15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (2024)

15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (1)

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We updated this article in February 2023 based on our most recent round of testing in the Good Housekeeping Institute. ButcherBox is now our best overall pick, and we've also included choices for the best beef, pork and venison delivery services.

If you don't have a reliable, high-quality butcher right around the corner, or simply don't have the time to get to the butcher or grocery store, a meat delivery service may be just what you need. Ranging from large cuts of beef and pork to chicken thighs and more, the best online meat delivery services source high-quality proteins and allow you to customize your choices before delivering them straight to your door.

Food and nutrition experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute conducted an extensive review of over 40 meat and seafood delivery services over the course of three months to find the best of the best. We even sent the boxes to home cooks across the nation for real-life testing feedback. Our evaluations focused on quality, taste, selection, animal care standards, sustainability and more. Services that sent poor-quality, too-small or badly butchered cuts didn't make the grade, nor did those whose meat cooked up tough or bland. Here are the best meat delivery services of 2023, according to experts and testers.

Our top picks:

You can learn more about how we evaluate meat delivery services at the end of this guide. We also include tips from our culinary experts on selecting the right cuts and properly cooking the steak, chicken and chops you purchase. Looking for more convenient ways to prepare dinner on busy weeknights? Check out our picks for the best meal delivery services and the best food subscription boxes.

1

Best Overall Meat Delivery Service

ButcherBox

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (13)Wide selection of beef, chicken, pork and seafood
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (14)Variety of customizable boxes to choose from
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (15)High-quality cuts and sourcing standards
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (16)Requires a lot of freezer space for storage

This popular B-corp-certified company offers a wide assortment of high-quality meat including 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, humanely raised pork and wild-caught seafood delivered directly to your door.

How it works: Select from two types of subscription plans — Custom, which allows you to choose specific cuts from any type of protein, or Curated, which allows you to choose your proteins but ButcherBox will select your specific cuts. The four different box options include:

  • Custom Box: Create your own box by choosing from more than 25 cuts and update your cuts in every order (9-14 lbs of meat, $169 per month, free shipping)
  • Mixed Box: Select from a variety of 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken and pork raised crate-free (8-11 lbs meat, $146 per month, free shipping)
  • Beef & Chicken Box: Choose a mix of 100% grass-fed beef and free-range organic chicken (8-11 lbs meat, $146 per month, free shipping)
  • Beef & Pork Box: Select a variety of 100% grass-fed beef and pork raised crate-free (8-11 lbs meat, $146 per month, free shipping)

Big box sizes are available as well, and you have the option to include add-ons with your order if desired. Items are frozen for freshness.

Lab results: Both testers and our in-house experts gave the service top scores across the board, raving about the high quality of the cuts and wide selection of offerings. Nicole Papantoniou, director of Good Housekeeping's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, loves that the ButcherBox grass-finished steaks tended to be leaner than others she had tested. She points out that everything is individually packed which makes defrosting and cooking quick and easy.

Our nutrition pros were impressed with the quality standards and appreciated that you can change things up with this service and keep your diet varied and balanced given the different types of meat, fish and poultry available. "The quality really stood out to me. Everything was so delicious and their high standards to be humane also stand out," a tester said. "I don't like buying most meat from the regular grocery store because I am never sure the quality, but ButcherBox was out of this world good," another said.

CostClassic size boxes start at $146 and include free shipping.
PackagingBox is 100% recyclable and made from recycled materials.
AvailabilityDelivery available to all 48 contiguous states. Does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or Canada.

2

Best Fresh Meat Delivery Service

Porter Road

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (18)High-quality, flavorful meats
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (19)Most meat is shipped fresh, not frozen
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (20)Both a la carte and subscription options available
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (21)Does not offer seafood

Every piece of meat is hand-cut at Porter Road's facility in Kentucky, and the products are sourced directly from family-owned and operated farms in Kentucky and Tennessee. Animals are raised outside on pasture, and the brand says it's passionate about humanely raised meat.

How it works: Shop a la carte for a variety of meats including beef, pork, chicken, sausages and more. Most items arrive fresh, not frozen. Alternatively, you can select one of the following subscription boxes:

  • Beef and Pork Basics ($120): Bundle contains 9 lbs of assorted sirloin filets, pork chops, dry-aged ground beef and ground pork.
  • Beef Box ($140): Bundle includes 8 lbs of premium steaks, sear-and-serve butcher's steaks, dry-aged ground beef, beef taco blend and dry-aged hot dogs.
  • Best of Porter Road Box ($128): Bundle includes 8 lbs of dry-aged steaks, pork chops, dry-aged ground beef, bacon, country sausage and chorizo sausage.
  • Weeknight Heroes ($120): Bundle includes 9.1 lbs of sirloin filets, bone-in skin-on chicken breasts, pork chops, dry-aged ground beef, beef taco blend, sweet Italian sausage and dry-aged hot dogs.
  • Butcher's Choice Box ($165): Bundle includes 8-10 lbs of dry-aged steaks, sirloin filets, pork chops, dry-aged ground beef and pork bacon, plus an additional assortment that changes each month.

Lab results: Our testers were impressed with how tender and flavorful the meat was and noticed darker hues on products like chicken and pork which typically indicates that the animal had a healthy balanced diet. Many liked that most products come fresh, not frozen, but you can certainly freeze your steaks once they arrive if you don't plan to use them right away.

Several testers commented on the excellent portion sizes and selection of meats too, although the variety is a bit smaller than other services on the list, and Porter Road does not offer seafood. One tester said, "The quality was very good and the flavor was better than anything I bought in a grocery store." Another said, "The meat was very tender and I loved how the breakfast sausage and chorizo were packaged."

CostSubscription boxes start at $120.
PackagingPackaged with a bio-degradable insulation with gel packs in a standard cardboard shipper.
AvailabilityDelivery available to the contiguous United States. Does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico.

3

Best Butcher-Style Meat Delivery Service

Rastelli's

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (23)Generous selection of meats, seafood and more
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (24)Excellent quality and sustainable sourcing practices
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (25)Options for gifting
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (26)Shipping costs on orders under $200

Founded by butcher Ray Rastelli, Jr., Rastelli's offers beef aged in-house and the brand focuses on sustainable sourcing practices for the farmers and fishermen they choose to partner with. Choose from quality beef, antibiotic-free chicken, wild-caught seafood, heritage pork and more with this online meat delivery service.

How it works: Select meats and seafood for a one-time purchase or opt for a subscription plan to save 5% on your order. There is a $10 shipping fee for orders between $100 and $199 and a $25 shipping fee for orders under $100. You can also gift any of the boxes on the site too. Products are frozen and vacuum sealed.

Lab results: Not only did the meat receive top scores from testers, but we found the seafood to be high-quality too. "I can’t say enough good things about my food from Rastelli’s," a tester shared. Another said, "The meat just tasted wonderful, and the seasoning kits were very flavorful. Everything was absolutely delicious. The salmon was the best that I’ve ever tasted and I’ve had a lot of salmon! Would highly recommend them."

Our pros say that the meat is comparable to what you would receive at the butcher, but with the convenience of skipping the trip to the shop. Our nutrition experts also appreciated the brand's emphasis on food safety. The meat comes from audited and approved farms, and every delivery is tested on arrival for multiple strains of E.coli. Samples are even sent to an outside lab for validation testing to make sure the results are accurate.

CostNo order minimum, but there are shipping costs on orders under $200.
PackagingThe box and package insulation can be recycled via curbside pickup, and the bag that your products were packaged in is reusable.
AvailabilityDelivery available within the continental U.S. Does not ship Hawaii, Alaska or Canada.

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4

Best Beef Delivery Service

Mr. Steak

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (28)Variety of beef, wagyu and burgers
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (29)Shop a la carte or customize your own subscription
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (30)No chicken, pork or seafood options available

This family-owned and operated company uses all USDA Prime meats sourced from cattle pasture-raised on local ranches within 250 miles of Omaha, Nebraska. The Natural American Wagyu is raised on family farms across America, and the Japanese Wagyu is raised on the island of Kyushu in the Miyazaki prefecture of Japan.

How it works: Shop for items a la carte or try a flexible subscription where you select exactly what you want to receive and how often, and you'll get 10% off products. Options include USDA Prime meats, wagyu, burgers and bratwurst. Meat ships frozen.

Lab results:

We appreciate that Mr. Steak only features graded USDA Prime Beef and has strict sourcing for its Wagyu. The beef is fairly priced for the quality, and you'll be able to select from practically any cut of beef you could want. One tester said that the Natural American Wagyu Ribeye was the best they have ever had in their life.

Another major plus is that the company donates a meal to a hungry family for every box sold. One thing to note is that Mr. Steak does not offer chicken, pork or seafood, so a subscription to this service may not be ideal if you're looking for variety. But meat lovers — particularly beef enthusiasts — will be impressed with the impressive assortment.

CostOrders over $175 ship free ($10 for orders below this value).
PackagingProducts are shipped in our biodegradable corn-based cooler and the shipping box is made from recycled materials.
AvailabilityDelivery available throughout the continental United States.

5

Best Premium Meat Delivery Service

Snake River Farms

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (32)Premium-quality Wagyu and meats
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (33)Exceptional flavor and very tender cuts
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (34)Excellent packaging features
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (35)Expensive

Part of a family-owned and operated business, Snake River Farms is passionate about offering authentic "Ranch to Table" meats from cattle raised along the high plain of the Snake River in Eastern Idaho. Its beef is the result of cross-breeding Japanese Wagyu cattle with continental breeds of cattle, which results in intense marbling.

How it works: Shop for a variety of American Wagyu steaks, beef roasts, brisket, dry-aged beef and steaks, surf and turf and even Wagyu burgers and hot dogs. Larger boxes are also available with a variety of cuts. Products are individually sealed in air-tight packaging and flash-frozen prior to shipment, but dry-aged products are shipped fresh.

Lab results: Papantoniou says that Snake River Farms is her favorite meat delivery service to splurge on. "The meat is high quality and the most tender I’ve ever tasted from frozen. It’s packed airtight and can spend many months in your fridge," she says. "It’s a brand you can really feel good about, especially if you like your beef rare."

Testers agree, with one saying, "It was the best beef we have had at home — fresh, tender and satisfying." Although the prices are high, testers said they would be willing to pay for the service moving forward since the quality was that good. Plus, both testers and our in-house evaluators found the packaging to be superior to other services we tested.

Cost$49 order minimum on products and gift cards.
PackagingOrders are shipped in reusable, thermal bag in a recyclable shipper box lined with biodegradable insulated foam.
AvailabilityDelivery available to all 50 United States (additional cost for Hawaii and Alaska).

6

Best Meat Delivery Service for Variety

Crowd Cow

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (37)Varied selection of meat and seafood
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (38)Curated gift boxes available
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (39)Sustainable packaging features and practices
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (40)High order minimum

This online meat and seafood delivery service is committed to sustainability. You'll find high-quality beef, pork, chicken, seafood and Wagyu from sources that use regenerative and ethical standards. Products are raised without added hormones, and the brand says that they taste-test the products too.

How it works: Order items a la carte or sign up for Crowd Cow's free membership which gives you access to 5% off and free shipping on recurring orders over $149. But in general, you'll have to order at least $99 worth of products to meet the company's order minimum. Select from a variety of options from beef, bison and lamb to salmon and shrimp. The brand also offers curated gift boxes for meat lovers at a range of prices. Items are flash-frozen and shipped to your door.

Lab results: Crowd Cow impressed our testers with high-quality cuts and the fact that you can even shop by farm. The variety of options is pretty substantial too and includes bison, lamb and Japanese Wagyu. The gift boxes were a real standout in our evaluations as well, and our culinary pros especially loved the thick-cut and meaty bacon — no fatty, stingy slices here.

Another major benefit of this service is its sustainable packaging which was some of the best we saw during our evaluations. One thing to note is the high order minimum, but you don't have to commit to a recurring shipment with Crowd Cow, so you can buy and freeze at your leisure.

Cost$99 order minimum prior to tax and shipping. Free shipping on subscription orders over $149.
PackagingPackaging is 100% recyclable and compostable.
AvailabilityDelivery to everywhere in the United States except Hawaii and Alaska.

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7

Best American Meat Delivery Service

Good Chop

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (42)All meat is born and bred in the U.S.
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (43)Also includes options for pork, chicken and seafood
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (44)68 high-quality meat and seafood items
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (45)Only two plan sizes to choose from

If you're looking for meat exclusively born and bred in the U.S.A., look no further than Good Chop. This popular online butcher sources responsibly raised American beef, pork and chicken, all free from antibiotics and added hormones. Good Chop even offers seafood that is wild-caught on U.S. coasts or raised in U.S. fish farms.

How it works: Choose from a medium (9-14 lbs) or large box (14-22 lbs) and select from 68 high-quality meat and seafood items to customize your order. Options include everything from sirloin steaks and boneless ribeyes to Alaskan sockeye salmon and Pacific cod. Proteins are frozen at peak freshness and packed in dry ice in an insulated box.

Lab results: Imported meat can be labeled as a "Product of the U.S.A." even if cattle are raised abroad, so our experts say that if you are looking for exclusively American meat, this service does the due diligence. Testers gave the service top scores across the board and noted that the price is pretty good for the amount of meat you receive. One tester said, "Highly impressive! Beautiful cuts of meat."

Although there are only two boxes to choose from, you can select from several different proteins. That being said, some of the options like the pork don't offer as robust of a selection. "They came packed perfectly unlike some other companies, plus the quality of the cuts seemed pretty fresh," another tester commented.

CostBoxes start at $149.
PackagingPackaging is fully curbside recyclable.
AvailabilityDelivery available to the majority of the continental United States.

8

Best Pork Delivery Service

Campo Grande

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (47)Exceptional quality pork and beef
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (48)Premium seafood also available
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (49)Pork sourced directly from humane family-owned farms in southern Spain
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (50)Smaller selection than other services

Taste the very best of Spain's free-range Ibérico pork (dubbed the "wagyu" of pork), grass-fed Vaca Vieja beef and sustainable European seafood, all delivered straight to your door. Campo Grande sources its famous pork directly from humane family-owned farms in southern Spain.

How it works: Shop a la carte or select from a variety of collection boxes listed below. Items are shipped fully frozen and cuts are individually vacuum-sealed.

  • Charcuterie Sampler Bundle which includes sliced chorizo, salchichon and coppa.
  • Ibérico Shoulder Ham which includes bone-in shoulder ham, plus a stainless-steel carving knife, knife sharpener and support rack.
  • Ultimate Ibérico Box which includes about 12.8 lbs of limited-production assorted Ibérico pork.
  • BBQ Grillmaster Box which includes about 6.8 lbs of limited-production assorted Ibérico pork.
  • Ibérico Pork Box which includes about 6.25 lbs of limited-production assorted Ibérico pork.
  • Vaca Vieja Prime Rib Chuléton which includes limited-release Vaca Vieja Prime Rib from matured vintage cows.
  • Spanish Fish Box which includes 5-6 lbs of premium frozen wild fish and seafood.

Lab lowdown: We were not only impressed with the incredible quality and flavor of the Ibérico pork but also just how impressive and tender the grass-fed Vaca Vieja beef was, too. While you won't find as robust of a selection as some of the other services on this list, the quality of the meat alone sets this service apart from others. Plus, the seafood got top scores in our tests too.

Our nutrition pros appreciate that the brand carefully sources its products, with the beef coming exclusively from cows that instead of being slaughtered young or retired have been harvested between 5 and 12 years of age. What's more, the cows were raised on a Certified Humane cooperative in Tasmania, Australia, which Campo Grande says pays homage to Spain's matured cows.

CostBoxes range from $49 to $399.
PackagingAll packaging is 100% recyclable and compostable.
AvailabilityDelivers to everywhere in the USA except Alaska and Hawaii.

9

Best Meat Delivery Service for Gifts

Omaha Steaks

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (52)Very large selection of meats
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (53)Purchase a la carte or via a subscription box plan
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (54)Also offers burgers, chicken, pork, seafood and pre-prepared items
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (55)Meals, sides and desserts are not the healthiest

Founded in 1917, this fifth-generation, family-owned company popularly offers a variety of beef and other gourmet foods. Omaha Steaks uses beef that is naturally aged for at least 28 days for tenderness.

How it works: You can shop a la carte and select from steaks, burgers, franks, chicken, pork, seafood, wine and more. The options are vast with over 15 different types of cuts of beef including everything from filet mignon to T-bones and porterhouses. Monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly steak boxes are available where you can choose up to eight steaks per month on the monthly plan. Meat is flash-frozen and vacuum sealed.

Lab results: Ordering was a breeze and there is a wide selection to choose from so you don't get bored. "Excellent photos, easy-to-read information about each product," one tester said. When it came down to delivery, packaging was given high scores for keeping the food cold and fresh. "Packaging kept everything frozen even after sitting on my front porch until I got home from work," another individual noted, with many saying that it would be perfect for gift-giving.

Testers appreciated that the meats were individually portioned, making them easy to defrost and cook. Our experts say that they are good quality for the money.

CostMonthly steak boxes starting at $139.99.
PackagingItems are shipped in custom reusable/recyclable polystyrene coolers.
AvailabilityDelivery available throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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10

Best Cured Meat Delivery Service

Carnivore Club

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (57)Variety of cured meats ranging from jerky to salami and prosciutto
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (58)Great gift box options
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (59)Subscription boxes available for once a month, every other month or every three months
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (60)No fresh cuts of meat
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (61)Most packaging is not recyclable

Cured meat lovers will love Carnivore Club, a curated cured meat of the month club that offers boxes of premium jerky, salamis, prosciutto and more. You can even shop a few of their select boxes on Amazon.

How it works: Choose from a variety of boxes, charcuterie boards and more based on your cured meat preferences or gift to a friend or family member. Options include jerky, meat sticks, salami, wild game, soppressata, cheeses, crackers, jams and other add-ons. You can subscribe to get boxes every month, every other month or every three months.

Lab lowdown: We love the fun variety of boxes that are available, and testers said that they made a great gift. Jerky enthusiasts enjoyed trying new brands every month and seeing the latest and greatest available. "The classic box sampler was great, awesome options and some brands I had never tried before but will definitely be using going forward," one tester said. Another raved about the Mega Meat Box, saying that it was perfect for stocking them with office snacks for the month.

CostMost boxes start as low as $19.99
PackagingStandard recyclable shipping box. The contents inside are vacuum-sealed and not recyclable.
AvailabilityDelivery available to the USA and Canada, as well as to APO and FPO addresses in the USA.

11

Best Meat Delivery Service for Families

Chop Box

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (63)Large selection of beef
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (64)Also offers duck, pork, chicken, seafood, lamb and veal
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (65)Solid packaging
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (66)Limited grass-fed items

This online meat delivery service is based out of northern New Jersey. Products are cut daily by Chop Box butchers and fish cutters, and the brand is dedicated to partnering with farms that value sustainable farming practices. Chop Box also says that it has taste tested every product that is offered to make sure it meets quality standards.

How it works: Create your own order by selecting options a la carte including beef, pork, chicken, duck, seafood, lamb and veal. Alternatively, you can stock your freezer with the Chop Box — available in two sizes — which features a mix of premium hand-cut steaks, heritage breed pork and Murray's antibiotic-free chicken so you have something for the whole family. Most items are shipped frozen with dry ice.

Lab results: Our experts were impressed with the large selection of beef, as well as unique proteins like duck, veal and lamb available that aren't offered by many other services. One thing to take note of is that not all of the meat is grass-fed.

"Everything in the kit was fresh. The steaks were great. We thought we hit the jackpot," a tester said. "The ground beef and the flat iron and ribeye steaks that we received were especially flavorful," another pointed out. And even though the packaging is recyclable, both testers and our experts said that it kept the food cold for hours.

Cost$99 order minimum.
PackagingAll packaging is 100% curbside recyclable.
AvailabilityDelivery nationwide to all states except Alaska and Hawaii.

12

Best Pasture-Raised Meat Delivery Service

Chapman 3C Cattle Company

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (68)All pasture-raised beef, pork and chicken
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (69)Also offers organ meats
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (70)Family-owned operation
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (71)Items and boxes can sell out quickly

The Chapman 3C Cattle Company ranch located in Hico, Texas has been in the family for four generations. The cattle graze on grass their whole lives, and the farm adds grain into their diet for their last few months to help give the beef marbling and flavor.

How it works: Shop a la carte for a variety of meats including ground beef, ground beef patties, NY strip steak, tenderloin filet mignon, tenderloin tips and more. You can also select options for pork, chicken and organ meats. Meat is flash-frozen and vacuum sealed to ensure freshness. Monthly beef subscription boxes are offered, but currently, only the largest 25-lb box ($349) is available. Non-subscription boxes typically start at 8 lbs for $129.

Lab results: Our nutrition pros appreciate that the beef, chicken and pork are all pasture-raised. The company is also transparent about when and why it incorporates grain into the animals' diets. You can even call or email the family members directly with any questions.

Although you won't find as much product variety as some of the other services on this list, our pros point out that you can order organ meats through this service which is rare. You can also buy beef in bulk if you're looking to stock the freezer, with options available for up to 100 lbs of beef.

CostNo order minimum. Subscription boxes range from $129 to $349.
PackagingWell insulated double corrugated box.
AvailabilityDelivery available throughout the entire United States.

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13

Best Organic Meat Delivery Service

Greensbury

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (73)Quality organic beef and poultry
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (74)Order a la carte or via a subscription box
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (75)Not as large of a selection as others

This online meat delivery service partners with USDA-certified organic farms and ranches, as well as sustainable U.S. fisheries. You'll be able to get everything from grass-fed organic meat and organic chicken to wild-caught seafood delivered directly to your door.

How it works: Order a la carte and choose from a variety of beef, chicken, turkey and seafood. Subscription boxes are available starting at $162 and include options for a Beef & Chicken Box, Family Favorites Box and a Lean Proteins Box. Meats are flash-frozen and vacuum-sealed so they can retain flavor and freshness for up to 12 months.

Lab results: Although testers gave the service good scores for the beef and seafood, the poultry was also rated highly. Our dietitians appreciate that there is a nice selection of organic, free-range chickens and even a whole turkey.

"Excellent quality and portion sizes," one tester said. "The quality and freshness are top-notch," another said. Testers also commented that the organic options were a huge draw since many other services don't offer it. The individually-packaged portions also came in handy during busy weeknights.

CostSubscription boxes start at $162.
PackagingProducts are packed into recyclable cardboard boxes lined with a recyclable insulation layer.
AvailabilityDelivery to anywhere in the contiguous United States.

14

Best Venison Delivery Service

Maui Nui

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Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (77)Nutrient-dense, lean venison
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (78)Variety of venison cuts and add-ons like bone broth and jerky
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (79)Shop a la carte or via subscription box
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (80)No beef or other meats available

According to Maui Nui's website, in 1959, nine Axis deer were introduced to the island of Maui and without active management, the population grew to a devastating size of over 200,000 within the subsequent decades. Maui Nui has begun wild-harvesting them as USDA-approved meat. The brand is passionate about nature preservation and uses humane methods for harvesting the free-roaming deer.

How it works: Shop a la carte for venison leg medallions, tenderloins, stew chunks, rib racks and more that are flash-frozen. The brand even offers organ meats like liver and heart, and you can find bone broth and venison sticks for snack options. Alternatively, you can select one of the curated boxes:

  • The Starter Box (from $195): A mix of ground venison, leg medallions and premium cuts.
  • The Ohana Box (from ($299): A mix of ground venison and a variety of exclusive cuts that range from rib racks and chops to strip loins and leg medallions. Subscription options are available for the Ohana Box at four-, six- and eight-week intervals.

Lab results: Our dietitians point out that venison is an extremely lean meat and note that an analysis available on Maui Nui's website showed that its Axis Deer ribeye samples contained two times more phytochemicals than grass-fed beef ribeyes and four times more phytochemicals than grain-fed beef ribeyes. This shows that the venison are eating a diverse and varied natural diet since a variety of phytochemicals, compounds produced by plants that have anti-inflammatory effects and can lower oxidative stress, are concentrated in their meat.

Although you'll be limited to only venison from this service, the brand does offer a wide variety of cuts and has the option for unique add-ons like bone broth and jerky. "I would never have thought to purchase venison from Hawaii! It’s a very lean meat and I was surprised at its versatility while cooking. It was delicious, served multiple ways," a tester said.

CostA minimum of 4 lbs of meat is required to ship. Boxes start at $195.
PackagingPackaging is made up of made up of 100% recyclable materials.
AvailabilityDelivery available to all 50 Unites States.

15

Best Online Grocery Delivery Service for Meat

Thrive Market

15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (81)

Pros
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (82)Offers meat, seafood and other household groceries
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (83)Discounted prices, and further discounts when you choose auto-ship
Cons
  • 15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (84)Does not offer fresh produce

Rated as one of our top online grocery services, Thrive Market is known for offering healthy kitchen staples and household items at low prices. The service even offers meat and seafood that you can add on to your order, so if you're looking to get most of the grocery shopping done in one virtual trip then this may be the best option for you.

How it works: Subscribe to Thrive Market's membership and then order your favorite organic and sustainable products as you please. You can get extra savings when you turn on auto-ship but you can skip or pause it at any time and even place one-time orders when you need them. When it comes to meats, you can choose from a pretty decent selection of beef, lamb, pork, poultry and seafood.

Lab results: Testers loved the great selection of organic goods on Thrive Market and loved that they have a nice assortment of meats, poultry and seafood. All of the meat and seafood are ethically raised, sustainably sourced and flash-frozen at the peak of freshness, according to the brand.

Our registered dietitians were very impressed with the best-in-class food products available at competitive prices. "I found it to be a great resource for finding organic and generally healthier options for everything from spices to snacks to proteins to beauty supplies," said Amy Fischer, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N, a registered dietitian at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "I also loved the dietary filters, which made it easy to locate items for my particular dietary needs."

Cost Membership is $59.95 annually or $12 each month.
PackagingFrozen meats are delivered using mostly curbside recyclable packaging, with curbside recyclable paper insulation and dry ice to keep the meats from thawing out.
AvailabilityShips to all residential and commercial addresses in the contiguous U.S.

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How we test meat delivery services

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At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test all different types of food products and services. From healthy snacks and supplements to food subscription boxes and meat delivery services, our experts are committed to bringing you the best of the best when it comes to quality, performance, flavor, nutrition and more.

In our most recent study of meal and food delivery services, we recruited over 280 at-home testers across the nation, while our in-house experts also tested the services in our Labs. All in all, we evaluated over 40 different meat and seafood delivery services and tested them over the course of three months.

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In the end, we made our selections based on expert evaluations and tester feedback in the categories of overall satisfaction, meat quality, cost, recycling efforts and availability. Our top picks offer exceptional quality, a wide variety of cuts and options ranging from steak to pork and chicken. Although taste is subjective, we ultimately chose companies that scored high points overall with testers.

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As a result of our testing, we believe the companies spotlighted above deserve recognition for their performance in their categories. That said, this is a fast-growing segment in the food industry and we're likely to see exciting new entrants emerging in the near future. We are currently and constantly testing new offerings in this category to keep readers up-to-date.

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What are the benefits of meat subscription services?

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Aside from the convenience of having meat shipping directly to your home and saving you a trip to the grocery store and butcher, meat subscription services have a lot going for them. In our tests, our experts were wowed by the quality of most of the services we tested. These services are specifically dedicated to meat, so they typically take the time and care to properly source and select quality cuts. Many services also don't just offer beef, but also other options like seafood, pork and poultry so you have a variety of proteins to choose from and don't have to worry about getting bored with the selections.

Are meat subscriptions worth it?

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This will ultimately depend on how much meat you and your household goes through every month. If you're regularly eating beef and other cuts of meat during the week, then a service like the ones listed above may actually help save you money and cut down on trips to the butcher and supermarket.

Most meat from these services comes frozen so it will last a long time in the freezer. And if you have too much, you can skip or cancel your subscription. That being said, ample freezer space is key as most meat delivery services tend to only ship large boxes of meats to rationalize shipping costs on their end. If you fall in love with one of these services, you may want to invest in a standalone freezer to keep in your basem*nt or garage. Often, when you buy in larger quantities, you get more for your money.

One thing to note is that you can't see and assess the individual cuts of meat before purchase like you would at a butcher shop, which can be a deterrent for some. Many of these services offer a discounted first box, so it's likely worth trying to see if the meat is what you are looking for and suited for your family.

15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (90)

Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT

Nutrition Lab Director

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

15 Best Meat Delivery Services to Help You Avoid the Grocery Store (2024)

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