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Is Costco Ahi Tuna Sushi Grade?

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There’s nothing quite like making sushi at home. And ahi tuna is one of the best fish to use for sushi. I know Costco has great deals on ahi tuna, but I wondered, is Costco ahi tuna sushi grade?

Costco offers sashimi-grade super frozen yellowfin tuna which is one of the 2 types of fish typically called ahi tuna. The other type, not typically available at Costco is bigeye tuna.

And they also offer wagyu sashimi-grade Hamachi, which is also known as yellowtail. This too is perfect for sushi. But even fish labeled sushi-grade isn’t 100% risk-free.

But yellowtail should not be confused with yellowfin tuna. Hamachi/yellowtail is not a type of tuna.

So that’s just a quick answer and doesn’t tell the whole story. After all, most grocery stores don’t label fish as “sushi-grade” as most don’t want the liability if someone eats it, gets sick, and claims it was the tuna. And is there even any Federal regulation regarding the terms “sushi-grade” or “sashimi-grade”?

Home sushi chefs DO have options. So let’s explore all of them!

Is Costco Ahi Tuna Sushi Grade lg

Is Costco ahi tuna safe to eat raw?

Costco’s sashimi-grade super frozen yellowfin tuna is safe to be eaten raw due to its freezing process, which happens on the fishing boats.

But any fish NOT labeled sushi or sashimi-grade is technically not safe to eat raw.

Before tuna or any other fish can be prepared and eaten raw, they need to have been bled, gutted, and frozen immediately after being caught.

Unless you’re positive a fish has undergone this process, you shouldn’t eat it raw. But if you can find a fishmonger or knowledgeable employee at Costco, ask.

Being strict is to ensure that the parasites in them are killed off.

But most retailers will tout a fish being sushi or sashimi-grade to justify the higher price point. But unless you can confirm that this procedure was followed, it’s not safe to eat raw.

And it’s worth pointing out that eating ANY fish raw still has risks. And just because a fish is labeled sushi-grade or sashimi-grade doesn’t mean those risks aren’t there. They will be much safer to eat raw, but there is still a risk.

What about Salmon? Can you eat them raw after you’ve got them from the grocery store?

This is exactly what I explored in a recent article. In it, I explained that there’s no legal definition of sushi-grade and no official grading system. But I did explain a cool workaround for that, though.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How do you know if ahi tuna is sushi grade?

To know if ahi tuna is sushi-grade, read the label, or confirm with a fishmonger at the grocery store that the ahi tuna you intend to buy has been frozen on the boat immediately following being caught.

Sushi grade means that fish is (1) safe to be eaten raw (2) its quality is high enough to taste good when eaten. It’s the highest quality fish the store has on offer, and it’s labeled Grade 1.

This is because anytime you eat fish raw, you’re exposed to the possibility of picking up parasites!

But, when fish has been frozen adequately for the requisite number of hours, and at the right temperatures, the fish becomes safe to consume.

When it’s been commercially frozen, you can be sure the parasites are dead.

Some would employ what’s known as super freezing. This means the fish is frozen at a much lower temperature than even what’s officially required.

This has the added benefit of keeping the tuna’s taste fresh for up to two years!

In other words, if you were to taste super frozen tuna and fresh tuna, you’d be unable to distinguish the difference. Another thing to note is that to further confirm if fish is still fresh, simply smell it.

What’s the difference between sushi grade tuna and regular tuna?

Sushi-grade tuna was cleaned and frozen immediately following being caught while still on the boat which reduces the chance of parasitic infection from eating it raw or seared. Regular tuna may or may not be cleaned or previously frozen, so cooking is necessary to ensure any parasites are killed before consuming.

But sushi-grade is not a regulatory term.

In other words, it’s unlike Prime Beef, where the USDA has certain criteria that must be met. But what exactly happens to tuna on the boat to make it sushi-grade?

Sushi grade Tuna has undergone “Parasite Destruction Guarantee,” while regular Tuna hasn’t.

While the FDA doesn’t provide guidelines for determining which fish is sushi-grade and which isn’t, it has procedures in place that must be followed if fish is to be consumed raw.

“Parasite Destruction Guarantee” is to ensure the fish has no parasites before they’re eaten raw. It’s about doing the following:

  • Freezing and storing at an ambient temperature of -4°F (-20°C) or below for 7 days (total time)
  • Freezing at an ambient temperature of -31°F (-35°C) or below until solid and storing at an ambient temperature of -4°F (-20°C) or below for 24 hours
  • Freezing at an ambient temperature of -31°F (-35°C) or below until solid and storing at an ambient temperature of -31°F (-35°C) or below for 15 hours

The parasites are killed at these low temperatures.

But, to be effective, the process must start immediately when the fish is caught. For the process to work, they must be caught, bled and gutted, and frozen within 8 hours of leaving the water.

When the process of ensuring that Tuna is rid of parasites has been followed, it’s referred to as sushi grade. In effect, it’s safe to be consumed raw.

Can you use ahi tuna steaks for sushi?

Any sushi or sashimi-grade ahi tuna can be used for sushi, be it fillet or steak cut. A steak has simply been cut thicker and differently than a fillet but offers the same taste and texture as sushi.

If you can’t find sushi or sashimi-grade tuna, don’t be tempted to just freeze the fish you buy.

To kill the parasites, fish must be frozen at -4°F (-20°C) or below for 7 days at a minimum. Your fridge at home just isn’t going to go that low. You can, however, sear the ahi and use it that way.

What if you also like to order meat? Where can you get the best beef?

In a recent article of mine, I compared Sams vs. Costco concerning the quality of the meat they sell. And, I revealed which offers better quality meat.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Can you buy sushi-grade fish at Costco?

While it may vary by location, Costco often offers both Wagyu sashimi-grade Hamachi, as well as sashimi-grade super frozen yellowfin tuna.

Of course, what’s available will also depend on your location.

And if you do find salmon, it’s best to avoid the “wild’ variety. This is because they have a higher probability of containing parasites. The farmed variety is better in this case. Actually, that’s typically true for any fish you buy you plan to use for sushi.

You might be wondering why is “farmed” salmon better when we know wild-caught salmon is more sought-after?

Simple: their food is different from those in the wild. The farmed variety’s diet consists of parasite-free pellets, while those in the wild invariably eat parasite-infected food.

Conclusion

We learned about sushi-grade fish, especially tuna.

We looked at a couple of things, such as if it’s safe to eat Cosco’s ahi tuna raw, how to determine if ahi tuna is sushi-grade, whether ahi tuna steaks can be sued for sushi and if one can get sushi-grade fish to buy at Costco.

Most fish are susceptible to parasitic infection.

This is why eating raw fish (that’s not been properly frozen) can be a huge risk. And while a recent study found no increase in rates of the parasite Pseudoterranova spp in raw fish, there, unfortunately, has been a 283% increase in the Anisakis spp parasite.

So making sure to only use sushi or sashimi-grade fish, while still no guarantee, is crucial!

Photos that require attribution:

Hamachi Fillet by Vera Yu and David Li and she can’t help it by Shawn Campbell are licensed under CC2.0 and were edited, cropped, color-adjusted, and merged with a text overlay added.

Can You Eat Trader Joe’s Ahi Tuna Raw?

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I love sushi and sashimi. I also love shopping at Trader Joe’s for both the quality and low prices. But I have wondered: can you eat Trader Joe’s ahi tuna raw?

Trader Joe’s sells wild sashimi-grade ahi tuna is technically designed to be consumed raw either for sushi or sashimi. However, their packaging only says “the perfect fish to sear” and does not mention eating raw. But that is probably an attempt to limit their liability.

So, yes, you can eat Trader Joe’s ahi tuna raw as long as the one you’re buying is labeled sushi-grade or sashimi-grade.

It’s undergone the process required to make it safe to be consumed raw. That means it’s been caught, cleaned, and frozen in short order directly on the boat after being caught.

It’s important to point out, though, that eating anything raw does have some risk of bacteria or parasites, and nothing is 100% fool-proof.

But what do you do for sushi or sashimi if it doesn’t say sushi-grade? Can you freeze it at home to kill any potential parasites?

Keep reading to find out!

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Does Trader Joe’s sell sushi-grade fish?

Trader Joe’s frequently sells sushi-grade fish, which are often labeled sashimi-grade. However, like many products in Trader Joe’s, they may not have it all the time at all locations.

Here’s what Trader Joe’s says about their sashimi-grade ahi tuna:

“These steaks are from Ahi (Yellowfin) Tuna averaging about 30kg (that’s about 65 pounds), fished in the cold Atlantic waters off the coast of Spain. The fish are caught on two boats from a single six-vessel fleet — we choose the best of the catch from each of the two boats — then cleaned, processed, and frozen aboard the vessel.”

What makes fish sushi-grade is that it’s been prepared in a manner that makes it safe to be eaten raw.

However, it’s important to point out this isn’t a federally regulated term.

As with the words “all-natural”, there isn’t an FDA regulation governing what sushi-grade or sashimi-grade means. Generally, though, there are some specific things that usually happen when fish gets labeled that way.

But ultimately, you’re trusting the brand or retailer claiming that.

Trader Joe’s ahi tuna meets this requirement because it’s flash-frozen on the boat shortly after it’s been caught.

Is frozen ahi tuna good for sushi?

Most ahi tuna used for sushi, even in fine-dining restaurants, has been previously frozen. For fish to be considered sushi-grade, it must have been frozen on the boat just after being caught and cleaned. This is to minimize the presence of parasites. Plus, it also helps to maintain its freshness.

I mentioned earlier that sushi-grade isn’t a federally regulated term.

But that doesn’t mean the FDA says nothing with regards to parasites and raw fish. They do have a page about it on their website. But mostly, it talks about the dangers, how to cook it properly, and how to freeze it to minimize risk.

So, the FDA doesn’t provide guidelines for determining which fish is sushi-grade and which isn’t.

But it has procedures in place that must be followed if fish is to be consumed raw. The procedures can be summed up by the term “Parasite Destruction Guarantee.”

“Parasite Destruction Guarantee” is to ensure the fish has no parasites before they’re eaten raw. It’s about doing the following:

  • Freezing and storing at an ambient temperature of -4°F (-20°C) or below for 7 days (total time)
  • Freezing at an ambient temperature of -31°F (-35°C) or below until solid and storing at an ambient temperature of -4°F (-20°C) or below for 24 hours
  • Freezing at an ambient temperature of -31°F (-35°C) or below until solid and storing at an ambient temperature of -31°F (-35°C) or below for 15 hours

The parasites are killed at these low temperatures.

But, to be effective, the process must start immediately when the fish is caught. For the process to work, they must be caught, bled and gutted, and frozen within 8 hours of leaving the water.

When the process of ensuring that Tuna is rid of parasites has been followed, it’s referred to as sushi grade. In effect, it’s safe to be consumed raw.

Does Trader Joe’s sell fresh ahi tuna?

Trader Joe’s does not have a fresh seafood department in its stores. Thus, all fish, including their ahi tuna, arrives at the stores pre-cut and prepacked and is often previously frozen even if displayed in a refrigerated case at the store.

However, based on what some chefs say, when fish has been properly flashed frozen, it’s hard to distinguish the taste between previously frozen or fresh fish.

So, for now, it sells previously frozen ahi tuna in a refrigerated case and smoked ahi tuna.

As we’ve noted before, its previously frozen tuna (the one labeled sashimi-grade) is great for sushi. It’s Grade 1 Tuna, even if it doesn’t say so on the label.

And if you’re going to use fish from Trader Joe’s for sushi, that’s the one to get.

Why? A lot of folks complain that the quality of its fresh seafood leaves a lot to be desired. So, apart from the frozen tuna, your best bet is to make cooked sushi at home.

That can include things such as a tempura shrimp roll, avocado and cucumber roll, or a crab meat roll.

Is ahi tuna the best fish from Trader Joe’s for sushi?

Currently, only Trader Joe’s ahi tuna is labeled sashimi-grade, so no other fish sold there would be appropriate for sushi. However, as their products change, they may eventually sell other fish labeled as sashimi or sushi-grade.

This is not to suggest that other types of fish are unsafe for sushi.

If they’ve undergone the freezing process suggested by the FDA, they are. So, what I shared above is a situation where you have to choose, and you want the very best.

But only consider sushi made from fish labeled as sushi or sashimi-grade.

You may still want to know if you can eat Salmon raw from the grocery store. I explored this in more detail in a recent article of mine.

In it, I showed, amongst other things, that there’s no official regulation that determines “sushi-grade” and that it’s ultimately a grocery store’s responsibility to say if something is safe to eat raw.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Do you need sushi-grade tuna for seared tuna?

For seared tuna, always use sushi-grade or sashimi-grade tuna. It is typically cooked 1 ½ minute per side, which is not long enough to kill parasites. To cook tuna well enough to kill potential parasites, it needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F and then held at that temperature for 15 seconds.

(source)

So, yes, it’s best to opt for “sushi-grade” tuna.

As I explained before, “sushi-grade” is not a description of quality that has regulatory backing. So, it’s not a bad idea to always ask when you’re buying at a grocery store. Essentially, it means the highest quality fish that is safe to be eaten raw.

It’s often labeled Grade 1.

Why it’s good to opt for “sushi-grade” even when you’ll sear the fish is simply because the process of searing may not kill off all the parasites if you chose Tuna that’s not “sushi-grade.”

Seared fish is delicious. No doubt.

But, the inside of the fish, as you know, may not have received enough heat, as the outer part. In effect, the inside is relatively speaking still raw.

So, it’s safe to opt for Grade 1 Tuna, even if you plan to have it seared.

Ideally, you’ll use it soon after you buy or have it frozen, and then defrost when you’re ready. And, ensure that your utensils and related stuff to be used in its preparation are always kept in hygienic conditions.

If you also shop at Costco, you might be wondering if what you’ve read so far might be a tad different when it comes to the superstore.

Is Costco Ahi Tuna Sushi-Grade?

Find out in a recent article of mine. In it, I shared the vital facts you need to know. Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

We looked at how safe Trader Joe’s Ahi Tuna is.

Can you eat it raw? Yes, you can. This is because its Ahi Tuna is ‘sushi-grade.’ In other words, it’s of the highest quality and has been prepared, processed, and frozen in a manner that meets FDA regulations.

And I’ll point out again that the terms sushi-grade and sashimi-grade have no legal standing.

Since that’s true, that means you should only buy fish for sushi from a source you trust, and you should have an understanding that even the best fish that is labeled sushi-grade still carries some risk of parasites.

So eat (and enjoy) at your own risk!

I also explained why you might want to consider its Wild Alaskan Salmon when you’re having a craving for sushi. We learned that TJ offers no fresh Ahi Tuna, and we wrapped up by considering why it’s smart to still buy “sushi-grade” fish even if you’re planning to have it seared.

Photos that require attribution:

Trader Joes Haul 2 007 by flippinyank and IXS_3952 by Leon Brocard are licensed under CC2.0 and were cropped, edited, merged, color-adjusted, and had a text overlay added.

What Tequila Does Trader Joe’s Sell? [Complete Price List]

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Liquor isn’t allowed to be sold in grocery stores in every state. But where it does, if they have a Trader Joe’s, that’s a great place to buy liquor, especially tequila. But what tequila does Trader Joe’s sell?

Trader Joe’s sells many top-name brands such as Milagro, Cazadores, Hornitos, and Casamigos in addition to a number of private-label tequila varieties sold under the Trader Joe’s name.

But does every TJs that can sell liquor carry all of these brands? And who makes their house brand tequilas and are they any good? And does TJs have the best price on tequila?

Let’s dive into the details.

Does Trader Joe’s only sell their brand of tequila?

Trader Joe’s stocks many top name-brand tequilas in addition to several varieties of their house-brand tequila. The brand names often available include Cazadores, Milagro, Casamigos, Espolòn, and Casamigos.

However, not every name brand is sold in every state that allows liquor sales.

In fact, its liquor selection is one reason many customers swear by the quirky yet highly successful store. It offers name-brand bottles at prices that won’t break the bank.

But in order to offer its customers good products at low prices, most of its products are private labels. In fact, it’s one of the secrets some stores can offer high-quality products at prices that often make us question their quality.

As an example, a Tequila you’ll get at TJ (its own private label) for, let’s say, $24 could be available under a different name and packaging and a slightly different expression for $56.

There are those who’ll argue that ShopRite is a better deal than Trader Joe’s. Which one’s better? That’s what I explored in a recent article of mine. It’s no secret that TJ’s is cheaper, but there is one reason that thousands flock to ShopRite instead.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Here are the brands and prices I saw at Trader Joe’s in Santa Fe on a recent visit

All are 750 ml bottles, except Campo Azul which are 1-liter bottles.

The biggest downside to their overall great selection is that they only carry 1 type of Añejo tequila, and it’s their house brand. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, but there are no premium high-end tequilas like a Don Julio Añejo of Don Julio 1942.

Brand of Tequila Price
Campo Azul Blanco $13.99
Campo Azul Reposado $13.99
Casamigos Blanco $43.99
Cazadores Reposado $24.99
Espolòn Blanco $24.99
Espolòn Reposado $24.99
Hornitos Reposado $22.99
Mi Campo Blanco $21.99
Mi Campo Reposado $21.99
Milagro Blanco $25.99
Teremana Blanco $27.99
Teremana Reposado $31.99
Trader Joes Blanco $19.99
Trader Joes Añejo $22.99

They also sell 1 variety each of Sauza and Cuervo, but most of their products are terrible, so I’m not going to waste much space talking about them. If you must drink Sauza, at least get their Hornitos line. For Cuervo, get their Reserva de la Familia or Tradicional lines.

Remember, the only good tequila is 100% agave. Steer clear of anything that doesn’t proudly and prominently say that on the label clearly.

Is Trader Joe’s Tequila good?

Trader Joe’s house brands of tequila are outstanding and manufactured by many well-known and respected distilleries such as Cazadores, El Mayor, and Exotico.

And as all good tequila is, TJ’s house brands are all 100% agave.

TJ’s Tequila Blanco is of high quality, and it goes for a song. You probably know El Mayor and Exotico, TJ’s Tequila, which scored 92 percent in a recent competition and won a Gold Medal, is made the maker of these brands.

It’s a distillery known as Destiladora Gonzalez Gonzalez.

TJs Tequila is very good. It’s not surprising that some reviewers also agree with me. Christopher Null of drinkhacker.com rates TJs Tequila very high.

He mentioned its vanilla (which he thought is surprising), pepper, hay, lemongrass, and of course, the agave. He remarked that its finish is long and lasting. He thought it’s a classy Tequila. By the way, I should mention that it’s 80 proof (that’s an ABV of 40%).

If you like to know more about liquor sales in general at TJ, check out a recent article of mine, where I explored the theme across all types of liquor, not just tequila. What really surprised me was just how amazingly cheap one of the top vodkas was there.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Who makes Trader Joe’s tequila reposado?

The manufacturer of Trader Joe’s Tequila Reposado is the company El Viejito from Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico. Under their brand label, El Viejito tequilas typically rate in the mid to high 80s on tequila review sites.

But private label manufacturers do change over time, so they may not always be the manufacturer.

By now, you probably know that a considerable chunk of Trader Joe’s products are private-label items. Most stores don’t declare who makes products for them.

It’s often deliberately kept secret. Interestingly, the manufacturers also keep mum. (Maybe that’s the real meaning of “private” in private label). Seriously, it’s easy to sense what could happen if we knew the manufacturers of the private-label items we buy.

It’ll have a negative impact on the revenue of brand-name items. That’s one of the things that’ll happen. Why would you pay $67 for a product if you could get nearly the same item at $47? 

Can you buy Casamigos tequila at Trader Joe’s?

Trader Joe’s does sell Casamigos tequila, but not in every state that allows liquor in grocery stores. For example, it does not sell it at Trader Joe’s stores in California, but it does in New Mexico. Patrón tequila is the same way. It is not sold in California but is in other states.

But skip the Patron; Casamigos is much better.

Casamigos (House of Friends) was started by George Clooney and two of his friends. Mr. Clooney came up with the idea that they should create one of the best-tasting and smoothest Tequilas (for their own drinking pleasure).

In time, it’s become a multiple award-winning drink that Diego eventually bought for a billion dollars!

To see if the TJ’s near you sell Casamigos, simply put in your zip code on the Casamigos website and see if TJ’s shows up in the list that pops up.

You won’t find that info on TJ’s website.

Is Trader Joe’s Tequila Campo Azul any good?

Trader Joe’s Tequila Campo Azul has won the San Francisco WSC award in four different years. Plus, the Beverage Testing Institute rated it 92 in 2 different years.

Its ABV is 40%. Proof 80. Distiller: Productos Finos de Agave NOM 1416. The lovely-shaped bottle has a hologram around its neck. Perhaps a sign to prevent fake reproductions.

It’s smooth and light!

You can savor the exquisite blend of vanilla, cedar, chamomile, ginger, and pepper. It’s aged four months and has a neutral aroma, it has a straw color, and like all good tequilas, it’s 100% agave.

Can you get any tequila you want from your local grocery stores?

I am afraid the answer is: it depends. Even in 2021, some states don’t allow the sale of alcohol, and some have restrictions on the time stores can sell it.

This is what I explored in a recent article of mine. One of the things I shared is a convenient table showing you exactly what you need to know at a glance.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

Trader Joe is one of America’s beloved grocery stores with a near cult-like following.

Its liquor selection is one of its main attractions. We explored if it only sells its own brand of tequila, if they’re any good, and who makes its tequila.

And we even revealed whether you could buy George Clooney’s tequila at TJ’s too.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a state that allows grocery stores to sell liquor, it’s well worth shopping at TJ’s for tequila and other spirits.

Who Has Better Meat: Sam’s or Costco?

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Most grocery stores sell meat, but meat quality varies from store to store. Sam’s and Costco are two big competitors but who has better meat: Sam’s or Costco?

Sam’s Club has better prices on Meat compared to Costco, but Costco has fresher meat. Both Sam’s Club and Costco offer USDA Prime meat in addition to Choice. 

So ultimately, I lean towards Costco.

And that’s not a big surprise considering Sam’s Club is part of the Walmart family who is known more for low prices than quality products.

In the following paragraphs, we’ll get into detail on meat from both places and also the criteria for selecting quality meat. So you can always select the tastiest. Prior to becoming a consultant, I worked as a general manager for 20 years at Whole Foods.

Let’s get started.

Is Sam’s Club meat good quality?

Sam’s Club offers quality meat that is USDA-graded meat in Choice and Prime categories primarily. It also offers meat and poultry free of hormones and antibiotics.

The selection includes an array of popular cuts such as whole briskets, ribeye, striploin, sirloin, and tenderloin.

It’s vital to note that meat quality is not a subjective value. The USDA “rating” is the standard you can always count on.

But, statistics show that about only 48% of those surveyed believe they understand the basics. What does the USDA standard entail? I’ll touch on it briefly.

There are eight different grades. But the first three are the most vital. The following are the grades:

  1. Prime
  2. Choice
  3. Select
  4. Standard
  5. Commercial
  6. Utility
  7. Cutter
  8. Canner

Of course, most grocery stores only deal with the top 3 of those categories.

Marbling, the maturity of the beef, and the color and texture are the major criteria. The key criterion used in the grading is the marbling.

This is what makes it flavorful and tender. It’s the spread of the intramuscular fat in the beef. Naturally, it depends on the cut. The cut between the 12th and 13th rib is of the highest grade. That’s Prime.

Sam Club’s offerings meet the expected standard, they are labeled as such, and they come highly rated. So, yes, their meat quality is good.

But how is Costco’s better?

Is Costco meat better quality?

Costco meat is considered high quality, and better than many grocery chains including Sam’s Club. While both chains offer similar offerings, Costco meat is generally regarded as fresher.

As we’ve seen above, meat quality is not a subjective value. So both Sam’s Club and Costco offer prime quality meat (pun intended). It’s hard to say which one’s better. In fact, some believe you could flip a coin and simply choose.

The issue of where one can get the best quality steaks is one that I’ve invested some quality time in. 

I shared my findings in a recent article of mine. In it, I shared, amongst other things, the different types of steaks there are and how to tell what makes one better than the other. As you’d expect, I also revealed the supermarket with the best steak.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does Sam’s Club meat come from China?

Sam’s Club’s meat is not from China. Its meat is sourced in the United States. Nebraska beef, National Beef, Excel, Swift, IBP, John Morrell, and Farmland are examples of such meat processors Sam’s Club gets its meat from.

You know that the club is owned by Walmart, right? So, there’s actually a policy in place around how it sources its products, meat included.

Walmart (and, by extension, Sam’s Club) is one of the leaders in the promotion of sustainable supply chains. They’re out to help people live better and preserve the planet.

Their sustainability efforts also concern how animals are treated prior to being killed for sale.

They work with packers who breed, kill, and cut up different animals for sale. They have standards that meat suppliers have to meet. “We have a corporate policy on animal welfare as well as ethical standards that suppliers are expected to comply with,” says Gripe.

At the time of writing, Brian Gripe is the meat buyer for Sam’s Club.

Like most grocery stores and restaurants, the club gets its meat from US-based professional packers who have a huge processing capacity to supply beef and pork at scale.

Statistics show that most buyers are highly-sensitive about meat and other fresh products they buy. In fact, it’s one category that’s not responding very well to e-commerce sales because buyers want to see and feel the meat.

Stores are naturally sensitive to this fact and also to how some buyers tend to be wary of fresh food items from China. This is even more delicate in this era where the pandemic is still exerting its hold on most countries.

Now that we know Sam’s Club gets its meat right here, let’s check out who has the better brisket.

Costco vs. Sam’s club brisket – which is better?

Most people prefer the brisket at Costco, although both are very similar and high quality. Costco’s brisket is perceived to have slightly better flavor and texture.

As we’ve seen in previous sections, meat is graded, and most good stores offer good quality meat.

To decide which club has the better brisket, we’d have to get started knowing two things: what’s termed “brisket” and how to tell which one is better. Brisket is the Holy Grail of meat.

The name brisket derives from old Norse, and it means cartilage. It’s cut from the breast or lower chest of veal or beef. It’s the pectoral muscle and weighs between 12-20 pounds. You can see that it can be large.

This is why it’s usually cut into two pieces: the flat and the deckle point. 

The first is leaner and cuts easily, while the second is marbled. The flat is carried by most grocery stores. Both are called “packer” briskets and offer you greater value if you can afford it.

Go for Select grade if you’re on a budget.

But Prime is ideal. Go for one whose flat is at least 1 inch thick at the end. Flat or point? You always want meat that’s marbled.

But, if you don’t want a lot of fat, flat is better. Costco or Sam’s club? Taste is subjective. But, many experts give it to Costco. Here is an example of a test.

Costco vs. Sam’s meat prices – which is cheaper?

Sam’s Club is generally less expensive on meat compared to Costco. For example, Choice Angus ribeye steaks are currently 41% cheaper at Sam’s Club.

Although if we’re looking at the average cost of products across the whole store, Costco offers cheaper prices, while you’ll get a better selection at Sam’s Club. Naturally, the prices may be cheaper or pricey while looking at specific meat products and grades.

Sam’s Club has more stores in the US than Costco.

This could also be a factor, because if there’s a store not too far from where you live, overall, that could bring your total cost down. So, when it comes to meat, and you want something that won’t require a king’s ransom, Sam’s Club is better.

Have you ever wondered how grocery stores keep their meat fresh?

That’s what I explored in a recent article of mine. In it, I looked at how long meat can be kept fresh before it goes bad, and whether meat from the grocery store is just as good as meat from a butcher.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Final Thoughts

In the preceding paragraphs, we explored which membership club (Sam’s or Costco) has better meat.

We checked out the USDA criteria for grading meat. We learned of 8 different grades. Of course, only three are typically sold in grocery stores.

We found out whether Sam’s Club’s meat is imported from China, and we looked at which Club has better brisket, and we wrapped it up by looking at which one has better meat prices. If you prefer brand-name products, go to Sam’s Club. Costco sells more private-label products.

Costco has better quality meat, but at a slightly higher price, than Sam’s Club.

Photos that require attribution:

Costco and Sam’s Club by Mike Mozart are licensed under CC2.0 and were cropped and edited together with a graphic and text overlay

Does Trader Joe’s Sell Liquor? (Complete state by state guide)

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Where and when you can get liquor to buy from a grocery store can be a tad confusing as it varies so much from state to state. But since Trader Joe’s is known to sell a lot of good stuff at low prices, you might be wondering, “Does Trader Joe’s sell liquor?”

Trader Joe’s does sell liquor in every state they operate in which allows grocery stores to sell liquor. Those states include California, Colorado, Illinois, and Massachusetts, and many others, with some states having additional restrictions.

But don’t worry.

Below, I’ll cover every state and all the limits and restrictions per state. And I’ll even review some of the details specifically about what brands Trader Joe’s carries in the states that allow it.

Let’s get started.

What states allow liquor to be sold in Trader Joe’s?

In the below table, you’ll find states and the opening times where you can get liquor in grocery stores. States that allow liquor are in bold.

 STATE ALLOW LIQUOR SALES AT GROCERY  STORES?  RESTRICTIONS
Alabama NO  
Alaska NO  
Arizona NO  
Arkansas NO  
California YES No restrictions. Mon-Sun(8AM-9PM)
Colorado YES No restrictions. Mon-Sun(8AM-9PM)
Connecticut NO  
Delaware NO  
Florida NO  
Georgia  NO  
Hawaii NO  
Idaho YES Mon-Sun(8AM-9PM)
Illinois YES 9AM-9PM
Indiana NO  
Iowa NO  
Kansas NO  
Kentucky YES 8AM – 9PM (Mon-Sat)
1PM – 9PM (Sun)
Louisiana YES  
Maine NO  
Maryland NO  
Massachusetts YES 9AM – 10PM (Mon-Sat) 10AM – 10PM (Sun) beer, wine, spirits
Michigan NO  
Minnesota YES 8AM – 9PM (Mon-Sat)
Mississippi NO  
Missouri YES 8am-10pm
Montana NO  
Nebraska YES 8AM-9PM
Nevada YES 8AM-9PM
New Hampshire NO  
New Jersey YES 9AM – 10PM (Mon-Sat) 12PM-10PM (Sun)
New Mexico YES 8am -9pm
New York NO  
North Carolina NO  
North Dakota NO  
Ohio NO  
Oklahoma NO  
Oregon NO  
Pennsylvania NO  
Rhode Island NO  
South Carolina NO  
South Dakota NO  
Tennessee NO  
Texas NO  
Utah NO  
Vermont NO  
Virginia NO  
Washington YES 8am-9pm
West Virginia NO  
Wisconsin YES 8am-9pm
Wyoming YES 8am-9pm

Is alcohol cheaper at Trader Joe’s?

Trader Joe’s does have lower prices on beer and wine, and liquor where available compared to most alcoholic beverage stores in the same areas. And their private label alcohol is significantly cheaper.

A bottle of that might be $20 elsewhere can typically be found at Trader Joe’s for $15. So, you might be wondering why they are cheap. 

So how cheap? It’s very cheap when you consider that a bottle of one of its most popular wines, Charles Shaw, goes for less than $3! It practically goes for a song. It’s available as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, in red and white varieties.

It’s so popular, more than a billion bottles have been sold.

It’s being made for TJ, under a contract, by Bronco Wine. Bronco Wine employs a variety of strategies to keep its overhead very low. This is why TJ gets to sell the wine at such rates. What of Vodka? Vodka at Costco goes for $12.99, while Gin at TJ sells for $11.99.

But I used to regularly buy my tequila, bourbon, and vodka at TJs when I lived in California.

And, for example, I used to buy Puerto Vallarta Tequila Blanco in a 750ml bottle for under 15 bucks. These days (and admittedly I left California in 2004) that same bottle sells elsewhere for $28.

These days, they mostly sell their private label tequila, but the prices will almost always be better on all alcohol at TJ’s.

Can you buy these goodies at any Trader Joe’s store, no matter where you live?

Actually, it depends. You’ll only be able to buy them in states that allow grocery stores to sell liquor. Not to worry, in a recent article of mine, I gave a complete guide, state by state.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What kinds of liquor does Trader Joe’s sell?

Trader Joe’s sells vodka, tequila, bourbon, whiskey, rum, and most other common types of liquor. In many, but not all cases, the products sold will be labeled under the Trader Joe’s private label, but as with their other house-brand items, will be from reputable manufacturers.

For example, going back to my personal favorite, 100% agave tequila, Trader Joe’s sells their Trader Joe’s Blanco Tequila at rock bottom prices.

This tequila is made at the Destiladora Gonzalez Gonzalez, NOM 1143 who also make the brands El Mayor and Exotico. The TJs tequila actually scored a 92 in a recent competition and received a gold medal.

So they really do have great liquor at great prices.

They, of course, also have a full complement of other types of liquor, and the rumor is that aside from their Texas vodka, Absolut makes their other vodkas. But again, that’s just a rumor.

Does Trader Joe’s give a case discount on liquor?

Trader Joe’s doesn’t offer case discounts on liquor. Trader Joe’s mission is to sell the best products at the lowest prices every day without the need for sales or discounts. In fact, Trader Joe’s does not offer case discounts on any of its products.

Its products are mainly private label brands.

These are of high quality because they’re actually being manufactured by some of the best manufacturers of brand-name products. The store is not really the best place for bulk purchases (that’ll be Costco). But, as it is, its liquor prices are a steal.

Before I wrap up, I thought it’s nice I share some interesting facts about TJ and ShopRite.

Now, TJ is one of America’s favorite grocery stores, but there are those who love ShopRite with a passion. So, I took the time to research and explore both in a recent article of mine.

In the article, I looked at their prices, who has more organic products, whether you can order online from both stores, the best things to buy at TJ, and if it has better meat than ShopRite.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

In the preceding paragraphs, I looked at the states where you could get liquor at TJ.

But we also looked at whether the liquor is cheap, the types of liquor on offer, and whether you could get case discounts. The liquor goes for a song.

Understandably, there are no case discounts.

But with liquor, some people also want to buy smokes. Does Trader Joes sell tobacco products in its stores?

The answer I give in a recent article might surprise you. That’s especially considering that the brothers who started Trader Joe’s and Aldi had a huge falling out over selling cigarettes.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Photo which requires attribution:

Hard Liquor in Trader Joe’s? by Bjorn is licensed under CC2.0

Are All Brands of Baking Powder Aluminum-free?

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It has been an ongoing debate on whether aluminum is harmful or not, and baking powder is one ingredient that sometimes contains aluminum. The good news is that some brands of baking powder are aluminum-free. But, are all brands of baking powder aluminum-free?

Not all baking powder brands are aluminum-free. The top brands of baking powder that are aluminum-free are Rumford, McKenzie’s, Whole Foods 365, and Trader Joe’s.

But, is aluminum really harmful? How do you know the brands that contain it? How many brands are there that are aluminum-free?

Let’s get started with our exploration starting with the most vital question:

Is there aluminum in baking powder?

Aluminum is present in many, but not all, baking powder brands. It’s listed as sodium aluminum phosphate or sodium aluminum sulfate.

It’s one of the key ingredients used in making baking powders, and it’s always listed as one of the ingredients on the label. 

Of course, some brands are aluminum-free.

I’ll tell you how to find them in a bit. For now, it’s vital to understand what constitutes baking powder and what it does. Baking powder is essentially baking soda mixed with an acid.

Baking powder a time-tested, effective replacement for yeast.

It’s a chemical leavening agent that makes the baked product rise and fills it with air. In other words, it increases the volume of the baked product and also lightens its texture. It’s a mixture made of carbonate or bicarbonate and a weak acid.

Cornstarch is used as a buffer to prevent the acid from reacting with the base before the appropriate time.

Aluminum is used in some brands as it is heat-activated. That means when you put a baked item in the oven, the baking powder with aluminum immediately starts to do its job.

Baking powders without aluminum are liquid activated instead of heat-activated.

Because of that, they tend to work faster as they begin to work before you put the product in the oven. So it’s essential that you prepare your product quickly when using aluminum-free baking powder. The longer you wait, the more bubbles will get released prior to baking.

It’s the gas that creates air bubbles that triggers the rise in the batter or dough. Say you’re planning to go to the grocery store tomorrow, how would you know if the brand you’re buying is aluminum-free?

That’s what we’ll explore next, but before we do, you’ll probably agree that some grocery stores can be a tad overwhelming.

That’s why I explored the different sections of a grocery store in a recent article of mine. So that you can easily navigate them, just click the link to read it on my site.

How do you know if your baking powder is aluminum-free?

Brands of baking powder that don’t contain aluminum will state it on the label. Often it will be both missing from the ingredient list but also stated clearly on the front of the label.

Simply check the label before you buy.

Its ingredients are written on the label. If there’s aluminum in the baking powder, it will be present as acidic salt and would be written either as sodium aluminum sulfate or sodium aluminum phosphate.

And, if there’s none, it won’t be listed. Or, it’ll say “aluminum-free.”

There’s also a question that’s related to what we’re exploring here. Let’s look at it?

Why is it vital to even bother with checking whether your baking powder is aluminum-free?

Taste

First, the products you bake will have a metallic aftertaste if there’s aluminum in it. In some cases, it may also give them a purplish hue.

Health

Some experts believe that aluminum should be excluded from our food.

They say that it’s harmful. A paper by William J. Gies, Ph.D. titled: Some Objections To The Use of Alum Baking Powder explores the issue, and specifically concludes “aluminum should be excluded from food.“

Another recent study by ScienceDirect noted that aluminum is:

“a suspected risk factor in Alzheimer′s disease” and that “aluminum directly influences the process of” (Alzheimer′s disease).

But some other experts say that consumed in minimal quantities aluminum has no adverse effects on us.

What do I think?

I am not providing health or medical advice. Please, consult your doctor. But I personally avoid aluminum in both baking powder and deodorant which also often contains it.

What can I use if I don’t have aluminum-free baking powder?

Create homemade aluminum-free baking powder by combining 1 part baking soda, 2 parts cream of tartar, and 1 part cornstarch. Baking powder is simply baking soda plus an acid.

So, if you’ve got those ingredients, you could make your aluminum-free baking powder.

Let’s look at how to make it in greater detail.

What are the things you need and in what quantity? You’ll need one part baking soda and two parts cream of tartar. That’s it? Yeah, that’s all you need.

To improve its shelf-life, make sure to add arrowroot powder or cornstarch to the mix. Essentially, either product will keep your homemade baking powder dry. If it’s dry, it’ll naturally last longer.

So, let’s revise our “formula.”

You’ll need one part baking soda and two parts cream of tartar + one part arrowroot powder/ cornstarch. If you’re a DIY type, you’ll see this as a piece of cake. Plus, it’s fun to boot.

But, if you’re not, I’ll tell you the best brands of aluminum-free baking powder to buy in the next section. 

By the way, what’s even the difference between the two: supermarket and grocery store.

Most folks draw a blank when I ask them. Or, are they the same? No, they’re not. In fact, I took the time to share the commonalities and differences in a recent article of mine.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What are the best-known brands of aluminum-free baking powder?

The best-known brands of aluminum-free baking powder include McKenzie’s, Rumford, Whole Foods 365, and Trader Joe’s.

Rumford is one of the oldest and trusted brands of double-acting baking powder. It was started in 1859 by a Harvard University Professor, who decided to name it in honor of the person who endowed the professorial chair he occupied at the time: Count Rumford.

The brand’s beloved, it’s rated 4.5 stars out of 5 on Amazon. It’s double-acting, gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan.

Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods market’s 365 brands have their own brand of aluminum-free, double-acting baking powder, too. They are also highly rated and inexpensive.

McKenzie is aluminum-free, gluten-free, and is produced by an Australian company for five generations (it’s currently unavailable on Amazon, and they can’t say exactly when it would be available).

It’s very easy to confuse baking soda with baking powder.

After all, they’re both white, powdery, baking products. And, as I have shared in some paragraphs above, what distinguishes them is an acidic agent. When the acidic agent is added to baking soda, you get baking powder.

But, in all honesty, baking soda does not ever contain aluminum. It’s 100% sodium bicarbonate.

Does Clabber Girl baking powder have aluminum in it?

Clabber Girl baking powder does contain aluminum, although in a press release in 2015 they claimed to be in the process of removing it. However, it is still currently listed as an ingredient.

(source)

As I mentioned, five years ago, in a press release, the company promised it would remove two ingredients from its product: aluminum and phosphate.

They said the product would be reformulated because of concerns by users who were growing sensitive to the presence of flavors, additives, colors, and sweeteners in it.

The manufacturer of Clabber Girl is not as old as the manufacturers of Rumford, but they’ve been around for over a hundred years!

They say that the proposed formulation would be an aluminum-free product and more efficient, in that you’ll only need about half of what you’ll typically require. 

But it’s curious why, 5 years later, they still haven’t done it.

Conclusion

In the preceding paragraphs, we explored baking powder and how aluminum fits in.

We looked at some brands that contain it, and others that don’t. But I even shared a basic recipe to make your own if you don’t have any on hand.

And I shared a few medical studies that talk about some of the negative effects of aluminum. That way you can decide for yourself what’s best for you and your family.

Can You Eat Salmon Raw from the Grocery Store?

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If you enjoy eating sushi or sashimi, you know that it’s made from sushi-grade raw fish. This has some people wondering what exactly is “sushi-grade” fish, and can you eat salmon raw from the grocery store?

Yes, you can eat salmon raw from high-quality grocery stores if it’s been previously frozen. “Sushi grade” doesn’t have a legal definition. It’s simply up to the grocery store to say if something is safe to eat raw. But salmon can contain parasites, so buying previously frozen ensures any parasites are killed.

But that’s not all there is to know about grocery store fish and sushi.

After all, there’s wild-caught, farm-raised, and different types of salmon such as coho, sockeye, or Atlantic. And some may be better than others if you’re eating it raw. And is grocery store fish even good for sushi? Click this link to read my comprehensive guide on grocery store fish and sushi.

So in this article, we’ll explore them all, as well as the best practices to ensure what you eat is both safe and delicious.

Just keep reading to find out!

Can I eat raw fish from the grocery store?

Yes. Some raw fish from higher-end grocery stores can be eaten raw. Look for the best, freshest fish and ask the fishmonger which is freshest. You may also see fish labeled as “sushi grade,” “sashimi grade,” or “for raw consumption.”

Unfortunately, there are no federal regulations about what constitutes “sushi-grade” or “sashimi grade” though.

It’s up to the grocery stores as to whether they want to label anything that way. To avoid legal issues if someone eas some and gets sick, many stores avoid these labels altogether. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have any fish that could be eaten raw.

To put it simply, you should consider the type of fish, the freshness, and whether it has been frozen or cured.

For example:

  • Most fresh tuna kept over ice is okay to eat, and needs no freezing or curing.
  • Farm-raised salmon is also okay to eat, as it typically does not contain parasites

However, almost all cod is unsuitable for raw consumption, whether fresh or frozen. That’s because cod is prone to bacteria and parasites. While deep-freezing will kill the parasites, it won’t kill any bacteria that may be present.

So, once it thaws, bacteria will again become active, eventually causing food poisoning, if it was in the fish in the first place. Buying super-fresh fish from a reputable store helps reduce this risk.

So yes, you can eat raw fish from the grocery store. Just be aware of the type of fish you are buying and pay attention to the label.

What happens if you eat raw salmon?

Many people eat raw salmon. However, raw salmon, not previously frozen may contain parasites. It can also contain bacteria that will not be killed by having been frozen. Cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit kills bacteria and parasites.

The FDA lists wild salmon as a known source of parasites. By eating raw salmon, you open yourself up to get tapeworms, including the intestinally invasive Japanese broad tapeworm.

The good news is that with proper handling and storage, the risk of getting sick declines greatly.

When I say that raw salmon needs to be handled properly, I mean that it needs to be flash-frozen down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30-48 hours. This is to kill off any parasites present, and is generally standard procedure.

It would be best if you also were very careful to use clean utensils, dishes, and knives when cutting up your salmon.

While you are preparing your salmon to eat, you can keep an eye out for any parasites that are still in the fish. Freezing the salmon doesn’t remove the parasites. It just kills them.

If you see something that looks like a small watch spring or a grain of rice embedded in the fish, just remove it. If you want to be really thorough, you can slice it super thin and shine a light through it.

Now if you want to go the extra mile in terms of protecting yourself with raw salmon, try curing it first. 

Click here to read my complete breakdown of why you might want to cure salmon for sushi, how to do it quickly and easily, and the one condition where you would never want to cure salmon for sushi.

Can you eat Costco or Walmart salmon raw?

You can eat Costco salmon raw under certain conditions. However, I would not eat raw salmon from Walmart. Costco has trustworthy labeling, high volume, and fresh fish that never sit for too long. Walmart instead focuses more on low price than quality.

But that’s a quick snapshot, so let’s explore each grocer one at a time.

Costco

Yes, it is safe to eat raw salmon from Costco. But you should follow some guidelines and be comfortable with a certain level of risk.

First, shop for previously-frozen, farm-raised salmon. Farm-raised salmon has a much lower risk for parasites than wild-caught salmon.

Also, look for “farmed Atlantic salmon” or “farmed Alaskan salmon.” Salmon, in general, is a high risk for parasites. But farmed salmon is raised on feed pellets, preventing them from eating-infected prey.

Wild-caught salmon does taste better, but Costco does not meet the deep-freezing requirements set forth by the FDA for parasite destruction.

Walmart

Walmart has high volume and movement of products, but the quality of meat and fish sold at Walmart is questionable at best. They don’t have a fishmonger, so there isn’t anyone you can talk to about the fish.

Even their frozen fish gets poor reviews. (source)

If you really don’t have any other option for fish, follow the same guidelines you would if shopping at Costco.

Shop for farm-raised frozen salmon.

Also, look for packaging that states the fish is safe for raw consumption. If it doesn’t say that, look for flash-frozen or some type of similar wording.

Flash-frozen, farm-raised salmon will be the safest fish to eat raw.

Just remember that you have to be comfortable with a certain amount of risk. Any time you eat raw fish from any source, you are risking a bacterial or parasitic infection.

For many people, the best, freshest source of fish is Costco or Walmart. But they are two very different supermarkets, especially when it comes to fish.

Wait… “supermarket?” What’s the difference between a supermarket and a grocery store?

The terms can be used interchangeably, but there are a few differences. Just read this recent article to read about the differences between the two.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does freezing salmon kill parasites?

Yes, freezing will kill parasites, however, the freezer must be able to reach -31° F. So, your freezer at home is not going to get cold enough to kill any parasites. Sushi restaurants and fish markets will use a “super freezer,” a freezer that maintains super-cold temperatures.

But large tuna species and farmed fish, like salmon, are exempt from the FDA’s freezing requirements. The feed that farmed fish is raised on must be verified to be free of parasites. (source)

So if you want to eat salmon that you purchase from the grocery store, be sure to buy farmed salmon.

If you’re lucky enough to have a grocery store with a good seafood department, you should consider developing a relationship with the fishmonger.

A knowledgeable fishmonger will be able to tell you about when and where the fish was caught.

They should also be able to tell you if their fish is safe to eat raw. If you don’t have a good seafood department, look in the freezer section for farm-raised salmon.

Really good grocery stores will have fresh seafood, an in-house butcher, and maybe even a pharmacy.

But all grocery stores will have pretty much all of the same departments. To read about the wide variety of grocery store departments, check out this recent article. 

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How is sushi-grade salmon different?

It’s up to each individual store to decide, but it should refer to extremely fresh fish from a well-known and reputable source. Officially, the term “sushi-grade” or even “sashimi-grade” doesn’t mean anything. It’s a marketing term that has little meaning when it comes to consuming raw fish.

Unlike beef, the USDA does not have any national guidelines regulating or grading fish. But does that mean sushi-grade isn’t a real thing? Click here to read my complete breakdown of the legal definition for sushi-grade and what it really means in terms of protecting you from parasites.

The FDA has issued advisory guidelines outlining processes for handling fish for raw consumption. However, those guidelines do not intend to determine the quality of fish. The guidelines are only meant to let consumers know that it’s relatively safe to eat raw fish.

So when you see fish labeled as “sushi-grade,” it means that the seller has deemed it safe to eat raw.

Essentially, you’re trusting your grocery store or fish market. They are telling you that it is safe to eat raw, under no regulations from the USDA or the FDA.

However, the FDA does have guidelines regarding the consumption of raw fish. They recommend that fish should be subjected to deep-freezing before consuming raw. Again, this means it has been frozen down to -31° F.

So if you see the “sushi-grade” or “sashimi-grade” label on salmon and other fish at your fish market, it likely means that it has been subjected to deep-freezing.

Deep-freezing kills any parasites in the fish.

Probably the best thing to look for is farm-raised salmon. Farm-raised salmon is supposed to be given feed that is parasite-free.

Farm-raised salmon and tuna species are fine without being subjected to deep-freezing. Other salt-water fish may be ok to eat without deep-freezing, too.

The only reason the FDA doesn’t provide guidance on other fish is that there isn’t enough data out there to know for sure, which means that not enough of other types of fish have been eaten raw to provide sufficient evidence of its safety.

Freshwater fish or fish that spent part of its life in freshwater should be avoided.

Final thoughts

Sometimes you just want to make sushi.

If you don’t have access to a fish market, the grocery store is the next best choice.

And while there is a risk to eating raw salmon, it’s the safest option. Especially if it’s farm-raised and/or flash frozen.

The USDA or the FDA doesn’t regulate the terms “sushi-grade” and “sashimi-grade.” But if they are being used, it means that the fishmonger has deemed them safe to eat raw.

Lots of us purchase sushi from the grocery store already. But will you buy fish from the grocery store to make your own sushi at home?

Where Does Aldi Beef Come From? (China??)

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If you are an Aldi shopper, you know what a great value it is to shop there. Aldi has great products at much lower prices. But I wasn’t sure it was OK to buy stuff like meat from Aldi, After all, where does Aldi beef come from? 

Most Aldi beef comes from local or regional farms located somewhat close to the store’s location. Thus, lower transportation costs help keep Aldi prices low. Additionally, most of their steaks are USDA Choice and Black Angus. 

But there’s much more to know about Aldi beef than that.

Most people can’t believe how cheap Aldi beef is. That naturally makes them concerned about quality. So today, we’re diving deep into Aldi’s meat pricing, quality, and sourcing. Does any of it come from China? 

Ultimately, we’ll answer why Aldi meat is so cheap and what the different USDA grades mean. 

Just keep reading to find out!

What kind of meat does Aldi sell?

Aldi sells all kinds of meats, like other grocery stores. You’ll find fresh chicken, beef, pork, and fish. They also have ground beef, steak, corned beef brisket, chicken breast, chicken thighs, sausage, and cold cuts. Most of their steaks are USDA Choice and Black Angus. 

However, there won’t be the same selection that you’ll find at other grocery stores.

You’ll find some meats in the freezer section. Fish and shrimp, hamburger patties, and breakfast sausage can be found in the frozen section.

The one thing you won’t find is a butcher. So no custom cuts at Aldi.

In fact, you’ll find many of the same meats you’ll find elsewhere. You just won’t have the variety that you’ll find at a bigger store.

No frills, smaller selections, no butcher, and buying locally/regionally are all ways that Aldi keeps their prices low.

But if you shop on Wednesday, you’ll find the fresh meat specials. These are usually the best meats. There will be limited stock, which means you need to hurry!

Does Aldi meat come from China?

No. Aldi meat does not come from China. Most of the beef sold in the US, by Aldi or otherwise, is produced and packaged in the US. 90% of the imported beef comes from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or Mexico. The same goes for pork.

Aldi gets a number of its items from China, so it’s not a stretch to wonder if they get their meat from China, too.

Many of the “Aldi Finds” items, like hiking boots, exercise equipment, kitchen mats, and toys, come from China. They also run a couple of grocery stores in China.

But consumers especially like to know where their food comes from.

United States labeling requirements require that products made outside of the US are clearly labeled with their country of origin. This includes food. (source)

In fact, Chinese pork is currently banned from being imported into the US because of concerns over the African Swine Flu. (source)

In fact, US exports of meat to foreign consumers is on the rise. Smithfield Foods exports pork to China to meet the pork shortage in China. Tyson Foods ships chicken products to China.

You may rest assured knowing that the meat you purchase from Aldi is most likely produced and packaged in the United States.

If it is imported, the label will say so, and it will not be imported from China.

How is Aldi’s meat quality?

Aldi’s meat quality is mixed. While it sells grass-fed organic meat, most ground beef is not labeled with a USDA grade, meaning it’s lower quality. It also has a tendency to be overground, making it a little mealy. Their steaks, however, are mostly Black Angus USDA Choice, and of good quality.

Aldi’s ground beef is not great for burgers, but it will work for meatloaf. Especially if you season it well.

The biggest problem with Aldi meat is that the selection can be inconsistent. So if you find something you love, you may not see it again for a while. I do, however, like that Aldi has a clear Animal Welfare Policy.

Sometimes you’ll even find organic, grass-fed beef at Aldi.

Organically grown beef simply means that the food the cows eat isn’t treated with pesticides and that no artificial hormones or antibiotics are given to the cows.

Then grass-fed simply means the cow was fed grass rather than grains. And while organically-grown and grass-fed” are often lumped together, one doesn’t automatically mean the other.

But Aldi actually sells grass-fed, organic beef. This means that it’s probably going to be more expensive than the other meat you’ll find at Aldi. It also means it is going to be some of the best quality of meat you’ll find at Aldi.

One thing you’ll likely never see at Aldi are USDA Prime steaks.

Only about 5% of all beef graded by the USDA qualifies for the Prime distinction. Prime is generally reserved for high-end restaurants.

But even if you did find USDA Prime beef, it may not be worth the price.

Read this recent article to learn why. I actually conducted a taste test of USDA Prime, Choice, Grass-Fed Choice, and Black Angus. You can even see my taste test video in the article. Just like me, you’ll be surprised which one came out on top!

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Why is Aldi meat so cheap?

One of the main reasons that Aldi meat is so cheap is that they don’t sell name-brand products. Also, they source meat locally and are able to save on transport-related expenses. Lastly, they do not have in-house butchers, so lower labor costs mean lower prices.

So Aldi just sells brands you’ve never heard of before.

It doesn’t mean the quality is any less. It just means that they can sell you a quality product at a lower price. But, you will see some of the same meat products sold at Aldi at Walmart too. (source and source).

Low staffing also has a role in the low prices you’ll see at Aldi. No, this isn’t directly meat-related, but it explains the low prices you’ll find, generally.

Because Aldi only has between 6-8 employees working at one time, and no in-house butchers, they spend less on wages, which means they can pass some savings on to customers.

You may not have a manager at your disposal, but you will fill your buggy for less money.

Aldi is committed to sourcing locally. By sourcing locally, Aldi is saving money on transportation costs. Again, they pass those savings along to the consumer.

They have limited supply. They advertise their fresh meat specials two weeks in advance, and when they are out, they are out.

By having a limited supply, they are spending less on overstock and reducing waste. This means that they are not throwing away as much food as other grocery stores.

By actually selling what they purchase, instead of throwing it away, they are able to keep their prices low.

Does Aldi sell USDA beef?

Yes. Aldi sells USDA beef. Most of their steaks are USDA Choice and Black Angus. USDA choice is the mid-level grade for the USDA’s grading. Aldi’s ground meats, however, are not usually USDA labeled. This typically means lower quality beef but at lower prices.

Ultimately, you will get the same quality beef at Aldi that you’ll get at any other mainstream grocery store.

What you won’t get is a huge selection or the ability to talk to a butcher or get a butcher to trim a steak or do a custom cut for you.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grades meat at the request of the meatpacker.

The grading system determines the quality rating based on the amount of marbling in the muscle and the age of the beef. Marbling is basically fat, and a fattier cut of meat means more fat rendering (melting) out of the steak as it cooks.

Traditionally a fattier cut of meat is richer and more flavorful.

There are three USDA grades of beef that you would buy from the supermarket. From highest to lowest, they are:

  • Prime
  • Choice
  • Select

The highest quality of meat is USDA Prime.

It is the most tender and flavorful cut of meat. It is also hard to find and usually reserved for high-end restaurants. You may be able to find it at other supermarkets but at a premium price.

It has a high ratio of marbling and is the most tender.

The meat you get from Aldi is likely USDA Choice. It is the second-highest grade, and has less marbling and is generally less tender. Less marbling also means less flavor and juice.

If you’re shopping for steak, you’re probably not going to get the best steak from Aldi. 

If you want the best steak and want to know how to shop for the best steak, check out this recent article. I took an in-depth look at all the top grocers and the quality of meat sold there. Ultimately, I found which stores sold the best beef.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Final Thoughts

In this article, we talked about Aldi beef and where Aldi’s meat comes from.

We also talked about how Aldi’s meat is so cheap due to local sourcing and hiring limited staff. Also, they are able to save on transportation costs. 

We also talked about Aldi meat quality and that they sell USDA beef, mostly of Choice grade. We also learned about other USDA meat grades and compared grass-fed beef to grain-fed beef.

But on the parting note, I have a question for you – will you like to buy beef from Aldi?

Photo which requires attribution:

Aldi by Mike Mozart is licensed under CC2.0

Do Grocery Stores Sell Peppermint Oil? (Yes! Here’s Where)

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Peppermint oil has loads of benefits, but many of us are not aware of where to get it. So while it looks like we can get it from the specialty or health stores, it left me wondering that – do grocery stores sell peppermint oil?

Yes. Almost all grocery stores sell Peppermint oil, sometimes called peppermint essential oil, and it can be found in their health and vitamin section. This should not be confused with peppermint extract which would be in the baking section next to vanilla extract. 

But there can be some confusion about peppermint oil.

After all, it is different than peppermint extract, and some peppermint oils might be for topical use only while others can be consumed.

So we’ll answer all the top questions below. Let’s get started.

What aisle can I find peppermint oil?

In grocery stores that sell peppermint oil, you’ll mostly find it in the aisle where natural products such as vitamins and health and beauty products are stocked. That’s the spot.

This can vary a little bit as some big chain grocers segment so-called “natural foods”, including supplements, into their own area. But other stores just integrate natural products into the normal sections that include other items in the same categories.

Now that you know the aisle, you may also want to understand how grocery stores are laid out.

That way you can easily cruise through them and save time when you go shopping. I went into great detail on how the aisles are organized in a recent article of mine.

Just click the link to read it on my site. 

For example, I wrote about the sections of a grocery store, the perimeter area (what!), the center, why grocery stores are designed that way, and other exciting info.

But below, let’s get into the confusion between peppermint oil and peppermint extract.

Is peppermint oil and peppermint extract the same thing?

No, peppermint oil and peppermint extract are not the same things. The oil is pure peppermint, while the extract, as its name implies, is an extract, typically mixed with ethyl alcohol and possibly even made from artificial peppermint flavor.

Peppermint oil is made purely from the peppermint plant, while peppermint extract is made mostly from alcohol and some peppermint. I’ll explain further.

To get peppermint oil, the leaves and stem of the plant are subjected to high temperatures.

When the heat and steam reaches a specific high point, oil is easily extracted from the plant. It’s’s pure concentrated oil. The process is called steam distillation.

The extract, on the other hand, is largely alcohol.

It is ‘made’ by soaking the peppermint plant in alcohol. Over time, the medium extracts the oil from the plant. The extract is partly peppermint; what’s dominant is the alcohol.

It’s’s believed that the oil is about four times more concentrated and more potent than the extract. It follows, therefore, that the extract is not as powerful as the oil, and the former can easily evaporate.

You can also make the extract by diluting the peppermint oil with alcohol.

If that’s what you prefer, note that it’s still less potent than the pure peppermint oil.  As you’ll expect, peppermint oil is a bit more expensive. So, be guided by what you’ll like to use the peppermint for.

Does Walmart sell peppermint oil in the store?

Yes, Walmart does sell peppermint oil. The least expensive one they carry (with good reviews) is GuruNanda 100% Pure Peppermint Essential Oil for Aromatherapy. This one is for topical use only, so not for consumption. And it’s currently about $6.00.

What does topical use mean?

Well, it means you might use the oil in a diffuser to scent your home. Or you might add it to bath water to scent the bathwater. 

You can also mix it with water in a pump spray container to make an all-natural room deodorizer.

Now that you know that you can get peppermint oil at Walmart, one interesting question is: Is Walmart a grocery store or a supermarket?

In fact, many people wonder what the difference between grocery stores and supermarkets is?

In a recent article of mine, I went to town on the question.

I provided an in-depth guide, which you’ll find interesting. I gave examples of some of the best-known supermarkets, and also mentioned the key distinguishing features between grocery stores and supermarkets. 

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What are the benefits & uses of peppermint oil?

Peppermint oil can be used as a bug-repellant, to soothe aches and pains by rubbing onto the skin or adding to the bath. But it is also sometimes used to help manage symptoms of IBS. And it has been shown to boost energy levels.

Peppermint oil has been known to have many highly beneficial uses for centuries.

It’s’s something of a wonder plant. You’ll be surprised at the many diverse things it can be used for. Some of the claims have even been backed by clinical studies.

However, space won’t permit me to write about them all. So, I’ll share only the salient ones below.

  • It’s’s used as a bug-repellant. Simply combine it with water, and spray it where you know bugs love to hide, or you could rub it on your skin. Before you opt for the latter, test it first, on a small part of your skin, to ensure it doesn’t irritate you. Peppermint oil is proven to repel bugs.  
  • It’s’s used to treat pain and inflammation of the muscles. The oil has analgesic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. So, it’s helpful to relieve those who experience sore muscles and cramps.
  • It helps boost your energy level. Most of us feel a tad weak in the afternoons. We wish we’ll be more energetic or at least maintain the alertness we had in the mornings. Peppermint will help make you feel more alert. It’s been a great choice, especially if you’re trying to check your reliance on Coffee. You could apply it to the back of your neck and shoulders a couple of times. Or, you could diffuse it in a room or office. If you engage in vigorous exercises, you could inhale it, to help you stay focused and to fight fatigue.
  • It’s’s used to treat IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). This is the area where the efficacy of peppermint oil has been studied a lot. IBS is experienced by a lot of people and can manifest as constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In studies conducted, researchers found that peppermint oil helps with IBS. It’s’s believed that the oil affects the bacteria living in the gut; it decreases pain in the tract; it helps relax the muscles in the tract and has anti-inflammatory properties.
  • It’s’s used for treating indigestion. Peppermint has carminative properties; this is one of the reasons why it helps in treating indigestion. In effect, it’ll make it highly easy for one to expel gas and relieve distension and abdominal pain. You could inhale it or massage some drops on your stomach. You can also drink it in the form of tea.

Peppermint is a herb, and most herbal products are safe to use.

However, As I stated earlier, the oil is concentrated, so use it with discretion. Also, Peppermint oil is safe to use for many conditions, but if you’re pregnant or have allergies, consult a medical practitioner before use.

It’s’s also not to be used for babies and children.

How much does peppermint oil cost?

Peppermint oil starts at around $8.00 for half an ounce. But buying larger quantities can get you a much better price per ounce, often as low as $3.50/ounce when you buy a 4 oz. container.

Just like most other things, there’s a range of prices. And, you know that there’s almost always a positive relationship between price and quality. 

Final Thoughts

It’s a wrap!

In the paragraphs above, I shared a lot about grocery stores that sell peppermint oil. For example, I shared the many wonderful uses and benefits of peppermint oil. You can use it for some common ailments, which I mentioned.

And you can even use it to boost your energy level.

I also looked at how much it costs and the brand that I’ll recommend you purchase, a brand that packs a lot of power and yet is affordable. I mentioned that you could easily get it in some grocery stores, and even the aisle.

You can get it at Walmart. Also, I mentioned who must not use peppermint oil.

Do Grocery Stores Sell Protein Powder? (Aldi, Walmart vs Amazon)

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Protein powders are loaded with benefits, such as fat loss and muscle growth. But if you are new to protein powder, you might be wondering do grocery stores sell protein powder?

Yes. Almost all grocery stores sell a wide variety of protein powder as they are highly popular products. However, you may find a wider selection and more knowledgable employees at a GNC or supplement store. But Amazon will likely have the best price.

But that’s not all we’ll discuss today.

I’ll also let you know the best protein powder to buy, and a few other things you should know. This is a domain I know a thing or two about, seeing as I worked as a general manager for over two decades at Whole Foods Market. (I’m also a martial arts buff).

So let’s dive right in!

Can you buy Whey at the grocery store?

Yes, you can buy Whey at grocery stores. Most grocery stores sell Whey protein powder. You can also get it at many specialty food stores and health food stores.

There are a variety of brands as well. If what you want is vegan, purely plant-based, all-natural Whey, I’ll simply suggest that you do a bit of research that’ll help you select the best type for your needs.  

Or perhaps, walk-in into your fave grocery store, or order over the internet, and get it delivered to your home.

Amazon and Instacart are platforms you could use to get your supplies easily. Actually, there are tons of stores that sell Whey.

It’s one of the most popular protein powder products in the world.

There’s a huge thriving industry behind it; as such, you can rest assured of its availability in superstores, supermarkets, and even your local mom and pop grocery store.

And, to help you make the right choice, I thought I must share the following:

There are three types of Whey Protein Powder:

  • Whey Protein Concentrate
  • Whey Protein Isolate
  • Whey Protein Hydrolysate 

Let’s check out what each type of whey protein powder is about:

  1. Whey Protein Concentrate is the most concentrated. It has a great taste and mixes well in water. It’s got carbs and lactose in it and is also the cheapest.
  2. Whey Protein Isolate. Unlike Concentrate, Isolate has had its lactose and carbs removed, so those who have lactose intolerance can safely consume this. Its protein level is a bit more than that of the Concentrate, though. The taste is okay. However, it’s a bit more expensive than the first one we checked out. But, the Isolate is usually what most trainers and dieticians recommend.
  3. Whey Protein Hydrolysate has gone through further filtering; as such, its protein content is the highest. Its taste is not great, and it’s the most expensive.

What aisle would you find protein powder?

You’ll find it in the aisle where health and wellness products are stocked. You know where supplements and other healthy living products are displayed, right?

That’s the spot.

Take your time to check out the brands and the labels carefully. They’re all essentially protein powder, but there are a few differences you want to pay attention to. So, you will have some choices there.

Make sure to choose an organic, Non-GMO product.

The last thing you need is any product that contains substances that might be harmful to your system. And, as promised, I’ll even recommend the best you could go for.

Now that you know the aisle, you may also want to understand how grocery stores are laid out so that you can easily navigate them and save time when you go shopping.

I went into great detail on how the aisles are organized in a recent article of mine. Just click the link to read it on my site. 

For example, I wrote about the sections of a grocery store, the perimeter area (what!), the center, why grocery stores are designed that way, and other exciting info.

Is protein powder cheaper at a grocery store?

It’s cheaper to order online.

Of course, if you love shopping and a grocery store is not close to where you live or work, you may prefer this option. Ordering online through Amazon is great, also because you have a wide variety.

The fact is you have an array of options, no matter where you prefer.

So grocery stores are great for last-minute decisions or if you realize too late that your container is empty. Stores can also be great if you want to talk to someone knowledgeable about your options. Although some grocery stores are way better than others in terms of customer service.

Online is great if you know what you want and can wait a couple of days for delivery.

Going to a store apart from the actual cost of the product involves the cost of the gas for the car (to and fro) and, more importantly, the opportunity cost of the time spent shopping, which you could spend on something else that may be more important.

Does Aldi or Walmart sell protein powder?

Yes, both grocery stores sell protein powder.

Walmart offers an array of brands. Vegan, organic, grass-fed. There are so many choices, which is great! You could walk -in and buy or order online. They offer next day or 2-day delivery options.

Aldi has its own store brand of protein powder known as Elevation. It’s by Melville.

Now that you know that you can get protein powder at both Aldi and Walmart, one interesting question is: Is Walmart a grocery store or a supermarket?

In fact, many people wonder what the difference between grocery stores and supermarkets is?

In a recent article of mine, I went to town on the question. I provided an in-depth guide, which you’ll find interesting.

Just click the link to read it on my site. I gave examples of some of the best-known supermarkets. I shared the key distinguishing features between grocery stores and supermarkets.

What is the best protein powder?

There are several protein powder brands, such as Muscle tech nitro tech, Legion whey+, BSN Syntha 6.

And it’s not easy to decide on the best in a hurry. But I have taken the time to research the best brand for you, and here is what I’ll recommend.

It’s Orgain organic protein powder. You can find it on Amazon. So, what makes it the best? That’s what I’ll share right away.

First off, as its name implies, it’s a plant-based organic product. It offers a full complement of amino acids, and it’s sugar-free. You can rest assured that what you’ll be consuming is 100% natural. It’s the number one bestseller for a reason.

It has almost all 5-star reviews on Amazon and astonishingly, almost 15,000 of them. In fact, it’s the #1 best selling meal replacement protein powder on all of Amazon.

CLICK HERE to check out the current price on Amazon.

The following are some of its other good points:

  • Soy-free
  • Kosher
  • Low carb
  • Gluten-free
  • Lactose-free
  • Unsweetened
  • Non-GMO
  • Non-dairy
  • No artificial ingredients

And, it’s affordable to boot.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, protein powders will help you excel in the gym and improve your overall fitness. A great example is Whey, that’s beloved by millions of people all over the world.

I shared a couple of interesting stuff in the preceding paragraph.

I mentioned a few of the benefits of protein powder. I also discussed if Aldi or Walmart sells them if they’re cheaper to buy at grocery stores.

I also explained key vital stuff about Whey.

The three types there are, and the one most trainers and dieticians recommend. And, lastly, I even recommended the best brand of protein powder to buy. It’s a plant-based organic brand that has a 4.4/5-star rating. 

Middle Class Dad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click to Amazon from my site and choose to make a purchase. This is no way increases the cost to you.

How Do Grocery Stores Keep Meat Fresh?

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Grocery stores order a lot of meat from suppliers. But if they order too much, they have to throw a lot away. Too little and they run out. So when ordering, cutting, and packaging the meat, how do grocery stores keep meat fresh?

How do grocery stores keep meat fresh? By only cutting what’s needed for the day, and closely monitoring & logging temperatures. Once cut or ground, the risk of bacteria increases resulting in shorter shelf life. Grocery stores usually keep fresh meat for 10-14 days. However, frozen meat can last for up to 12 months.

But you might also be wondering if grocery store meat is better than that from a butcher? Or how butchers keep meat fresh? Ultimately, how safe is the meat you eat, and what are the standards that grocery stores have to follow?

So just keep reading to get answers to all your doubts.

How long do grocery stores keep meat?

Grocery stores keep meat up until their use-by date.

This can be 10-14 days, though it depends on the kind of processing. That being said, in many cases, they are stickering the meat in house; especially stores that have butchers on hand who are cutting and grinding the meat on-premises.

In those cases, they are going off of the date codes on the products they ordered from the suppliers. But they also use their eyes and nose as color and scent changes are easy to spot as well.

Ground meat won’t last long as steak as it has a higher risk of contamination. State and local laws determine what happens when they remove meat from the shelves.

If use by date is approaching fast, some grocery stores will put the meat on sale. Roasts or steaks may get turned into ground beef. Other stores may take steaks and chicken breasts that are still in date, but past their prime, and add a sauce or marinade to it.

Some grocery stores toss meat when close to expiring while others refreeze or donate it.

But, you must also be careful about buying short-dated meat on sale if you’re not planning to use it the same day.

In those cases, freezing it the day you buy it works well.

How do butchers keep meat fresh?

Going to a butcher shop can be intimidating.

Their display case is not as appealing as a grocery store. Many people also believe that butcher shops are inferior because they don’t inspect them as rigorously as grocery stores. Surprisingly, butchers often have better quality meat than grocery stores.

Proper meat storage is essential to prevent spoilage, so you might wonder how they keep their meat fresh.

Stores take measures to prevent contamination and spoilage of meat by strictly monitoring cooler or freezer temperatures. These are logged not only daily, but many times throughout the day.

They also limit human contact with the meat and offer custom cuts only when a customer requests one. This lowers down the risk of cross-contamination, and meat gets to age longer because the cuts are not all displayed.

Then, of course, they also have specific cutting boards, saws, and grinders for beef, chicken, pork, etc. And if they don’t have separate equipment, then the follow strict washing and sanitizer procedures when switching from one type of meat to another.

Is supermarket meat previously frozen?

Not all. Generally speaking, most grocery stores sell some frozen and some fresh meat.

The nicer and more high-end a store is, the more likely they are to have in-house butchers who cut the meat at the store. This means they will have more fresh meat and less meat that was previously frozen.

The main reason for freezing meat is to maintain freshness while they transport it to the grocery store from the supplier. Besides, frozen meat is easier and safer to deliver as the chances of spoilage and contamination are reduced, especially over long distances.

That’s one of the many reasons to look for stores that buy locally from nearby ranchers.

Before distribution to the grocery store, meat goes through a few important processes. They age it in a cooler for 10 to 14 days, though it can be longer. The longer meat is aged, the better the quality and texture.

And then, of course, aside from fresh vs frozen meat, you also have the USDA grades of beef such as Select, Choice, or Prime.

In this recent article, I examine if prime beef is worth the extra dollars we have to pay. I did a taste test (video included) where I compared 4 different types of ribeyes cooked on my Traeger.

Just click on the link to read it on my site.

How accurate is the use-by date on meat?

A grocery store will label meat based on their judgment of how long the meat can last.

It’s based on whether the meat was previously frozen. But they also take into account the date the meat arrived in their store, when it was cut or ground, as well as the color and smell.

It’s a combination of art and science, but it’s not foolproof.

Meat is labeled with use-by dates so that customers know how long it will last before going bad or losing some of its quality. This is not to say that meat can’t be contaminated before the use-by date.

With pantry items like cereal, you could probably risk eating it after the use-by date, but don’t try it with fresh meat. One must use fresh meat within two to three days of purchasing.

Only a handful of states require grocery stores to use date labeling on meat. (source)

And Federal laws on date coding don’t exist except for baby formula. (source) Because the law doesn’t make it necessary to label meat with used by dates, it might be a little tricky to choose your meat.

Ultimately, you should only purchase meat from reputable grocery stores that are transparent about their meat handling and policies.

We’ve talked a lot about beef, but what about chicken?

Check out this recent article on which grocery stores have the best chicken. I’ll compare grading, sourcing, and quality from various popular grocery stores.

Just click the link to read it on my website.

What grocery store has the best meat?

It is no secret that many grocery stores use carbon monoxide to keep their meat looking fresh for a very long time. (source)

This won’t affect the actual shelf life or risk of bacteria growth. It only affects the color, keeping that nice red color on steaks and other types of beef.

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods never uses carbon monoxide or other tricks to fool shoppers.

Their meat is about as pure as you can get. While other grocery stores can claim to have the highest quality meat, Whole Foods Market has kept its standard since the beginning.

Their 5-Step Animal Welfare program ensures that not only do they know exactly what ranches their meat and poultry come from, but also how the animals are raised and fed from birth to slaughter.

Want to learn more about Whole Foods meat versus other grocery stores?

Check out my recent article on which grocery store has the best steaks. I’ll go into details on beef grades, quality, and even how the You might not know it, but this affects meat quality and flavor.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Publix and Kroger

Publix is most famous for fried chicken baked goods and sandwiches. On the other hand, Publix is not very transparent about their meat.

There’s very little information on their website about their meat and poultry standards; mostly fluff and talking points.

And as a consumer, this should be very concerning. Back in 2018, Publix recalled beef from 18 Florida counties due to possible E-coli contamination.

Not that all grocery chains don’t occasionally have issues with things like this. But personally, I prefer to buy meat from stores that are a little more transparent and open about suppliers, standards, and processes.

Kroger is a little more transparent.

Their website states that the simple truth organic brand is 100% grass-fed beef. The USDA certifies it, but it doesn’t speak specifically about how they raise animals despite having an “animal welfare policy”. Meat tastes better when animals are raised humanely. You can eat guilt-free, knowing the whole process was ethical.

Once again, Whole Foods comes out on top.

If you’ve never been to Whole Foods Market, you might question why shopping there is so expensive. Here’s my recent article on why Whole Foods is so costly. I’ll cover everything from pricing to quality and compare them with other top grocers.

Just click on the link to read it on my website.

Final thoughts

In this article, we covered the standard time for grocery stores keep meat.

Besides, frozen and fresh meat are stored differently and discussed them in detail. I talked about the accuracy of use-by dates and compared meat from three top grocers.

You learned how butchers store their meat and the importance of proper storage. USDA-certified, Publix, and Kroger are the best stores to buy meat from.

Can You Buy Prime Rib at the Grocery Store?

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Prime Rib, as its name suggests, is not your run-off-the-mill grade of meat. It’s precisely what you need if you’re planning something special, as its aroma, and taste is to die for. But can you buy Prime Rib at the grocery store?

Yes. Prime Rib can be bought at higher-end Grocery Stores. However, the ones that do have it, don’t usually sell it labeled as Prime Rib. Instead, it can be found by the name of Beef-Bone-in-Rib-Roast or standing rib roast. To get the best Prime Rib, ask the butcher for the most marbled, tender, and flavorful one. 

I know a lot about meat, considering that I spent over twenty- years working in 9 different stores owned by Whole Foods.

But I also enjoy eating really good beef too! After reading this short article, you’ll be confident about being able to select the right kind and grade of prime rib.

So let’s begin and learn all about getting Prime Ribs from the Grocery Stores.

Continue reading!

What is a prime rib called at the grocery store?

Most grocery stores don’t offer prime rib (it’s expensive, so the demand for it is low).

But you can get it in some. Note that “Prime rib” can also be a style of cooking. So, you’ll have to be sure about what you want. It’ll all become clearer as you read on. Beef-Bone-in-Rib-Roast is what’s it’s known by in many stores.

Prime Rib is also known as a standing rib roast. The formers’ name simply indicates the section the cut is from (beef ribs), while the latter (standing rib roast) derives its name from the fact that when it’s being roasted, it’s often positioned standing on the ribs.

And depending on what you prefer, you could have it bone-in or boneless. The bone-in option is often preferred by many because when the bones are cooked with it, it enriches the flavor.

So, when you’re ready to buy, you could simply say you’ll like “rib roast” or “prime rib roast” at the grocery store and tell them whether you prefer the bone-in or the boneless option.

But if they’re not available at the store, how do you get them? You could also get them from some butchers.

How do you order a prime rib from a butcher?

It’s helpful to understand that the label “prime” can refer to two different things.

Knowing what both are will help you order the right prime rib from a butcher. The label can either refer to the cut or the grade. The cut relates to which part of the cow it’s from, while the USDA determines the grade.

The best grade of beef has the most marbling; it’s tender and flavorful. It’s designated as USDA Prime. This is what you want. And you should let the butcher or the person attending to you at the supermarket know this. Because it’s expensive, Prime often ends-up in high-end hotels and restaurants.

The next grade below Prime is Choice; this is not what you want if you want the best. You could simply walk-in and talk to a butcher, or if it’s a first-rate butcher, you could place an order online.

Let’s continue to check out some important stuff that’ll help you choose the best prime rib.

What is the best prime rib to buy?

Go for a roast that’s brightly-colored, and that has milky-white fat.

Flee from those that are dull-colored and full of yellow fat! Yes, the fresher, the better. You want to choose the most marbled meat. This is a critical criterion in the grading because the more marbled prime rib is from young, well-fed breeds.

You must stay a little wary to ensure you get the genuine article, because the label “Prime,” alone, does not prove that you’re getting both USDA Prime grade beef in addition to prime rib.

But in all honesty, USDA prime alone doesn’t always mean better.

I actually conducted a live taste-test challenge that I detailed in a recent article of mine. I bought 4 types of steaks, cooked them identically, and then my family and I did a taste test with really surprising results (there’s a video in that article if you’d rather watch than read).

Just click here to read it on my site.

The best is sometimes the most expensive (that’s how the world works, right). But not always. So, choose Prime in most cases, or grass-fed choice. But, if you’re short on budget, then opt for Choice. ‘Prime’ is the highest USDA grade. It’s followed by ‘Choice,’ and lastly, you have ‘Select.’

I would recommend you steer clear of select, or any beef that doesn’t tell you the grade.

In a nutshell, be guided by the USDA grade shields, they’re so simple and easy to see. Don’t believe that simply because you saw the word ‘prime,’ that you’d got the best. Only about 2% of all beef qualifies as USDA Prime. But, if you can afford it, that’s the best prime rib to buy.

How much does a 10 lb prime rib cost?

At the risk of sounding a tad repetitious, I’ve mentioned that the prime rib is expensive. And because you’ve read this far, you know why that is so. But you’ll agree with me that there are some special occasions when nothing but prime rib suffices, right?

So, let’s say you’ll like to buy 10 lb of prime rib. By how much would that set you back? 

Be ready to pay about $349.99. It’ll be cheaper if you opt for Choice or Select rather than USDA Prime. Naturally, the cost also differs depending on where you’re getting them from. You’ll probably need to place an order to ensure that it’s available when you need it.

Now, let’s check out something many people find a tad confusing. (And, I don’t blame them).

Is prime rib the same as ribeye?

No, it’s not.

Prime rib and ribeye are similar. The similarity means they can be easily confused. In a bit, you’d be able to distinguish them easily.

So, let’s check out each one and what differentiates them. The word ‘rib’ is common to both, and that’s a pointer that both are from a cow’s rib section. (Interestingly, ribeye steaks are what you get when you cut prime rib roast into steaks).

They are both from the rib area but differ in terms of the specific part of the rib they’re from, how they look, how they are cooked, and even how they taste.

Think of the milder and well-marbled part of the rib, that’s where the ribeye is from.

It’s usually from the 6th to 12th rib, and it’s a portion of the longissimus dorsi muscle. Marbling means the meat contains intramuscular fat that has white specks – which looks similar to marble (if you look at it with a fresh eye).

The prime rib, on the other hand, is from the center of the primal beef cut and often contains significant parts of the rib bone.

It’s also known as standing rib roast or beef rib roast. Besides, it’s a large roasting joint. It’s usually more flavorful (because it has more bones, fat, and connective tissue) and more massive than the ribeye.  Naturally, it’s more expensive.

But aside from the USDA grade, you’d be surprised to learn that some grocery stores have better meat quality than others.

1 USDA Prime steak is not always the same from store to store.

Luckily, I break down which of the top grocery stores has the best meat in a recent article of mine. What really surprised me was how much Prime beef gets rationed to larger chains due to small supply.

Just click it to read the article on my site

Final Thoughts

It has a rich flavor, and it’s tender. It’s high-quality and pricey, and the demand for it is low. It’s considered the “Holy Grail” of all beef cuts. Naturally, it’s a bit rare. But you can get it to buy at some grocery stores and butchers.

So now we know what is prime rib, how to order prime rib from a butcher, and the other names it’s called. We also looked at its cost, the difference between ribeye and prime rib, and naturally, what to look out for to make sure you buy the best prime rib.

And so, I hope that you will get your delicious Prime Rib from the nearest grocery store and have a lavish meal.

Can I Sue a Grocery Store for Selling Expired Food?

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It can be really frustrating when you bring home your groceries only to realize that your canned corn is past the expiration date. Or worse yet, your milk or orange juice. But if you got sick from spoiled food, you may have asked the question, can I sue a grocery store for selling expired food?

Yes, you can sue a grocery store for selling expired food. But, unless it led to injury or illness & significant expenses, or losses, it may be hard to find a lawyer willing to take the case. You can file yourself in small claims court, but in most cases, you’ll be better off just returning the item & getting a refund.

But that’s just a quick answer. In this article, we’re diving deep into grocery stores, expired foods, and the rights shoppers have.

So what can you do about a grocery store that consistently sells expired food?

Can you sue them? What happens when a store sells out-of-date food? Do they get penalized somehow?

We’ll answer all of these questions and more.

Just keep reading!

Can you sue Walmart for selling expired food?

It depends.

If you bought food from Walmart and it somehow injured you because it was expired, you can sue. If you chipped a tooth, for example, on old hard candy, then you can sue.

Or if you drank milk that was out of date and it made you sick, then you can sue.

Unfortunately, you can sue people for just about anything. But the question shouldn’t be whether you can sue. It should be whether you can find a lawyer that will assist you.

Lawsuits are very expensive, and if you don’t have enough in damages to cover the costs, it won’t be worth it for an attorney to take your case.

So if you chipped a tooth and have a $200 dentist bill, an attorney likely won’t take your case. But if you ate a can of old corn and spent several days in the hospital, racking up tens of thousands of dollars in hospital bills, they are more likely to take the case.

That’s because the damages, meaning the monetary expenses you are on the hook for, are higher.

However, if you chipped a tooth on candy that was out of date, and you want to file a claim, you can. You can either do it through small claims court, or you can reach out to Walmart directly.

Every state’s small claims courts run differently, so if you choose to go that route, you should call your local court to find out the process.

But if you want to contact Walmart directly to notify them of the incident, save your receipt, remaining product, and the packaging.

You should also see a dentist, and keep any bills related to the incident. It may even be helpful to have your dentist write up something about the extent of the damage and whether you’ll need additional care.

Walmart may settle with you if you have the needed proof to support your claim, but it probably wouldn’t be feasible to litigate your case. (source)

What happens if a supermarket sells out of date food?

Unfortunately, most out food date food ends up in the landfill.

Food that is either close to the expiration date or no longer at peak quality is unfit to sell. This is regardless of whether it has met its expiration date.

Fresh vegetables and meat that is past its prime, but not yet expired may be cooked up for the in-store deli and salad counters before they spoil. And while some of it ends up in the landfill, expired food may be given to local food banks, sold to salvage stores, or given to employees.

If you do happen to purchase something that is out of date, like milk, you can simply return it to the store. Most stores will give you a refund.

But for the most part, stores can sell out of date food without consequence. Especially canned goods.

According to the FDA, there is no uniform dating system. In fact, manufacturers aren’t even required to put quality-based labels on food, unless it’s baby formula. So those dates put on canned food is arbitrary. They are there just to make the consumer feel good about what they are purchasing.

And according to the USDA, low acid foods are good for 2 to 5 years. If cans are in good condition, with no obvious signs of damage, they are safe to eat indefinitely.

To learn more about what happens to unsold food in supermarkets, read this recent article. What really surprised me was the percentage of food that could be eaten or given to homeless shelters and food banks get thrown away.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How much can a shop be fined for selling out of date food?

I couldn’t find any exact figures on this, but I did find where 21 stores in Port Chester, NY, and White Plains, NY were fined a total of $59,600 for selling outdated food in 2009. (source)

So, in the grand scheme of things, stores won’t be fined very much for selling outdated food.

Because expiration dates are not federally mandated, each state will likely have its own rules and regulations regarding the sale of outdated food. Which is probably why I couldn’t find much about it.

Also, know that I could walk into ANY grocery store right now and find outdated products if I looked hard enough.

All grocery stores have tens of thousands of products. And most have fewer than 300 employees (some have a LOT fewer). It’s just not possible to catch every can, bag, box, and carton. And even the best store manager has to trust their employees to be checking dates when they stock, rotate products and face the store.

By now, you know that canned foods are good indefinitely. Milk and fresh meat clearly don’t last as long. But what about products in other sections of the grocery store?

What are the other sections of a grocery store anyway?

Read this recent article to learn more about the different sections of grocery stores. While all stores have things that make them unique, the surprising truth is that almost every store follows the same core systems and layouts.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Is it a legal offense to sell out of date food?

It depends. Also remember that in most cases, these are “best by” dates. They are not usually dates telling you when something is bad or inedible.

No. Most dates on food are there to tell you when the maximum flavor and freshness will start to diminish.

Federal law doesn’t require manufactures to put an expiration date on products. If there is no requirement to do something, then you can’t be penalized for it legally.

But baby formula must have an expiration date on it. And in California, all baby food must also have an expiration date.

Even if it is illegal to sell out of date food, you need to take some personal responsibility, too.

Check the dates on products before you purchase them. And then check the dates again before you consume it, especially if you’re feeding it to your baby.

If you see expired food on the shelf, particularly baby formula or baby food, notify the store manager, so they can handle it.

If you inadvertently purchase something that has expired, take it back to the store for a refund or exchange.

What if I bought expired food?

Simply put, in most cases, – eat it.

If it’s milk or yogurt, you may not want to eat it. If that’s the case, just return it to the store or throw it away.

Same thing for meat or seafood. And always remember – when in doubt, throw it out. If you don’t want to throw it out, and you still have the receipt, return it to the store.

For canned goods, as long as the cans aren’t damaged in any way – there’s no swelling, rust, or dents – the food inside is still good to eat.

Expiration dates are arbitrary. There is no federal regulation regarding the dating of canned goods. That’s why you see so many different labels. In fact, unless it’s baby formula, there is no federal law stating that canned goods even need expiration dates.

If you bought it from Whole Foods, you can rest assured that they’ll refund your money. Whole Foods really cares about the products they sell and the customers they serve.

I couldn’t tell you how many times customers had the gall to come into my store and want a refund for something they threw away AND no longer had the receipt for. And more often than not, we gave them that refund.

That is just one of the reasons why Whole Foods Market is so popular.

To learn more about what makes Whole Foods so popular, check out this recent article. While I don’t work for them now, I did work there for over 20 years. So I know a thing or two about them.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Final thoughts

Unless you get exceptionally sick from eating expired food, you likely won’t be able to find a lawyer to help you file a lawsuit.

Canned goods are shelf-stable for years and years. And if you accidentally purchase expired milk, cheese, or other fresh goods, you can take it back to the store for a refund.

It’s not necessarily illegal to sell expired items. But each state will approach it differently when it comes to fining stores for selling outdated items.

Will you throw away that can of corn that is a year out of date, or will you eat it?

I know what I would do!

Photos which requires attribution:

bad salsa by flicktoast is licensed under CC2.0

What Grocery Stores Sell Stamps? (Stores, Prices & Options)

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Nothing beats the feel and charm of the old-fashioned letter, greeting card, or postcard. However, these days it is getting hard to find stamps to send them. So I wondered what grocery stores sell stamps?

Almost all Grocery Stores sell stamps, including Walmart, and pharmacies like CVS, and Walgreens. However, these are available only in bulk, in the form of booklets. You may also purchase Stamps online on Amazon or Grocery Store websites. 

But where do you buy them once you’re in a grocery store and can you pick different designs or just buy 1 stamp?

In this article, I have not only answered those questions, but I also cover the best places to find stamps, and how much they cost, among others. 

Let’s dive right in!

Do they sell stamps at grocery stores?

It’s an interesting question. Honestly, grocery stores are not the first place that comes to mind when we need stamps, right?  But, the truth is that the big grocery stores sell all kinds of stuff, even stuff we hardly associate with them.

So, stamps are sold at virtually all major grocery stores. But, as you’d expect, they sell in bulk, in booklets, with each containing 20 stamps, and, this is the way to go. It’s not economically feasible but also saves you time.

You could buy what you’ll need for the next few months. This signifies that if you just need a couple of stamps, the grocery store isn’t the right place to go. You’ll have to visit the post office.

This leads us to the next question.

Where precisely in the grocery store would you get the stamps or some other specific items to buy? Most grocery stores are organized similarly. But of course, slight differences in how the stores are laid out are possible.

That’s not a challenge as you’ll find out in a recent article of mine where I explained the different sections, whether they’re designed to’ trick’ you, some typical food terms you need to understand, and a host of other helpful info.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

After picking up what you’re there to buy from several aisles, you can rest assured that you’ll quickly pick up stamps at the cashiers. That’s where most stores keep the stamps.

 If you prefer, you could order your stamps online from the grocery store. If you’re already ordering groceries online from the same store, it makes sense to order stamps at the same time. Just remember that most grocery stores sell in sheets or booklets.

Now, let’s consider another interesting question. Do drugstores or pharmacies sell postage stamps?

Do they sell stamps at CVS or Walgreens?

We often assume that pharmacies only sell drugs. The reality is that some carry other items, too. Not all pharmacies sell stamps, but you’ll get stamps at CVS or Walgreens and other pharmacies.

As you probably know, Walgreens is virtually everywhere. They have about 8,200 stores in this country. You can bet that there’ll be one close to where you live or work.  

But note that what they offer are necessary stamps. That is the first-class forever postage stamp, which you can keep using even if the price of stamps increases. Walgreens doesn’t offer postcard stamps and parcel stamps. So, if you need some other kind of stamp, you’ll need to visit the USPS.

As I hinted at before, it’s best to buy in bulk. A single stamp sells for $0.55. At Walgreens, you’ll save 5 cents on each stamp when you buy a book of stamps. Say you’re buying 20 stamps; you’ll need to pay only $10.

Some Walgreen stores are open 24/7. While others are only open between 8 am and 10 pm, on weekdays. It may differ at weekends. Wonder if there’s a Walgreens near you? You can use the link to find out.

What I shared about Walgreens, applies to CVS, too. So, you can also get stamps to buy at CVS.

And, how much are postage stamps sold for at the grocery store, CVS or Walgreens?

How much do stamp cost at the grocery store, CVS, or Walgreens?

A single stamp sells for $0.55. At Walgreens, you’ll save 5 cents on each stamp when you buy a book of stamps. Say you’re buying 20 stamps; you’ll need to pay only $10.

And, you might be wondering whether supermarkets also sell stamps. Yes, most do. So, if you live or work close to one, just pop in.

Do you ever wonder what differentiates a grocery store from a supermarket?

What’s even the main reason there are supermarkets? Or, have you ever scratched your head over what’s a convenience store, if you were asked to define it, or what is a hypermarket? I went into great detail in a recent article of mine.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Can I get stamps at Walmart?

Walmart sells everything, right? Can you get postage stamps there? Yes, you can.

Walmart, as we all know, sell most things. Naturally, they sell stamps, too. And, it’s cool that they’re almost always open so that you can pop in at any time. But you’ll probably agree that it’s smart to stock-up.

It’ll be cheaper, and you can do a bit of planning before you buy it. To get stamps, simply go to their MoneyCenter or the customer service desk. If you prefer, you could order the stamps online.

Virtually all Walmart stores are open between 8 am and 10 pm. This may slightly differ from store to store.

Is it cheaper to buy stamps online or on Amazon?

Maybe you’ve rediscovered the joy of writing letters and sending postcards.

It occurs to you that you’ll be needing a lot of stamps. So, it makes sense to try and find out the cheapest sources. The cost naturally depends on the type of stamps you’re buying.

Different stamps have different prices. If you’re just buying a few, it’s probably not worth your time seeking the best bargains. Seeing as time itself is costly.

If you are buying stamps regularly and in a reasonable quantity, Amazon’s selection of stamps and stamps.com are great options. Besides, stamps.com offers lower prices, overall, and some related services make postage a breeze.

For the occasional buys, Amazon is excellent.

However, I recommend stamps.com if you’ll be buying in bulk. Since you’ll be posting the letters or packages if you’re considering a home business, try and look at the overall cost of postage, not just the value of the stamps.

Final Thoughts

The post office is anchored in our minds as the place to get stamps. But as shown in this short article, there are a couple of other sites, too.  You could buy stamps online from most major stores, and you could walk into some grocery stores, some drugstores, to pick up stamps.

But, most of them sell Forever postage stamps only. And, they sell stamps in booklets. So, you’ll still need to go to the post office if you need just a couple of stamps or stamps for parcels and postcards. 

Middle Class Dad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click to Amazon from my site and choose to make a purchase. This is no way increases the cost to you.

Can Instacart Deliver Alcohol? (Yes, but not in every state)

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Nothing quite beats the convenience of having a delivery service like Instacart bring you your groceries right to your doorstep. But what about alcohol? Can Instacart deliver alcohol?

Instacart currently delivers alcohol in 14 states, both from grocery stores, where allowed, but from liquor stores too. Beer, wine, & liquor are available in those areas, but recipients must show ID & cannot be visibly intoxicated. Instacart also cannot leave alcohol unattended; you must be present for delivery.

But there’s a lot more to know about Instacart delivery, alcohol laws, and how they both tie together, so let’s dig in a little deeper.

Instacart is awesome! They can even deliver them in under an hour in certain circumstances.

If you want a glass of wine or some beer with your dinner, will they deliver it with your groceries?

Will they deliver liquor? What states even allow alcohol to be delivered? Does Instacart mark up prices on alcohol?

You have questions. I have the answers!

Just keep reading to find out.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Does Instacart have alcohol?

Instacart has alcohol delivery available in 14 states and Washington, D.C. Alcohol is available from more than one-third of their retail partners.

What 14 states those are is listed in the next section.

Purchasing alcohol through Instacart is easy.

Simply open the Instacart mobile app or head over to their website at www.instacart.com. Select your city and store, and shop like normal.

When your delivery arrives, be sure to have your ID handy, as you must be 21 years old to purchase alcohol.

Don’t forget to tip your Instacart driver when they deliver your groceries and booze.

They are providing a service, after all. Instacart drivers are not only making your life easier by doing your shopping for you, but they also are sure to pick the best items.

They make sure to get the items with the best expiration dates, that don’t have any damage and are priced the best.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to tip 15-20% like at a restaurant. Just read this recent article where I break down exactly how much to tip, and whether you need to do it in cash or on the app.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What states allow alcohol delivery through Instacart?

Instacart alcohol delivery is available today in:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Kentucky
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington, D.C.

Source

They are continually rolling out alcohol delivery in more states. So if it’s not available in your state, keep checking. It may be available soon!

If Instacart doesn’t deliver alcohol to you, you might want to consider having alcohol directly shipped to your home.

The majority of states allow for out-of-state to ship alcohol directly to consumers. However, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Utah specifically prohibit the direct shipment of alcohol to consumers.

Of the states that do allow the shipment of alcohol, only five states allow the shipment of all spirits.

They are:

  • Arizona
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire

Eight states allow direct shipment of beer and wine. They are Delaware, Massachusetts, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, and Virginia. The rest of the states allow direct shipments of wine only.

Having alcohol directly shipped to you can be a great way to try new and interesting flavors of beer or wine. However, it can get really expensive, as many alcohol delivery services are subscription-based.

You also may not get to pick exactly what you want.

Just as an example, FirstLeaf will send you wine that they pick out for you at about $13.00 per bottle. You fill out a quiz before signing up, and they will send you wine based on those answers.

Each shipment will contain different wines. However, if you find something you like, you may not get it in the next shipment, but you might be able to order it individually from their website.

What are the Instacart alcohol delivery rules?

To purchase alcohol through Instacart, customers must be 21 or older, have and show a valid government-issued ID card, and not be visibly intoxicated. They also much be present at the time of delivery as alcohol cannot be left unattended.

First and foremost, understand that alcohol is not available at all retailers in all markets. They cannot fulfill special requests or replacements for alcohol.

You must present your ID upon delivery. When the order is delivered, you must sign for the delivery.

  • No alcohol will be left unattended.
  • No alcohol will be delivered to anyone that is visibly intoxicated.

If you do not present your ID, are not present, or are visibly intoxicated, alcohol will not be delivered. In this case, you will not be charged for the alcohol.

To read their alcohol policies for yourself, just click here. This link takes you straight to Instacart’s Alcohol policies page on their website.

Of course, you should always be responsible regarding your alcohol consumption. Don’t drink and drive and certainly don’t purchase alcohol for minors.

Does Instacart deliver just beer & wine?

Instacart delivers beer, wine, and spirits in certain states where legally allowed. In states that allow it, Instacart can deliver liquor from grocery stores. But in states where that is not allowed, they have also partnered with specific liquor stores for delivery.

The abolition of prohibition in 1933 left states with the power to regulate alcohol sales. So now there is a confusing hodgepodge of liquor laws across the country.

To read about which states allow the sale of liquor in grocery stores, read this recent article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

If your state doesn’t allow the sale of liquor at grocery stores, take comfort in the fact that Instacart also delivers for some liquor specialty stores.

These stores include BevMo!, Binny’s Beverage Depot, and Total Wine & More.

If you don’t live in California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, or Washington, D.C., you’re just going to be out of luck. Even if your state does allow for the sale of liquor in grocery stores.

Those are the only state in which Instacart delivers alcohol.

Does Instacart markup prices on alcohol?

Sometimes, Instacart does charge more than store prices.

According to Instacart, they charge an average of 15% more money on stores that have a markup. This isn’t so bad if you’re purchasing $50 in groceries. This is very bad if you purchase $200 worth of groceries.

However, Instacart partners up with different stores to provide delivery services without a markup.

If you purchase your alcohol from one of the partner stores, you shouldn’t see a price increase.

To read more about what stores Instacart have partnered up with, and their pricing policies read this recent article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

The best way to know whether or not you’ll be charged more at a specific store is by reviewing Instacart’s pricing information page.

According to that page, it’s the retailers themselves that set the prices charged through Instacart.

Don’t let the potentially higher prices steer you away from the app, though. Instacart is a thriving business for many reasons.

Instacart also charges a delivery fee of $7.99 for one-hour delivery or $5.99 for a two-hour or more delivery.

The convenience value alone is enough to make the markups and fees well worth staying home. There’s certainly a line where it’s probably a better idea to go out instead. Still, it all depends on the markup percentage.

If you find that you don’t mind the markup percentage, and use Instacart regularly, you may find that their annual membership fee is a better value. For $149 per year, you can get free two-hour delivery on orders of $35.00 or more.

Pair the annual fee with a partner store and two-hour delivery, and it could be very affordable.

Final Thoughts

Instacart offers fantastic convenience. It makes life so much easier when you can have groceries dropped at your door.

It can make life even easier when you can have alcohol delivered to your door. In this article, we took a look at the ins and outs of Instacart alcohol delivery. We discussed the rules of having Instacart deliver alcohol, and whether they mark up prices on alcohol.

While it’s not available in every state, it may be available in your state soon. If it’s alcohol delivery is not available in your state, it could simply be because of your local laws and regulations.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Photos which require attribution:
Instacart_PwG_anim_02 by 姿穎 呂 and Cold Beer by Northwest Retail are licensed under CC2.0

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”TYI6vFMW” upload-date=”Mon Aug 03 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)” name=”Can Instacart Deliver Alcohol? (Yes, but not in every state)” description=”Nothing quite beats the convenience of having a delivery service like Instacart bring you your groceries right to your doorstep. But what about alcohol? Can Instacart deliver alcohol? I decided to check into it and discovered: Instacart does currently deliver alcohol in 14 states, both from grocery stores, where allowed, but some liquor stores too. Beer, wine, & liquor are available in those areas, but recipients must show ID & cannot be visibly intoxicated. Instacart also cannot leave alcohol unattended; you must be present for delivery. But there’s a lot more to know about Instacart delivery, alcohol laws, and how they both tie together, so let’s dig in a little deeper. Instacart is awesome! They can even deliver them in under an hour in certain circumstances. If you want a glass of wine or some beer with your dinner, will they deliver it with your groceries? Will they deliver liquor? What states even allow alcohol to be delivered? Does Instacart mark up prices on alcohol? You have questions. I have the answers! Just keep reading to find out.”]