Product Questions

What is the diet of the cattle?

Our Natural Premium Angus Beef cattle are hand selected only from mid-western small farms that are committed to raising only the best All Natural Angus Beef. Our family operations, mostly handed down from generations take pride in raising their cattle and taking care of their land. With these traits, this is why our cattle exceed the quality standards of most brands on the market today for tenderness and flavor. We document exactly which ranch each calf is harvested from and then which ranch, or area of the ranch the calf is finished. The finish ration of all of our calves consists of 100% vegetarian diet – which includes grass, hay, silage, corn, barley and split peas.

What is the difference between USDA Prime and USDA Choice?

The USDA assigns a quality grade by the degree of intramuscular fat (marbling) and other attributes on the ribeye. USDA Prime has the highest rating and more marbling than USDA Choice, which typically means better flavor and greater tenderness. Prime beef represents less than 3% of all beef produced in the United States and is the most prized because of the superior flavor and tenderness. USDA Choice is the next highest classification. Sometimes “Choice” pieces of meat have “Prime” quality marbling.

What does a grade of USDA “Prime” mean?

Beef grade is issued based upon a number of factors including intramuscular fat or marbling found in the eye of the rib, better known as the “Ribeye”. The grade of the meat provides an indication to the customer of quality, flavor, texture, and how tender and juicy the piece of meat will be once cooked.

What if my beef products come and they have a brownish color?

This is not a problem what so ever! A dark brown color is normal because the vacuum packaging removes the oxygen from each package to keep the product fresh. Once you thaw the meat and open the packaging, the red color will come back typically within 20-30 minutes. This is called “blooming”. Keep in mind that aged steak typically has a darker red color than fresh steaks due to the aging process.

How do I know when my meat is cooked?

The best way…take the internal temperature of the meat using a probe or infrared thermometer from the thickest part of the meat. Refer to the safe handling instructions and cooking temperature guide on the packaging or on our website.

Why are Meat District products perfect for gift giving?

Because it is easy, convenient and delicious! Friends, family, and colleagues love receiving Meat District products and you will love the peace of mind; no shopping or wrapping.

What if I receive products I am not satisfied with?

If have problems with an order, please contact our friendly Customer Service department within 3 business days of receipt by calling (877) 320-8382 or emailing orders@eatmeatdistrict.com.

Is there anywhere locally I can purchase Meat District products?

Yes. We distribute Meat District products throughout the US. Please visit our Store Locator on eatmeatdistrict.com to find in your local grocer.

Can I keep leftovers in the refrigerator?

Yes, please wrap your leftovers well or store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.

Should I remove the packaging before cooking?

Yes. All external packaging should be removed prior to cooking.

What is marbling and why does it matter?

Marbling refers to the fat pattern, or small white flecks, that runs through the meat. Marbling adds tremendous flavor and tenderness to the steak as it cooks so it’s a fundamental attribute of quality. At Meat District our butchers inspect, hand-cut and hand-trim each premium quality steak to perfection.

Is marbling a good thing or bad thing?

If you want to have a great beefy tasting piece of meat then the more marbling the better. Much of the great beefy flavor comes from the marbling. As the meat cooks, the intramuscular fat melts into the meat basting the meat from the inside out making your meat tender and juicy. In general, the amount of marbling is a matter of preference. Our butchers prefer more marbling in our meat because of the superior taste, tenderness and juiciness it provides. However, marbling also increases the fat content of the beef, so some people choose leaner cuts that are lower in calories and somewhat healthier.

When I shop, I buy steaks that look lean but they’re never good? Why?

Lean beef is given a lower grade because it lacks the beautiful marbling that makes the meat flavorful, tender and juicy. As the meat cooks, the marbling melts basting the meat from the inside out adding great flavor, moisture and tenderness.

What should I do if I am not happy with all or part of my order?

Please contact us by email or phone as soon as possible. We always do right by our customers to resolve any issues.

Do any of your products contain potential allergens such as milk, wheat or soy?

Yes. Some of our products do contain potential allergens.  All product ingredient labels contain allergen statements where necessary.

Does Meat District offer a guarantee?

Yes. We go the extra mile to ensure your hand trimmed, hand seasoned, and hand wrapped order is perfectly packed and properly delivered so your product arrives in excellent condition. We guarantee that you will receive the exact item(s) and quantity ordered. In addition should an item arrive in inadequate condition, Meat District will be happy to replace it for you. Please email us at orders@eatmeatdistrict.com and we will promptly work to resolve your issue to your satisfaction.

Packaging & Shipping Questions

Is your meat shipped fresh or frozen?

All of our products are shipped frozen via FedEx®.

Can you ship outside the U.S.?

No. We currently ship to the 48 contiguous United States and are unable to ship to AK, HI or internationally. Please note that shipments can be made to physical street addresses only. We do not ship to PO Boxes or APO/ FPO addresses.

What if my meats arrive partially thawed, are they still ok?

Yes, it is common for the dry ice to sublimate, or disappear, during the shipping process. There may be little or no dry ice remaining upon arrival. As long as they feel cool to the touch then the product has not been compromised. Place them in the freezer or refrigerator until you are ready to cook them. If you choose to refrigerate your items, they are best if consumed within 7 days. Chicken should not be refrozen. 

The way our items are vacuum packed does not let oxygen penetrate the film so as long as they arrive cool to the touch they are ok to refreeze.

What if there isn’t any dry ice in the cooler?

It is common when your box arrives that no dry ice will remain. Do not fret. As long as the product feels cool to the touch, you are ok to refreeze the products for up to 1 year in its original packaging or 7 days in the refrigerator.

What do I do with the dry ice that is in the cooler?

Never touch the ice with your bare hands or make contact with your skin. It’s really very cold approx. -109.3°degrees Fahrenheit! For your safety, the dry ice comes in a plastic bag with clear warning labeling and safe handling instructions. Simply remove your items from the cooler and leave the dry ice behind. The remaining piece(s) will sublimate, or disappear, within 24 hours.

What shipping options do I have?

Our standard shipping is FedEx 2-Day delivery. In the event you need your items sooner, we also offer Overnight delivery at an additional cost. Please see our Shipping Policy for complete details. If you have additional questions about shipping, please call Customer Service at (877) 320-8382 or, send an email to orders@eatmeatdistrict.com.

What should I do with my insulated shipping box once I receive my order?

The insulated liner can be re-used over and over again. If you do not have a need to reuse your insulated liner, please recycle or dispose of it according to your local regulations.

Do I need to be home to receive my order?

No. The FedEx driver will leave the order at the door. Please be advised that the purchaser is solely responsible to inform the recipient to remain available to receive the product on the delivery day. Meat District will not be responsible for packages refused at delivery.

Can I ship to an apartment?

Absolutely! FedEx will leave your package outside of an exterior door if no one is home. Meat District cannot be responsible if a delivery attempt was made on time and the recipient was not home to receive the package. It is your responsibility to inform your recipient of their scheduled delivery.

What are your shipping charges?

Due to the perishable nature of our products, all orders are shipped via FedEx 2-Day shipping or better and included in the total purchase price. 

Will my recipient know a package is coming?

The purchaser is solely responsible to inform the recipient to remain available to receive the product on the delivery day. Meat District will not be responsible for packages refused at delivery.

For gift orders, please call your recipient to let them know that a perishable product is being shipped to them.

My order is a day late. Will the meat still be good?

Late packages can and do happen. In general, we do not offer refunds on meat that arrives one day after their scheduled delivery date and in good condition. It is common for the dry ice to sublimate, or disappear, during the shipping process. There may be little or no dry ice remaining upon arrival. As long as they feel cool to the touch then the product has not been compromised.

How long does it take for my package to arrive?

Please see our Shipping Policy page. We ship out Monday through Wednesday to ensure delivery of all packages no later than Saturday.  All shipments will typically arrive 3-7 days after shipment depending on your date of purchase.  During November, December and other peak periods, we may find it necessary to adjust our shipment dates and times.

How do I track the shipment of my package?

You will receive a Federal Express® tracking number once your package has been shipped.  Once you have the tracking number, log onto www.fedex.com and enter your tracking number in the box that says ” Track a Shipment.”  From here you will see all of the information related to your package. Or you can go online and login to your account.

Why is it necessary to provide a phone number for the recipient?

Federal Express® asks for a phone number for every package shipped. In the event that Federal Express® has trouble with the address, a phone number can greatly assist Federal Express® in getting your package to its destination in a timely manner.

If there is a problem with my shipment, what should I do?

Please email us at orders@eatmeatdistrict.com. Please refer to your order number on your packing slip.

Do I pay an additional fee to have a package shipped? 

No. Our pricing includes the shipping fees.

I provided an incorrect shipping address. What do I do?

Please email us at orders@eatmeatdistrict.com. Please refer to your order number on your packing slip.

Package Arrival-Transit Times Chart

Our standard delivery service is guaranteed 2 day shipping via FedEx, plus 1 to 2 days for processing. Your package should arrive 3 to 7 business days depending on your date of purchase.

Thawing Questions

How long will my products last in the freezer?

The word from our butchers is…your meat will be of the same exceptional quality as the day they were cut for up to one year after receiving them. For optimum taste and tenderness, we recommend enjoying within 6 months.

Note: It is common when your box arrives that no dry ice will remain. Do not fret. As long as the product feels cool to the touch, you are ok to refreeze the products for up to 1 year in its original packaging or 7 days in the refrigerator.

How do I thaw my Meat District items?

Thaw your Meat District meats under refrigeration in the vacuum-sealed package. Do not remove the plastic wrap. Slow thawing maintains the integrity of the product within. It will take at least 24 hours for steaks and up to 3 days for roasts to completely thaw depending on the thickness.

Very important: Do not use a microwave to speed up the thawing process. 

Thawed steaks and chops may be refrozen as long as they have remained refrigerated and have not been thawed longer than one day.

Important: Sometimes the vacuum – package can leak while the product is thawing. This is a result of small pinholes that can occur during the freezing or shipping. As long as the product remained frozen and was refrigerated while thawing, this should not be a concern. We recommend using a baking dish or pan to catch fluids.

Payment Method & Gift Certificate Questions

Can I use a check or money order to place my order? 

No. We apologize but we do not accept checks or money orders at this time.

What form of payment do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Meat District eGift Cards. eGift Cards can be combined with credit cards for complete payment.

My credit/debit card didn’t go through. Why?

The below list references a number of issues that customers have come across when trying to purchase orders online using a credit or debit card:

• Make sure your card is not expired
• Make sure to enter the entire number with no spaces or dashes.
• Double check the expiration date
• Make sure to enter the correct Security Code.
• Make sure the billing address for your order matches the billing address that is attached to your credit/debit.

Why does my account show a pending charge if my credit card was declined?

All of the information that you entered during the checkout process must exactly match what your financial institution has on file. If the information does not match, the transaction will be declined. In some instances, your financial institution may place an authorization hold on the funds for up to five business days even though no order was placed. If the authorization does not fall off your account within that time, please call us at (877) 320-8382 so we can investigate further.

Why was my credit card charged twice?

Do not fret. In all likelihood you have not been charged twice for your order. In the event another pending charge appears, the other pending item is likely just an authorization. This is the standard operating procedure between your bank’s billing system and Meat District. Please note that these authorizations usually fall off within a couple of days. Please contact us at (877) 320-8382 if they do not.

When will my credit card be charged?

Your credit card will be charged at the time of purchase/order placement, regardless of the ship date.

Will sales tax be added to my order?

Meat District is required to collect sales tax in many different states based upon where an order is being shipped and the products being purchased. Meat District collects all local and state sales tax when applicable.

Can I redeem my Meat District eGift Card?

Meat District eGift Cards can be redeemed online. To redeem your gift card or certificate online, simply enter your eGift Number on the Payment and Summary page during check out.