The best meat delivery services bring high-quality, conveniently packaged cuts right to your doorstep so you can skip the grocery store. After researching dozens of options and trying several services ourselves, our top pick is Porter Road, thanks to its antibiotic- and hormone-free meat which is cut at the company's own facilities. However, there are several other great options on our list worth considering.
When choosing a meat delivery service, it's best to consider the type of protein you're partial to, the cuts you prefer, whether you want fresh or frozen goods and, of course, your budget. With that in mind, these are the best meat delivery services to save you trips to the grocery store.
Forbes Vetted's editors and writers are experts in home and kitchen products, whether it's appliances to make your life easier or food delivery services that bring quality products to your doorstep.
To find the best meat delivery services, we combined extensive research with firsthand experience. We also tapped experts in the field to provide advice around choosing the right meat delivery for you.
The right meat delivery service for you depends on your unique preferences and habits. If you're unsure of where to start, here are the factors worth keeping in mind before hitting purchase on 10 pounds of chicken or signing up for a recurring burger subscription.
It goes without saying that not all services offer the same range of proteins. Whereas some specialize in one type, such as beef, others boast a wider selection, from seafood to poultry to game meat. If you're looking to sign up for a regular subscription, make sure to pick a service that has the variety you need.
Since the best meat delivery services are known for their top-notch offerings, they don't always come cheap. That being said, they're worth the higher price tag since you're paying for quality. Plus, not all services are super expensive; FreshDirect, for example, offers many affordable cuts.
If you're looking to save money -- and you regularly eat meat -- consider a subscription plan, as many services offer discounts when you sign up for recurring deliveries. Just make sure your household can actually eat (or freeze) the amount you sign up for.
Regarding quality, fresh meat is typically preferable -- but not always. Cuts that are flash-frozen at the peak of freshness can be significantly better than meat you might find at the grocery that's packaged and sold as fresh. While some delivery services offer fresh meat, many ship their products frozen to keep them in their best shape while traveling.
One thing to keep in mind if you order frozen protein: You can't always cook it right out of the box, as you typically want to defrost it beforehand.
Since these services specialize in high-quality proteins, they often sell meat that's grass-fed, free-range, antibiotic-free or hormone-free. That being said, it's up to you to pick the quality of your meat (and determine how much you're willing to spend). For example, some services like Snake River Farms offer premium products, such as American Wagyu beef and Kurobuta Pork.
While many top meat delivery services source their meats from local or U.S.-based farmers, not all do. Just keep in mind that you may have to pay a little more for services that make a point to support local.