What type of meat cuts are typically found in the grocery store?

Retail cuts refer to the meat portions that are available for consumers to purchase directly from grocery stores or butcher shops. These cuts are smaller, more manageable pieces that are intended for direct sale to the public, making them convenient for consumers looking to prepare meals. Examples of retail cuts include steaks, chops, roasts, and ground meat.

Wholesale cuts, on the other hand, are larger sections of meat that are typically sold to retailers or processors in bulk. They are not generally found in their original form on the grocery store shelves. Bone-in cuts refer specifically to pieces of meat that still include the bone, which can be a type of retail cut but does not encompass all retail options. Processed cuts, while they do include items like sausages and deli meats, refer to those that have undergone additional processing like curing, smoking, or other methods, rather than being fresh meat cuts.

Understanding the distinction between these types of cuts allows consumers to make more informed choices when purchasing meat, as well as understand the broader context of meat classification in the food supply chain.