“When it comes to making the most of your time in the kitchen or spicing up your weekly menu, the best meal delivery services can be excellent tools for better nutrition,” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. While these bundles of pre-portioned ingredients and pre-made dishes can be appealing, some diets and preferences only need support for one aspect — like vegetables or meats. With an impressive menu of high-quality meat cuts from an array of animals and sources, ButcherBox can be a perfect solution for keeping your protein consumption in-check without scavenging your local grocery store.
In our opinion, ButcherBox is one of the best meat delivery services on the market thanks to its robust assortment of meat cuts, customizable plans, and available free shipping. That said, those seeking specialty cuts may be underwhelmed, and subscription services (especially those requiring ample freezer space) aren’t for every palate. In this ButcherBox review, our team of experts took inspiration from our supplement testing methodology to examine and rate the subscription service in multiple categories including quality of meat, available customizations, packaging, and (of course) taste. We also compared our findings to experiences with other meat delivery kits we’ve tested (eight to date). So, is ButcherBox worth it? Let’s get cooking and dive right into our findings.
Need a trusted source for protein-rich meat but can’t make it to your local butcher on a regular basis? ButcherBox can keep you stocked up each month with high-quality cuts of chicken, beef, and pork with boxes starting at just $146.
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Main Takeaways
- ButcherBox offers multiple box sizes alongside curated or custom plans, giving you the ability to select your desired meat cuts for each scheduled delivery.
- While seafood and specialty meats are offered, our tester notes the menu primarily consists of beef, pork, and chicken options.
- Each box is made from recycled materials and filled with ample dry ice to retain freshness during transport.
ButcherBox Specs
| Price | Starting at $146 |
| Meat Per Box | Up to 26lbs |
| Meat Options | Beef, pork, chicken, seafood, lamb, bison |
| Available Plans | Custom, Curated |
| Delivery Range | Contiguous United States |
| Delivery Cadence | Every 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks |
As the name suggests, ButcherBox is a subscription-based meat delivery service offering premium portions of different cuts of meat. Depending on your chosen plan — Custom or Curated boxes — each order can be filled with grass-fed or grass-finished red meat, free-range poultry cuts, pork chops, sausages, wild-caught seafood, and more. Additionally, Kate Meier, Barbend editorial team member and certified personal trainer, adds, “I also appreciate the promotions the brand runs throughout the year offering free portions for set durations. I’ve, to date, scored free bacon and free ground beef for life and highly recommend subscribers take advantage of these deals.”
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD also points out that this responsible sourcing can be great for nutritional benefits. “Grass-fed, free-range, cage-free products can be more nutrient-dense than their standard counterparts,” she notes. “For example, studies report that grass-fed beef can contain higher counts of beneficial fatty acids than conventional beef options.” (1)
When it comes to variety, ButcherBox does offer a range of specific cuts across different meat sources. Naturally, you’re not likely to find a top plant source of protein amongst the listings, but the roster is worthwhile if you’re interested in different meats — including more exotic options such as bison or lamb. However, you’ll need to choose the Custom Box option at the start of your subscription if you’d prefer to choose your selected cuts for each delivery. “I prefer this subscription since it gives me room to order exactly what I need and want, rather than leave my freezer stocks up to ButcherBox’s curators,” adds Meier.
Speaking of orders, ButcherBox offers multiple quantities that can be suitable for a variety of household sizes. You can order up to 26 pounds of meat with each box divided up across your chosen meats, but there are 8- and 9-pound boxes as well. Regardless of your ButcherBox order size, we do recommend taking a gander at your available freezer space prior to signing up — the meat arrives fully or partially frozen and will need to be kept at chilled temperatures to preserve freshness.
Finally, ButcherBox prices are likely higher than what you’d see at your local grocer with costs beginning at roughly $146 per box. While this doesn’t align with some of the best budget meal delivery services, we understand the pricing given the quality sourcing exhibited in the meat options as well as the array of different options you have with each order. We also like that ButcherBox tacks on free shipping for each parcel, leaving you with less to worry about when trying to restock your freezer.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use ButcherBox
Like the best protein powders, meal kits, and even shaker bottles, ButcherBox meats aren’t for every palate. Below, we’ve outlined a few camps that could benefit from this premium meat delivery service as well as some groups that may fare better with a different subscription or meal delivery service.
Recommended for:
- Meat eaters wanting regular deliveries of organic chicken, grass-finished beef, and other high-quality cuts.
- Families with ample freezer space to accommodate large stocks of animal-based proteins.
- Athletes valuing meal subscriptions prioritizing sustainability through recyclable packaging and ethical meat sourcing.
Not Recommended for:
- Plant-based athletes that prefer to consume protein via other whole-food sources.
- Busy individuals unable to prepare meals each night.
- Budget-minded athletes trying to keep grocery costs closer to the $4.23 average of a standard home-cooked meal. (2)
Our Experience Using ButcherBox
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of testing over 40 different meal subscription services including eight different meat delivery kits. For this ButcherBox review, Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1 reflected on her short-term and long-term experience with the brand, taking inspiration from our supplement testing methodology to provide ratings on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in categories such as ingredient quality, menu assortment, taste, packaging, and overall value. Here are some of our top findings.
Available Options
One of the main factors we look for when choosing some of the best healthy meal delivery services is a sense of variety across the available menu. Thankfully, versatility is the name of the game with ButcherBox. We’ve found weekly offerings of chicken breasts, premium sirloins, boneless pork chops, chicken wings, and much, much more. Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1 rates the meat subscription service at 5 out of 5 for selection, noting, “I really enjoy the Curated Box platform that allows me to craft my orders to my family’s liking. It also gives me room to stock up on staples (chicken and ribeyes) while exploring other cuts like lamb chops, sausages, and more.”
We also appreciate that ButcherBox offers add-ons like fully-cooked chickens, packets of bacon, and even meatballs or ravioli. As we’ve explored the menus, though, we will note that some categories are more fruitful than others. Foundational meat products like beef, chicken, and pork are rarely underserved, but those wanting specific trims like bison, lamb, or turkey may be left to just a few options. Not a complete deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind — especially if you’re planning your order around picky eaters.
Taste
Taste is a major component of any nutritional compound — we have a full round-up dedicated to the best tasting protein powders for a reason, after all. According to Meier, flavor is not lost on these ButcherBox offerings. “I cannot wait for my next box to arrive since the quality is elevated beyond what I can find in my local grocery store,” she adds in reference to her 5-out-of-5 flavor rating. “I attribute the taste to the higher quality of the meat.”
Of course, taste is dependent on the freshness of your meat sources, so while ButcherBox does pack each parcel with adequate levels of dry ice, we do recommend taking care of your shipment sooner rather than later. The USDA reports that bacteria can begin to grow when meats reach temperatures between 40º and 140º Fahrenheit, so getting your order into the fridge or freezer is an absolute once your shipment hits your doorstep. (3)
Customizations
Your ButcherBox subscription works by selecting from the two available plans — Custom or Curated — and then selecting your box size for each proceeding order. Curated boxes offer brand-selected cuts, meaning there aren’t opportunities to swap, say, chicken drumsticks for a bundle of chicken thighs, but the Custom platform does give some versatility from one order to the next. “I have the Custom plan and I would recommend this service to ButcherBox enthusiasts even despite the added cost,” notes Meier. “Having the ability to customize my entire order makes shopping a breeze and eliminates the chances of receiving a cut that I know will go to waste.” While the customizations are a bit of a higher price tag, we still rate the service at 5 out of 5 for the category.
Packaging
OK, so you’ve selected your shipment of premium scallops, ribeyes, and filets, but what’s the use in choosing all that meat if it can’t efficiently reach your doorstep? Thankfully, we score ButcherBox at 5 out of 5 for its impressive packaging and sustainability efforts. “I appreciate the recyclable contents of each box and I’ve yet to receive an order with partially-thawed goods,” notes Meier.
Additionally, we appreciate the amount of dry ice and insulation featured in each parcel. This can go a long way in ensuring your meats never hit the “Danger Zone” and begin to spoil before having the chance to prepare your high-quality meals. Other meal kits we’ve tested offer less ice and packaging protocols, leading to less-than-stellar freshness and even spoiled products.
Value
“Value” can be a subjective category not directly linked to price — some of the best cheap pre-workouts can offer premium formulations that rival the most expensive offerings within the category. While we’re not saying that ButcherBox is a cheap meat delivery service with costs starting at roughly $146 per box, we feel the value is still high given the quality of meat featured in each delivery.
Meier rates the service at 5 out of 5 for the category, stating, “I don’t mind paying a premium for high-quality foods, and the brand does its best to make the investment worthwhile. In addition to the free shipping offered for each box regardless of size (Classic Box or Big Box), I also like the promotions that can gift you free cuts of meat for a set amount of time.” Currently, the brand is offering free wild-caught Alaskan salmon for a year, complimentary free-range organic chicken wings for a year, or free grass-fed, grass-finished steak tips for a year, but we’ve even seen lifetime promos available, as well.
What to Consider Before Subscribing to ButcherBox
Like any subscription service — even the best workout apps — there are some factors worth pondering over before providing your contact and payment information. Below, we’ve outlined some main considerations when deciding on whether ButcherBox (or another meat subscription service) is right for your household.
- Available Options: You’ll likely grow tired from weeks of just ground beef or chicken breasts. Accordingly, it’s important to choose a meat subscription offering a range of different cuts and protein sources to help sustain a varied diet. Look at the available menus and see if the offerings align to your taste buds and interests prior to sign-up.
- Ingredient Quality: While convenient, a meat delivery kit isn’t worth its subscription fee if the goods aren’t up to snuff. Ensure your service prioritizes sourcing meats from high-quality establishments. Buzzwords including “grass-fed,” “pasture-raised,” “organic,” and “free-range” can also give you a good indication that your pork loins, chicken thighs, and bone-in ribeyes are of the highest quality possible.
- Packaging: Your orders shouldn’t run the risk of spoiling during transport. As such, we recommend opting for a service prioritizing packaging protocols with ample ice and insulation. These practices can ensure your goods never enter the “Danger Zone” for bacteria build-up — 40º to 140º Fahrenheit, according to the USDA. (3)
- Storage Needs: “If you’re ordering two weeks’ worth of meat at a time, you’re going to need some extra freezer space,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. Accordingly, ensure that your current setup can comfortably house your order totals on a regular basis — think ordering one of the best treadmills without the available space to house the premium machine.
ButcherBox Vs. Competitors
While the competition amongst meat delivery services is lower than, say, the best creatine supplements, the field is not without a handful of worthy competitors. Below, we’ve outlined the top specs for two meat subscriptions we feel stack up well to ButcherBox — Porter Road and Wild Fork.
| ButcherBox | Porter Road | Wild Fork | |
| Price | Starting at $146 | Starting at $65 | Minimum $35 |
| Meat Per Box | Up to 26lbs | Varies by selected box bundle | Varies by chosen cuts |
| Meat Options | Beef, pork, chicken, seafood, lamb, bison | Beef, pork, chicken, seafood | Beef, chicken, seafood, poultry, pork, lamb, specialty meats |
| Available Plans | Custom, Curated | Best of Porter Road, Beef Stick Pouch, Butcher’s Choice, Dry-Aged Beef, Bachan’s BBQ, Burger, Pork, Porter Road Classics, Grilling Heroes | Custom |
| Delivery Range | Contiguous United States | Contiguous United States | Nationwide |
| Delivery Cadence | Every 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks | Every 2, 4, or 8 weeks | No subscription needed |
According to Stephen Sheehan, ISSA CPT, CNC, CSCS, “Porter Road offers excellent taste and quality with its available meat cuts. The dry-aged ribeyes were a favorite of mine, yet everything that came in my order was fresh and juicy.” However, we still hold ButcherBox in higher regards since Porter Road does charge for shipping fees until a certain limit is met.
Wild Fork can be an excellent option for athletes seeking out unique cuts of meat including lamb, ostrich, alligator, and more. Plus, our tester appreciates the versatility of the order structure where you only need to meet a minimum total for a full shipment. That said, the convenience of repeat orders is lost with this service — you’ll need to log in and place an order every time you need to restock.
Places to Buy ButcherBox
You can sign up for your ButcherBox subscription directly on the brand’s retail page.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1 states that managing your ButcherBox subscription is a breeze thanks to the intuitive user interface and quick response times, rating the platform at 5 out of 5 for customer service. “I’ve had no issues with changing delivery cadences or billing dates, and I like how easy it is to pause or cancel my subscription,” she adds. To reach the brand with any inquiries, you can call (855)-981-8568 or email support@butcherbox.com.
Finding reviews on ButcherBox can be a bit of a struggle since the brand does not offer customer-derived reviews on its retail site. However, Google Reviews indicates that ButcherBox boasts a 4.7-out-of-5 customer rating based on over 110 reviews. “The delivery is always on time and the quality is top shelf,” states one positive customer response.
Our Final Verdict on ButcherBox
So, is ButcherBox worth it? As Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD puts it, “ButcherBox can be a great option for anyone who wants to keep their kitchen stocked with sustainably raised and sourced meats. It can be super helpful for someone who might not live close to a grocery store or has limited options at their disposal.” While the price may be off-putting for budget buyers, and the menu is less adventurous than other meat subscriptions we’ve tested, we feel this is one of the highest quality platforms for delivered protein.
When deciding on a meat subscription service, it’s important to consider the menu options as well as the ingredient sourcing. Always make sure this convenient service aligns with your budget, too. If you’re in need of premium cuts in high-value boxes up to 26 pounds, we highly recommend considering ButcherBox for all your meat needs.
ButcherBox Review FAQs
How much is ButcherBox a month?
Your monthly budget for ButcherBox can depend on your delivery frequency. That said, the brand offers subscription services starting at $146 per box with delivery cadences every two, four, six, or eight weeks.
Is ButcherBox lab-grown meat?
All meats offered through ButcherBox are certified wild-caught or pasture-raised.
Does ButcherBox meat come from China?
According to the brand, most of ButcherBox’s grass-fed, grass-finished beef is from Australia while the heritage breed pork and free-range, organic chicken comes from both the United States and Canada.
References
- Davis, H., Magistrali, A., Butler, G., & Stergiadis, S. (2022). Nutritional benefits from fatty acids in organic and grass-fed beef. Foods, 11(5), 646. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8909876/
- Maggiolo, N. S. (2024, October 31). The cost of eating out vs eating in by State. The Cost of Eating Out vs Eating In by State. https://www.topnutritioncoaching.com/blog/cost-of-eating-out-vs-eating-in
- Food Safety and Inspection Service. How Temperatures Affect Food | Food Safety and Inspection Service. (n.d.). https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/how-temperatures-affect-food
