All of this talk about eggs got me thinkin'... what's up with meat? Turns out mashed did a whole study on the best and worst places (grocery stores, specifically), to purchase meat in the United States. I decided to do some research and grind it down to Texas for ya'll.

The importance of quality in raw meat you are buying is important for a number of reasons. Not just because it needs to taste good, but there are health reasons in play here too.

That's why before we go any further it's important to point out that any meat you buy should always be labeled and rated by the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture).

There are three different ratings that the USDA uses:

  • USDA Prime Beef: Generally sold in hotels and restaurants, this is beef from young, well-fed cattle that you should have no issue with.
  • USDA Choice Beef: It’s still high-quality beef but with less marbling. It will still be juicy and full of flavor.
  • USDA Select Beef: Leaner and more tender because of the even less marbling. It may not have as much flavor, but great for marinating.

If the beef you’re buying doesn’t have one of these labels on it, don't buy it.

Overall, it looked like Sprouts is definitely the best choice when buying meat in El Paso. Also on the list is Whole Foods and we all know it would probably be first if it didn't cost so much. They do have tiny carts for kids, which is amazing for moms like me... but it's at a price.

Sprouts has meat that's rated USDA Choice, which means you know it will be juicy and flavorful. And they never freeze it. They also have trained butchers and offer deli sandwiches that taste better than what you can get at some sandwich shops. Their beef is 100% grass-fed and less money than the price at Whole Foods.

There are 3 Sprouts locations sprinkled around El Paso, Texas.

Whole Foods sometimes prides itself on its organic food and high standards for meat. For example, beef has to be raised on pastures for at least 2/3 of its life. They also must meet Animal Welfare Standards which they carry not only for beef products but also chicken.

Sometimes it pays off to pay for meat, especially when it costs more money to produce humane, tasty meat. Plus, with an Amazon Prime membership, you can get additional discounts at Whole Foods. Instead of cheating out on meat, eat less of it. Double up on a vegetarian night in your household and try something new. Not an egg dish, though. At least not if you're trying to save money.

Now for the worst.

Even though it may be a gift to many, Target does not supply a reputation of selling great meat. At least according to Showbiz Cheatsheet. Target only started selling groceries in 1995 and you won’t find the freshest selection in the meat and produce department. Target is big on animal welfare standards but comes up short with meat in this poll.

Also the worst? Walmart. According to Go Banking Rates, meat at Walmart fell under one of their “worst deal” categories. Walmart also gets complaints from Consumer Reports about their “lack of variety and the quality of the meat and poultry.”

LOOK: The states with the most UFO sightings

For each state, we’ve also included details of famous UFO sightings in that state. Of note is that almost three-quarters of all UFO sighting reports in the United States occur between 4 p.m. and midnight, and tend to peak between 9 and 10 p.m. Food for thought next time you're out scoping for alien life. Keep reading to see which states have had the most UFO sightings.

More From KLAQ El Paso