Meat Shopping Jargon

Ever feel overwhelmed by all the labels when shopping for meat?

You’re not alone. From “grass-fed” to “antibiotic-free,” meat shopping can sometimes feel like learning a whole new language.

Let’s break it down:

All Natural
Minimally processed meat with no artificial ingredients, additives, marinades, or preservatives.

Antibiotic-Free
The animal was never given antibiotics throughout its life. It’s important to note that there are no antibiotics in meat, regardless of whether or not the animal was treated in its lifetime.

Cage-Free
Commonly used for poultry and eggs, meaning animals are not kept in cages and have room to move indoors.

Dry-Aged
A process where meat is aged in a controlled environment to enhance flavor and tenderness. Typically used for premium cuts like ribeye or strip steak.

Farm-Fresh
Meat that goes straight from the farm to your plate, offering peak freshness and traceability.

Grass-Fed

Cattle that are raised on pasture and eat grass their entire lives.

Grain-Finished
Cattle that start on grass but are finished on a grain-based diet (usually corn) to improve marbling and flavor.

Local
While the definition of "local" can vary, it generally means the meat was produced within a specific region or radius from where it's sold. At ChopLocal, this means meat is sourced directly from small farms or butcher shops across the U.S.

No Added Hormones
The animal received no synthetic hormones during its lifetime.

Organic
Animals are raised without antibiotics or synthetic hormones, are fed certified organic feed, and meet all USDA organic standards.

Pasture-Raised
Animals are raised with access to open pasture for grazing and natural behaviors, rather than being indoors.

Vendor
At ChopLocal, vendors are the farmers and butcher shops you’re buying from directly — no middleman.

Wet-Aged
A method of aging meat in vacuum-sealed packaging. It’s more common than dry-aging and helps improve tenderness while maintaining moisture.

Understanding what’s behind the label helps you shop with confidence — and we’re here to make that easier than ever.

Shop by farm, meat type, or values at ChopLocal.com