What Is the Price Range of Wagyu Beef?

The price of wagyu beef can vary widely depending on factors such as the grade of the meat, the cut, and the region where it is sold. In the U.S., the price of wagyu beef can range from $25 to $200 per pound or more, depending on the quality and cut of the meat. In Japan, the price of high-quality wagyu beef can be even more expensive, with some cuts selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars per pound.

Is Wagyu Beef Worth the Cost?

While wagyu beef may be more expensive, it’s worth noting that the flavor, tenderness, and overall eating experience can be truly exceptional, making it a sought-after delicacy for many food enthusiasts. However, some people may not find the flavor or texture of wagyu beef to their liking. In that case, there are plenty of other high-quality beef options available at a lower cost. Wagyu beef can be prohibitively expensive for some budgets, so it may not be a practical choice for everyday meals.

What Are the Requirements for Beef to Be Considered Wagyu?

To be considered wagyu, the beef must meet certain requirements, including Breed: The cattle must be of a specific breed or a crossbreed with Japanese genetics. The four main breeds of wagyu cattle are Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled. Origin: The cattle must be born and raised in Japan, or if raised outside of Japan, they must be from a purebred wagyu lineage. Feeding: Wagyu cattle are fed a specific diet that includes high-quality grains and grasses, and they may also be given a special blend of feed and receive regular massages to improve their overall health and well-being. Grading: The beef is graded based on its marbling and meat quality, with the highest grades reserved for meat with the most intramuscular fat. The grading system used in Japan is different from that used in other countries, but generally, the higher the grade, the more expensive the beef. These requirements are strictly enforced to ensure the quality and authenticity of wagyu beef. While there may be other high-quality beef products on the market, only beef that meets these specific requirements can be considered true wagyu.

Is Certification Sent to You When You Buy Wagyu Beef Online?

Whether or not a certification is sent to you when you buy wagyu beef online will depend on the specific website or vendor you purchase from. Some companies may provide a certificate of authenticity that confirms the beef is authentic wagyu and meets the strict criteria for the breed. However, not all online purveyors provide a certificate, so it’s important to research the vendor and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you are getting high-quality authentic wagyu beef. It’s also a good idea to verify the vendor’s return policy in case you are not satisfied with what you’ve ordered.

Best Places to Buy Wagyu Beef Online in 2023

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High Angle View Of Wagyu Steaks On Table — Photo:
Martina Birnbaum / EyeEm / Getty Images

Wagyu beef is a type of high-quality beef that traditionally originates from Japan but is now also raised in other parts of the world, including the United States and Australia. It’s considered a luxury food item, highly regarded for its rich flavor, tender texture, and unique marbling. While it is generally more expensive than other types of beef due to its traditionally intensive cattle management techniques, the unique taste, and texture of wagyu beef — along with its status as a luxury food item — make it well worth the cost. True wagyu is highly sought after by food enthusiasts and chefs around the world. And now, with the advent of online butcher shops, this meaty delicacy can be delivered right to your door.

Best Places to Buy Wagyu Beef Online of 2023

Best Overall: DeBragga
Best Homestyle Butcher: Rastelli’s
Best Variety: D’Artagnan Foods
Best American Wagyu: Snake River Farms
Best Authentic Wagyu Beef: Holy Grail Steak Co.
Best for Premium Cuts: Allen Brothers

Best Overall: DeBragga

DeBragga

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Key Specs

Delivery Area: 48 states
Free Shipping? No
Products Arrive: Fresh

Why You Should Try It

DeBragga dry-ages select cuts of wagyu for acclaimed NYC chefs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Sells the same meat as four-star New York City restaurants
Different promotional offers on a weekly basis
Steroid-free grass-fed meat

Cons

Orders placed after Wednesday don’t process until the following week
Cheaper options are available

Overview

DeBragga offers three varieties of wagyu beef: American, Australian, and Japanese. All styles meet the exacting requirements of traditional Japanese ranchers, with the company’s own grass-fed cattle being raised in New York state. In addition to wagyu, DeBragga also boasts a wide array of top-quality wet and dry-aged beef, as well as grass-fed and naturally raised beef. Other proteins available include heritage breed pork, veal, lamb, chicken, and duck. The majority of meats are shipped fresh (not frozen) and packed in insulated boxes with ice packs for next-day delivery.

Pricing and Plans

Minimum purchase: $99
Shipping: $20 and up, depending on distance from New York and type of delivery

Best Homestyle Butcher: Rastelli’s

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Key Specs

Delivery Area: 48 states
Free Shipping? Yes, with $200 order
Products Arrive: Frozen

Why You Should Try It

Rastelli’s sustainable meat delivery service sources its wagyu beef from a small family farm in Ohio.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Family-owned business
Sustainable and transparent sourcing
Recyclable box

Cons

Pricey shipping costs (unless purchasing more than $200)
Limited cuts and styles of wagyu beef

Overview

Rastelli’s is a family-run, neighborhood-style butcher shop offering monthly subscription bundles and à la carte options. Rastelli’s carries a handful of wagyu cuts, including sirloin, rib eye, New York strip, and filet mignon. In addition to other styles of beef, including grass-fed and prime grade, the company also sells poultry, seafood, pork, and lamb. You can place one-time orders or save 5% by subscribing. All meats are flash-frozen at -40°F and vacuum-sealed for peak freshness when shipped out.

Pricing and Plans

Curated subscription boxes start at $79
Shipping: $10 for orders $100-$199; $25 for orders under $100; free for orders over $200

Best Variety: D’Artagnan Foods

D'Artagnan Foods

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Key Specs

Delivery Area: 50 states and D.C.
Free Shipping? No
Products Arrive: Fresh or Frozen (depends on selection)

Why You Should Try It

Well known for its selection of smoked meats, wild game, confit, and pâté, D’Artagnan ships to all 50 states (which is rare) and has amazing customer service.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Premium-grade, humanely raised meat
Rare meats like pheasant, squab, rabbit, and others
Occasional free shipping offers

Cons

Not a good fit for every budget
Minimum ordering amount of $50

Overview

D’Artagnan Foods is committed to free-range, sustainable, and humane practices that respect animals and nature. The company offers American-raised wagyu from Japanese cattle stock, reared without antibiotics or hormones by experienced and conscientious ranchers. Shipped either fresh or frozen depending on the order, the richly flavored and well-marbled beef comes in a wide variety of cuts — from rib-eye roasts to hanger steaks. D’Artagnan’s informative website is easy to navigate, with new subscribers eligible for a 20% discount on their first order of $175 or more. The customer service is also attentive and friendly, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee that will refund or replace any product that is unsatisfactory.

Pricing and Plans

Minimum Purchase: $50
Shipping: Free shipping promotions from time to time, but no set level where shipping becomes free.

Best American Wagyu: Snake River Farms

Snake River Farms

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Key Specs

Delivery Area: 50 states
Free Shipping? No
Products Arrive: Frozen, unless dry-aged, which is shipped fresh

Why You Should Try It

Snake River Farms handles its American Wagyu all the way from the farm to the butcher’s case.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Company oversees entire supply chain
Breeding and raising American Wagyu since the late 1980s
Customer service texts with you

Cons

Only one type of wagyu beef
No option for subscription or recurring order

Overview

While most wagyu vendors act as the middleman between the suppliers and customers, Snake River Farms owns the entire supply chain for their American-raised beef. The company has established one of the top breeding programs in the United States, tracing its cattle stock back to Fukutsuru, a wagyu bull shipped from Japan in the early 1990s. Top chefs like Thomas Keller and Hugh Acheson prefer Snake River beef, and Wolfgang Puck has said he personally chooses Snake River Farms over Japanese Wagyu. The farm has American roots, so you’ll find classic cuts that you wouldn’t normally come across with Japanese preparations, like brisket and skirt steak.

Pricing and Plans

Minimum order: $49
Shipping: $9.99 (1-3 Day Standard Ground) to $49.99 (One-day Air)

Best Authentic Wagyu Beef: Holy Grail Steak Co.

Holy Grail Steak Co.

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Key Specs

Delivery Area: 48 states
Free Shipping? Yes, over $199 order
Products Arrive: Frozen

Why You Should Try It

Holy Grail Steak Co. has exclusive rights to some of the highest-grade Japanese Wagyu ranches.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Exclusive availability of some of the highest-grade Japanese Wagyu
Comprehensive guide and resource for cooking wagyu beef
Luxury-grade quality

Cons

Limited stock can sell out quickly
Extensive selection can be overwhelming

Overview

The high-end Holy Grail Steak Company is the first online authorized seller of authentic Japanese Kobe beef in the U.S., featuring A5 grade Japanese Wagyu that accounts for only 1% of beef raised in Japan. The company has an extensive and exclusive selection, including rare finds like Maezawa beef from Ogata Farms. Along with Japanese and American Wagyu, it offers premium non-wagyu beef, pork, and New Zealand salmon. Holy Grail’s beef sells in individual cuts in addition to packaged steak flights and subscription boxes.

Pricing and Plans

Minimum subscription box: $99, Burger Lab
Shipping: Free Ground Shipping on Orders over $199; $29 Standard Shipping (Ground); $99 Overnight Shipping (One-Day Air)

Best for Premium Cuts: Allen Brothers

Allen Brothers

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Key Specs

Delivery Area: 50 states
Free Shipping? No
Products Arrive: Frozen unless otherwise noted

Why You Should Try It

Allen Brothers supplies premium cuts of USDA beef to top American steakhouses.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Variety of options and bundles to choose from
Restaurant-quality beef
Frequent deals and promotions

Cons

Mainly used by chefs
Longer order times

Overview

Allen Brothers offers nationwide delivery of wagyu beef that meets the precise standards of top chefs and steakhouses. You can choose from over two dozen premium cuts of high-grade Japanese and Australian Wagyu — everything from a standing rib roast to wagyu bacon. Prices range from $50 for the wagyu beef cheeks to $700 for the A5 Japanese Wagyu Flight. In addition to wagyu, Allen Brothers offers USDA Prime beef, as well as fish, wild game, and every protein in between. The company is transparent about sourcing and selects its U.S. beef only from certain states with the best climate and land for cattle.

Pricing and Plans

Shipping: $25-$85, depending on location

Final Verdict

For the best luxury wagyu beef, DeBragga tops the rest. The company adheres to rigid Japanese standards of quality for optimal marbling and flavor. DeBragga offers its customers a variety of cuts, sourced from ranches in Japan, Australia, and the U.S. DeBragga’s site is easy to navigate, delivery is reliable and fresh, and the other specialty meats it provides make it the number one choice in this arena.

Compare the Best Places to Buy Wagyu Beef Online

Company	Delivery Area	Free Shipping	Products Arrive	Same-/Next-Day Shipping?	Minimum Purchase for Wagyu Beef
Best Overall: DeBragga	48 states	No	Fresh	Yes	$23
Best Homestyle Butcher: Rastelli’s	48 states	No	Frozen	No	$15
Best Variety: D’Artagnan Foods	50 states	No	Fresh or Frozen	Yes	$50
Best American Wagyu: Snake River Farms	50 states	No	Frozen, unless otherwise noted	Yes	$49
Best Authentic Wagyu Beef: Holy Grail Steak Co.	48 states	Yes, over $199	Frozen	Yes	$69
Best for Premium Cuts: Allen Brothers	50 states	No	Frozen, unless otherwise noted	Yes	$50

Guide to Choosing a Place to Buy Wagyu Beef Online

What to Consider

Price: When it comes to luxury beef like wagyu, price is usually the number one concern. Prices will vary on different cuts and variations — overall pricier than standard beef, so decide how much you can (or can’t) splurge.
Type of Cut: Whether you’re grilling burgers, skillet-searing a steak, or cooking an all-day roast, the cut makes the meal. Take into consideration the type of meal you want to build around your wagyu beef and go from there.
Wagyu Grading: Wagyu beef is graded from one to five, with one being the poorest quality and five being the highest. The number depends on how well the beef meets coloring, texture, and marbling criteria. Take this into consideration when considering which beef to buy.
Certification: Authentic wagyu beef comes with a certification. The document should contain information about the source of the beef along with its official grade from the Japanese Meat Grading Association.
Packaging and Delivery: Wagyu delivery services either package the beef frozen or fresh. This depends on the delivery time and distance from the distributor. Before you order, consider how quickly and in what condition you’d like to receive your wagyu. Fresh meat should be consumed within the week, while frozen meat can last longer with proper storage.
Company Reputation: The quality of the wagyu beef you order depends on the company you order it from. Some purveyors are farm-direct in the U.S., while others have exclusive relationships with producers in Japan or Australia. Depending on where you expect the beef to be sourced from, it’s best to look into the company’s history and reputation.
Refund Policy: When it comes to partaking in the luxury that is wagyu beef, you want to make sure you’re satisfied with the product you ordered. Different companies will have different satisfaction guarantees, so check each company’s website for information on what it covers.

What Is Wagyu Beef?

Wagyu beef is a high-quality, premium beef that comes from specific breeds of Japanese cattle. The term “wagyu” actually means “Japanese cow,” and the meat is known for its intense marbling, which contributes to its tender texture and rich, buttery flavor. Wagyu cattle are raised in a specific way, with strict guidelines for their diet and lifestyle to ensure the highest quality beef. The meat is graded based on its marbling, with the highest grades reserved for meat with the most intramuscular fat. Because wagyu beef is often considered a luxury item, it is typically more expensive than other varieties of beef.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Price Range of Wagyu Beef?

The price of wagyu beef can vary widely depending on factors such as the grade of the meat, the cut, and the region where it is sold. In the U.S., the price of wagyu beef can range from $25 to $200 per pound or more, depending on the quality and cut of the meat. In Japan, the price of high-quality wagyu beef can be even more expensive, with some cuts selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars per pound.
Is Wagyu Beef Worth the Cost?

While wagyu beef may be more expensive, it’s worth noting that the flavor, tenderness, and overall eating experience can be truly exceptional, making it a sought-after delicacy for many food enthusiasts. However, some people may not find the flavor or texture of wagyu beef to their liking. In that case, there are plenty of other high-quality beef options available at a lower cost. Wagyu beef can be prohibitively expensive for some budgets, so it may not be a practical choice for everyday meals.
What Are the Requirements for Beef to Be Considered Wagyu?

To be considered wagyu, the beef must meet certain requirements, including

Breed: The cattle must be of a specific breed or a crossbreed with Japanese genetics. The four main breeds of wagyu cattle are Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled.

Origin: The cattle must be born and raised in Japan, or if raised outside of Japan, they must be from a purebred wagyu lineage.

Feeding: Wagyu cattle are fed a specific diet that includes high-quality grains and grasses, and they may also be given a special blend of feed and receive regular massages to improve their overall health and well-being.

Grading: The beef is graded based on its marbling and meat quality, with the highest grades reserved for meat with the most intramuscular fat. The grading system used in Japan is different from that used in other countries, but generally, the higher the grade, the more expensive the beef.

These requirements are strictly enforced to ensure the quality and authenticity of wagyu beef. While there may be other high-quality beef products on the market, only beef that meets these specific requirements can be considered true wagyu.
Is Certification Sent to You When You Buy Wagyu Beef Online?

Whether or not a certification is sent to you when you buy wagyu beef online will depend on the specific website or vendor you purchase from. Some companies may provide a certificate of authenticity that confirms the beef is authentic wagyu and meets the strict criteria for the breed. However, not all online purveyors provide a certificate, so it’s important to research the vendor and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you are getting high-quality authentic wagyu beef. It’s also a good idea to verify the vendor’s return policy in case you are not satisfied with what you’ve ordered.

Methodology

We looked at nearly two dozen different companies to find the best places that deliver wagyu beef. We reviewed each company’s history to determine whether its delivering authentic, top-quality wagyu beef. We considered the range and types of wagyu beef offered, as well as other factors like subscription options and the availability of other proteins. Lastly, we made sure our list included companies that provide recipes and tutorials to help you properly cook wagyu beef, as well as education on its heritage and significance.

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