I love mince meat. My family has always made what is known as green tomato mince meat. This year we did not can any and my family always wants a mince pie at Christmas. I was cleaning my pantry and came across a jar that was dated 1997. It was sealed and when I opened it was still good. I made a pie and every one said it was just as good as if it had been canned yesterday. Yes you can buy mince meat in many grocery stores.