Meat vans

debtfree2010

Has anyone been to a market and bought meat from the vans ?
I am looking to stock up on meat in my freezer ready for tough times coming in my household, but I'm a bit worried about them...

Anyone used them, anyone know any good ones in Birmingham area, or are there other ways to buy meat in bulk?? (Cheaply??)

Lynsey

I don't know what you mean in bulk, but you can max up on Lidl's half-price weekend offers. Normally 6 packs allowed per person, but you can tweak it.

I've not bought off vans in years, but they used to have some decent offers on. Hopefully someone will advise of your local deals.

I'm on a budget this year, but in the past I used to stock up on supermarket offers - Morrison's used to have pork shoulder etc cheap (think they still do) and Sainsbury's large beef joints (topside/silverside etc). when half-price offers are on. I would buy those and cut into smaller joins and freeze.
You could buy a lamb, half a pig, full rump etc. I think you are right about stocking up though, if the news is correct.

My meat bargains this year have mostly come from Lidl's half-price weekends and reduced Sainsbury's meat that's on it's sell by date.

Good luck though, hope you get the bargains you're after.

Lynsey

welshsue

I use Rosspa for my meat (online company), I have never had a problem with their products and the prices are good. If you sign up for email offers you get discount codes, free delivery occasionally. The meat is fab (the best gammon joint I have had0. Much cheaper than the supermarkets. They also do fruit, veg, cupboard items etc etc so you could do a whole shop. I order every fortnight when my DLA comes in and save quite a bit.

Ken68

Hi Debtfree...I go by the protein content of the meat, for example, pigs liver is only a £1kg yet contains 213 protein g's near enough for 4 adult meals.

booter

I have bought off meat vans, but IMO, they're very hit & miss. Some are good, others not so (re: quality). But if you're in Birmingham, you've probably got some of the best markets to choose from, rather than use a van - what about the wholesale market or Bull Ring indoor market?

roses

I've bought fish and meat a few times and each time _pale_ so I vowed never again and have stuck to the supermarket fresh meat and fish. Far superior quality (in London) and much better priced when on offer.

SailorSam

I've seen some of these 'Watchdog' type programmes on the Tv where they've checked out some of these vans and they've been rubbish, not fit for human consumption 'cos they can be 'here today gone tomorrow. I'm sure they're not all like that though.

chelms38

When I used to live in London I bought meat from a van in Romford market and all of it was great and cheaper than the supermarkets.If you aren't too sure then just buy a small amount to see if you like it then stock up at a later date.

Tigsteroonie

We used buy from a meat van at the Sunday Market here, but as others say, quality was very hit and miss. Had some good roasting joints, some bad steaks. We now buy from a butcher based in the local indoor (permanent) market, fantastic quality at supermarket prices.

Edwardia

Prior to going organic in March we did look at meat vans locally but noticed that the meat packaging piled up next to the van were from Eastern European countries which at a minimum might well mean the meat wasn't as fresh as British and makes it far more difficult to know whether the meat was even fit for human consumption.

SnowBelle_2

We bought some from a van a couple of times in South Wales (they were from the midlands)
The first couple of times the meat was ok,but we bought a Turkey for Xmas for £18 and it was disgusting,it stunk of feed and had'nt been cleaned properly.
So we said never again.....It also did'nt help that the bloke selling was a rude ignorant git!
Birmingham market (indoor) has loads of ethnic butchers Im sure they can sort you something out.