General Meat FAQs
How long does meat last in the fridge?
For fresh meat that is unpackaged, we always advise to use within 48 hours to ensure the best eating quality. For packaged meat purchased from our butcher store, please always refer to the date on the pack.
How should I store meat in the fridge for maximum freshness?
To maintain the best quality and safety, store meat on the bottom shelf of your fridge in its original packaging or in an airtight container. This will help prevent any raw juices from dripping onto other foods and causing cross-contamination. Always keep your refrigerator at or below 5°C. If the meat won’t be used within a couple of days, consider freezing it to extend its shelf life.
Why is my mince brown/grey in the middle? Does this mean it is off?
Not necessarily. As long as the minced meat has been correctly refrigerated and consumed within the given period, it should be safe. Fresh minced meat contains a pigment called myoglobin which comes in 2 forms: oxymyoglobin (the red colour of beef when the meat comes into contact with oxygen) and metmyoglobin (the brown/grey colour). After a short period, oxidisation can cause the meat to lose its bloom and change to a brown/grey.
How can I tell if meat has gone bad?
Trust your senses. Spoiled meat may have a sour or off smell, appear dull or greyish in colour (beyond normal oxidisation) and feel slimy or sticky to the touch. If you notice any of these signs, even if the use-by date hasn’t passed, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
If meat is frozen and defrosted, can you refreeze it again?
We do not recommend for frozen meat to be refrozen once it has been defrosted unless the product has been cooked. Refreezing raw meat can compromise the quality due to the moisture loss that occurs during thawing.
Is it safe to marinate meat overnight?
Yes, marinating meat overnight in the fridge is perfectly safe and can help enhance flavour and tenderness. Be sure to store the marinating meat in a sealed container in the fridge, not on the counter. If you want to use leftover marinade as a sauce, boil it for at least 5 minutes to kill any bacteria from raw meat.
Is grass fed or grain fed beef better?
There is no clear answer to this question, as it really comes down to personal preference and taste. Grain fed beef tends to produce a more consistent flavour of the meat due to the animal eating a consistent feed ration during its fattening period. Grass fed flavours can vary due to the geographic variations and grass quality across Australia.
Why does meat shrink when cooked?
Meat naturally loses moisture and fat during cooking, which can cause it to shrink. The amount of shrinkage will depend on the cut of meat, cooking temperature and fat content. Cooking meat cuts at high heat or for too long can cause further moisture loss. To minimise shrinkage, cook over moderate heat and try not to overcook.
How do I know how to cook each cut of meat and how long for?
Refer to our Know Your Meat Cuts page for information.
What is resting meat and why is it important?
Resting meat means letting it sit after cooking (usually for 5 to 10 minutes) before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavourful and tender. Cutting into meat immediately after cooking can cause the juices to run out, leaving it dry.
Online Store FAQs
How does the online ordering process work?
Whether you’re looking to buy pork online or buy any other premium meats online, placing an online order with our butcher shop in Sydney is a really simple process!
- Click here to SHOP NOW
- Select the products and quantity that you want and add to the cart
- Enter your payment through PayPal or credit card on our website to complete the process (all transactions are processed in AUD)
Can I place a click and collect order?
Unfortunately, we do not currently offer an online click and collect service. If you would like to place an order at one of our stores for pick up, please contact your relevant store directly to discuss. Alternatively, you can call our head office on (02) 8629 7200 and someone will be able to assist you.
Do you deliver to my area?
Check out our postcode delivery checker to find out if our online butcher store delivers to your area.
What days do you deliver and how much is it?
You can select your delivery date at checkout. Deliveries are available:
- 7 days a week to the Sydney metro area
- Every Wednesday to the Blue Mountain area
- Every Thursday to Newcastle/Central Coast
- Every Friday to Wollongong
- Every Wednesday fortnightly to Canberra
Please note that Christmas meat delivery dates will differ.
Free delivery for orders over $300. $10 delivery charge for orders over $120. $25 delivery charge for orders under $120, with a minimum order of $75.
When do you deliver?
Our delivery window falls between 7am and 6pm. Please note that sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances, meat delivery to Sydney and surrounds may fall outside of these times. You will receive a text message and/or email the night prior around 8pm which will give you an ETA. You can then live track this ETA on the morning when the couriers go live.
How is my order delivered?
All products ordered from our online Sydney butcher shop are packaged in Chilltainer boxes with ice packs that have been designed and tested to keep products at required temperatures for 4 hours from delivery. Ideally the order should be placed in the fridge immediately upon receiving, therefore it is important to have the order delivered to an address where someone can receive it. We accept no liability or responsibility for our products if they are not properly refrigerated after 4 hours from time of delivery (depending on weather).
If nobody is available to take collection of the order, we will do our best to contact you on the number you provide us to discuss a suitable place for us to leave your order. If instructed, we can leave your order with a concierge, at reception or any place designated by you. Otherwise, we will try to find a safe place for your delivery to be left. If a safe place cannot be found, a request for re-delivery is possible, however this will be at a cost of an additional $25.00.
Once your order has been delivered, it is no longer the responsibility of Sutcliffe Meats Butcher Shop. All risk of loss or damage to the goods passes to you once we have handed over the goods.
What happens if I have a problem with my delivery?
If you find there is an issue with your order once you’ve received it, please contact us within 24 hours of delivery by sending an email to sutcliffe@sutcliffemeat.com.au or calling (02) 8629 7200.
What is your returns policy?
We pride ourselves on being a trusted Australian butcher shop that delivers fresh, quality meat to our customers. In the event that you have received a product that you are not satisfied with due to either quality or an error, please contact us immediately. You will receive a phone call from a member of our team, with each scenario treated individually. If there is an issue that has occurred on our end, goods will be replaced. Refunds to the amount regarding the goods in question may also be considered pending circumstances. Please note that we do not normally give refunds if you simply change your mind or make the wrong decision.
What are your payment options for your online store?
We currently accept PayPal and credit card payments.
Sutcliffe Meats Rewards FAQs
What is Sutcliffe Meats Rewards?
Sutcliffe Meats Rewards is our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers. As a member, you’ll earn points every time you shop or refer a friend. Enjoy birthday bonuses, exclusive member-only offers and access to multiple reward tiers. As you climb the tiers, you’ll unlock even more perk, including VIP shop access and free shipping on orders over $150.
How are points redeemed?
You can redeem your points in two ways:
- Apply points at checkout to receive an instant discount on your order.
- Save your points and use them to claim from a selection of free products, perfect for treating yourself to something extra with your next purchase.
Is it possible to redeem a friend?
It certainly is! We make it easy to share the love and earn rewards by referring friends to our Sydney butcher shop. When your friend makes their first purchase over $120, they’ll receive $10 off – and you’ll earn 500 points as a thank you. There’s no limit to how many friends you can refer!
What happens if I return an item from a discounted order?
If you return an item from an order where points were used for a discount, your refund will reflect the actual amount paid for that item after the discount was applied, not the original full price. Our system automatically distributes the discount proportionally across all items in your cart, ensuring accurate and fair refunds.
Got a question we haven’t answered? Contact us and we’ll do our best to help.