aldi quality of meat

The Real Reason You Should Never Buy Meat At Aldi

The Listexplains thatthe prices at Aldi aren't exactly a steal when it comes to meat like chicken. In fact, the meat prices at Aldi often end up being the same as their competitors, and occasionallyare even pricier than the meat sold by the discount grocer's peers.Eating Well concurs, adding that ground beef is especially expensive at the supermarket chain, and there are frequently better deals elsewhere. Local grocery stores may also offer sales on their meat, which often beat out Aldi's standard low prices.

According to users on theReddit message board r/Frugal, the meat at Aldi really doesn't deliver in terms of quality either. One user wrote, "I skip their meat. The quality doesn't seem very good and their prices are higher than what I can usually find". Some of Aldi's meat products have even been recalled in the past! For example, in 2019 the supermarket chain revealed in a press release that there were potentially pieces of metal in a batch of their Kirkwood Buffalo Crispy Chicken Strips and their Honey Barbecue Crispy Chicken Strips, both products made by poultry giant Tyson Foods. The bottom line? As far as meat products are concerned, it's worth considering other options especially sales at your local grocery store.

6 Meats You Might Want To Avoid Buying At Aldi

Chances are, you and your family regularly enjoy ground beef it's by far the most popular way that Americans consume beef products, with up to60% of all beef being bought in ground form. There's a lot to love about ground beef; it's relatively affordable, easy to cook, and versatile, making it a standout choice for families everywhere. But, if you're looking to get a deal on ground beef, you might want to think twice about getting it from Aldi.

the budget supermarket hasn't had the best luck with its ground beef quality control recently in August of 2023, the USDA Inspection Service put out a public health alert informing the public that they'd received reports of soft, clear plastic found in the store's ground beef. However, no recall was issued because Aldi no longer sold that particular brand of ground beef. But, customers aren't just finding plastic in their hamburger meat, one Reddit user claims they "have to be very careful when chewing to not hit a bone piece or [gristle]."

Unfortunately, it looks like the quality of Aldi's ground beef is inconsistent, even within the same brand with aRedditor claiming, "The first time I bought the 80/20 one it was absolutely vile, like [there] was something wrong with it. The second time I got it, it was delicious." Regardless, if you do decide to purchase ground beef from Aldi, make sure you keep your receipt and proceed with caution.

There's A Reason Aldi's Meat Is So Cheap, And Here It Is

If you shop at a large grocery store, there's a good chance that you'll find a butcher working in the meat department, or at least a deli counter with somebody ready to slice up some fresh cold cuts. That doesn't seem to be the case at Aldi. The company's website makes no mention of in-store butchers, and you won't find any salaries for a deli counter associate or butcher at Aldi on Indeed. While this means that getting afilet mignon trimmed to your exact specifications might not be possible, it does mean that your ground chuck is probably a little cheaper than what you might find at Walmart or Trader Joe's.

Supermarket butchers start out at around $30,000 a year, and if Aldi doesn't have to pay for one in each store, they can pass those savings on to the customer (via Houston Chronicle). "Behind the scenes of traditional grocery stores, everything you do gets added to the cost of the product," Cindel explained. "Operating a deli or pharmacy is built into the price of that but not at Aldi."

14 Popular Chain Grocery Stores For Meat, Ranked Worst To Best

Whether you live in the Southeastern United States or you've visited, residents will swear by Publix. Whether it's the freshly made deli sandwiches or the wide assortment of basically everything, Publix has you covered. You're going to find most of your meat requirements here, and, more often than not, Publix will have better prices than three of the next four options.

Publix prides itself on having some of the highest quality food on the market. This holds true with its meat selection as well. All of the meat sold within Publix are hormone free as well as free of antibiotics. The animals are also vegetarian, so you never have to wonder if the meat you're consuming was ever, at any point in time, fed animal byproducts. Publix states its meat is "farm to table." Now, that term itself doesn't mean all that much because, after all, there are a million farms scattered around the globe, so saying "farm to table" could mean a farm located in the center of the Ganges River to your table. However, for Publix, all of the meat is locally sourced from farms within the United States, so you don't have to worry about meats coming from overseas.

All cattle are grass-fed, while all chicken is cage-free, with access to both sunlight and fresh air. Additionally, all pigs are raised on family farms. Publix also offers a guaranteed return policy on all unopened meats (except for fish).

Fresh Meat & Seafood

With our fresh meat and seafood you can count on ALDI for everything you need to make your next meal spectacular. Enjoy a chicken dinner at home with your family or if you're in the mood for firing up the grill, pick up our Black Angus Chuck Roast and Baby Back Ribs. Browse our selection and discover quality meats without additives and never frozen fish at affordable prices.

Fresh chicken is a lean, versatile and delicious protein to include in your healthy diet. Low on fat and high in protein, pick up some fresh chicken breasts or wings for your next meal prep session or date night. Tired of chicken? We also offer turkey tenderloin and ground turkey as an alternative source of protein!

Shop All Fresh Poultry

With a wide selection of USDA Choice beef chuck roasts, sirloins, skirt steaks and more, youll be able to grill up any cut the family is asking for. Throw in high-quality ground beef to whip up some burgers, lasagna or any other hearty meal!

Shop All Fresh Beef

Is there anything better than fall of the bone ribs? Grab some fresh pork in any cut and size, from baby back ribs to center cut pork chops, boneless ham to pork tenderloin. No matter what you pick for your next culinary adventure, youre guaranteed quality, fresh pork on the dinner table.

Shop All Fresh Pork

Whether you like spicy, mild or sweet sausage links, we have the best selection of fresh sausage around. Hear them sizzle first thing in the morning or grill them up on the grill and serve them for dinner. Pasta dish feeling a little boring? Add some fresh sausage and itll be bursting with flavor in no time!

Shop All Fresh Sausage

Enjoy the tasty flavor of fresh salmon, as well as its many health benefits! Salmon is a great source of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and even iron and vitamin D. Did we mention we also carry fresh tilapia, trout and shrimp? Grill, bake, saut, however you like it, fresh fish is the best kind of fish to cook up!

Shop All Seafood

Chicken Disclaimer

*No preservatives, no additives and no added steroids does not apply to all fresh chicken products in all stores. Check labels at store for details.

Fresh Meat & Seafood FAQ's

Beef, pork, lamb, venison, bison and other game are categorized as red meat. Red meat contains high amounts of myoglobin, which is an iron-rich protein that is found in animal muscle. The myoglobin is what gives the meat its dark red color when raw.

Yes, you can freeze meat. However, there are precautions that need to be taken to ensure it is done safely. Starting with fresh, high-quality meat tends to yield the best results when freezing. One of the most important steps is properly wrapping/sealing the meat to protect it from freezer burn. When wrapping the meat, be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to make sure it is properly sealed and protected. Freezer burn can affect the taste, texture and appearance of food. Meat can usually be frozen in its original packaging, but youll want to add a second airtight layer. In some cases, the meat you purchase may come in vacuum-sealed packaging. In that case, it is ready to be frozen.

Yes, you can freeze fish. However, if it is not properly frozen the taste, texture and appearance of the fish can be negatively impacted. The best way to freeze fish is to vacuum seal it. If you do not own a vacuum-sealer, purchasing frozen fish may be the best option since much of the time it is already in vacuum sealed packaging.

Yes, eating raw fish is common. Popular dishes include sushi and sashimi. However, there are risks of foodborne illness that come along with eating raw fish. Fish that is intended for raw consumption is typically labeled as sushi-grade. Sushi-grade means that the fish has been frozen in order to kill any parasites. Young children, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised should avoid eating uncooked seafood.

According to the USDA, it is dangerous to eat raw or undercooked beef. To ensure all bacteria are destroyed, you should use a meat thermometer when cooking beef to make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Many steps can be taken to prevent cross-contamination. Use separate grocery bags for raw meat when you transport it home. Store raw meat in a plastic bag on the bottom of your refrigerator to help prevent the juices from leaking onto other foods in your refrigerator. When cooking the meat, use separate utensils for the meat and other foods you may be cooking. If you only have one utensil, be sure to wash and sanitize it between use on raw and ready-to-eat foods.

Marinating helps to add flavor and tenderize meat.

Meat is high in protein which is important for building and maintaining muscle mass. It also contains iron, which is needed to produce red blood cells. This can help to prevent anemia. It also contains vitamin B12.

Seafood is a good source of lean protein. It contains omea-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, magnesium and other minerals.

Eating protein can make you feel full longer. It also helps to maintain and increase muscle mass. High protein intake also helps to prevent muscle loss as you lose weight.

ALDI carries a selection of affordable and high-quality beef such as sirloin tip roast, ribeye steak, strip steak, skirt steak, brisket and more.

ALDI carries a selection of affordable and high-quality poultry including ground chicken, chicken drumsticks, chicken breasts, chicken breast tenderloins, ground turkey, turkey tenderloins and more.

ALDI carries a selection of affordable and high-quality fish including Atlantic salmon, Coho salmon, lightly smoked salmon portions, wild caught cod portions, tilapia fillets, steelhead trout and more.

A Closer Look at Aldis Meat Sources (Beef, Chicken etc.)

Some of the items sold by Aldi are up to 50% cheaper compared to other major retailers. With such excellent prices, many people wonder how Aldi turns profits from the items they sell.

One main reason is where they source their products. This article will look at a commonly purchased product at Aldi, meat, and explain where it is obtained and why it is so cheap at these stores.

Read on;

Where Does Aldi Source Their Meat From?

Aldi mostly gets meat from regional farms. This is part of the plan to avail meat at low costs to customers. Getting meat close to the store that sells it reduces many costs, which is passed to the customers as affordable prices.

Who Supplies Meat to Aldi?

Aldi US does not list their beef supplier since different entities do it. Remember that beef in Aldi stores comes from cattle born, bred, and raised in the stores region, and with over 2,000 stores spanning 36 states, no single supplier can satisfy the huge demand.

However, Aldi UK lists some of its leading suppliers. Matthew Wright stands out as one of the leading suppliers for beef products, who delivers 100% British Farm Assured beef to stores.

Where Does Aldi Get Their Chicken?

Aldi gets its chicken from Tyson Foods. This chicken sells under the brand Kirkwood, and it includes breasts, thighs, wings, and drumsticks, among others.

Tyson Foods supplies Aldi with chicken, who then repackage it using their private label. Aldis Kirkwood chicken is Tysons chicken, with different names.

Where Does Aldi Organic Meat Come From?

Aldis organic line of products are sold under the brandSimply Nature. Aldi sources most of its organic beef from regional farms just as it does with non-organic meat.

Why is Aldi Meat So Cheap?

Aldi sells a wide variety of meat at cut prices. For instance,73% Lean Ground Beef (Fresh) costs $2.49 per pound, and Angus Ground Beef(93% Lean) is available at $5.49 per pound.Simply Natures Beef Stew Meat( 100% organic) costs $6.99 per pound.

These are a few of the meat prices at Aldi, and you can check out their page for more varieties. Aldi manages to sell their meat so cheap, partly because of their larger business model, which aims to give customers commodities at a low price. Other reasons include;

• Aldi buys meat from regional farms, avoiding big brands and lowering costs. Regional purchases mean less is spent on transport and the workforce required to prepare and get the meat to stores.
• Aldi repackages their meat under their privately sold brand, so no money is spent on endorsing more prominent brands.
• Aldi stores run very efficiently with limited staff members(between six and eight) who always multitask to keep things running smoothly.
• Aldi offers fantastic deals to customers who buy products in bulk. As such, Aldi sells volumes and frequently restocks, which allows them to get small margins but make it up in volumes sold.

Does Aldi Import Their Meat?

Most of Aldis meat is sourced locally, but this is not always the case, and some of it is imported.

Does Aldi Meat Come From China?

No. Aldi does not get any meat from China. It sources imported meat from Australia, Canada, Mexico, or New Zealand.

Customers should not worry about buying meat from China since thelaw states that products, including food, made outside the United States should clearly label the country they are produced in.

In addition,Aldis website states that they clearly label any product made outside the United States with the country of origin per the law.

Is Aldi Meat From Australia?

Part of the imported meat sold at Aldi comes from Australia. However, this is a tiny percentage of the meat sold in the United States, as most of it is sourced locally.

When Does Aldi Get Meat Delivery?

Aldi restocks meat in their stores on Wednesday morning. Note that it also depends on the store and the available stock. However, this is the best time to rock up to a store near you for excellent meats and many more deals.

What Types Of Meat Does Aldi Sell?

Aldis meat collection includes;

• Fresh chicken
• Fresh Beef
• Ground beef
• Steak
• Corned beef brisket
• Chicken breasts and thighs
• Sausages
• Cold cuts
• Chicken drumsticks
• Ground turkey
• Fresh pork
• Pork chops
• Fresh salmon
• Tilapia fillets

Is Aldi Meat Good Quality?

Aldis meat is good, but again this depends on the specific type you are looking for. Do not assume that Aldis low prices and lack of household brands directly translates to lower quality meat. This is done to enable the store to sell meat at lower prices, and the quality is just the same as what other grocery stores offer.

One standout type of meat that has consistently received rave reviews at Aldi is Aldis USDA choice meats and Black Angus beef.USDA Choice is only given to meats that attain high-quality standards and is the second-best grade of meats available in the markets. The best grade is USDA Prime.

Black Angus meat refers to cuts obtained from cows that meet specific genetic requirements and have hides that are more than 50% black. This meat is known to be juicy and well-marbled.

So, Whats The Problem With Aldi Meat?

Aldis meat is excellent, but a few issues in the past years have made a few customers think twice about buying it from them.

While Aldi checks meat to ensure it lives up to its quality standards, it does not always happen. There have been instances where Aldi has recalled a few products from its meat collection in the past due to issues with its suppliers.

For instance, in2018, in association with Cargill Meat Solutions, Aldi recalled a few beef products that might have been contaminated.

Such cases do not spur confidence in customers, and some of them choose to skip the meat section at Aldi.

Does Aldi Sell Meat Alternatives?

The meat alternatives available at Aldi include;

• Meatless meatballs
• Veggie burger
• Meatless veggie crumbles
• Chickenless strips
• Eggplant fries and cutlets
• Vegan mozzarellas
• Vegan meatless turkey breast
• Vegan flavor mac and cheese

Frequently Asked Questions?

Does Aldi Sell Organic Meat?

Yes. Aldi has a collection of organic meat available to interested buyers. This line of meat is brandedSimply Nature and contains USDA inspected, 100% grass feed beef at affordable prices.

Does Aldi Sell Gyro Meat?

Yes. Aldi sellsGyro meat.

Does Aldi Sell Horse Meat?

No. Aldi does not sell horse meat. The controversy surrounding Aldi and horsemeat came about when some of its beef products contained up to 100% horsemeat. This scandal only affected stores in Europe, but it has since been cleared.

Is It Safe To Buy Meat From Aldi?

Yes. Aldi meat is USDA certified, and the company carefully inspects meat from suppliers before delivering it to their stores. Aldi lives by the slogan, quality does not have to come at a high price and delivers the best quality meat to customers.

Does Aldi Sell Halal Meat?

No. Aldi meat products are not Halal certified. However, it sells a wide variety of Halal products.

Does Aldi Have Vegan Meat?

Yes. Aldi sells vegan meat.

Conclusion

Aldis discount is a popular chain of stores where customers flock to buy a wide variety of items, including meats. There have been reports regarding the quality of beef available at Aldi, given the low prices, but we have cleared this and assure you that Aldis meat is safe. While quality can vary depending on the specific type of meat you want, the ones available at Aldi are certified, and many customers attest to this.