The Cheapest Meat To Make Jerky: 5 Budget-Friendly Options

Whether you’re an avid jerky enthusiast or just looking to make your own for the first time, one common concern is the cost. While premium cuts of meat can make exquisite jerky, there are cost-effective alternatives that allow you to enjoy jerky without breaking the bank.

Jerky can be made with nearly any meat, with the main focus being that it needs to be lean with minimal excess fat. The only other limit is whether it’s following your taste preferences. The cheapest meat to make jerky is chicken, followed by turkey, pork and budget cuts of beef. Jerky is a highly versatile snack that allows for delicious outcomes on most budgets.

Most people think of beef when they consider making jerky, and while beef jerky is delectable, other types of meat are well worth a try. Each type of meat has its unique flavour and texture. As a result, you might find chicken or pork loin to be your next best favourite.

Another thing to consider is the cuts of meat, beef can still be affordable if you choose less favoured budget cuts. Beef cuts, such as bottom-round (silverside) and top-round (top side), make fantastic cheap jerky because they are lean and flavourful.

In this blog post, we will explore the cheapest meat options to make jerky, starting from the least expensive and working our way up.

Table of Contents

The Cheapest Meat To Make Jerky

Chicken Jerky

When it comes to affordable meat for jerky, chicken is often the most budget-friendly option. Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat can be found at reasonable prices. Since chicken is lean, it’s a healthy choice for jerky and provides a versatile base for flavouring and seasoning. While it may not have the same robust flavour as beef or other meats, chicken jerky is a tasty and economical option.

The best cuts of chicken for jerky are the less fatty parts, such as the breast and tenderloin, but chicken thigh is very succulent (remove any excess fat). Chicken ranges from $8-15 AU per kg, depending on the cut and whether it’s free range or commercial.

Here is a popular chicken jerky recipe by “Jerkyholic”, it’s well worth a try with 5-star ratings and is very simple to make.

Turkey Jerky

Turkey is another affordable meat option for jerky. Turkey jerky is known for its mild, slightly sweet flavour, making it an excellent base for experimenting with various seasonings. Turkey meat, particularly turkey breast, is typically less expensive than premium cuts of beef, making it a cost-effective choice for homemade jerky.

Turkey is more expensive than chicken, but it also provides a more meaty texture and has extra flavour. Turkey meat (at the time of this post) is between $12-18 per kg. The price is according to the season and the cut you choose.

Pork Jerky

Pork is often overlooked when it comes to jerky, but it can be an economical and flavorful choice. Pork butt or shoulder cuts are less expensive than pork loin, and they contain a bit more fat, which can add richness and flavour to your jerky. When preparing cuts of pork for jerky, ensure you trim excess fat to achieve the right texture.

Pork loin is the most popular cut for jerky as it has long fibres and is a very lean piece of meat that is also simple to slice. Pork cuts that are suitable for jerky start at around $14-18 per kg. The higher quality and boneless cuts are usually the most expensive.

Ground Meat Jerky

While ground meat jerky is less common, it is a great cost-effective option for jerky making. Ground meat (or mince in Australia) is a very different type of jerky that requires a unique method for preparation (Using a jerky gun to pipe the mice) but is very enjoyable.

Many people prefer ground meat jerky as it is more tender and much easier for your teeth to chew through. It is important to use very lean ground meat (90% lean with 10% fat) for the best outcome in flavour and preservation.

Ground meat jerky also allows flavour to be mixed through the meat, which provides a serious flavour hit. Lean ground beef starts at $17-20 per kg in Australia (inflation), with the fattier mince at 85% lean, around $12 a kg.

This professional jerky gun is fantastic

Budget Cut Beef Jerky

If you’re set on beef but still want to stay budget-conscious, there are cost-effective cuts to consider. While premium cuts like sirloin or tenderloin are more expensive, you can opt for less expensive cuts like round roast, or chuck roast. These cuts can deliver excellent results when making jerky, especially when sliced thinly and marinated well.

The cheapest of the beef cuts, and one of the best, is Eye of Round (also named bottom round and silverside). This cut works well because it is very lean and has long muscle fibres, which makes for a classic style of jerky. The next cheapest cut that is more tender, is the Top-Round (also called Top-side). For Eye of Round (silverside) the price starts at $18-20 kg, and Top-Round $20 per kg.

Jerky can be enjoyed on a budget without sacrificing flavour or quality. By choosing the right cuts of meat and experimenting with various marinades and seasonings, you can create delicious homemade jerky that won’t strain your wallet. Whether you opt for chicken, turkey, pork, or more economical beef cuts, making your jerky allows you to control the quality, flavour, and cost. So, get creative and start jerky-making while keeping your expenses in check. Enjoy the satisfying taste of homemade jerky without compromising your budget.