
General
Is your meat fresh and can I freeze it?
The greater majority (90%) of our produce is delivered fresh and is suitable for freezing. That includes our fish range.
For those items that have previously been frozen, click the STORAGE tab on each product page which tell you if it has been frozen. These products will have defrosted in transit and cannot be re-frozen.
The product label will clearly state if the product has previously been frozen.
Where does your meat come from?
Our grass-fed beef and lamb, and our outdoor reared pork comes from small, family run farms based in Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset that use traditional methods of animal husbandry in a natural and biodiverse growing environment and allow their animals to grow at a natural pace and from native British heritage breeds. This produces proper meat that has great depth of flavour.
Our chicken is fully free-range and our fresh fish is sustainable, responsibly caught by a trusted group of local fishermen who are based along the coast of Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.
You can read more about our farmers here.
Is your meat grass-fed and free-range and what do your animals eat?
Yes.
Our cows and sheep enjoy a natural diet of 100%, pure grass and wildflowers, hay and haylage, rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
Our outdoor reared, free-range pigs eat natural and homegrown cereals, vegetables, brassicas, roots and shrubs.
Our free-range chickens are fed on cereals, shrubs, insects and grass. The milled cereal consists of wheat, barley, peas and beans, lupins, rapeseed oil, vitamins and minerals. No maize is included.
Our wild game eat a natural and varied diet of grass, cereals, insects and berries.
When you say ethically reared, what do you actually mean?
We only work with farmers who prioritise animal welfare and who use traditional, free-range farming methods, allowing their animals to live in outdoor conditions enjoying a natural diet untainted by growth promoters and chemicals.
Is your meat organic?
No.
Our 100% grass-fed meat is sourced from small-scale, local farms and has been produced ethically, compassionately and in harmony with nature.
The Soil Association (who are the principal certifying body for organic meat in the UK) only require organic cattle to be 60% grass-fed and 40% from processed grains. Our cattle are only fed 100% grass throughout their lives which is healthier for the animals, and for us.
Our farmers have not applied for organic certification as they don’t need to. We believe that the organic label does not go as far as it could, and that our meat is equally as good as that with the organic tag.
Is your meat Halal?
None of our meat is prepared following Halal processes.
Do you have your own abattoir?
No.
We use small, farm-scale, local abattoirs that are within a very short distance to us thereby reducing travelling time.
Do your farmers use antibiotics
Antibiotics are not routinely used by our farms other than where an animal is sick and its welfare requires antibiotic intervention. This is a rare occurrence. The same applies to organic animals where antibiotics will be used with a sick animal.
Is your fish fresh and sustainable and where does it come from?
Yes.
We have ensured that our fresh fish is sustainable and responsibly caught by a trusted group of local fishermen who are based along the coast of Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, run small day-boats and fish in the proper way. With the effects of overfishing impacting our seas, we believe that we should only eat fish that has been responsibly caught from fishing grounds that provide a sustainable marine environment. Which is why we do not buy any fish that has been beam trawled in order to ensure the seabed is protected.
Our fresh fish is rated as sustainable in line with the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide, meaning that you can be assured that when you buy fresh fish online for delivery to your home, it’s from locations where stock is plentiful and caught using responsible, ethical fishing methods.
Why do the individual packs say “North East Atlantic”?
Because we legally have to state the area of the ocean in which our seafood is caught, as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The whole of the United Kingdom falls within the North East Atlantic being fishing area 27.
Is your fish fresh or frozen?
Fresh, not previously frozen.
If I want to add sustainable fish as part of my overall order, when will it be delivered?
Fish is not available for delivery on Tuesdays.
You can add sustainable fish to your order for delivery on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Can I add a single fish item to my meat order?
Yes.
Do you offer bespoke butchery and am I able to order an item that is not listed on your website?
Unfortunately we don’t offer bespoke butchery which may sound inflexible but by offering a bespoke service, we would create a number of interruptions to the processes that we follow in terms of product preparation and timely daily despatch.
The items, and the weights that you see on our website are those that we offer.
Where can I find information about allergens, ingredients and nutritional values?
These can be found on the individual product pages.
Click on the INGREDIENTS & ALLERGENS, or the NUTRITIONAL INFO tab, email us at [email protected] or call our Customer Services Team on 01747 811077 and they will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Allergens will also be clearly displayed on the label affixed to each product upon delivery, so check if you have an issue.
How do I know what is contained in your flavoured and cooked products, bacon and sausages?
To see all the ingredients, click on the INGREDIENTS & ALLERGENS tab on the relevant product page or email us at [email protected].
Where can I find the cooking instructions for your Chef Prepared range, pies etc?
These can be found on the individual product page and on the product itself upon delivery.
How will my order arrive?
Our meat is cut fresh (see 1 below) and packed for same-day despatch and next-day delivery to your door.
The individual items in your order will each be vac-packed, put into a foil liner with 4 to 6 500g frozen ice packs, sealed, and then placed into a cardboard box in order to maintain a food safe chilled temperature throughout transit up until delivery. This is good for up to 48 hours after the time of despatch (at around 4.00 p.m. each day).
Each individual item in your order will have the use by date, ingredients and any allergens. These can also be found on the individual products pages by clicking on the INGREDIENTS & ALLERGENS, or the NUTRITIONAL INFO tab, or email us at [email protected] or call our Customer Services Team on 01747 811077 and they will be able to answer any questions you may have.
(i) The greater majority (90%) of our produce is delivered fresh and is suitable for freezing. That includes our fish range.
For those items that have previously been frozen, click the STORAGE tab on each product page which tell you if it has been frozen. These products will have defrosted in transit and cannot be re-frozen.
Does your bacon contain nitrates?
Yes, but we do offer a nitrate free bacon and will shortly offer a range of nitrate free gammons.
Nitrates are used in the bacon curing processes in order to preserve the product and give it a longer shelf life.
To see all the ingredients that are in our bacon and sausages, click on the INGREDIENTS & ALLERGENS tab on the relevant product page.
Are your products impacted by the Bovaer trial that has been reported in the press?
No.
Bovaer is currently being trialled in the UK by the Dutch conglomerate Arla in 30 farms supported by Aldi, Morrison and Tesco. The trial relates to milk only. The Arla trial has nothing to do with the farms that are included in The Dorset Meat Company’s supplier farms. Accordingly, we can confirm that there is no incidence of Bovaer in our meat or dairy products.
When can I place my order for Christmas?
Our Christmas Shop opens on Monday 8th September 2025.
How many ribs are there in a Rib of Beef?
Typically, there would be 1 rib for each kilo. Therefore a 3KG Rib would have 3 ribs but sometimes 4 depending on the characteristics of each carcass.
What size joint would you advise I buy?
Generally, buy a joint slightly larger that you need to allow for shrinkage. For joints off the bone, allow 200g to 250g per person which means you will need a 2kg joint for 6 people.
With a joint that is on the bone (a forerib of beef, sirloin on the bone), as a general rule you will need 400g per person. Therefore, if you are feeding 4 people, you will need a 2.0kg joint, and a 3.0kg joint for 6 people. Be sure to factor in what else you are serving your guests to accompany your joint and if you would like leftovers.
Please contact us if you are unsure, we are here to offer any advice and guidance you require.
What size chicken would you advise I buy?
Size of whole bird required:
3 people : 1.6kg
3 to 4 people : 1.8KG – 2kg
4 to 6 people : 2.0kg – 2.3kg
Be sure to factor in what else you are serving your guests to accompany your whole chicken and if you would like leftovers.
I noticed fluid in the vacuum sealed packaging. What should I do?
It’s fine and you can cook the meat as you would normally. Sometimes meat will produce moisture that collects in the vacuum sealed bag which is wholly natural.
Simply, empty the moisture into your sink.
Ordering
Do we have to sign up to a regular order?
No.
Your can order as a one-off, or as often as suits you.
Do you offer a recurring order service?
Yes, we do. Simply go to our Subscription page and its all set out there for you.
Is there a minimum order value?
Yes, £30.00.
When is the order deadline?
We need you to place your order with us 2 days before it is scheduled for delivery.
Have a look at the table to check your delivery day:
You place your order on: | You choose to receive your order on: |
Friday | either Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. |
Saturday | either Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. |
Sunday by 10.00 p.m. | either Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday or Saturday. |
Monday by 10.00p.m. | either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday or Saturday. |
Tuesday by 10.00 p.m. | Thursday, Friday or Saturday. |
Wednesday | either Friday or Saturday. |
Thursday | Saturday. |
Our fresh, sustainable fish is not available for delivery on any Tuesday. This is because at the beginning of each week, our fresh fish that is landed at South Coast fishing ports on Mondays does not allow us to despatch for delivery on Tuesdays.
If you are unsure as to your delivery day, please email us at [email protected], or call on 01747 811077.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes we do. You can select the amount you want to send.
Go to www.thedorsetmeatcompany.co.uk/product/egift-card/
The recipient will receive the gift card digitally to the email address that you have inputted. This is immediate so if you want to buy the card and not send it until a particular day (their birthday, anniversary or Christmas), simply use your own email address and you can send them the gift card code when you wish.
I have received a gift card but the code is not working?
If you are trying to enter your gift code and its not working, simply refresh the page or call us on 01747811077.
I bought a gift card but the recipient has not received it.
Ask them to check their spam folder and if it’s not there, email or call us on 01747811077 and we can resend it.
I bought a gift card but the recipient has not received it.
Ask them to check their spam folder and if it’s not there, email or call us on 01747811077 and we can resend it.
Deliveries
How much is the delivery charge?
For orders between £30.00 and £75.00, it’s £4.95.
For orders above £75.00, delivery is free(excluding Saturday delivery).
For orders placed for Saturday delivery, there is a charge of £7.95.
What days do you deliver on?
We deliver across mainland UK every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and Saturday.
Our fresh, sustainable fish is not available for delivery on any Tuesday.
This is because at the beginning of each week, our fresh, sustainable fish that is landed at South Coast fishing ports on Mondays does not allow us to pack your order on a Monday for next day delivery on Tuesday.
Therefore, the first available delivery day each week for a sustainable, fresh fish order is a Wednesday, and then every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
We need you to place your order with us 2 days before it is scheduled for delivery.
We’ve put together a little table below that sets out our order deadlines. You can of course order as far ahead as you may wish by selecting any future delivery date to suit you.
Have a look at the table to check when you need to place your order:
You place your order on: | You choose to receive your order on: |
Friday | either Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. |
Saturday | either Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. |
Sunday by 10.00 p.m. | either Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday or Saturday. |
Monday by 10.00p.m. | either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday or Saturday. |
Tuesday by 10.00 p.m. | Thursday, Friday or Saturday. |
Wednesday | either Friday or Saturday. |
Thursday | Saturday. |
Our fresh, sustainable fish is not available for delivery on any Tuesday. This is because at the beginning of each week, our fresh fish that is landed at South Coast fishing ports on Mondays does not allow us to despatch for delivery on Tuesdays.
If you are unsure as to your delivery day, please email us at [email protected], or call on 01747 811077.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
You can select your own delivery day to suit you.
We work with DHL who will deliver your order to you up to 8.00p.m (or later) on your delivery day.
Your order will be packed and despatched fresh (at around 4.00 p.m. each day) for next day delivery across the UK (excluding Northern Ireland, the Channel Isles and the most northernmost postcodes in Scotland).
You will receive a text and email notification on your delivery day giving you a 1 hour delivery time slot. This will also include a tracking number (consignment number) for convenience. You can get an update on your delivery time by simply going to track.dhlparcel.co.uk and entering your tracking (consignment) number.
Do I have to be at home on the day you deliver?
No.
Just let us know where you want the box left when you place your order. You can do this in the section called “Delivery Instructions”. Somewhere safe would be good, a porch, shed or garage.
Which courier company do you use?
DHL UK.
How sustainable is DHL?
DHL UK is wholly dedicated to sustainability and minimising its environmental impact through various green energy initiatives and low emission strategies, aiming to lead the logistics industry in sustainability and environmental responsibility.
These include electric and alternative fuel vehicles to reduce carbon footprint in urban areas, the use of renewable energy in its sorting and warehouse facilities and the adoption of sustainable logistics techniques to enhance efficiency and minimise fuel consumption.
Where do you deliver to?
Across the UK 5 days each week excluding Northern Ireland, the Channel Isles and the most northernmost postcodes in Scotland.
Where do you deliver to?
Across the UK 5 days each week excluding Northern Ireland, the Channel Isles and the most northernmost postcodes in Scotland.
Do you deliver outside the UK?
No.
Packaging
What about packaging?
So that your meat box and fish box arrives in tip-top condition, we prepare each order by hand so that it’s fresh, vacuum-pack each item and then pack it in a temperature controlled, fully recyclable chilled liner and double gauge cardboard box in order to ensure that the contents stay chilled for over 48 hours.
We use a leading temperature controlled food packaging system from our packaging partner Protective Packaging that enables us to send your meat box overnight using the DHL national courier network with complete confidence.
Climate testing validates that the Protective Packaging system will perform on a UK based extreme peak summer temperature profile for more than 24 hrs and more than 48 hrs during winter testing (held between +2˚c to +8˚).
The foil liner can be disposed of in your green bin depending on the policy adopted by your council local council, or place in the black bin as general waste.
We are working towards a fully recyclable foil liner which will should be available soon.
Do I keep my empty box and ice packs?
Yes.
The ice packs make great bottle coolers!
Can Gel Packs be Recycled?
You can re-use them for a picnic or in a lunch box. Once you’re finished, melt the ice packs, cut open the bags, pour the non-toxic solution down the drain (using hot water to dissolve the gel), and recycle the plastic casing.
Why not re-use them? They are great for picnics and lunchboxes.
To dispose of your gel ice packs, defrost them and cut open a corner with scissors:
- Dispose of the contents in your external drain. Or in a sink using hot water to dilute. You don’t need to worry if the contents touch your skin as this is a non-toxic substance. The contents are benign and not harmful to the environment. It is an inert media so does not release harmful gases when in landfill. – it will have no mineral effect to the soil.
- Once the gel has been removed from the bag, give it a good rinse and your plastic casing can be placed in a recycling bin!
Do not dispose of the contents in a septic tank.
Subscription
How do I set up a subscription order?
All you need to do is to select your favourite items in your basket, go to checkout and simply set your order up to be delivered either every week, every 2 weeks, or every month. You can do this in the Delivery section.
You can pause, cancel or change the contents of your order whenever you wish online from the ‘Subscriptions’ tab in your Account. Alternatively, email us at [email protected] or call our Customer Services Team on 01747811077.
We are here to help.
Am I tied into the subscription?
No, not at all.
You can cancel or pause the order at any time from the ‘Subscriptions’ tab in your Account, or by emailing us at [email protected] or call our Customer Services Team on 01747811077.
Can I add or delete items to my regular box myself when I wish to?
Yes you can.
You can do this from the ‘Subscriptions’ tab in your Account, or by emailing us at [email protected] or call our Customer Services Team on 01747811077.
Is there a minimum order value?
Yes. £30.00
Is your meat Halal?
None of our meat is prepared following Halal processes.
How regularly will my order be delivered?
It’s up to you.
Will I be reminded that the delivery is coming so I have time to make any changes?
Yes, you will receive an email reminder 6 days prior to your scheduled delivery date.
Can I call you to set up my regular order or do I have to do it online?
Yes, you can call us on 01747811077 at any time and we will be happy to set it up for you.
Can I cancel my order whenever I wish?
Yes, you are not tied in so you can cancel your order at any time either from account or by emailing us at [email protected] or calling us on 01747811077.
However, we will need 48 hours notice prior to your next delivery date. By cancelling you will automatically cancel your regular payment and you will receive an email confirming this.
Can I pause my order whenever I wish?
Yes, you can pause your order at any time either from your Account or by emailing us at [email protected] or calling us on 01747811077.
If I pause my order, when can I restart it?
You can do this in 2 ways.
From the ‘Subscriptions’ tab in your Account, when the next available delivery from the date you wish to restart will automatically be chosen for you.
Or
By emailing us at [email protected] or calling us on 01747811077.
Can I change the delivery frequency of my subscription?
Yes you can.
You can do this either from the ‘Subscriptions’ tab in your Account, or by emailing us at [email protected] or calling us on 01747811077.
How do I pay?
Payments are accepted through all major credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Can I change my delivery address?
Yes, you can.
Can I use your eGift Cards to pay for my subscription order?
Yes, you can.
Will your Refer A Friend offer apply to a subscription order?
Yes, you will receive 10% off your first order and your friend will receive 10% off their first order.