I think this really depends on the type of grocery store we’re talking about. In our area, we have the major chains like Stop & Shop and Shaws. But, we also have an independent regional market called Dave’s Marketplace. They have about 10 locations here in Rhode Island. They have the feel of a Whole Foods… without the hefty pricing.
10 stores makes them large enough to produce their own prepared foods like roasted chickens, meatballs, pastas and a ton of other products. This gives them a distinct advantage of a single independent market where you might really enjoy their meat market.
I was looking over there prepared foods the other day and noticed their meatballs and sauce. The package had about 8 meatballs in it. They were located in a cooler in front of the deli case. The cost was $4.66 a pound, so I gave it a try. $4.66 a pound isn’t much more than you would pay for hamburger (maybe just a little). Considering that they do all the work, I thought the price was very reasonable.
I didn’t think to take a picture of the package, this image is from their web site:
Talk about a winner. Unless I’m making something special like turkey meatballs, I’m not sure if I will ever take the time to make my own meatballs again.
They are awesome. Well worth the price.
You probably don’t have a Dave’s where you are, but regional markets are everywhere. I suggest you give them a try.
