These 4 Major Retailers Have the Highest Quality Meat Departments in Maine

As we enter grilling and BBQing season (yes, there is a difference), many of us can think of nothing more than eating a tender steak, a perfectly grilled burger, or fall-off-the-bone ribs.

As a guy who rocks the grill, I have spent the entire winter thinking up new dry rubs for my steaks and new marinades for my chicken thighs.

However, there is nothing worse than spending time selecting the perfect cut of steak, rack of ribs, or piece of chicken only to find out that what you selected was mediocre or that it had even gone bad.  This is even more of a big deal these days, when the price of all grocery items are through the roof.

We want to help you avoid that problem.  Thanks to Chowhound, we have been able to put together a list of three major retailers here in Maine where you can find some of the highest quality meats.

We admit that some of the retailers on this list were a little surprising, but we are willing to give them a try.

Walmart - While Walmart is knownknown for affordable prices, we often forget that they have some great grocery items.  I once worked with a woman who ONLY did her grocery shopping at Walmart.  If she was not getting a quality product, there is no way she would have continued to get all of her groceries at her local Walmart.

Sam's Club - While we often think of Sam's Club as a great place to get consumable items in bulk amounts, it is important to remember that they have some great grocery options.  Sam's Club bakeries make some amazing cakes and pastry creations.  As for their meat departments, they often have the choicest cuts of beer, pork, and chicken.  Plus, if you are looking for a large amount of meat, you can practically get a whole side of beef there!

BJ's Wholesale Club - Like Sam's Club, they are a membership-based warehouse store.  As for their beef, it comes from a special source.  The Chowhound article says:

The company offers a wide selection, including grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and antibiotic-free products. Much of the company's meat is from its private label, Wellsley Farms, and overall, the steaks from the store get rave reviews online (the ribeyes are mentioned in multiple sources as one of the better items).

There are BJ's locations in Bangor, Auburn, and Portland.

Costco Wholesale - Another warehouse store.  One of the great things about Costco is the fact that they stock some higher-end meats, like Wagyu beef, for example.  The only Costco location in Maine is in Scarborough.

Whole Foods Market - The well-known chain has been a staple for lovers of organic and unique foods for decades.  Despite its acquisition by Amazon, the retailer continues to offer high-quality produce, dairy, and packaged foods.  This goes for the chain's meat department, as well.  However, it is important to note that Whole Foods is probably the most expensive offering on this list.  The only Whole Foods in Maine is located in Portland.

It is important to remember that, in addition to these great national retailers, there are great meat departments at many of our regional and local stores, too.  Hannaford's, Shaw's, Joseph's Market, and Goggin's IGA.

What is your go-to store for meats?