What to Do If Your Meat Delivery Has the Wrong Items

Let me start by saying this: you've done the hard part. You planned a meal. You looked forward to that perfectly marbled ribeye or that smoky pulled pork. You cleared your schedule. And then—the box arrives, and something's off. Maybe it's a different cut. Maybe it's chicken instead of beef. Maybe the seasoning isn't what you ordered.

I know that frustration. After decades in this industry, I'll tell you plainly: mistakes happen. But what separates an exceptional meat company from the rest is how they handle it. Here's exactly what you need to do, step by step, to protect your meal, your safety, and your peace of mind.

Step 1: Don't Panic—But Do Act Quickly

Time is your most important asset here. Meat—especially pre-cooked, frozen meat—is resilient, but it's not invincible. The moment you open that delivery box, you're on the clock.

Immediately check the internal temperature of any products you're unsure about. If items are still frozen solid or below 40°F (4°C), you're in good shape from a food safety standpoint. If they've thawed and risen above that temperature, set those aside and handle them separately.

Here's the rule I teach every home cook: when in doubt, chill it. Put any questionable items straight into your freezer or refrigerator while you sort things out. Don't leave them sitting on the counter while you make phone calls.

Step 2: Document Everything—Yes, Everything

Before you touch a single package, grab your phone and take photos. I want you to capture:

The shipping label showing your name and address
The box condition (any damage, tears, or improper sealing)
The incorrect items with their packaging visible
The correct items (if any) for comparison
Any temperature indicators if your shipment included them

Why go through this trouble? Two reasons. First, it protects you. Second, it helps the company identify where the breakdown happened—was it in picking, packing, or shipping? That information makes the entire system better for everyone.

Pro tip: If the incorrect item is a different species entirely—say, you ordered beef and received pork—note that clearly. Different meats have different cooking properties, nutritional profiles, and allergen considerations. This matters.

Step 3: Contact Customer Support Immediately

This is where you'll see a company's true colors. A reputable meat provider should have a clear, accessible process for order errors. When you reach out, have the following ready:

Your order number
Photos of the incorrect items
A clear description of what you ordered versus what you received
Your preference for resolution (replacement, refund, or credit)

What should you expect? A quality company will typically offer one of three solutions:

A replacement shipment of the correct items, expedited at no cost to you
A full refund for the incorrect items, often with the option to keep the wrong items if they're safe and usable
Store credit plus a discount on your next order

Anything less than prompt, courteous resolution is a red flag. You deserve better.

Step 4: Assess the Incorrect Items—Can You Use Them?

Here's where my meat expertise comes in handy. Not every incorrect delivery is a disaster. Let me walk you through how to evaluate what you've received.

If it's the same species but a different cut

This is the most common scenario. Maybe you ordered New York strip but received sirloin. Both are beef, but they cook differently. Sirloin is leaner and benefits from quick, high-heat cooking. Strip has more fat and can handle a bit more time on the heat. Adjust your cooking method accordingly.

If it's a different species entirely

This requires more care. Beef, pork, poultry, and game all have distinct safe internal temperatures and cooking characteristics. If you're not comfortable cooking what arrived, don't feel obligated to use it. Set it aside and wait for the correct replacement.

If the seasoning or flavor profile is wrong

This is actually an opportunity. A pre-seasoned product that isn't what you ordered might still be delicious—it just might not match your menu. Consider repurposing it for a different meal later in the week. That teriyaki chicken you didn't order? It might be perfect for stir-fry night.

Food safety rule: Never consume any product that has been thawed and then refrozen, shows signs of freezer burn, or has packaging that's compromised. When in doubt, throw it out.

Step 5: Store the Incorrect Items Properly While You Wait

While customer service processes your request, you need to keep those items in good condition. Here's my storage guidance:

Frozen items: Keep them frozen solid. If they've partially thawed, cook them immediately and refrigerate the cooked meat for up to 3-4 days.
Refrigerated items: Keep them at or below 40°F. Use within the recommended timeframe on the package.
Any item you're unsure about: Isolate it in a separate part of your refrigerator or freezer to avoid cross-contamination with your other foods.

Step 6: Know What a Good Resolution Looks Like

You're not being difficult by expecting correct, high-quality meat. You're being a smart consumer. Here's what I consider fair:

Response within 24 hours during business days
No pushback on replacing or refunding incorrect items
Clear communication about timelines for replacement shipments
No requirement to return the incorrect items (meat shipments are not worth the shipping cost or safety risk of sending back)

A company that values its customers—and its meat—will make this process seamless. If you're getting excuses, run.

Preventing This in the Future

While no system is perfect, you can reduce the chances of errors by:

Double-checking your order confirmation immediately after placing it
Noting any special instructions for delivery (leave at door, require signature, etc.)
Being home for delivery when possible, especially in warm weather
Inspecting packages before accepting them from the carrier if you have that option

The Bottom Line

Receiving incorrect items in a meat delivery is inconvenient, but it doesn't have to ruin your meal plan or your trust in online meat purchasing. Act quickly, document thoroughly, communicate clearly, and expect to be treated fairly.

The best meat companies understand that what you're really buying isn't just protein—it's the promise of a meal shared, a moment of connection, a break from the chaos. When that promise is broken, they should make it right. No questions asked.

And if you ever receive a shipment from True Nature Meats that isn't exactly what you ordered? Follow these steps. We'll take care of the rest. Because the only thing that should ever be on your table is exactly what you wanted—and the joy that comes with it.