Be a smart grocery-getter – understand the beef grading scale.
One of the most important grading factors is easy to spot in the meat case: marbling. Marbling – the little white flecks in beef – is key to flavor. The higher the amount of marbling, the higher the quality of beef.
The Certified Angus Beef ® brand is incredibly flavorful, tender and juicy because of the high amounts of marbling in every cut.
Why is the Certified Angus Beef ® brand better than USDA Choice and Prime?
The Certified Angus Beef ® brand is incredibly flavorful, tender and juicy, because beef passes 10 specifications for quality not required of regular USDA Choice and nine specifications not required of USDA Prime beef.
These science-based standards ensure flavorful and juicy beef in every bite. It’s so exclusive, less than 8% of all beef can earn the brand’s label. And less than 1.5% of all beef earns the Certified Angus Beef ® brand Prime label.
The Grading Scale
All beef is inspected for wholesomeness by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)*, and is graded for quality. Marbling plays a big role in quality grades because more marbling means more flavor.
Here’s the breakdown of the grading scale:
USDA Prime – best grade given by USDA. Prime represents the highest degree of marbling and an elite product. Less than 3% of beef qualifies as USDA Prime, often found in high-end steakhouses touting exclusive, high-quality beef.
Quick Facts
Marbling is a name for the white flecks of fat in the beef. Never fear, it melts into tantalizing and tender juices during cooking.
Higher amounts of marbling protect beef from overcooking. More marbling equals more juices.
“Prime rib” has nothing to do with the Prime grade of beef. It’s simply the name of a particular cut.
USDA Choice – below Prime on the scale. There are extreme variations in marbling, with some steaks looking more like Prime and others, more like Select. The fact is, USDA Choice is the "every man" grade and for the tastiest beef, look for more marbling. Choice is most commonly advertised by retailers and restaurants.
USDA Select – a lower quality grade. With a name like "select" it's a bit confusing, but USDA Select beef tastes nothing like Choice and Prime cuts. It doesn't have the flavor or texture of the higher grades. USDA Select beef has very little marbling, and if you remember, that's what makes beef taste great.
* In Canada, brand standards are evaluated by the Canadian Beef Grading Association
Buyer Beware
"USDA Inspected" on the label may sound dandy, but be smart. If it doesn't say Select, Choice or Prime on the sticker, it usually means the product received a Standard grade.
Standard Grade beef has only traces of marbling or is practically devoid of marbling. Translation: practically devoid of flavor and tenderness.
Cheap beef may seem economical, but that doesn't mean it will look good on your plate or taste good in your mouth.
