Can I Get Exotic Meats Like Bison or Ostrich Delivered?

By Anna Smith•

Short answer: Yes, you absolutely can—but not from True Nature Meats. Let me explain why, and more importantly, help you understand what you're actually looking for when you think about "exotic" meats.

I've spent years studying protein sources, cuts, and cooking methods across the globe. So I get the appeal. Bison sounds rugged and primal. Ostrich feels adventurous. But before you go hunting for these specialty proteins, let me share what I've learned about the exotic meat landscape—and why you might already have everything you need sitting in your freezer.

What "Exotic" Really Means in the Meat World

Let's clear something up right away. In the culinary industry, "exotic meats" typically refer to proteins that fall outside the conventional beef, pork, chicken, and lamb categories. This includes:

  • Game meats: Bison, venison, elk, wild boar
  • Ratite birds: Ostrich, emu, rhea
  • Other specialty proteins: Rabbit, goat, yak, kangaroo

But here's the truth most experts won't tell you: "Exotic" is often a marketing term, not a quality indicator. The real question isn't whether you can get bison or ostrich delivered—it's whether you should.

The Practical Reality of Exotic Meat Delivery

Yes, you can find bison and ostrich through specialty online retailers. But let me walk you through what that actually involves:

Bison

  • Nutrition profile: Leaner than beef, with about 2-3 grams of fat per 3-ounce serving compared to beef's 8-10 grams. Higher in iron and B12.
  • Flavor: Milder than you'd expect—closer to grass-fed beef than the "gamey" stereotype. Bison has a clean, slightly sweet taste.
  • Cooking challenge: Bison's leanness means it cooks fast and dries out quickly. Medium-rare is your friend. Overcook it, and you've got a $30 hockey puck.
  • Cost: Expect to pay 2-3x more per pound than premium beef.

Ostrich

  • Nutrition profile: Surprisingly lean—comparable to skinless chicken breast or venison. High in protein, low in saturated fat.
  • Flavor: Think lean beef with a subtle poultry-like finish. It's not "gamey" unless improperly handled.
  • Cooking challenge: Ostrich is technically red meat but cooks like lean beef. It's extremely unforgiving. Medium-rare to medium only. Any further, and it becomes tough and dry.
  • Cost: Premium pricing, often $15-25 per pound for steaks.

The catch? Most home cooks don't realize that these meats require different handling than what they're used to. You're paying a premium for a protein that's harder to cook correctly.

The Sourcing and Safety Question

When you order exotic meats online, you're trusting that the supplier:

  1. Follows USDA inspection protocols (which they must for interstate commerce)
  2. Maintains proper cold chain handling from slaughter to your door
  3. Sources from reputable farms with clean practices

Here's the uncomfortable truth: The exotic meat market has less regulatory oversight at the farm level than conventional livestock. Bison and ostrich operations vary wildly in quality. Some are excellent; others cut corners on feed, handling, and processing.

My advice as an expert: If you're going to buy exotic meats, demand transparency. Ask about:

  • Where the animals were raised
  • What they were fed (grass-finished vs. grain-finished matters enormously for flavor and nutrition)
  • How the meat was processed and aged
  • Third-party certifications (like American Grassfed Association for bison)

Why You Might Not Need "Exotic" at All

Here's where I want to challenge your thinking. When people ask me about exotic meats, what they're really asking is:

"Can I get something different, delicious, and high-quality that makes mealtime feel special?"

The answer is a resounding yes—and you don't need bison or ostrich to get there.

Consider what premium, globally inspired meats can offer:

  • Wagyu Sirloin Steak delivers that buttery, luxurious mouthfeel you'd expect from exotic game—but with marbling that makes it forgiving to cook.
  • Texas Smoked Brisket gives you the deep, primal, smoke-kissed experience that feels adventurous without the learning curve.
  • Japanese Teriyaki Steak brings umami complexity that rivals anything from the game meat world.
  • Beef Carne Asada offers bold, street-food authenticity that satisfies that craving for something different.

These aren't "exotic" in the traditional sense—but they're extraordinary in flavor, convenience, and value. And they come with a massive advantage: they're pre-seasoned and pre-cooked to perfection.

The Convenience Factor You Can't Ignore

Let's be honest about what happens with exotic meats. You order bison steaks. They arrive frozen. You thaw them. Now you're staring at a $30 piece of meat that you've never cooked before. One wrong move—too high heat, too long on the grill—and you've ruined dinner.

With high-quality, pre-cooked meats from a trusted source, you eliminate that risk entirely. You get:

  • Consistent results every single time
  • No guesswork about doneness or seasoning
  • Minutes to serve, not hours of prep and worry
  • Affordable pricing that doesn't punish you for wanting something special

My Expert Recommendation

If you're set on trying bison or ostrich, go ahead—but do your homework. Choose a supplier with transparent sourcing. Start with ground versions (more forgiving than steaks). And accept that you'll pay a premium for the novelty.

But if what you really want is bold flavor, premium quality, and effortless meals that feel special without the stress, look at the incredible range of globally inspired meats already available. You'll get:

  • The rich, beefy satisfaction of a Ribeye Steak
  • The smoky depth of Cajun Smoked Chicken Thigh
  • The tropical warmth of Hawaiian Kalua Pork
  • The zesty kick of Buffalo Chicken Breast

These aren't exotic in name—but they're extraordinary in experience. And they're delivered straight to your door, ready in minutes, with zero guesswork.

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can get exotic meats like bison or ostrich delivered. But whether you should depends on what you're after. If it's pure novelty and you're willing to pay for it, go for it. If it's delicious, high-quality protein that makes mealtime joyful and stress-free, you already have better options at your fingertips.

At True Nature Meats, we believe the best meat isn't the rarest—it's the one that brings your family together, sparks conversations, and leaves everyone asking for seconds. And that's a cut above any exotic label.

Ready to explore? Your next unforgettable meal is just minutes away.

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