The 8 Best Meat and Seafood Items for Home Cooks in 2020

The Kitchn Editors
The Kitchn Editors
The Kitchn editors are home cooks living across the country. We obsess over all aspects of life in the kitchen: cooking, snacking, grocery shopping, cleaning and organizing (even renovating).
published Sep 29, 2020
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Credit: Courtesy of Applegate Farms

For many people in 2020, meat and seafood aren’t essential at all. (But for a large proportion of Kitchn readers and editors, they’re a weekly grocery list mainstay.) That’s why when the Kitchn team placed our picks for the best “meat and seafood” to buy in 2020, we specifically chose to make the list all-encompassing. Even if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based in general, there’s something on this list for you. Because that’s what it means to consume meat and seafood in 2020 — there’s something for everyone.

Here are our top eight picks.

Bacon: Applegate Organics Uncured Sunday Bacon

As far as we’re concerned, the only bacon that’s worth bringing home is Applegate’s Sunday Bacon. All their meat is antibiotic- and GMO-free and raised humanely. This bacon cooks up super crisp and has a richer, deeper flavor compared to other brands. Pro tip: For less mess, bake it in the oven.

Credit: Courtesy of Aidells

Sausage: Aidells Artichoke & Garlic Sausage

Aidells is one sausage we’d be okay with knowing how it gets made. The ingredient list is simple and the flavor combinations are a party and a half (although we’re partial to the Artichoke & Garlic). When you’re tired of the same protein options you’ve been relying on, Aidells will help you mix it up.

Buy: Aidells Artichoke & Garlic Sausage, $7.99 for 12 ounces

Credit: Courtesy of Whole Foods

Shrimp: Whole Foods Whole Catch White Shrimp

Because of Whole Foods’ commitment to seafood that’s responsibly farmed or wild-caught by certified sustainable fisheries, this is frozen shrimp we can feel good about. We love that we don’t have to worry about where these shrimp came from or their impact on the environment.

Buy: Whole Foods Whole Catch White Shrimp, $11.99 for 16 ounces

Credit: Courtesy of Beyond Meat

Plant-Based Burger: Beyond Meat Beyond Burger Plant-Based Patties

Beyond Meat Patties weren’t designed for vegetarians or vegans — they were engineered to woo carnivores over to where the grass is greener (literally). These imitation meat patties emit a fatty juiciness when cooked, and actually look, feel, and taste uncannily like ground beef. Yay for trying to reverse climate change!

Buy: Beyond Meat Beyond Burger Plant-Based Patties, $5.99 for two 4-ounce patties at Target

Credit: Shutterstock

Fish: Atlantic Cod

Tilapia’s time is up. When in doubt at the fish counter (or in the frozen aisle), keep an eye out for Atlantic cod. This mild and flaky white fish is sustainable and easy to find. The mild flavor and flaky texture work in everything from tacos to a skillet dinner.

Credit: Shutterstock

Chicken: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

We don’t know where we would be as a recipe site without boneless skinless chicken thighs. They are cheaper, far juicier, and harder to overcook than breast meat, and for that we owe them our endless devotion. No freezer should be without a pack of chicken thighs. Also if you haven’t made this recipe yet, do it tonight.

Credit: Courtesy of Boar's Head Provision Company

Deli Meat: Boar’s Head Sandwich Style Pepperoni

Every day we set a new record for days in a row having eaten lunch at home, and because of that our sandwich game has leveled up. Using Boar’s Head Sandwich Style Pepperoni, a taste test winner, will make you feel like you’ve been slinging sandwiches forever.

Credit: Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

Frozen Meatballs: Costco Kirkland Signature Italian Style Beef Meatballs

Trust us when we say that you will never in your life taste a frozen meatball as juicy as Costco’s Italian Style Beef Meatballs. They’re great on top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese (sorry couldn’t help it).

Credit: Photo: Andria Lo; Prop Styling: Anna Raben