“Where’s the beef?” I’m sure you’ve heard the classic 1984 Wendy’s burger slogan, but lately I’ve been asking a more serious question about ground beef, specifically when it comes to my grocery shopping: “What’s the beef?”
While some people prefer to shop for meat at specialty stores and butcher shops, I mostly rely on what’s at my grocery store due to convenience and affordability. But am I buying good-quality beef? I asked Norm Nesby Jr, a butcher and member of the Good Meat Project, who shared with me his golden rules when it comes to shopping for ground beef at the supermarket.
Which Grocery Store Chains Sell the Best Ground Beef, According to a Butcher
The only two grocery store chains Nesby would buy ground beef from are Whole Foods and Sprouts Farmers Market. It all comes down to the quality and freshness.
According to Nesby, these retailers hire formerly trained butchers who should be able to educate you about their selection of meats. They’ll have answers for inquiries about which ranches the store works with (aka is it actually local?), if the meat is grass-fed and antibiotic-free, and whether or not the grinding is done in-house. That last part is key.
If grinding was done in a factory, it can be hard to verify which cuts of meat are included in your blend. Nesby explains that the majority should be chuck, but claims that leg meat can also be thrown in, which isn’t fatty enough. Where the grinding takes place may also determine how fresh it is.
If the butcher can’t answer questions about the product, Nesby said this is a serious “red flag” showing a lack of accountability.
What to Look For When Buying Ground Beef
Not everyone lives close to or has access to a Whole Foods or Sprouts. If you’re shopping at your local grocery store, these are the three things Nesby says will help guide you to the best ground beef possible.
Which supermarket do you think sells the best-tasting ground beef? Let us know in the comments below.
