Whole Foods has an amazing selection of pasture raised meats. However, the selection varies greatly depending on location.
CHICKEN
On the West Coast, Trader Joe's has Mary's Heirloom Chickens which are true pasture raised (step 4 on the Animal Welfare Certified Program). Not only that, but they are air dried as well. (To find out what these terms mean, click here).
For a whole pasture raised chicken, $3.99 / pound is a BARGAIN. At a farmers market (in /son or online), it's not uncommon to see prices ranging $6-12 / pound for truly pasture raised chickens.
Not all locations have pasture raised chickens, however. If you’re lucky enough to find some, snag it. Otherwise, settle for the organic Whole Foods brand, which has some outdoor access to pasture, but not enough to be considered truly pasture raised.
- Pasture raised whole chicken: $3.99 / pound
- Pasture raised chicken breasts: $6-7 / pound
- Pasture raised chicken thighs: $3-4 / pound
BEEF
Whole Foods is also very good on organic, pasture raised grass fed beef.
Here are some basic prices, be keep in mind, they vary a lot depending on season/location:
- Ground Beef: $6-7 / pound
- Ribeye/New York Steak: $19.99 / pound
PORK
Pork can be hit or miss. In southern states, they have GAP step 5 (meaning the animal spent its entire life on the pasture) pork butt and bacon. If you see, definitely get some!
Whole Foods does however lack on deli meats and sausages. They rarely, if every, have pasture raised pork for these types of products.
- Pasture raised pork butt: $5-6 / pound
- Pasture raised bacon: $7-8 / pound
LAMB
Whole Foods has a great selection of lamb as well. Many of it is imported from New Zealand as well, where it is raised in extremely high quality conditions (pasture raised and 100% grass fed).
- Pasture raised rack of lamb: $19.99 / pound
- Pasture raised ground lamb: $8-10 / pound
- Pasture raised lamb shank: $6.99 / pound
- Pasture raised leg of lamb: $11.99 / pound