Where pensioners can buy affordable meat

Meat is one of the most expensive items in a grocery trolley for many older South Africans. According to The South African, meat prices increased by 5.1% between June 2025 and June 2026, making cost‑conscious shopping essential for pensioners who still want to enjoy meat-based meals.

Choose cheaper cuts and types of meat

The first straightforward way to cut costs is to buy cheaper cuts and types of meat. The article recommends poultry and pork as generally the least expensive options. Game meats including warthog, kudu and springbok are highlighted as significantly cheaper alternatives in many cases.

According to The South African, game meats are typically 30% cheaper than lamb and can be up to 10% cheaper than stewing beef, despite often being considered better cuts with lower fat and higher iron.

Cooking methods that stretch value

Some game and lean cuts can be tougher or have a distinct flavour. The South African recommends techniques to make them more palatable: dry‑rubbing to reduce gamey notes, marinating with sauces or pastes such as tomato paste, and using a slow cooker to tenderise lean cuts. Slow cookers are noted for using minimal electricity while making tougher meats tender.

Supermarket vs butchery: where to buy

According to The South African, butcheries are typically cheaper than supermarkets, but supermarkets often run specials that can sometimes make their prices more competitive. The guide advises pensioners to know the per‑kilogram price of favourite cuts at a local butchery so they can compare those prices with supermarket offers.

The South African also cautions that travel costs matter: consider fuel and travel time before driving out of your way to save a small amount on meat.

Practical shopping tips

• Search online for “factory shop” plus your suburb and preferred cut to find local factory stores or meat outlets.
• Look for shops with price lists or a WhatsApp contact so you can compare prices before leaving home.
• Ask neighbours or community groups on Facebook or WhatsApp for local bargains that may not appear in search results.

Price guide (per kilogram)

The prices below are based on supermarket prices, according to The South African.

• Chicken pieces: R64.99 – R67.99
• Pork pack or chops: R59.99 – R79.99
• Stewing beef: R89.99 – R108.99
• Beef mince: R99.99 – R128.99
• Beef sirloin steak: R169.99 – R179.99
• Lamb pack or chops: R139.99 – R169.99
• Ostrich neck: R79.99 – R89.99
• Warthog shanks or ribs: R79.35 – R99.99
• Kudu shanks: R60.35 – R90.99
• Springbok mince or goulash: R80.00 – R120.99

Final practical note

Pensioners with strict budgets can combine these approaches choosing cheaper cuts or game where suitable, using low‑energy slow cooking, and comparing butchery and supermarket offers to make meat purchases more affordable without sacrificing variety.