Retail displays are carefully designed to attract attention. Bright lighting, attractive packaging, and strategic product placement can make meat appear more desirable.
Some products may be:
- Packaged to enhance their appearance.
- Labeled with marketing terms that sound premium but have no legal definition.
- Displayed under lighting that enhances the red color.
- Priced higher despite offering similar quality to less expensive cuts.
Consumers should read labels carefully instead of relying only on appearance.
5
Don't Judge Freshness by Color Alone
When purchasing meat, consider several factors together:
- The expiration or "use by" date.
- Package integrity (no leaks or excessive liquid).
- A clean, mild smell.
- Firm texture.
- Proper refrigeration.
Vacuum-packed meat may look darker than expected but can still be perfectly fresh.
Conversely, meat that is unusually bright under store lighting is not necessarily newer.