The penny pinching meat Aussies can’t get enough of

Move over chicken, there’s a new meat Australians are buying in droves to help save money on their grocery bill.

Alastair Stevenson with some Pork on his fork. Picture: John Gass

There’s a new meat Aussies are turning to to save money amid cost of living pressures.

Pork sales have increased 18 per cent on this time last year, with the protein up to 130 per cent cheaper than some cuts of lamb, beef and even chicken.

The figures from consumer data collector Circana shows shoppers are stocking up on pork mince, steaks, fillets, chops and cutlets, with retirees and families leading the charge.

“Pork is still a very cheap protein compared to lamb and beef, and then even chicken the pricing has gone through the roof,” said Alastair Stevenson from Queensland meat wholesaler Gilly’s Smallgoods, which supplies top butchers around the state.

Mr Stevenson said the plethora of cooking shows educating viewers on how to cook pork were also helping grow its popularity, alongside the dramatic improvements in its quality and flavour.

Alastair Stevenson loves his pork. Picture, John Gass

“I think the pork industry in itself is doing a better job of producing a better product, but it’s definitely price driven as well,” he said.

On average a roast pork leg can cost consumers about $9.99/kg – about 130 per cent less than the lamb equivalent; while pork mince is often cheaper than chicken, lamb and beef mince, at about $15/kg.

Australian Pork Ltd spokesman Lylle Balzer-Blackstock said pork prices had remained relatively stable in recent years, making it a nutritious, tasty and affordable protein.

“Pork is really versatile in the kitchen, in those family favourite recipes and plays well with any flavour,” he said.