Meat Products

Depending on the store you choose, you'll have up to two main categories of meat options. You can choose either prepackaged meats or order from the store's in-house meat and seafood counter. Meat and seafood counters vary from location to location. Some offer more options than others.

Some grocery stores blur the line between the two. The meats may be cut or collected in-house and then packaged to be put on the shelves. Some items, such as bacon, are often offered only in packages created by distributors. Though you might find fresher options at the meat counter, your only option might be prepackaged meats, depending on the items you're looking for.

As we mentioned, you have quite a few options when it comes to meat. Whether you're looking for pork, beef, chicken, seafood, or something else, a good grocery store should offer the perfect foundation for your week's dinners.

Think about what you want to eat throughout the week. Does chicken breast sound good to you? Search for a chicken breast recipe to try. If you want to take your breakfasts to the next level, add a package of bacon or sausage to your cart. Get the ground beef you need to make your family's meatloaf recipe. Sometimes, just looking at the meat options can inspire recipe ideas that you can get excited about.

Though the meat you purchase will likely have an expiration or sell-by date, you should aim to use raw meats within three to five days after purchase. Each type of meat and cut has its own recommended storage lengths.

When you shop for meat, try only to purchase items that you plan to eat within the week unless you intend to freeze them. Overbuying meat won't be a money-saving move if you have to throw out what you can't finish. Our recommendation is to create a weekly meal plan and only buy enough meat to prepare those dishes. If you find you need more between your weekly grocery runs, Instacart can make it easy to replenish your stock.