Is responsible meat really that expensive?
The price of meat is often a decisive factor in consumer choices. However, more and more consumers are turning to so-called "responsible" products, despite a higher cost per kg than industrial meat. This article explores the reasons for this trend and examines whether responsible meat, as offered by Meaty, is as expensive as people think.
Responsible vs. industrial meat
It's crucial to understand the difference between responsible meat and industrial meat.
Responsible meat comes from animals raised in the open air, fed on grass and cereals produced on the farm, and free from growth hormones and preventive antibiotics. They are slaughtered in dignified conditions, preferably in local artisanal abattoirs.
Industrial meat, on the other hand, is often produced on a large scale, with practices that can include the use of chemical substances and intensive farming methods where animals are confined in closed buildings or pens.
Price and nutritional value of responsible meat
Responsible meat is often perceived as being more expensive than industrial meat. This price difference can be explained by the higher production, certification and distribution costs associated with responsible agriculture. To understand the true cost of meat, it is essential to consider not only the purchase price, but also the nutritional quality of both types of meat.
Responsible meat offers a superior quality of calories, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Industrial meat generally has a lower nutrient density, which means consumers get fewer essential nutrients per serving. So, while the price per kg is higher, the price "per nutrient" is not as high.
By way of example, a study in the British Journal of Nutrition revealed that organic meat contains 50% more omega 3 than industrial meat.
The weight lost in water for industrial meats
Water loss in industrial meats is a common phenomenon. In fact, some European manufacturers do not hesitate to inject water into meat to improve the appearance and weight of their products. This practice is much less common in Switzerland, but cannot be ignored.
On the other hand, responsible meat fromextensive farming systems that encourage the animals' natural growth yields less water when cooked. This is the case with Meaty chicken, which is known for not releasing water.
What's more, the quality of the meat is compromised, as some of the fat and nutrients will escape with the water.
This loss of water directly affects the quality and final weight of the product, which means that consumers lose out with industrial meat.
Environmental impact of meat production
Industrial meat production has a significant environmental impact, generating a high carbon footprint, intensive use of natural resources and contributing to soil degradation.
Responsible, extensively produced meat, on the other hand, has significant ecological benefits. Our farmers practice free-range farming, where the animals graze on grass, helping to regenerate the soil and preserve biodiversity.
These methods also promote better resource management and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
If we compare the price of a product with its environmental impact, factory farming has a much higher ecological cost than responsible farming.
Smart shopping with animal sharing
Eating meat responsibly also means eating any kind of cut (" from nose to tail "), which is at the heart of the Meaty concept.
Animals offer a diversity of meat products, the most affordable of which are often the most nutritious. Adding value to less expensive cuts, such as offal or fatty and bony cuts, maximizes the use of the animal and reduces waste, while enjoying obvious health benefits.
Chicken carcass broth, for example, is an exceptional and affordable source of nutrients. Thanks to online animal sharing, our customers can not only save money, but also benefit from a more varied and healthier diet.
In conclusion, although responsible meat may seem more expensive at the time of purchase, it offers significant advantages in terms of nutritional quality, water retention and environmental impact.
Sharing a beast at Meaty gives you access to inexpensive cuts not found on supermarket shelves.
