The Internet has become a very popular place to buy high-quality steaks, meats, and other food products. The question for most online shoppers of these products is “Am I getting the best product for the best price?” A number of factors should be considered before purchasing any food product online. In this editorial, we will focus primarily on steaks, but will mention other related food products.
1) How is meat classified and why?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) beef grades are more commonly known as USDA Premium, USDA Choice and Select USDA. (The following percentages represent only beef produced within these 3 grade levels) USDA Prime-grade beef represents the top 2%* of all beef produced in the US Ranked for its high degree of marbling and tenderness, this highly sought after cut is usually only found at high-end restaurants and online purveyors. USDA Choice grade beef accounts for 53%* of all beef produced in the US Ranked number two in grading, there is wide variation in quality within this grade. Within the Choice grade there are 3 categories of marbling, which contributes to the overall flavor, tenderness and juiciness of the meat.
- a.) The first Choice grade level is moderate marbling and represents 5% of meats graded by the USDA.
- b.) The second Choice grade level is modest marbling and represents 14% of USDA graded meats.
- c.) The third Choice grading level is Small Marbling and represents 34% of USDA graded meats.
USDA Select grade beef accounts for the remaining 45%*. Low in marbling, tenderness, and price, this grade is most often found on supermarket shelves. This grade can very often be dry and hard. Marinating is often needed to keep these steaks moist. As with any product, the higher grade or quality almost always commands a higher price.
2) What do I look for when buying steaks online?
- a.) Be sure to look for the words “Prime, Choice, or Select” when an online vendor describes the product they are selling. If the description does not contain any of these keywords, you are most likely buying the lower grade meat and usually at a high price. Note: Avoid steaks or meats that are only labeled “premium”, “Gourmet”, “aged” or another generic-sounding term, if they are not labeled Prime or Choice, you will most likely get a select rating.
- b.) Make sure the meat has the USDA label, either within the meat category or in the product description when buying from an online supplier.
- c.) It is unreasonable to expect online vendors to advertise what level of Choice grade meat you are purchasing due to constantly changing meat supplies. This knowledge usually comes from shopping experience with the company or by emailing the online retailer and asking if their Choice grade marbling is moderate, modest, or small. Most of the reputable commercial cutters try to maintain a high level of consistency in order to maintain their reputation as a top-tier supplier.
3) What is a fair price for Prime and Choice meats?
With any online product, prices vary widely. Many online merchants charge inflated prices for what you get, however, there are many merchants who sell a great product for a very fair price. Remember, when you buy steaks online, you want and pay for a high-quality dining experience. Anything less, you might as well go to the supermarket. Look for online merchants who have USDA officials in their own facilities or at their suppliers’ facilities. Beyond that, it’s best to scan many online steak retailers and compare product prices. Also take into account the shipping costs. Beware of free shipping combined with low-priced steaks. Usually this means you will get a lower grade of meat. Most reputable merchants will charge a fair price for steaks and a reasonable delivery charge based on weight (not purchase level). It is expensive for any online merchant to ship meat. Dry ice, packed in a cooler, is usually added with the steaks. We’ve put together a list of our top 6 picks from online steak merchants, ranking them based on grade, price, and shipping. We have only included retailers that clearly label their products as Prime and Choice cuts. (Internet research price as of 07/14/2008)
Highly recommended:
Online Shop Prime Filet Mignon Shipping**
Kansascitysteaks.com $42.49 lb $14.95 – 4 lb order
ChoiceFilets.com $39.95 pounds $18.07 – 4 pound order
Newbrunswicksteakco.com $44.50 lb $23.78 – 4 lb order
micarnicero.com $56.65 lb $27.95 – 4 lb order
allenbrothers.com $59.98 lb $16.95 – 4 lb order
lobels.com $70.98 lb $32.95 – 4 lb order
Filet Mignon delivery of your choice from the online store**
ChoiceFilets.com $25.95 pounds $18.07 – 4 pound order
Omahasteaks.com $29.99 lb $18.99 – 4 lb order
Heartlandssteaks.com $29.95 lb $19.99 – 4 lb order
allenbrothers.com $44.98 lb $16.95 – 4 lb order
Eprimecuts.com $37.25 pounds $30.00 – 4 pound order
Dinewise.com $39.99 lb $33.95 – 4 lb order
4) How do I know if an online steak shop is a local or family owned butcher shop or just a reseller of a commercial supplier and does it really make a difference?
Internet online steak merchants are made up of both. It shouldn’t be a shopper’s focus if your online purchases come from a commercial butcher or slicer. Both types must maintain their facilities in accordance with USDA standards and must provide you with the product as represented. In fact, many online stores offer online steaks and other products provided by a commercial facility. More often than not, these facilities provide better quality meats at a more consistent level than smaller producers. Like many industries, the purchasing power of larger facilities can demand this level of quality and consistency. For the consumer, focus on the degree of cut, the clarity of the description, the variety of products offered and, most importantly, the price.
*Source USDA and 2000 National Beef Quality Audit
**Based on a distance of 100 miles from the origin of the shipment.