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If 80/20 beef is ground chuck, why is it cheaper than chuck roasts?

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Why is 80/20 ground beef cheaper than chuck roasts if they’re both made from chuck? My wife surprised me with a KitchenAid meat grinder attachment for my birthday—so exciting! I noticed that ground beef at my local grocery store is priced at $3.99 per pound, while chuck roasts on sale go for $6.99 per pound.

Additionally, why is ground meat generally less expensive than the whole cuts?

Thanks for all the insights! I’ve learned a lot, and it’s interesting to know that not all 80/20 beef is considered “ground chuck”—I had read that before, but I guess I misunderstood!

Comments

One response to “If 80/20 beef is ground chuck, why is it cheaper than chuck roasts?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    Great question! There are several reasons why ground beef, like 80/20, is often cheaper than whole cuts like chuck roast:

    1. Processing: Grinding meat is a process that typically increases efficiency for meat processors. They’re able to use trimmings and lower-quality cuts that might not sell as well on their own, which helps reduce waste.

    2. Cut Value: Whole cuts like chuck roasts are considered more valuable because they can be cooked in different ways (roasting, braising, etc.) and are often seen as higher quality. They require more labor to cut and present, which contributes to their higher price.

    3. Market Demand: Ground beef is very popular and has a massive market demand, driving production up and often leading to lower prices due to competition among suppliers.

    4. Retail Margins: Grocery stores often have different pricing strategies for various cuts of meat. Although ground beef may seem less expensive, the store might have a higher margin on it based on volume and sales.

    As for the distinction between “ground chuck” and “80/20” beef: while 80/20 refers to the fat content, ground chuck specifically comes from the chuck section of the cow and tends to have a higher-quality flavor. So, 80/20 can be ground from various cuts, not just chuck.

    Enjoy your meat grinder attachment! It’s a great way to experiment with different flavors and cuts of meat!

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