Meat and its preparations are more than just delicious; they are also packed with proteins, iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and other essential nutrients for overall well-being. These days, several brands offer meat online, making buying meat highly convenient. However, since there’s no way to check the meat’s quality online physically, one must ensure that the brand is reliable and trustworthy. So, here are some mistakes to avoid when buying meat online:

1. Not researching how the animal was raised
It is ideal to buy the meat of animals raised in humane conditions and grass-fed before being slaughtered. Organic, grass-fed meat is more nutritious than the regular meat available. One should always look for meat derived from animals that have been “pasture-raised” because when the animals are not caged, they graze on fresh, green grass. As a result, they can absorb more nutrients from their food than if they were held captive, and the meat derived from these animals is packed with vitamins and cancer-fighting agents. That’s why one should search for labels such as “100% organic,” “pasture-raised,” and “grass-fed” on the product page before buying any meat.

2. Not doing a background check on the brand
With a dime of a dozen brands selling meat that claim to be of premium quality on online platforms, it is up to the buyer to distinguish between average and bespoke brands. Fortunately, the Internet offers substantial information on companies’ backgrounds, credibility, and credentials. So, before buying meat online, one should check whether the product is approved by authorized governing bodies, such as the FDA. It is also important to check online reviews and actively inquire with friends, family members, etc., about the credibility of the brand and the genuineness of its products.

3. Failing to verify if the animal has been given hormones
As the population expands like never before, the demand for meat has also become exponentially high. Hormones are often injected into calves, piglets, etc., to meet such demands so that their growth is accelerated and there’s enough meat supply. Similarly, these animals may be given antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections and other health issues. Injecting hormones and antibiotics in large quantities can severely affect the quality of meat from a long-term perspective because these are found to have carcinogenic agents. At the same time, hormones and antibiotics are unavoidable, given the high demand today. So, the best bet for buyers is to check whether the brand has abided by all the rules and regulations set by the FDA regarding implanting hormones and antibiotics into animals before deriving their meat.

4. Buying large quantities of meat right once from a new brand
No matter how trusted a brand is, it’s always a good idea to sample its products first because one can never be too sure about their genuineness, particularly regarding meat. And that’s why one should avoid buying large quantities of meat when ordering it online for the first time from a brand. Although this might imply paying higher delivery fees than usual, it is worth paying a few extra dollars rather than risking one’s health. If a company offers different types of meat, it’s a good idea to sample each type first and evaluate the quality and taste of each. This way, one can understand what products the company offers are of the best quality.

5. Buying meat from a brand that doesn’t specify what the animal was fed
These days, many brands claim to offer organic, grass-fed meat. While checking these labels is a must, it’s always better to go further and find out what exactly the animal was fed. More importantly, one should avoid buying meat from brands that don’t specify this detail. For example, the animal should have been fed grains and grass rich in omega 3, 6, and conjugated linolenic acid. Preferably, corn gluten feed, soybean meal, brewer grains, etc., should also have been a part of their feed.

6. Not considering frozen meat
Many believe buying fresh meat is better than buying frozen meat. On the contrary, frozen meats may be just as healthy and delicious as fresh ones, provided they are frozen right and preserved hygienically. Many brands offer frozen meat to ensure that it lasts longer, especially if it needs to be shipped over long distances. It’s better to buy frozen and hygienic meat than one that’s not frozen but has the risk of dying. However, when buying frozen meat online, one should check that it has been preserved and handled properly at all stages of the supply chain. Brands should detail their steps to preserve the product in the right conditions.

7. Overlooking the brand’s customer service
When it comes to online shopping, the only way for customers to connect with sellers is through their customer care services. So, brands selling meat online should promptly respond to customer queries, suggestions, complaints, etc., and should have different avenues through which customers can connect. These avenues include toll-free numbers, chat facilities, and email.