Thorough Answers to Common Questions

Adding products to your cart at Heartland Steak Co. is quick and easy once you know the process. Follow these steps, review your selections, and place your order.

Unlike some online stores, you must first open the product page before adding items to your cart. This ensures you see all details and select the right options.

Step-by-Step: How to Add Products to Your Cart

Follow these steps to add steaks, seafood, or packages to your order:

1. Browse the Shop Page

Go to the Shop page and choose a category:

• Steaks
• Steak Packages
• Seafood

Select the category that fits what you’re looking for.

2. Open the Product Page

Click on the product name or image.

This takes you to the product’s order screen, where you can:

• View full product details
• See cut options
• Review portion sizes

This step is required before adding items to your cart.

3. Choose Quantity and Options

Find the Quantity field and enter how many you want.

Some products include:

• Multiple cuts
• Package selections
• Custom options

Make sure to review all details before moving forward.

4. Click “Add to Cart”

Once your selections are complete, click the Add to Cart button.

Your item will be added to your shopping cart with all selected options.

5. Review Your Cart Anytime

Click the cart icon at the top of the page to view your order.

From there, you can:

• Check your items
• Update quantities
• Remove products
• Continue shopping or proceed to checkout

Build Your Own Steak Package (Important Tip)

If you are using the Build Your Own Steak Package, you must complete each selection before adding it to your cart.

For example:

• Choose Steak #1
• Choose Steak #2
• Fill all required slots

The system will not allow you to add the package until all selections are complete.

Shipping Schedule You Should Know

We ship orders Monday through Wednesday.

This ensures your order:

• Stays frozen during transit
• Arrives fresh and ready to store

Plan your order timing to match your delivery needs.

Ready to Checkout?

Once you’ve added all your items:

1. Click the cart icon
2. Select Checkout
3. Enter your shipping and payment details

Your order will be processed and prepared for shipment.

Trouble Adding Items to Your Cart?

If something isn’t working, we’re here to help.

Common issues include:

• Not selecting all required options
• Missing quantity entry
• Incomplete custom package selections

If you still need help, contact us through our online form. A team member will respond as soon as possible, usually by the next business day. We appreciate your patience.

We are committed to our foundation of personalized service and quality food distribution. It is our mission to provide the highest quality, freshest product available, while treating our customers like family and valuing our dedicated employees beyond measure.

All orders will be processed and shipped Monday through Wednesday. After placing the order, you will receive an email confirmation at the address you provide. Your email will contain a tracking number. Due to the holidays and weather, delivery times may vary. See schedule below for an estimated shipping schedule. 

Order Date Before 4 PM CST	Ship Date	Standard Delivery Time	Express Delivery Date
Sunday	Monday	5-7 Business Days	2-4 Business Days
Monday	Tuesday	5-7 Business Days	2-4 Business Days
Tuesday	Wednesday	5-7 Business Days	2-4 Business Days
Wednesday	1-4 Business Days	5-7 Business Days	2-4 Business Days
Thursday	Following Monday	5-7 Business Days	2-4 Business Days
Friday	Following Monday	5-7 Business Days	2-4 Business Days
Saturday	Following Monday	5-7 Business Days	2-4 Business Days

 

*Shipping available in the 48 contiguous US states only. 
**Products must be shipped to a physical address (no P.O. Boxes). 

We proudly guarantee your shipment will contain the highest quality Midwest-raised meat products. We guarantee that you will receive the item you ordered, and it will meet the high expectations for both size and quality.

If you feel the product you received does not meet the standards we listed, please contact us immediately. Our team will gladly assist you to honor our guarantee of Quality, Condition, and Accuracy. Once a service representative is able to review your request, we will be in touch as soon as we can. If before or after hours, all emails and messages will be responded to the next business day. We appreciate your patience and partnership.

Heartland Steak Co. takes pride in delivering high-quality frozen meat that arrives in excellent condition. Every order follows a proven cold chain process to keep your steaks and seafood frozen from our facility to your door.

We use a simple, effective three-part system to maintain safe temperatures during shipping.

1. Flash-Freezing for Freshness

All cuts are flash-frozen and vacuum-sealed right after processing.

This helps:

• Lock in flavor and tenderness
• Preserve freshness
• Maintain a stable frozen temperature

Your order starts cold and stays cold.

2. Dry Ice for Extreme Cold Protection

Each shipment includes dry ice, which is much colder than regular ice.

Dry ice:

• Keeps products frozen for extended periods
• Maintains consistent low temperatures
• Protects meat during transit delays

This ensures your order stays frozen, even during long shipments.

3. Insulated Packaging for Temperature Control

Your order is packed in a durable insulated cooler inside a shipping box.

This packaging:

• Blocks outside heat
• Acts like a portable freezer
• Helps maintain a stable internal temperature

Together, these steps create a reliable cold chain from start to finish.

Shipping Schedule Designed to Protect Your Order

We ship orders Monday through Wednesday.

This helps:

• Avoid weekend shipping delays
• Reduce time in transit
• Ensure your order arrives frozen

Your product is shipped with care and on time.

What to Expect When Your Order Arrives

When your package arrives:

• The meat should be fully frozen or very cold (below 40°F)
• Some dry ice may still be present
• The packaging will feel cold to the touch

If your items are still frozen or properly chilled, they are safe to store.

How to Handle Dry Ice Safely

Dry ice is safe when handled correctly, but it requires care.

Important Safety Tips

Do not touch dry ice with your bare hands

• It can cause serious cold burns

Use protective gear

• Wear gloves, oven mitts, or use a towel

Unpack in a well-ventilated area

• Dry ice releases carbon dioxide gas as it evaporates

Safe Dry Ice Disposal

The best way to dispose of dry ice is to let it disappear naturally.

Do this:

• Leave it in an open container
• Place it in a well-ventilated area like a garage or porch
• Keep away from children and pets

Do NOT:

• Put it in sinks, drains, or toilets
• Throw it in the trash
• Store it in a freezer or refrigerator

Food Safety Check After Delivery

After unpacking:

• Confirm the meat is still frozen or very cold
• Place it in your freezer right away

If the product meets these conditions, it is safe to enjoy.

Why Our Frozen Meat Shipping Works

We focus on what matters most:

• Consistent cold temperatures
• Reliable packaging
• Careful shipping timing
• Proven industry methods

This system helps ensure your order arrives fresh, safe, and ready to store.

Questions About Your Order?

If you have any concerns about your delivery or notice an issue with your order, we’re here to help.

Contact us through our online form, and a team member will respond as soon as possible. If before or after hours, all emails and messages will be responded to on the next business day. We appreciate your patience and partnership.

At Heartland Steak Co., we deliver premium frozen meat that is built to last. When stored properly, your order will stay fresh, safe, and high-quality for months.

Understanding proper storage helps you get the best flavor and value from every cut.

How Long Is Frozen Meat Good in the Freezer?

When kept frozen, your meat is good for up to 6 months.

For best results:

• Store at 0°F or below
• Keep meat in its original packaging
• Avoid frequent temperature changes

While frozen food can remain safe longer, this 6-month window ensures peak flavor, texture, and quality.

How Long Is Meat Good After Thawing?

Once thawed, your meat should be:

• Cooked within 3 days
• Stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below

After thawing, the clock starts. Cooking within this window ensures the best taste and safety.

What To Do When Your Order Arrives

Proper handling starts right away.

Follow These Steps:

• Move the meat to your freezer immediately
• If using soon, place it in the refrigerator
• Check that items are frozen or very cold upon arrival

If anything does not meet your expectations, contact us right away.

Best Way to Thaw Frozen Steaks

Thawing correctly protects flavor and texture.

Refrigerator Thaw (Best Method)

This is the recommended method for premium cuts.

• Keep meat in the original packaging
• Place on a plate or tray
• Store on the bottom shelf of your fridge
• Allow about 24 hours for steaks (longer for larger cuts)

This slow thaw helps retain moisture and quality.

Cold Water Thaw (Faster Option)

If you need a quicker method:

• Keep meat in a sealed, leak-proof bag
• Submerge in cold water
• Change water every 30 minutes
• Ready in 45 minutes to 2 hours

Important: Cook immediately after using this method.

Storage Temperature Guidelines

For best results, keep your appliances at:

• Freezer: 0°F or lower
• Refrigerator: 40°F or lower

Stable temperatures help maintain quality and prevent spoilage.

Simple Tips for Better Flavor

• Avoid using the microwave to thaw
• Let steaks thaw slowly for the best texture
• Keep the packaging sealed until ready to use

Small steps make a big difference in the final result.

When to Contact Us

If your order arrives and:

• Is not properly frozen
• Does not meet quality expectations
• Shows signs of spoilage within the proper storage time

Please contact us through our online form. A team member will respond as soon as possible, usually by the next business day. Thank you for your patience and for choosing to shop with us.

Store It Right. Enjoy It Longer.

Proper storage helps you get the most from your order.

Fresh foods are an essential part of family meals and what we provide here at Heartland Steak Co. We'd like you to think of Heartland Steak Co. as the place to find fresh meat at affordable prices. Compare our quality, and then compare our prices.

Heartland Steak Co. is an American Midwest tradition, putting quality and service first. The highest grades of USDA Choice & Prime beef, Wagyu Beef, all-natural Certified Duroc pork, and chicken paired perfectly with our expert tips. We work closely with our processors and dietitian services so every meat package shipment meets our quality standards. 

Heartland Steak Co. Cooler Directions

When delivered, look for the Heartland Steak Co. logo on the box delivered to your door. The box will be delivered containing dry ice to ensure the order holds the fresh and frozen meat properly. Carefully handle the dry ice with the directions found with it. 

We recommend opening the box and immediately transferring the product to your refrigerator/freezer or grill/oven. It is important someone is home when your box is delivered. All packages will be left at your door. Please remember this package is perishable.

What do I do with my cooler?

Our meat delivery process allows for easy cleanup. Your cooler can be reused or re-purposed, and in some areas, taken to your local recycling center. These are now biodegradable coolers so tossing them in the garbage is fine too! To find your local recycling center visit, http://www.recyclingcenters.org.

If there is a question or inquiry regarding the cooler delivered, please feel free to contact us using our online form. A service representative will review your request, and we will be in touch as soon as possible. If before or after hours, all emails and messages will be responded to the next business day. We appreciate your patience and partnership.

Wagyu beef is one of the most sought-after types of beef in the world. Known for its rich flavor and unmatched tenderness, it offers a completely different eating experience from standard cuts.

The word “Wagyu” simply means “Japanese beef.” Wagyu beef comes from a small group of Japanese cattle breeds known for their exceptional quality. Each breed is carefully raised to develop the rich marbling, tenderness, and flavor that make Wagyu so unique.

What Makes Wagyu Beef Different?

The biggest difference is marbling. Marbling is the fine white fat woven throughout the meat. Wagyu has much more of it than regular beef.

This results in:

• A richer flavor
• A softer texture
• A more tender bite

The fat melts at a low temperature, which gives Wagyu its famous melt-in-your-mouth feel.

What Does Wagyu Beef Taste Like?

Wagyu delivers a rich, memorable flavor that sets it apart from other beef.

You can expect:

• A buttery, rich taste
• A smooth, tender texture
• A slightly sweet, savory flavor

This flavor is often described as “umami,” which means deep, full-bodied taste.

Wagyu Beef vs Regular Beef

Here’s how Wagyu compares to standard beef:

Feature	Wagyu Beef	Regular Beef
Marbling	High throughout the meat	Limited, often on edges
Texture	Very tender	Firmer
Flavor	Rich and buttery	Traditional beef flavor
Fat Type	Higher in healthy fats	Higher in saturated fats
Eating Experience	Soft, melt-in-your-mouth	Chewier bite

Wagyu offers a more refined and premium experience.

Why Is Wagyu Beef So Tender?

Wagyu cattle are raised with a focus on quality at every step.

Farmers use selective breeding to produce cattle with the right genetics for heavy marbling. The cattle are then fed a carefully controlled, high-energy diet over a longer period, often 28 to 36 months, compared to about 18 months for standard beef.

They are also raised in low-stress environments, which helps the meat develop more evenly.

All of this allows fine, even fat (marbling) to form throughout the muscle, instead of staying on the outside. When cooked, this fat melts quickly, creating Wagyu’s signature tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Is Wagyu Beef Healthy?

Wagyu contains a higher level of monounsaturated fats, similar to those found in olive oil.

These fats:

• May support heart health
• Can help balance cholesterol levels
• Provide a different nutritional profile than typical beef

While still a rich food, Wagyu offers a unique balance of flavor and fat quality.

How to Store Wagyu Beef

To maintain quality:

• Keep frozen at 0°F or below
• Use within 6 months for the best flavor
• Thaw slowly in the refrigerator

Proper storage helps protect its delicate texture.

Experience Wagyu for yourself

At Heartland Steak Co., we make it easy to enjoy high-quality Wagyu beef at home. You get premium cuts, consistent quality, and reliable frozen delivery. Wagyu offers better flavor and tenderness than regular beef. Try it today and taste the difference.

Authentic Wagyu beef is more expensive than other types of meat because of the way Wagyu beef cattle are raised and processed. Wagyu’s distinct taste and marbling are a result of this process.

Check out our prep & cooking tips page for the best ways to cook any of our meats!

Both USDA Choice beef and USDA Prime beef are high-quality meats; though USDA Prime beef features more marbling and tends to be more tender. However, the specific cut of meat and how it is prepared can make a difference in the quality of the meat once cooked. Check out our beef prep and cooking tips to learn more!

According to the FDA, ground beef will last up to 3-4 months in the freezer and cuts of beef can last from anywhere between 4-12 months in the freezer. However, we recommend eating our products as soon as possible for optimal freshness.

The length of time seafood lasts in the freezer can vary, but we recommend eating your seafood as soon as possible as it gradually loses flavor and texture.

Wagyu beef’s extensive marbling contributes to a rich buttery flavor that surpasses even the best cuts of Black Angus. This marbling also makes Wagyu beef more tender, providing a unique texture that puts it in a league of its own.

Yes, it is. We typically think fattier meat is unhealthy, but Wagyu beef is different. The fat content of Wagyu beef has higher concentrations of healthy fats such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These beneficial fats can contribute to lowering high cholesterol.

Wagyu beef can be traced back to ancient Japan, where it was carefully developed over many generations by Japanese farmers. However, Wagyu is relatively new to the American market. Americans first got their taste for imported Wagyu in the mid-1970s. Wagyu’s distinct flavor and tenderness created a growing demand, inspiring American ranchers to start producing this sought-after beef. 

Beef is graded by the USDA based on two categories: quality and yield. Quality grades are based on tenderness, juiciness, and flavor, while yield grades are based on the amount of usable lean meat.

Wagyu beef goes beyond Prime beef, with more marbling, tenderness, and a richer flavor. Only 3% of U.S. beef is rated as Prime, and Wagyu grades above Prime. 

At Heartland Steak Co., you can order USDA Choice beef and USDA Prime beef online with a wide selection of products. Shop USDA Choice and Prime steaks, USDA Choice and Prime roasts, and USDA Choice and Prime specialties online today!