Abstract: A novel method for preparing a ground-meat sample for compositional analysis and an apparatus for performing the method are disclosed. The method comprises a series of steps. The first step includes obtaining a predetermined quantity of ground meat. Next, the meat is formed into a layer having a predetermined thickness. Then, a first portion of the layer is isolated from the remainder. The isolated first portion is then urged into an elongated, hollow member having an axis, an open end, and a resistive end movable along the axis relative to the open end. The isolated first portion and the resistive end are then urged together so as to produce a substantially air void-free isolate out of the first portion.