I Asked 2 Grocery Store Butchers How to Pick Out the Best Meat and Save Money — Here’s What All Shoppers Need to Know

As a recipe developer and cookbook author, I spend a lot of time at the grocery store. I’ve got a whole process that starts with grabbing a cart (the small one with double baskets because the big cart impedes efficiency). I push it swiftly down the aisles, grabbing things from shelves and checking items off my list as I go. 

There are nods and smiles as I pass the staff and the other regulars, an acknowledgement that we know each other, but not enough to stop and make small talk. After gathering most of my groceries, I make my way to the butcher counter. I’ll spend some time consulting the case before asking the butcher questions that I always feel are completely ridiculous. 

One time, I asked, “which of these steaks has the best marbling?” just to see if his choice matched mine. After learning all there is to know about steak, chuck roast, or insert any cut of meat here, I give a “thanks” and head to the cashier. While I like the whole experience, it’s my time at the butcher counter that’s most rewarding.

The people who butcher our meat are a smart group of humans. They’re full of facts we never knew we needed to know. If you never spend time there, then you’re really missing out on an opportunity to learn. And if you’re curious about their top tips for shopping at the butcher counter, I’ve got them. 

As fun as it can be to describe what you’re trying to make for dinner tonight, to get the best advice, my butcher recommends bringing your actual recipe with you. If you’ve got it on your phone, that makes things even easier. The full recipe provides clues on whether the cut of meat your ordering is best suited for the dish, but also makes finding a budget-friendly swap less challenging.  

Let’s say you need 15 pounds of ribs for your backyard barbecue. Instead of showing up at the butcher counter with that request, you’re going to want to call ahead — and not just the day of. My butchers advise at least two days ahead of when you expect to pick up your order. 

The meat in the case varies based on what’s available from farmers and vendors, as well as seasonality (It’s why you see lots of turkeys and turkey cuts around Thanksgiving). For big or specialty orders — say, if you need a particular cut of meat — it’s best to give the store a heads-up and place an order in advance. Otherwise you risk not getting what you came in for, which brings me to their next tip … 

The biggest takeaway I got from my butchers? Always ask questions — and not just because they know a lot about the meat in the case (which they do). They’re a wealth of knowledge and loads of tips for ground beef, pork chops, sausages, and more. 

They’ll tell you what’s new, what to skip, and share cooking techniques. You might even get them to reveal their secrets to their favorite rubs, sauces, and marinades. As one of them said, “we’re not trying to sell you anything, so we’ll give you the same advice we’d give to friends and family.” 

Plus, the one item you might want to avoid.

Before I departed, I had one final question for my butchers: “What is the one thing you wouldn’t to buy from the butcher?” They both initially said, “nothing.” (The pride of what’s in the case is real.) 

When I pressed further, they agreed much of the packaged poultry is just as good (and often the same) as what’s in the meat case. So if you find a better deal on packaged chicken, they said, “go for it.” If you’re unsure about the quality of what you’re about to buy, just ask! Turns out, your butchers are likely also the people that stock the packaged meat cases. 

Do you have a smart tip from your grocery store butcher? Tell us about it in the comments below.