How can you use the cost per serving formula when buying poultry?

1. Determine Your Serving Size

* Individual Servings: A typical serving of poultry is about 3-4 ounces (85-113 grams) cooked.

* Family Meals: Adjust your serving size based on the number of people you're feeding.

2. Calculate the Total Cost of the Poultry

* Check the Price: Note the price per pound or kilogram of the poultry you want to buy.

* Weight: Find the weight of the package.

3. Divide the Total Cost by the Number of Servings

* Divide: Take the total cost of the poultry and divide it by the total number of servings you'll get.

Example:

You buy a 3-pound (1.36 kg) chicken for $10. You want to calculate the cost per serving assuming a 4-ounce (113 gram) serving size.

* Servings: 3 pounds (454 grams per pound) = 1362 grams / 113 grams per serving = 12 servings

* Cost per Serving: $10 / 12 servings = $0.83 per serving

Why is this helpful?

* Comparison Shopping: This allows you to compare different poultry options (whole chicken, chicken breasts, turkey) and different stores to find the best value.

* Budgeting: You can plan your meals and grocery budget effectively knowing the cost per serving.

* Portion Control: Understanding the cost per serving can help you make more informed decisions about portion sizes.

Additional Tips:

* Consider Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in poultry is typically less expensive per pound, but it yields fewer edible portions.

* Check for Sales: Look for sales and discounts on poultry, especially for whole birds.

* Freezing: If you buy a larger bird, you can freeze portions for future meals.

By using the cost per serving formula, you can make smart and cost-effective choices when purchasing poultry.