Why Is Ground Beef in Tubes So Much Cheaper Than Trays?

If you’ve browsed the meat section at your local supermarket lately you may have noticed plastic tubes of fresh ground beef selling for significantly less than the styrofoam-packaged variety sitting nearby. What gives with the huge price difference? Is the inexpensive chubbed beef lower quality or not as good? This article will explore the reasons behind the cost savings of ground beef tubes and address some common questions about how they compare to tray packages.

It’s the Same Beef

First things first – tubes contain the identical ground beef found in trays. Both are made from trimmings of subprimals like chuck, round, and sirloin that are run through industrial grinders. The beef itself has not changed. As one major grocery chain’s website states:

• Our ground beef chubs contain 100% pure ground beef with no fillers binders or preservatives.

• They are produced from quality beef trimmings and connective tissue passed fit for human consumption.

• Fat content ranges from 90/10 extra lean to 73/27 regular just like tray packs

So rest assured the beef inside is no different in cut, quality, or composition. The only difference lies in how it’s packaged.

Cost-Effective Packaging

Ground beef tubes offer big savings for both processors and consumers because of their inexpensive packaging:

• A simple plastic tube replaces trays, absorbent pads, and tightly wrapped cellophane.

• Automated machines quickly fill, clip, and label chubs in one seamless process.

• Minimal oxygen inside preserves color and prolongs shelf life unlike foam trays.

• No need for costly modified atmosphere gases to maintain cherry red color.

• Freezer-ready so added freezer wrapping not needed.

This stripped-down, no frills approach cuts costs substantially compared to traditional retail packing. The meat inside is untouched, just wrapped in a cheaper, more efficient way.

Supply and Demand Differences

In addition to lower packaging overhead, economic principles of supply and demand factor into the lower price:

• Most shoppers select tray packs to visually inspect the beef’s color.

• Since color doesn’t matter as much for recipes, price-conscious consumers accept darker chub beef.

• Lower demand leads processors to price chubs lower to attract more sales.

• Chubs also sell well to restaurants, cafeterias, and food service doing large batch cooking where color is irrelevant.

So while the beef itself is equal, subtle differences in consumer preference and end use create market conditions favorable to discounting chub pricing.

Bulk Savings Passed to Consumers

Retailers also buy ground beef chubs in bulk direct from processors at a reduced cost:

• Large volume purchases of chubs allow stores to buy at a discount.

• They then divide meat into smaller consumer packages to sell.

• Lower purchase price gets passed along as consumer savings.

Buying bigger in the supply chain yields pricing benefits allaround. And shoppers pocket the savings on the finished tray packages.

Is Ground Beef in Tubes Lower Quality?

With such sizable price differences from packaging and supply chain efficiencies, some consumers understandably worry the meat itself may be inferior. But as outlined above, tubes contain the same cuts of beef handled identically:

• Trimmings from whole muscle cuts like chuck, round, and sirloin.

• All USDA graded for human consumption.

• Ground and packed under strict sanitation protocols.

• Labeled with proper fat percentages just like tray packs.

Reputable brands stand behind their chub quality:

• Our ground beef chubs adhere to all USDA standards for quality.

• We proudly put our name on all our products.

• Rest assured you are purchasing wholesome ground beef.

So while price is lower, rest easy knowing quality has not been compromised.

Ground Beef Chubs Offer Other Advantages

Beyond just cost savings, there are some other useful benefits of ground beef tubes:

• Chubs allow you to separate and freeze beef in recipe-sized portions.

• No need to rewrap trays to prevent freezer burn.

• Some chubs feature portion or measurement markers molded into the tube.

• Easy to stack, store and organize. Space savers!

• Ideal for large batch cooking. Just cut open and empty into pot.

• No blood-absorbing pads means more usable weight.

So they aren’t just cheaper. Chubs can actually provide more convenience and versatility in many instances.

Cooking and Taste Differences

Since the meat filling chubs is identical, there should be negligible taste or cooking variances:

• Burgers, tacos, chili, and meatloaf will taste the same.

• Expect equivalent performance when browned for casseroles and pasta sauces.

• Lean/fat ratios impact taste and texture, not packaging.

• Cooks to the same safe internal temperature when measured with a thermometer.

• Follow any recipe without adjustments required.

The only potential difference is color when raw. But cooked and properly seasoned, even appearance will be indistinguishable.

Safety and Shelf Life

With less air exposure, ground beef tubes boast an impressive shelf life:

• Unopened tubes maintain quality and safety up to 3 weeks refrigerated.

• An open chub should be used within 4-5 days.

• Properly frozen, they last 4-6 months in the freezer.

• Always rely on use or freeze by dates printed on package.

• Cook to 160°F internal temperature measured with a food thermometer.

When handled properly, chubs are just as safe and long-lasting as tray packed beef. Follow safe protocols and see why so many home cooks and food service providers are switching to chubs!

Save on Your Favorite Ground Beef Recipes

Next time a recipe calls for ground beef, consider an inexpensive chub:

• Chili – Brown 1 lb chub beef with spices, garlic, onions, etc.

• Burgers – Form thick patties from fresh 80/20 chub beef.

• Tacos – Cook 1 lb chub beef with taco seasoning and spoon into tortillas.

• Meatloaf – Mix 1.5 lbs chub beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and any extras for your version.

• Spaghetti – Brown 1 lb chub beef and simmer in sauce for delicious Bolognese.

With some smart shopping, you can save substantially on ground beef without sacrificing any quality, taste, or safety. Give chubs a shot – your wallet and recipes will thank you!