Updated 30 September 2026
Buying meat in bulk is one of the simplest ways to cut the cost of feeding a family, and it means fewer trips to the shops. People often search for wholesale meats when what they really want is big, freezer-friendly packs at a better price per kg than small supermarket trays. We don't sell trade or wholesale accounts, but we do sell large packs direct to home cooks. Here's how much to buy, how to portion and freeze it, and how to make sure none of it goes to waste.
Bulk packs vs wholesale meats
Wholesale meat is sold to restaurants, caterers and shops, usually through trade accounts, in whole primals or catering cases. Our bulk packs are the home-cook version: the same kind of large quantities, but already cut and packed into sizes that make sense for a household freezer, and delivered to your door. There's no trade account needed and no minimum order.
How much meat to buy in bulk
As a rough guide for planning, allow per person per meal:
| Meat | Portion (raw) |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 150–200g |
| Mince (in a sauce) | 100–125g |
| Steak | 170–225g (6–8oz) |
| Pork loin steaks | 1–2 steaks (135g each) |
| Bacon | 2–3 rashers |
| Boneless roasting joint | 200–250g |
So a family of four eating chicken breast twice a week gets through roughly 1.2–1.6kg a week. A 5kg pack lasts that household about three to four weeks.
Popular bulk packs and who they suit
- 5kg Frozen Chicken Breast Fillets (£39.99): 5kg of frozen fillets. Ideal for meal prep and families who eat chicken several times a week.
- Sirloin Steak 10x 6oz (£36.99): ten 6oz sirloins for regular steak nights.
- 5lb Smoked Back Bacon (£20.99): a 5lb (2.27kg) pack for breakfasts and butties.
- x20 Pork Steak Deal! (£22.99): five packs of four pork loin steaks, vac packed and freezer-friendly.
Do you have the freezer space?
Check before you order. Most under-counter freezers have three or four drawers, so work out how many you can clear. The trick is packing flat: mince, diced meat and chicken breasts frozen flat in bags take up far less room than trays and stack like books. Clear space the day before delivery.
How to portion bulk meat
Do it the day it arrives.
- Clear the worktop and get freezer bags, a marker, and scales.
- Portion into meal-sized packs, for example 4 chicken breasts, 400g of mince, or 2 steaks.
- Squeeze out the air and seal. Air causes freezer burn.
- Label with the contents, weight and date.
- Freeze flat on a tray, then stack once solid.
For chicken specifically, see buying chicken fillet in bulk.
How long does meat keep in the freezer?
At -18°C, frozen meat stays safe indefinitely, but quality slowly declines. Typical guidance for best quality:
- Steaks, joints and chops: about 6–12 months
- Chicken pieces: about 6–9 months
- Mince and diced meat: about 3–4 months
- Bacon and sausages: about 1–2 months
These are general ranges from food-storage guidance; check product labels too.
Thawing safely
- In the fridge: the safest way. Allow about 24 hours per 2kg for joints, and overnight for steaks, mince and breasts.
- In cold water: in a sealed bag, changing the water every 30 minutes, for faster thawing.
- Don't thaw on the worktop, where the outside can warm up while the middle is frozen.
- Cook within 24 hours of thawing for the best quality.
Some of our products are sent frozen and arrive at least partially defrosted; the product page always says so.
Making bulk buying pay
- Plan a rotation. Mince twice, chicken twice, steak once, a roast at the weekend.
- Batch cook. Turn 2kg of mince into bolognese, chilli and cottage pie in one afternoon.
- Mix proteins so you don't get bored of one pack.
- Watch the price per kg, not just the headline price. Our guide to reading bulk pack prices properly helps.
Common bulk-buying mistakes
- Freezing it in one block. A 2kg brick of mince is hard to use. Portion it first.
- Forgetting to label. Six months later, every bag looks the same.
- Buying cuts you don't cook. A bargain you throw away isn't a bargain.
- Overfilling the freezer. Air needs to circulate for the freezer to work well, so leave a little room.
- Refreezing thawed raw meat without checking the label. Cook it first, then freeze the cooked dish.
Delivery
Everything is packed at our butchery in Cornwall and delivered in a cold box. Weekday delivery is free over £85 and £6.95 under, with no minimum order. A single bulk pack or two often takes you over the free-delivery threshold.
Browse bulk buy meat, bulk chicken breast, 5lb bacon and our meat boxes. For how boxes compare, see are meat boxes worth it?
Buying meat in bulk FAQs
Can I buy wholesale meat as a member of the public?
Trade wholesalers usually need a business account. We sell large bulk packs directly to home cooks, with no account and no minimum order.
Is buying meat in bulk cheaper?
Usually, per kg. Compare the price per kg with smaller packs, and only buy what you'll use and have room to freeze.
How long does bulk meat last in the freezer?
Safe indefinitely at -18°C, but for best quality use steaks and joints within about 6–12 months, and mince within 3–4 months.
What is the best way to freeze bulk meat?
Portion it into meal-sized bags on the day it arrives, squeeze out the air, label it and freeze it flat.
How much chicken breast does a family of four need per week?
Eating it twice a week, roughly 1.2–1.6kg, at 150–200g per person per meal.