Is this really the best-looking steak you can find at the grocery store these days?
That unnaturally bright red color isn’t a sign of freshness. In many cases, it’s created using carbon monoxide gas in the packaging process—a method approved in the U.S. to stabilize meat color, even if the meat is aging or nearing its sell-by date. It binds to myoglobin to create a persistent bright red shade that can last for weeks.
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But here’s the thing—you don’t have to accept meat that looks better than it tastes. Our grass-fed beef from Cocoa, Florida gets its rich, deep red color naturally—no gas, no cover-up, just honest, pasture-raised meat at its finest.
Trust your eyes, but also what you know about where your food comes from.
#CocoaFlorida #LocalBeefFlorida #GrassfedBeef #KnowYourFarmer #FloridaFarms #CleanMeat #HonestFood
Why Grocery Inflation Matters Today
Food costs are making headlines—both meat and vegetables are climbing fast. Beef prices are now at record highs. In June, the U.S. average cost of ground beef rose nearly 12% higher than last year, fueled by drought‑shrunk cattle herds, import restrictions, and strong demand. Even as grilling season heats up, experts warn prices are likely to stay elevated into 2026 and beyond.
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At the same time, “veggie‑flation” is hitting too. Wholesale prices for fresh and dry vegetables soared 38.9% from June to July, a record summer spike since 1947. Tariffs on imported produce and labor strains in domestic farming are among the culprits. No better time to go carnivore!
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Across the food spectrum, prices are rising—from steaks to salad sides—and budgets everywhere are feeling the squeeze.
Why This Should Matter to Families in Cocoa, Florida
When you shop at the grocery store, all of these forces—climate impact, tariffs, supply chain woes—show up as unpredictable cost hikes. But there’s a meaningful alternative.
At Our Ancestors Foods, we raise grass‑fed beef and pasture‑raised pork right here in Cocoa, Florida, serving Brevard County and all of Central Florida. Because our meat is farm‑raised, not global‑shipped, we’re protected from the volatility driving grocery prices up.
How Local Food Offers Real Stability
Here’s how supporting local regenerative farms helps:
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More predictable pricing—no surprise spikes from tariffs or imports.
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Short supply chains—less distance, fewer disruptions, and better relationships.
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Nutrient‑rich meat—our grass‑fed beef brings more omega‑3s and antioxidants, plus pasture‑raised pork full of natural flavor and substance.
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Many of those grocery-store staples you depend on—especially meat and produce—are becoming less reliable. Local meat gives you control and consistency.
What the Research Shows
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The USDA Economic Research Service predicts beef and veal prices will rise 8.8% on average in 2025, with some months seeing much higher spikes.
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Beef and veal costs are already 10.6% higher than last year, while retail pork prices remain much more stable.
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Supply challenges, like drought‑reduced cattle herds and screwworm disease outbreaks, have slashed available beef volumes and driven up prices further.
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Vegetable costs aren’t immune—climate volatility is directly linked to rapid spikes in food prices, including everything from lettuce to carrots.
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When both meat and vegetables are more expensive, knowing you have a reliable, local source can make all the difference.
Final Thought: Local Meat from Cocoa = Food You Can Count On
We wrote this blog to help you see what’s happening at scale—and how local farms like ours can make your food choices more stable and nutritious. Rising grocery costs are not going away anytime soon. But when you choose local, you choose resilience—for your wallet, your family, and your table.