7 Things to Look for When Shopping for Ground Beef, According to a Food Safety Pro

Ground beef is a staple in so many American homes, but shopping for the essential meat item can be a bit perplexing. With so many brands, packaging styles, fat percentage options, all-natural claims, and more, knowing which ground beef is best can feel overwhelming at times. Factor in the record high price of ground beef, an average of $5.50 per pound across America as of July 2024, and you want to be sure you’re making the right choice. Sure, ground beef on sale or final markdown sounds great for the budget, but how safe is it to actually consume? A quick onceover of supermarket beef can help fill you in on essential health and safety info.

“It is so important to read the entire label on ground beef,” says Stephanie Crabtree, MS, RD. “I want to know where the meat is from, what is the fat ratio of the beef, what is the best-by or expiration date, and how it is packaged.”

Read on for how to shop for ground beef, including helpful shopping tips:

Pick a Tightly Packaged Ground Beef

The tighter the ground beef is packaged, the fresher it should be. “I look for packages that are airtight or vacuum sealed,” says Crabtree. “When it is vacuum sealed, there is less bacterial growth and it preserves the quality. If it is sealed in a plastic wrap, make sure there are no holes or places where air could get in.”