ButcherBox Review 2024: An In-Depth Look at This Meat Delivery Service

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ButcherBox is a meat delivery service that partners with trusted suppliers to provide access to high-quality meats. The brand prioritizes animal welfare, local farmers and fishermen and supports sustainable agricultural and fishing practices, carefully vetting each supplier to ensure they meet the brand’s high standards.

Unlike prepared meal delivery services, ButcherBox sends packaged meats to your doorstep ready to be stored in the freezer or cooked immediately. ButcherBox meats are ideal for those who find their grocery store options limited, or who have busy lifestyles and don't have the time to shop for quality meats.

In this ButcherBox review, we’ll break down how it works, the pricing structure, its quality and how it compares to other meat delivery subscriptions and get a first-person perspective from a ButcherBox subscriber.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

ButcherBox At a Glance

• Protein options include 100 percent grass-fed beef and bison, free-range organic chicken, crate-free pork, free-range turkey and wild-caught seafood
• You can select the protein you'd like and have the cuts chosen for you, or you can choose the specific protein and different cuts you'd like
• Shipping is always free and deliveries come in an eco-friendly, insulated box in two to five business days
• Delivery dates are flexible; frequency can be every two, four, six or eight weeks, depending on what suits your schedule best

ButcherBox Pros

• High-quality meat and seafood are delivered right to your door
• Large variety of protein types and different cuts of meat
• Wide selection of organic meat options that may not be available in stores near you
• Transparent sourcing
• Customizable options
• Member exclusive deals for additional savings
• Supports family-run farms
• Fast and free shipping in eco-friendly packaging

ButcherBox Cons

• Budgeting and planning are required to some extent when ordering
• No price matching program
• Plant-based meat options only available for vegetarian gift box

How Does ButcherBox Work?

When you decide to try ButcherBox, you’ll start by choosing whether you want a Curated Box or a Custom Box. A Curated Box allows you to pick your proteins, and the specific cuts are chosen for you. A Custom Box enables you to select both the protein and which cuts you want. Each plan offers boxes in two sizes, and the amount of meat varies depending on the plan you choose, with selections changing regularly.

Next, you’ll elect to have your box sent every four, six or eight weeks. The frequency can be changed at any time, as can the date you are billed for the order. After choosing the specifics of your plan and delivery date, you can select from the member deals—add-ons that only ship once and are available for a limited time. Add-ons can include bone-in Tomahawk steak, breakfast sausage, bacon, lunchmeat, gluten-free chicken nuggets, Italian sausage and more. From there, you enter your shipping and billing information, and you'll receive your order in two to five business days from the date your order is invoiced.

ButcherBox: Quality of Meats

ButcherBox uses a selective process, vetting companies thoroughly before partnering to ensure they meet the quality standards and specifications. The brand's practices are inspired by Temple Grandin, MS, PhD, a Humane Farm Animal Care Program scientific committee member, whose facilities are routinely inspected by third parties for sourcing practices and standards.

ButcherBox relies on third-party audits from organizations like Certified Humane and Global Animal Partnership (GAP) to ensure brand and supplier accountability. That means facilities are inspected to uphold the highest animal welfare and quality control standards. The brand is also transparent about its meat's processes and origins, detailed in the next section.

Grass-fed, grass-finished beef

Due to Australia’s high animal welfare standards, favorable climate and pastureland that allows cattle to graze, ButcherBox sources most of its 100 percent grass-fed beef from Australian farms. These cows eat a natural diet of grass and may consume other grasses or minerals in the winter, such as bluegrass and sorghum. ButcherBox claims that grass-fed and grass-finished beef has a distinct flavor and offers additional benefits.

Grass-fed beef tends to have a lower overall fat content, which is ideal for those with a weight loss goal, and research has found that animals finished on a 100 percent grass diet have a more favorable lipid profile and are higher in antioxidants. Many factors can affect taste, including age, gender and stress level, and it can be challenging to evaluate because of individual preferences.

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Pasture-raised grass-fed bison

Sourced from the United States, the bison are raised on a 100 percent grass-fed diet and are free to roam over 100 square miles of grassy prairie. The natural organic pasture that serves as a food source and home is GMO-free and not treated with pesticides. Their diet consists of shortgrass, tallgrass and clean water to ensure healthy bison and high-quality meat.

Pork raised crate-free

The pork comes from hogs humanely raised without restrictive gestation or farrowing crates that limit natural behaviors and movement. These hogs live in pastures and hoop barns that offer shelter, ventilation, sunlight and space to move around and eat an all-vegetarian diet.

ButcherBox states that many pork products come from heritage breed pork such as Duroc, Berkshire and Chester White. Michigan State University published a comprehensive bulletin that conducted a thorough panel assessment conducted by trained experts to evaluate the tenderness, juiciness, and flavor of several hog breeds. According to their research, Berkshire and Chester White breeds exhibited superior tenderness in their chops, while the Duroc breed ranked as intermediate for both juiciness and tenderness.

Free-range organic chicken

ButcherBox works with farmers who raise chickens without crates, cages or crowding and have access to outdoors seasonally. These chickens are USDA-certified organic and are antibiotic and hormone-free. The facility also has a GAP-3 certification, an animal welfare labeling program created by the Global Animal Partnership (GAP). This certification affirms that the chickens are healthy and productive in a natural living environment that allows them to express their behaviors naturally and that the environment encourages inquisitive and playful conduct.

Free-range turkey

All turkey found in ButcherBox is sourced from the United States and raised on multi-generational family-run farms. These farms provide feed such as grains, corn or soybeans grown on-site or get their supply from local feed mills. The turkeys live in open pens with tools that promote activity and interaction throughout the day, with sunshine, grass and fresh air. While this meat is not USDA-certified organic, it contains no artificial or basting ingredients and is minimally processed.

Wild-caught seafood

All seafood is sustainably sourced and wild-caught and the brand’s partners uphold strict fishing and handling practices. Below is a breakdown of the specifics of each:

• Salmon: Sourced from Bristol Bay, Alaska; contains no artificial coloring, additives, hormones or antibiotics
• Scallops: Sourced from New Bedford, Massachusetts; sold dry (not soaked in sodium tripolyphosphate to retain water and increase in weight)
• Cod: Sustainably harvested from the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea; caught by swimming into pots before boarding the ship
• Halibut: Wild-caught in coastal Alaskan waters; no additives, antibiotics or hormones
• Lobster: Wild-caught by a family business off the coast of Maine; after being caught, the pressure is extracted from the shell, and it is flash-frozen to maintain freshness and quality
• Shrimp: Sourced from the Gulf of Mexico; shrimp arrives peeled and deveined
• Sablefish: Sourced from the Gulf of Alaska; wild-caught, sustainably harvested and does not contain additives, antibiotics or hormones

The scallops and shrimp are traceable using Legit Fish, a QR code on the packaging that provides the species, fishing area, vessel names and dates and landing port as recorded on dockside dealer records.

ButcherBox Plans

Custom Box

The Custom Box is the personalized plan option that allows you to select any type of protein, including seafood and specific cuts of meat. There are more than 25 cuts to choose from, including ribeye steaks, beef shoulder roast, ground beef, boneless pork chops, whole chicken, wild Alaskan salmon and more.

There are two size options: Classic Box and Big Box. The Classic Box includes nine to 14 pounds of meat, enough for around 30 meals, and is ideal for individuals and small families. The Big Box provides 16 to 18 pounds of meat to feed a mid-size family about 60 meals.

Curated Box

While the Curated Box is less customizable and you cannot select each cut, you can still choose from the following types of meat:

• Beef, pork and chicken
• Beef and pork
• Beef and chicken

Each delivery will be a mixed box with cuts of meat like chicken breast, ground beef, pork tenderloin, chuck roast and others. Here’s an idea of what each Curated Box may include:

• Beef, pork and chicken: Two pounds grass-fed ground beef, three pounds of organic free-range chicken thighs, two pounds ground pork
• Beef and pork: Four top sirloin steaks, two pounds pork butt roast, two filet mignon, one pound pork tenderloin
• Beef and chicken: Three pounds drumsticks, two pounds beef brisket, chicken wings, two NY strip steaks

Ultimately, you won’t know which cuts are coming until you receive your delivery—adding an element of surprise. If you choose this plan, you’ll still have access to add-ons and member deals if you want to customize your plan further. For example, if you want to introduce salmon into your diet as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, you can set up a recurring add-on for salmon. If you decide the Curated Plan isn't for you after receiving your first box, you can change your plan selection.

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The Curated Box is offered in two sizes. The Classic Box contains eight to 11 pounds of meat, enough for about 24 meals, and the Big Box contains 16 to 22 pounds, which is enough for around 48 meals for a mid-size family.

ButcherBox Prices

Here are the prices of each plan:

• Custom Box
• Classic Box: $169 per box
• Big Box: $306 per box
• Curated Box
• Classic Box: $146 per box
• Big Box: $269 per box

While the Custom Box costs more, it has 20 percent more meat than the Curated Box. The member deals section contains add-ons for an additional cost, varying item by item. There is no charge for shipping, and orders can be modified, paused or canceled at any time.

ButcherBox Promotions and Gift Boxes

ButcherBox offers deals and promotions for new and current members. Sign-on promotions can include free ground beef or free bacon “for life” that is valid for the life of your membership. Please note that promotions may vary and are subject to change. Current members receive an email three days before their billing date with exclusive deals only available in the following box (or while supplies last).

If you’re looking for a gift for a friend or family member, ButcherBox has over 20 gift boxes with free shipping. If you want to try ButcherBox one time with no strings attached, you can also order a one-time gift box for yourself. Gift box prices range from $79 to $239. Below are a few boxes the brand offers:

• Value Game Day Box ($75.00): St. Louis ribs, wings, pulled pork
• Premium Steak Box ($175): Bone-in Tomahawk, thick-cut ribeye and New York strips
• Ultimate Variety Box ($155): Eight cuts of beef, pork and chicken
• Vegetarian Box ($125): Three types of veggie burgers (18 total), spinach and pepper egg white bites

What Customers Are Saying About ButcherBox

There is no dedicated section on the ButcherBox website for subscribers to post their ButcherBox reviews regarding the subscription service. To get an honest review from a subscriber's perspective, we spoke to SEO associate Kayla Godfrey about her family's experience using ButcherBox for over a year.

The big draw for her was the meat quality and convenience. “I currently subscribe (and always have) to the Custom Plan for $169 monthly,” Godfrey says.” Overall, this is the best option for our family because we frequently have issues sourcing quality seafood locally and can custom pick based on our preferences.”

When it comes to quality and taste, “I enjoy getting different types of meat to try new recipes while having the peace of mind it’s the best quality,” she says. “The steaks are my favorite, and you can really taste the difference in the cut. Delivery has been really convenient and a game changer for our family.” Godfrey says the only challenge they've faced is having a box arrive later than expected while they were out of town, but she's talking to the customer service team to resolve the issue.

About ButcherBox

ButcherBox was founded in 2015 by Mike Salguero, who wanted to make high-quality meat accessible to everyone. The brand focuses on animal welfare, supporting farmers, sustainability and upholding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) standards in business practices. ButcherBox carefully selects partners who raise animals and harvest seafood with standards that align with the company’s core values and stringent guidelines.

The company releases a Social and Environmental Responsibility Report every year, including letters from the founder and other team members. These letters and reports provide insights into the company's initiatives related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and its ongoing efforts to contribute to the welfare of animals and the environment. ButcherBox is a Certified B Corporation, and the Global Animal Partnership and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) monitor and assess the company's actions and practices to ensure they meet specific standards and commitments.

ButcherBox vs. Good Chop

Good Chop is a meat delivery subscription service that sources meat from U.S.-based family farms offering USDA-certified organic poultry and beef, PQA (Pork Quality Assurance Plus) certified pork, wild-caught seafood from fisheries that carry the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) label and farmed fish approved by the ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council). Like ButcherBox, all beef, chicken and pork eat a 100 percent vegetarian diet. However, Good Chop offers grass-fed and grain-fed beef options. Another critical difference is ButcherBox’s seafood is all wild-caught and Good Chop has a mix of wild-caught and farmed fish from farms approved by the ASC for sustainable farming techniques.

Subscribers get to select the contents of every box, and there are no curated options like ButcherBox. Good Chop offers two plan options: Medium and Large. The Medium box is $149 and comes with 36 portions or 14 pounds of meat, compared to ButcherBox’s Custom Classic Box, which costs $169 for nine to 14 pounds. The Large box is $269 and contains up to 72 portions or 28 pounds of meat. This plan is slightly less expensive than the Custom Big Box, priced at $306 for 16 to 18 pounds of meat. Both companies use eco-friendly packaging and Good Chop packages contain dry ice to keep the meat frozen.

ButcherBox vs. Thrive Market

Thrive Market is a membership-based website where members shop for meat and seafood, pantry items, multivitamins, collagen supplements, probiotics, household items and more. Members can also shop for items based on keto, vegan, Whole30, dairy-free and other dietary needs. Instead of making selections for a box shipped every month, members hand-select each item only shopping as needed. Thrive Market offers poultry, beef, seafood, pork and plant-based meat selections, and price matching and bundle options for additional savings. The price for Thrive Market is not comparable to the ButcherBox cost, since members only shop as needed choosing the meat they need and the cuts they’d like. A Thrive Market membership costs $5/month (billed annually) or $12/month (billed monthly).

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Like ButcherBox, Thrive Market has fast shipping, and most orders ship within 24 hours of placement. However, shipping frozen items on orders below $120 incurs a $19.95 fee, while orders totaling $120 or more qualify for complimentary shipping. ButcherBox always ships for free.

ButcherBox FAQs

Is ButcherBox FDA approved?

No, but ButcherBox and its suppliers adhere to food safety, sanitation, labeling and packaging standards set by the FDA to protect consumers from foodborne illness and to ensure accurate product information.

Can you get ButcherBox without a subscription?

Yes, but this only applies to a one-time gift box. Otherwise, a subscription is required to order ButcherBox, and can be canceled anytime.

Does ButcherBox come frozen?

Only sometimes. Meats arrive below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature considered safe by the FDA to prevent bacterial growth, or it may arrive partially frozen.

Can you change ButcherBox every month?

Yes, you can change your order date, delivery frequency and plan type. Changes to delivery frequency go into effect for the next box. The box frequency and order date must be changed to take effect immediately.

Is there a fee to cancel ButcherBox?

No, you can cancel at any time, and there are no fees or penalties.

Takeaway: Is ButcherBox Worth It?

ButcherBox is a meat delivery service ideal for those who want high-quality meats without having to shop around at butcher shops, farmer's markets, Costco and other local grocery stores. There are different box options for individuals who want to select each cut and for individuals who like the element of surprise in terms of which meat cuts they’ll receive.

In some cases, ButcherBox meats may be more expensive than grocery store options, but subscribers enjoy sourcing transparency, sustainable practices and supporting family-run farms. This service may not be ideal for those who prefer the convenience of a full meal delivery service and these individuals may want to opt for healthy meal delivery services, keto meal delivery services or other meal options that come complete with recipes and side dishes.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.