Deli Delivery or Pickup

If you're shopping at a deli for cold cuts and cheeses, you'll need to know how much you will need. These products are sold by weight, generally in quarter-pound increments. If you want to make just one sandwich, you won't need to order much; about a quarter-pound will do. If you are buying lunchmeat and cheese for the whole family, you may want to opt for a pound or more.

Depending on the location you order from, you may also be able to choose how thinly you want your deli products sliced. You should choose a cut thickness that's appropriate to the dish you're preparing. If you're making that charcuterie board, aim for the thin-sliced zone. If you're using the deli meats and cheeses to make sandwiches, order medium-sliced products. These should be roughly the same average thickness as the pre-packaged slices you would buy at the grocery store. If you're dicing the meat to use as an ingredient in a larger dish, you might consider thick slices.

Each deli likely has a number system for levels of slice thickness. However, these numbers can vary from deli to deli, so try not to rely on them too heavily if you're shopping at multiple businesses. Instacart allows you to choose several thickness options so that you can order the perfect size of cold cuts and cheese.

When making a charcuterie board, we say that buying a little too much is better than buying too little. Since charcuterie boards generally are not the main course, you likely won't need as much meat and cheese as you would to make sandwiches for everyone at your party. Shoot for a pound each of meat and cheese per 16 people.

If you're looking for a specialty cheese wheel, a deli is where you'll most likely find one. The deli is also a great place to find the nuts, fruits, jams, and olives that you might consider adding to your charcuterie board. Be sure to add plenty of crackers and perhaps some wine to your Instacart order to prepare for your charcuterie creation fully.

Try to keep your deli meats and cheeses in sealable containers that allow you to remove excess air, such as plastic freezer bags. Keep your deli products in the refrigerator. Though freshness longevity varies from product to product,  you should aim to eat deli meats within a week and deli cheese within two weeks. You can freeze deli meats, but they will generally taste their freshest within the first week after they are cut. Be sure to wrap the cheese thoroughly to protect it from moisture in the refrigerator.

Take a trip through the wonderful world of delis by shopping at your local stores through Instacart. Whether you fill your cart with cold cuts and cheeses or specialty items you may have trouble finding elsewhere, Instacart helps you save the time you would spend perusing the deli counter. Simply download the Instacart app or visit our website to see what delis are available, order what sounds tasty, and relax while Instacart shoppers make the trip for you.