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A year ago, I watched a documentary on how meat products were farmed for local grocery stores and it shocked me.
Disgusted, I set out on a mission to source better quality meats that follow sustainable, cruelty-free practices. Unfortunately, our local farmer’s market didn’t carry enough choices which led me to Butcher Box and Crowd Cow.
Butcher Box is a subscription service for meat deliveries that gives you a good choice of sustainable, fresh meat options for less than $6 a meal.
On the other hand, Crowd Cow is a better choice if you want to have more autonomy on which meat cuts and how large you want your deliveries to be.
Unfortunately, that still left me with the tasks of meal planning and shopping for other ingredients.
Both meat delivery services are good if you want to focus on having meat delivered to your doorstep. However, SunBasket is a better option if you want fresh, healthy meal kits delivered to your home.
Average Cost per Box
- Crowd Cow – around $100
- Butcher Box – around $130
Meat Options
- Crowd Cow
- 100% Grass-fed Beef
- Pasture Raised Grain-Fed Beef
- Japanese Wagyu
- American Wagyu
- Chicken
- Pork
- Sustainably-sourced Seafood
- Bison
- American Lamb
- Turkey
- Butcher Box
- Grass-fed Beef
- Grass-finished Beef
- Free-range Chicken
- Heritage Pork
- Salmon
Subscription Options
- Crowd Cow
- Customized
- A la carte
- ButcherBox
- Custom
- Mixed
- Beef and Pork
- Beef and Chicken
- All Beef
Delivery Coverage
- Crowd Cow – delivers to all states in the US
- ButcherBox – 48 contiguous states in the US
Minimum Order
- Crowd Cow – at least $50
- ButcherBox – Classic box size at under $130
Shipping Cost
- Crowd Cow – free for purchases above $99, otherwise under $13
- Butcher Box – shipping is free
Delivery Schedule
- Crowd Cow – as little as 2 days after placing your order
- ButcherBox – around 7 days from placing your order
Refund Policy
- Crowd Cow – accepts refunds within 7 days
- Butcher Box – refunds and replacements accepted if you reach out immediately
Meat Selection
- Crowd Cow – over 100 cuts
- ButcherBox – over 60 cuts
Review Summary: Both services are two sustainable meat delivery companies that focus on delivering various meat cuts at your doorstep. Their selections are sourced from cruelty-free farms and well-trusted ranchers. Crowd Cow’s main focus is allowing you to customize and curate the cuts you’ll receive. This means you can select every single piece of meat in your delivery service and choose whether you want a subscription or not. On the other hand, Butcher Box has five subscription options including a custom option where you can select your own meats. Unfortunately, since both companies only offer meat delivery services, you will have to shop for your own produce. This is where SunBasket has an advantage. If you want to have healthy portions delivered at your doorstep that come with recipes and all the ingredients you need to cook a healthy and fresh meal, SunBasket is the ideal choice
Meat Options Compared Using Butcher Box & Crowd Cow
Both Crowd Cow and Butcher Box offer a decent selection of meat cuts that sustainably-sourced from farms that are cruelty-free and employ only the best practices. Since both companies focus on delivering meat products, you’re not getting a full meal kit delivered to your home. But, you are guaranteed a steady supply of premium and fresh-as-can-be meats.
Crowd Cow
CC has more variety compared to Butcher Box. There are over 100 cuts to choose from at any given time on their website.
Their meats are sourced responsibly. You’ll be able to clearly see detailed information about each cut they offer which includes information about the types of farms they work with.
- Crowd Cow is adamant about not working with industrial farms, meat brokers, or CAPO. Instead, they put a focus on smaller, more sustainable ranches and sources that utilize cruelty-free practices.
- Their meat choices are guaranteed to not have any unnecessary hormones added.
- There are ten types of meat to choose from on their website: 100% pasture-raised grain-fed, Japanese Wagyu and American Wagyu beef, Free-range chicken, pork, sustainably-sourced seafood, bison, American lamb, and Turkey.
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Butcher Box
On the other hand, BB has over 60 cuts to choose from on their website.
Much like Crowd Cow, the company promises that they work with sustainable farms and ranches that employ only the best animal farming practices.
- BB complies with several organizations to make sure the meat they source pasture-raised.
- Most of their meats are sourced from Australian ranches that comply with the highest sustainability practices in raising animals.
- Most of their beef are sourced from US farms that employ the same cruelty-free and sustainable standard you would expect the Australian ranches to adhere to.
- Their meats are guaranteed to be free from antibiotics, synthetic dyes, and growth hormones.
- There are over 60 cuts of meat to choose from on their website: chicken, heritage pork, salmon, and beef.
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My Experience Using Using Butcher Box & Crowd Cow
Both services have a streamlined website designed to highlight their meat choices or subscription options.
You’ll notice straight away that there aren’t very many sections that try to sell you their product, but they let their products speak for themselves.
I was appreciative of the fact that both services seemed to deliver in nearly the same timeframe as each other which is around 7 days. This gave me plenty of time to plan out which meals I wanted to cook and when I would cook them.
However, the most glaring similarity between the two companies is their focus on making your boxes a customized, and personalized experience.
You’ll be able to choose from a multitude of cuts at your own discretion so there’s plenty of time to prepare before they arrive.
Crowd Cow’s focus is on selling premium cuts of meat. There is a $50 minimum per order to place your order so you’ll have to purchase an average of 2-3 cuts of meat per order.
If you like to cook often, this shouldn’t be an issue. However, one thing that confused me as I was ordering was that I couldn’t find their subscription options.
It took me a good 10 minutes to figure out that you’ll have to build your own subscription and decide whether you want it to be a recurring delivery.
While I didn’t really mind choosing my own meat cuts, I would have liked a heads up from the beginning so I didn’t waste my time trying to figure out how ordering worked.
Other than that, the selection, payment, and subscription process was easy, straightforward, and finished within a few minutes.
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Butcher Box on the other hand has a smaller selection of meat cuts compared to the former. However, that didn’t mean I felt limited in my choices.
Their meats looked of good quality, and right from the home page, you’re prompted to view their subscription options which is nice.
This meant I was able to view which subscription options were right for me. Much like Crowd Cow, BB also offered a custom delivery option.
This meant you would be able to mix and match cuts of meat to meet your needs or choose a subscription with pre-selected cuts of meat.
I did appreciate how after selecting your plan, you’re also prompted to choose your delivery size. This feature gives you an option between a Classic and Big box.
The Classic option contains 9 to 14 lbs of meat while the Big option comes with 18 to 26 lbs of meat.
This helped me better gauge how much meat I’d need for the month so I didn’t have to go on random grocery runs.
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Meat Delivery Services Plans & Prices Compared
As previously mentioned, both services focus on meat deliveries instead of complete meal kits. One good aspect of both these companies is the fact that they each have their own approach to deliveries and the subscription process.
I personally liked the way ButcherBox’s subscription operated more. However, I did also appreciate how you had an option to purchase a la carte meal with Crowd Cow.
CrowdCow focuses heavily on custom boxes and a la carte purchases. There are over 100 cuts of meat to choose from on their directory and only one subscription option available.
One thing I like about the CrowdCow subscription is you get to decide on your delivery schedule and exactly how big you want your delivery to be by selecting your own meals.
- Each box’s price varies according to the amount of meat you order so it’s a completely personal experience.
- However, subscribing to a recurring delivery will earn you a 5% discount on your order regardless of how much it costs you.
- There is a minimum purchase of $50 per transaction.
- Shipping is calculated at checkout and is usually around $13.
- You can qualify for free shipping if you purchase more than $99 worth of meat.
- New members get a free pound of premium ground beef.
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ButcherBox on the other hand has five subscription options to choose from. They deliver boxes that are good for a whole month.
You also have the option to choose whether you want your box delivered every four, six, or eight weeks. They also offer two size options to meet your portion requirements.
- Signing up for the first time will get you two 5-ounce lobster tails and two 6-ounce filet mignons for free.
- Shipping is free for all plans.
- You can choose between the Classic or Big size options.
- The Classic box is ideal for small families and singles. It contains around 8 to 14 pounds of meat.
- The Big box is ideal for mid-size families or if you have large freezers at home. It contains around 16 to 26 pounds of meat.
- Custom Box – the custom box contains 20% more meat compared to their curated options. You can choose between 100% grass-finished beef, free-range chicken, heritage pork, and wild-caught seafood which you can change each month.
- Mixed Box – this box gives you an assortment grass finished beef, organic chicken, and heritage pork.
- Beef and Pork – contains an assortment of 100% grass fed and grass finished beef as well as heritage pork cuts.
- Beef and Chicken – a selection of premium 100% grass finished beef plus free-range non-GMO chicken.
- All Beef – all premium grass fed and grass-finished beef cuts.
Cost per Meal – under $6 on average
Cost per Box
- Classic – under $130
- Big – under $240
ButcherBox also gives you the option of add-ons like salmon and breakfast sausages to your subscription
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Best Menu Selection
Both CrowdCow and ButcherBox deliver more than just premium beef cuts. They also have a good selection of heritage pork and free-range organic chicken cuts that are cruelty-free, and sourced from farms and ranches that employ sustainable practices.
While BB has a good selection of over 60 cuts of meat, CrowdCow has more options and even carries more varieties of beef and other meat cuts.
CrowdCow has a selection of over 100 cuts of meat. This goes beyond just the typical grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and heritage pork choices you’ll find on the BB website.
- There are four beef varieties to choose from
- Pasture-raised grain-fed beef
- Japanese wagyu
- American Wagyu
- They also carry free-range chicken, heritage pork, and sustainable seafood.
- You’ll also be able to find cuts of bison, American lamb, and turkey on their menu.
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On the other hand, ButcherBox has a simpler menu, but that doesn’t mean their selections are limited or lacking.
There are over 60 cuts of meat to choose from which are all sustainably sourced from ranches and farms in Australia and the US.
- You can choose between two beef varieties:
- Grass fed beef
- Grass finished beef
- You also have the option to choose between free-range chicken, heritage pork, and Alaskan salmon.
- You’re able to choose between five subscription options including a custom box with meat cuts of your choice.
- There are also several add-ons you can purchase with your box.
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Quality of Ingredients
Both CrowdCow and ButcherBox put a heavy emphasis on sustainable and cruelty-free practices. This means you’re getting premium meat cuts without having to worry about your meat coming from cruel ranches and farms that treat their livestock like non-living creatures.
- Puts a focus on working collaboratively with smaller farms. They have denied time and time again that they work with industrial factory farms, meat brokers or CAFO-associated meat suppliers.
- They also claim that their meats are free from unnecessary hormones.
I appreciate how you can view more information on each specific cut of meat right on the product page.
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- ButcherBox maintains sustainability practices by aligning themselves with a number of organizations that guarantee pasture-raised, and grass-fed beef.
- Their quality meat is also certified to be free from antibiotics, growth hormones, and synthetic dyes.
- Most of their beef is sourced from Australian ranches and US farms.
- Unfortunately, there’s no available information on individual partners and suppliers they have for their meat. However, they guarantee that their suppliers follow the highest sustainability standards.
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How Do Meat Subscriptions Work With ButcherBox vs Crowd Cow?
Both services have a vastly different approach when it comes to their subscriptions. For one thing, CrowdCow focuses on a la carte services and customizability.
Their order process takes you through the full menu before you’re able to decide whether you want a recurring subscription for the cuts of meat you chose.
CrowdCow also allows you to choose how often and when you want your meat choices to be delivered. It’s fairly easy to change your meat choices as well for each delivery. Plus, you get a 5% discount off your total if you choose the subscription.
On the other hand, ButcherBox offers five subscription options. The first four of which carry an assortment of meat cuts while the fifth lets you choose exactly which meat cuts go into your box.
Questions and Answers
Butcher Box is definitely worth the price if you don’t have access to certain sustainably-sourced meats in your area. The convenience is also a good bonus since you just have to shop from the convenience of your home.
Butcher Box meats come either half or frozen solid. This guarantees freshness and that your meats will not get spoiled in transit.
Butcher Box does not disclose individual supplier information. However, their beef is sourced from Australian and US farms.
Yes, you can cancel ButcherBox any time. Their cancellation process is easy and straightforward and shouldn’t take more than five minutes.
Yes, Crowd Cow does offer prime beef among its selection of meats. Prime beef is a specific grade of beef recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is the highest quality grade and is known for its exceptional tenderness, marbling, and flavor.
Crowd Cow takes pride in partnering with independent farmers and ranchers who raise premium, often grass-fed and pasture-raised cattle. While Crowd Cow places emphasis on sourcing unique and high-quality beef from different breeds and regions, they do include prime beef in their offerings.
Prime beef typically exhibits abundant marbling, which refers to the flecks of fat within the muscle tissue. This marbling enhances the tenderness, juiciness, and flavor of the meat. It is often sought after by individuals who appreciate the rich taste and texture of well-marbled cuts.
Although scientific research specifically comparing Crowd Cow’s prime beef to other suppliers may be limited, the USDA’s grading system provides a standardized measure to identify prime beef based on its marbling and other quality attributes.
If one is specifically interested in prime beef, it is advisable to review Crowd Cow’s product descriptions or reach out to their customer service to inquire about the specific cuts and availability of prime beef within their selection.
Crowd Cow vs Omaha Steaks
At the time I first noticed Omaha Steaks had a membership program I thought it was one of the cheapest but so far above a standard ground beef alternative I had ever seen. I wanted to make sure I didn’t buy one of these programs just because of the price, I wanted to know it had to deliver at the same level as the other options I could buy for the same price. I made a point of starting with the meat in the middle of their “best buys” list. For me, this ended up being Blue Label Tenderloin Chops and Shanks, I typically buy the 8oz steaks for one person. I did find this place to be cheaper for much of the meat compared to most online restaurants. It didn’t get cheaper for me, but that’s because I love beef and these things tasted amazing and had an incredibly juicy, flavorful, and remarkably tender quality. Follow the membership program schedule. There is a fairly strict schedule that the product moves on the member shopping website. I got my meat and stuck it in the fridge. The whole point of this exercise was to see if there were any obvious flaws in the system or if I could even find any more quality meats. To test that I grabbed my membership card off the fridge, went to the website, and in one click sign up for the membership. As I suspected, there was no food safety label like I would normally expect to see so I scanned over the page to make sure it wouldn’t be the case.Moink vs Butcher Box
Moink vs Butcher Box review – 3 out of 5 stars The Butcher Box has one of the better set-ups we’ve ever seen. It was a toss-up between this one and the Portal 2 one, but in the end, this one won out. The high-quality box contains multiple toys, multiple directions the bricks can be opened up, and very few broken toys compared to the Portal 2 one. It’s pretty handy for Lego collectors and casual fans. The modularity and movement are excellent. – Brendan Sinclair
What Kind of Meat Do You Get With ButcherBox?
The prices on the butcher box have the typical price per pound and per pound of grass-fed beef we have come to expect with other box services like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh, but it also includes organic chicken breast, ground beef, and pork tenderloin, as well as different cuts of poultry. To show you how versatile it is, there is also a standalone chicken breast box that is $19.99 and includes two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which is equivalent to five pieces of meat and comes with an extra egg roll, a soy-based chicken broth, and two barbecue sauces.
I signed up for ButcherBox so that I could try the chicken stock in one of the recipes in the Ultimate Meat Cookbook, which features recipes from celebrity chefs and food bloggers to cater to carnivores, and vegans, and those who want to learn how to cook.
Wild Fork vs Crowd Cow
When comparing Wild Fork and Crowd Cow, two popular online meat delivery services, several factors come into play, including product quality, sourcing practices, variety, and overall customer experience.
Wild Fork is a company that focuses on providing a wide range of high-quality meats, including beef, poultry, pork, seafood, and more. They pride themselves on offering products that are free from added hormones and antibiotics. Wild Fork sources its meats from trusted suppliers and claims to adhere to strict quality standards.
On the other hand, Crowd Cow positions itself as a marketplace connecting consumers directly with independent farmers and ranchers. They aim to offer transparency in the sourcing process, highlighting information about the farms and the practices used in raising the animals. Crowd Cow primarily focuses on beef but also offers other meats such as pork, chicken, and seafood.
When it comes to product selection and variety, Wild Fork tends to have a broader range of options, catering to various dietary preferences and cooking styles. They offer pre-portioned cuts and convenient packaging. Crowd Cow, on the other hand, emphasizes providing a curated selection of premium, often grass-fed and pasture-raised beef, with a focus on showcasing the unique flavors and characteristics of different breeds and cuts.
Scientific studies specifically comparing Wild Fork and Crowd Cow are limited. However, customer reviews and testimonials can offer insights into the overall satisfaction and experiences of customers.
Ultimately, the choice between Wild Fork and Crowd Cow depends on individual preferences, such as desired product range, sourcing transparency, and specific dietary requirements. It is advisable to consider factors such as quality, sourcing practices, variety, and pricing when making a decision. Reading customer reviews and comparing the offerings of each service can also help in determining which aligns best with one’s preferences and needs.
Good Chop vs Butcher Box
Good Chop and ButcherBox are two notable players in the online meat delivery market, offering consumers the convenience of high-quality meat products delivered to their doorstep. To make an informed choice between these two services, it’s essential to examine their key features, product offerings, sourcing practices, and customer experiences.
Good Chop:
Product Range: Good Chop primarily offers a selection of pre-portioned, vacuum-sealed meats, including beef, pork, poultry, and seafood. They also provide meal kits that include recipe cards to simplify meal preparation.
Sourcing Practices: Good Chop sources its meat from farms and suppliers that prioritize sustainability, animal welfare, and ethical practices. They focus on high-quality, natural meats that are free from hormones and antibiotics.
Customization: Customers can choose from a variety of meat cuts and meal kits based on their preferences. Good Chop offers flexibility in selecting the specific meats and quantities desired.
Subscription Options: Good Chop operates on a subscription model, allowing customers to receive regular deliveries of their favorite meats. Subscribers can customize their orders and delivery frequency.
Packaging: Good Chop uses eco-friendly packaging to minimize its environmental footprint. Their vacuum-sealed packaging helps extend the shelf life of the meat.
Pricing: While the quality of meat is high, some consumers may find Good Chop’s prices relatively higher compared to traditional grocery store options.
ButcherBox:
Product Range: ButcherBox focuses on delivering a variety of high-quality meat products, including 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, heritage-breed pork, and wild-caught seafood.
Sourcing Practices: One of ButcherBox’s distinguishing features is its commitment to sourcing meats from farms that adhere to strict animal welfare and sustainability standards. Their meat is free from antibiotics and added hormones.
Customization: ButcherBox offers customizable subscription boxes, allowing customers to tailor their orders to their specific preferences. They also provide curated box options for those who prefer pre-selected cuts.
Frozen Products: Similar to Good Chop, ButcherBox’s products are frozen, which can help maintain freshness and extend shelf life. However, some individuals may prefer fresh meat.
Pricing: While ButcherBox prioritizes quality and ethical sourcing, it may come with a higher price point compared to conventional grocery store options.
Add-Ons: ButcherBox offers additional items such as bacon, sausages, and specialty cuts that customers can add to their subscription boxes.
In summary, choosing between Good Chop and ButcherBox hinges on individual preferences and priorities. Good Chop provides a variety of meat cuts, meal kits, and eco-friendly packaging, with a focus on natural, high-quality meats. On the other hand, ButcherBox is renowned for its commitment to sourcing practices, offering an extensive range of ethically raised meats and wild-caught seafood.
The choice between these services should consider factors such as the desired product range, sourcing transparency, customization options, and the importance of fresh versus frozen meats. Both Good Chop and ButcherBox aim to deliver top-tier meat products to customers’ doors, catering to different dietary and ethical considerations in the modern meat market.
Good Chop vs Crowd Cow
Passionate about meat delivery services? You’re not alone! They revolutionize grocery shopping, sparing hours wandering store aisles. Prior to my meat subscription revelation, I’d waste precious time price-comparing at Walmart or Aldi’s, saving mere dollars. Frustrated, I sought efficiency online, relishing doorstep delivery, freeing me from extra errands and granting more family time. Exploring myriad options, I discovered Crowd Cow and Good Chop. Yet, recommending both is nuanced. Let’s delve into their disparities. Crowd Cow mandates a $75 minimum order, while Good Chop operates on a subscription model. Crowd Cow flaunts six subscription tiers, offering exotic meats, whereas Good Chop presents a basic yet curated selection. Moreover, Good Chop exclusively sources from US-based farms, ensuring transparency and sustainability, unlike Crowd Cow, which imports some meats. Good Chop emerges as a standout, offering customizable boxes brimming with chicken, pork, beef, and seafood at fixed monthly rates. Their medium box, priced at $149, features six meat varieties, totaling up to 36 portions. Opting for the large box at $269, you’ll relish 12 different cuts, equating to a whopping 72 portions. What sets Good Chop apart is its US-centric sourcing. Partnering with small, family-owned farms ensures ethical, antibiotic- and hormone-free produce. Their extensive selection, spanning beef, pork, poultry, and seafood, guarantees variety without compromising quality. From succulent ribeye steaks to wild-caught sea scallops, Good Chop boasts staples and specialties alike. Unboxing Good Chop reveals meticulous packaging, complete with insulation and recyclable materials, embodying sustainability. Their biweekly shipping cadence remains flexible, accommodating changes effortlessly. Plus, their responsive customer service alleviates any hiccups, exemplifying commitment to customer satisfaction. Unlike grocery store gambles, Good Chop offers consistency. No more grappling with hidden fats or saline-soaked pads—each cut arrives pristine, saving both money and meal prep time. With Good Chop, trust transcends mere transactions; it’s a commitment to quality and convenience. In conclusion, while both Crowd Cow and Good Chop offer quality meats, Good Chop emerges as the superior choice for families seeking value and reliability. With its US-centric ethos, customizable subscriptions, and unwavering commitment to quality, Good Chop embodies the epitome of premium meat delivery.Final Words
Both Butcher Box and Crowd Cow are good delivery services that make it more convenient to shop for sustainable beef pork, chicken, pork, and more at home.
They also make premium cuts more accessible to home who may not have local farms to supply them with good-quality cruelty-free cuts.
I found that Crowd Cow is a good choice if you want to have more autonomy over your choices. Their a la carte ordering system lets you choose exactly which cuts you’ll get and then afterwards, you can decide whether you want to subscribe to a recurring delivery for 5% off.
On the other hand, Butcher Box focuses on subscriptions. This makes it easier for you to either choose to curate your own subscription or pick a pre-curated option containing specified cuts.
While both services make it more convenient for you to shop for meat at home, they’re not the most cost-effective meal option.
In fact, I recommend that you try out SunBasket instead if you want to get the most value out of your money.
SunBasket delivers meal kits straight to your home. This means you don’t have to worry about heading out to shop for additional ingredients or figuring out which recipes to cook with your meats.
Plus, at around $6 per portion of meat, both Crowd Cow and Butcher Box are quite expensive. Not to mention the cost of the additional ingredients you’ll have to buy.
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