

2. Organ Meats: The Secret Gem

Organ meats are what I call Mother Nature’s Superfood and are the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat.

Packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, iron, and zinc, they are a nutritional powerhouse at a fraction of the cost of muscle cuts.

Liver, for example, is a superfood that will boost your health without breaking the bank.

Beyond their affordability, organ meats are also super versatile. You can add them to ground beef for a nutrient-dense burger, put them in stews, or even try them as pâté for a fancy twist.

If the taste is a bit daunting, try blending them into recipes you already make.

Many people overlook organ meats because they are unfamiliar but they are a great way to stretch your food budget and improve your diet.

Try them out you might be surprised at how much you like them once they become part of your routine.

3. Swap Out the Ribeye for Cheaper Cuts

Now, I love a steak as much as the next person, but swapping expensive steaks for budget-friendly alternatives is an easy way to save without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Cuts like pork shoulder, chicken thighs, and chuck roast are more affordable and, when cooked properly, packed with rich flavor.

These cuts are great for slow cooking, grilling, or braising and are versatile for many dishes.

Cheaper cuts have more connective tissue and fat, adding flavor and keeping the meat tender during cooking.

For example, pork shoulder is great for pulled pork, and chuck roast becomes a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece when slow-cooked. Chicken thighs, with their higher fat content, stay juicy and flavorful whether baked, fried, or grilled.

Mastering cooking techniques that break down tougher fibers and maximize flavor is the key to getting the most out of these cuts. Marinades, pressure cooking, and long, slow roasting are great ways to turn these humble cuts into showstoppers.

By using these options, you’ll save money and find new ways to enjoy your meals.

4. Buy Meat Locally

Buying meat locally is a win-win for your wallet and your plate. Local farms and butchers often offer fresher, higher-quality meat at a lower price than supermarket chains.

Cutting out the middleman can save money and support your community.

Farmers markets are a great place to start. Many farmers sell directly to consumers and often offer deals on bulk purchases or less popular cuts. Buying from a butcher is another great option. They can advise on affordable cuts and may even offer discounts for regular customers.

Buying from local meat suppliers can also result in special deals, such as discounted whole animals or custom meat boxes. These connections can save you money, provide top-quality meat, and reduce your carbon footprint.

5. Ground Beef is a Cost Effective Option

Ground beef is one of the most affordable and versatile staples in an animal-based diet. Affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality or nutrition.

Ground beef is packed with protein, iron, and essential nutrients. It is the base for many meals, from classic burgers and meatballs to hearty casseroles and stir-fries.

One of the best things about ground beef is how far it goes. One pound can be mixed with eggs, bone broth, or veggies to make multiple servings, making it a great option for meal prep.

Choosing higher-fat ground beef will also add flavor and satiety and save you money, as these cuts are often cheaper than leaner options.

If you want to maximize your savings, consider buying ground beef in bulk or from local butchers and farms.

Freezing individual portions makes it easy to keep this staple on hand for quick, nutritious meals without breaking the bank.

See Jim’s Special recipe for a simple but highly nutritious meal using pre-mixed ground meat.

6. Bone Broth and Leftover Bones: Stretch Your Dollar

Bone broth is a nutritional powerhouse that’s as cheap as it is versatile. Made by simmering leftover bones and connective tissue, it extracts valuable nutrients like collagen, gelatin, and minerals that support joint health, digestion, and skin elasticity.

What’s more, it allows you to get the most out of cuts you’ve already bought, turning what would normally be waste into a rich and flavorful base for soups, stews, and sauces.

An easy way to start is to save leftover bones from meals or buy them cheaply from local butchers. Many butchers sell bones for a fraction of the cost of meat, and sometimes, they even give them away for free.

Pair these bones with simple ingredients like water, apple cider vinegar, and spices, and you’ll have a nourishing broth that’s cheap and delicious.

Bone broth is a cheap option that can also extend the life of your meals. Use it as a liquid base to add flavor and nutrition to your dishes, or drink it on its own as a warm and satisfying drink.

This low-cost, high-nutrient option means no part of your animal-based purchases goes to waste.

7. Look for Sales and Discounts

Timing is everything when it comes to finding deals on meat. Grocery stores mark down products near their sell-by date, which can mean big savings.

These discounts are usually in the morning or evening, so plan your shopping trips for the best prices.

Butchers and local markets are also great places to find flash sales, especially when they’re clearing out inventory. See weekly ads or subscribe to store newsletters to learn about upcoming sales.

You can also ask your butcher about any special deals or lesser-known cuts that might be available at a lower price.

8. Join a Bulk Buying Club or Co-op

Joining a bulk buying club or co-op is a great way to get high-quality meat at a lower cost. These organizations pool resources from members to buy directly from farmers or suppliers, which means big savings. Not only do you get better prices, but you also get fresher and more ethically sourced products.

Bulk buying clubs often have flexible options like splitting large orders among members, so you don’t need to have a huge freezer to participate.

Cooperatives also support local farmers and regenerative farming practices, so you can feel good knowing your purchases are helping the environment and your community.

If you’re unsure where to start, look for local co-ops or online meat-buying groups that cater to animal-based diets. Many offer subscription services or seasonal bulk orders, making stocking up on nutrient-dense meats easy and affordable.

9. Avoid Pre-Packaged or Processed Animal Products

Pre-packaged or processed animal products like deli meats and frozen meals are more expensive than fresh whole cuts. While they may seem convenient, you’re paying for packaging, processing, and additives that don’t add much nutritional value.

Choosing whole cuts of meat is not only cheaper but also healthier. You can prepare and season these fresh cuts at home and tailor them to your taste while avoiding hidden sugars, preservatives and other unwanted ingredients found in processed options.

Cooking in bulk and storing leftovers for later meals can be just as convenient as pre-packaged products without the extra cost.

By choosing fresh, unprocessed animal products, you’ll stretch your budget further and have more control over the quality of your meals.

Learning to cook with whole ingredients can also be a fun and creative experience that pays off in savings and health benefits.

Grass Fed vs Grain Fed Meat

When it comes to choosing between grass-fed and grain-fed meat, the decision often depends on budget and nutritional priorities.

Grass-fed meat has a reputation as the gold standard because of its health benefits and ethical considerations, but it often has a higher price tag.

On the other hand, grain-fed meat is widely available and more affordable, so it’s an option for many. Let’s get into the details.

Cost

Let’s talk dollars and cents—because when it comes to choosing between grass-fed and grain-fed meat, your budget might be the deciding factor.

Grass-fed beef is praised for its health benefits but is more expensive due to the longer feeding process and smaller yields.

On the other hand, grain-fed beef is more budget-friendly and widely available, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.

Here’s a breakdown of average price ranges to help you compare:

Beef Cut	Grass-Fed Price Range	Grain-Fed Price Range
Ground Beef (per lb)	$9.49 – $18.99	$3.50 – $6.00
Ribeye Steak (per lb)	$40.98 – $43.98	$14.97 – $18.97
Sirloin Steak (per lb)	$27.99	$10.44 – 12.94
Chuck Roast (per lb)	$16.00 – $14.99	$5.45 – $7.97
Brisket (per lb)	$10.45 – $15.00	$3.76

Note: Grass-fed prices are taken from White Oak Pastures, Grain-Fed from Walmart

If you’re on a tight budget, grain-fed can be a practical choice without sacrificing protein quality. But, the cheaper cuts of grass-fed beef are reasonable and could be within your price range.

If you have an air fryer, it can easily cook some of the tougher cuts. My suggestion is to try some out. If you can stick with grass-fed, this is the preference.

However, if you simply need your ribeye but can’t afford the cost, then grain-fed is better than processed junk food.

Nutritional Benefits

Grass-fed meat is praised for its nutritional profile compared to grain-fed options. One of the biggest benefits is its higher content of omega-3’s which are good for heart and brain health.

These fatty acids reduce inflammation and overall well-being, so grass-fed is a great choice for optimizing your diet.

In addition to omega-3, grass-fed meat is rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene. These combat oxidative stress in the body and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.

The higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in grass-fed meat are also worth mentioning, as CLA is beneficial for body composition and immune function.

Conclusion: Animal-Based Diet on a Budget

We’ve covered a lot here, from the basics of an animal-based diet to practical ways to keep costs low without sacrificing quality or nutrition.

Whether you swap out expensive cuts for budget-friendly options, eat organ meats, or join a bulk-buying club, there are many ways to make this lifestyle affordable and sustainable.

Remember, it’s all about flexibility and resourcefulness. Combining fresh and whole animal products with smart shopping allows you to enjoy all the benefits of this nutrient-dense diet without breaking the bank.

Grass-fed meat isn’t always in the budget, but there are still ways to eat well and prioritize your health.

Ready to get started? Try one or two of these tips and see the savings (and benefits) add up.

Share this with someone who might be interested in trying an animal-based diet. Let’s help more people realize eating well doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

Also, let me know in the comments below how you get on and if you’ve come up with other budget-friendly tips… perhaps I’ll add them above (if you’ll allow me to).

And that’s it… have a nutritious day!

FAQ

Is an animal-based diet expensive?

No, it doesn’t have to be! By buying in bulk, choosing cheaper cuts, and sourcing meat locally, you can have an animal-based diet that fits most budgets.

What do I eat for 7 days on a carnivore diet?

The carnivore diet costs are similar to an animal-based diet. A week on a carnivore diet might include ground beef, organ meats, bone broth, chicken thighs, and nutrient-dense foods like pork belly.

How much weight can I lose in 1 month on a carnivore diet?

Weight loss varies, but many lose 8-15 pounds in the first month. It depends on starting weight, activity level, and adherence to animal-based meals.

Can I eat rice on an animal-based diet?

Rice can be eaten on an animal-based diet. It’s classed as a real food (not processed junk) and assuming you have no adverse reactions to eating it; then crack on.