How to Pick the Right Portion Sizes When Ordering Meat Delivery

By Anna Smith•

Choosing the right portion size when ordering meat delivery can feel like a guessing game. Order too little, and you're scrambling for sides. Order too much, and you're eating leftovers for a week—or worse, wasting food. As a meat expert, I'm here to give you a clear, practical framework so you order with confidence every time.

The Golden Rule: Start with 6 to 8 Ounces Per Adult

For most adults, a standard serving of cooked meat is 6 to 8 ounces. That's roughly the size of two decks of cards or the palm of your hand (without fingers). This portion delivers about 40 to 55 grams of protein, which aligns with dietary guidelines for a balanced meal.

But here's the catch: that's cooked weight. When you're ordering pre-cooked meats like the ones from True Nature Meats, the weight on the package is already the finished product—no shrinkage from cooking to account for. That makes portion planning much simpler.

Adjust for Your Audience

Not everyone eats the same amount. Here's how to tailor portions:

  • For adults (18+): 6-8 ounces per person
  • For teenagers: 8-10 ounces—they're growing and often hungrier
  • For children (6-12): 4-6 ounces
  • For young children (2-5): 2-3 ounces
  • For seniors: 4-6 ounces, as appetites may decrease

If you're hosting a gathering with mixed ages, calculate based on the majority. A family of four with two adults and two school-age children would need roughly 20-24 ounces total—easily covered by two 10-ounce packages of our New York Strip Steak or Ribeye Steak.

Factor in the Cut and Cooking Method

Portion size isn't one-size-fits-all. The type of meat and how you plan to serve it matters:

  • Lean cuts like sirloin or chicken breast satisfy quickly but don't feel heavy. Stick to the standard 6-8 ounces.
  • Rich, marbled cuts like ribeye or Wagyu sirloin are more decadent. You can often serve 5-6 ounces per person because the fat content delivers more flavor and satiety per bite.
  • Shredded or pulled meats—think Texas Smoked Brisket or Tennessee Pulled Pork—expand when served. A 4-ounce serving is plenty for a hearty sandwich, while 6 ounces works for a loaded plate.
  • Bone-in cuts weigh more but yield less edible meat. A bone-in chicken thigh or pork shoulder portion should be 8-10 ounces raw to account for bone weight. With True Nature Meats' pre-cooked options, you don't have to guess—our weights are all edible meat.

Consider the Meal Context

Portion size changes based on what else is on the table:

  • For a meat-centric meal (steak with a light vegetable side): go with 8 ounces per adult.
  • For a mixed plate (meat with potatoes, salad, bread, and a vegetable): 6 ounces is plenty.
  • For tacos, sandwiches, or bowls: 4-5 ounces per person works beautifully. Our Beef Carne Asada or Pollo Asado Chicken Thigh are perfect here.
  • For appetizers or grazing: plan on 2-3 ounces per person if serving multiple meats.

Think About Leftovers (On Purpose)

One of the smartest strategies is to order extra intentionally. Leftover pre-cooked meats are a gift to your future self. A few extra ounces of Japanese Teriyaki Chicken or Southern BBQ Chicken Breast can become next-day salads, wraps, or quick rice bowls.

If you want leftovers for lunch the next day, add 4 ounces per person to your total order. For a family of four, that means ordering an extra 16 ounces—essentially one additional package.

The Practical Math for Ordering

Here's a simple formula you can use every time:

(Number of adults × 7 ounces) + (Number of children × 5 ounces) + (Optional extra for leftovers)

Round up to the nearest package size. True Nature Meats packages are typically 10 to 16 ounces, so you can mix and match to hit your target.

  • Example: Two adults, two children, no leftovers needed = (2 × 7) + (2 × 5) = 24 ounces. That's two 12-ounce packages or three 8-ounce packages.
  • Example: Four adults, want lunch leftovers = (4 × 7) + 16 = 44 ounces. That's three 14-ounce packages or four 10-ounce packages.

Don't Forget Food Safety

Once you've ordered the right amount, handle it properly. True Nature Meats products arrive frozen and pre-cooked. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, not on the counter. Once opened, use within 3-4 days. If you've portioned out leftovers, refrigerate within two hours of serving and reheat to 165°F for food safety.

The Bottom Line

Portion sizing doesn't have to be stressful. Start with 6-8 ounces per adult, adjust for age and appetite, consider the cut and meal context, and order a little extra if you want leftovers. With pre-cooked, ready-to-heat meats, you eliminate the guesswork of raw weight shrinkage. That means what you see on the package is exactly what ends up on your plate.

Order with confidence, cook with ease, and gather around the table knowing everyone gets exactly what they need.

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