The most reliable method is to thaw items in the refrigerator on a plate or tray to catch any drippings. This process ensures the product remains at a consistent, cold temperature throughout the transition. For faster results, you may use the defrost setting on a microwave or place the item in a sealed bag under cold running water.

USDA grades like Prime, Choice and Select primarily identify the level of fat marbling and tenderness in the meat. Prime beef features the most marbling, while Choice is high quality but has less fat. United Supermarkets offers various grades to provide options for different cooking methods and household budgets.

Fresh seafood should be kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator and is typically best if prepared within one to two days. To maintain quality, keep the fish in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. If you do not plan to cook it within 48 hours, consider freezing it in airtight packaging.

Wild-caught seafood is harvested from natural habitats like oceans or rivers, while farm-raised seafood is grown in controlled environments. Both methods provide nutritious protein sources with distinct flavor profiles. United Supermarkets clearly labels our seafood so you can choose the option that aligns with your personal preferences.

Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure poultry reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone, to get an accurate reading. This standard practice is the only way to confirm the item has reached the necessary temperature for consumption.

A change in color often occurs when the meat is exposed to oxygen or is stored in vacuum-sealed packaging. This natural variation does not necessarily indicate a change in quality. Always check for a neutral scent and a firm texture when evaluating meat products before preparation.

Our Open Nature^® brand provides a wide selection of meat and poultry raised without antibiotics or added hormones. These products are also fed a 100% vegetarian diet to meet specific customer standards. Look for the Open Nature^® label in the meat case for these minimally processed options at United Supermarkets.

Our professional butchers are available to provide custom cuts, trim excess fat or tie roasts to your specifications. Simply speak with an associate at the service counter for assistance with your order. This service allows you to get the exact portion size and preparation needed for your specific recipe.

United Supermarkets carries a premium line of frozen shrimp, fillets and shellfish under our Waterfront Bistro brand. These items are frozen quickly after harvest to maintain their characteristics until you are ready to cook. Waterfront Bistro offers a convenient way to keep high-quality seafood staples in your freezer.

We offer a variety of pre-marinated chicken, pork and beef items under the Signature Select brand. These products are seasoned and ready to go straight to the grill or oven to save you time on meal prep. Selection varies by store but often includes popular flavors like lemon herb, teriyaki and peppercorn.

You can shop the entire meat and seafood department through the United Supermarkets app for delivery or DriveUp & Go.^™ Our personal shoppers are trained to select items with the furthest available sell-by dates. You can also leave specific instructions regarding weight or cut preferences in the digital checkout notes.