ButcherBox and Costco are two well-known companies home to a range of high-quality meat.
Since ButcherBox only deals with meat subscription boxes and Costco acts as both an online and in-person wholesale market, there are quite a few differences between the two.
To help guide you in the right direction, we have researched and tested both of these companies in depth.
We will figure out if it is better to shop from a company that specializes in meat, or one that houses a whole range of products for an affordable price.
Costco vs ButcherBox: Key Differences
The main difference between these companies is the way that they work.
While ButcherBox specializes in only meat subscription boxes, Costco sells everything from meat to cleaning supplies, to pots and pans, just like in a local grocery store.
Another difference is that all meat from ButcherBox is sustainably sourced to be free-range, grass-fed, and additive-free, while the meat at Costco is pretty hit and miss.
They do have some grass-fed meat, but it all depends on the company which the meat comes from.
Comparing Their Features Head to Head
Here’s a quick look into ButcherBox and Costco.
1. Meat Selection
ButcherBox is home to 60 different cuts of chicken, pork, beef, and sustainably-sourced seafood, which is ideal for people needing a variety of meats. Each month, the available cuts rotate.
There is the option of a custom box, which allows for free choice among all available cuts, otherwise, the meat will be handpicked based on your preferences.
This meat delivery service has:
- Boneless pork chops
- Grass-fed ground beef
- Ground pork
- Breakfast sausage
- Flat iron steaks
- Bone-in chicken thighs
The meat department at Costco is vast, so much so that it can be difficult to navigate the website if you are unsure of what you need. They offer around 197 items of beef, pork, lamb, poultry, seafood, and meat substitutes.
Some cuts of meat you can find at Costco include:
- Boneless pork loin chops
- Chicken wings
- Pork butt
- Chicken tenders
- Whole chicken
- NY strip
2. Meat Sourcing
ButcherBox only works with selected family farms around the US to source their meat.
This is because they have better control over the way the meat is raised. All animals are grass-fed, pasture-raised, humanely raised, and free of any antibiotics and hormones.
The free-range organic chicken from ButcherBox has earned a level 3 GAP (Global Animal Partnership) rating, which means the free-range chicken has the best environment possible.
“We partner with people who are dedicated to doing the right thing.”
- ButcherBox
One of ButcherBox’s main focuses is their grass-fed beef and grass-finished beef, which is said to have many benefits such as less unhealthy fats and more vitamins [1].
Many brands are on the Costco website, so it becomes difficult to track how individual meats have been sourced.
The chuck eye roll goes into quite a lot of information about the sourcing, such as having a grass diet, etc. Whereas the Chicago steak offers up no information at all.
3. Menu Options and Prices
ButcherBox gives customers five options; one custom and four curated. The classic box costs $137, except for the customizable box which costs $159.
Customers will receive 8-11lbs or 9-14 lbs depending on the box and have the option to size up to the big box.
- Custom box: Choice of all items on the website.
- Mixed box: Same as the custom option, but curated.
- Two meats: Beef and chicken box or beef and pork box.
- All beef box: Contains only meat.
Since Costco are an a la carte service, it is difficult to compare prices. So, we have listed a few available packages.
- Chicago Steak: 6.5lbs of Premium Angus Filet Mignons, Maryland Crab Cakes, Gourmet Steak Burgers - $229
- A5 Wagyu Surf & Turf Pack: 3.2lbs of Japanese Wagu and Cold Water Caught Lobster Tails - $379.99
4. Delivery
ButcherBox ships to all US states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, and all orders come with free shipping.
Orders will typically arrive within 2 - 5 days after shipping, containing enough dry ice to keep items cool for eight hours after delivery [2].
Some items on the Costco website are available in all US states, while others are not.
Perishable items should be shipped using the Costco grocery delivery. All frozen items will be subject to a $10 charge on top of the existing delivery fees.
Related Articles:
ButcherBox or Costco: Our Winner
Both companies are home to great quality meat; however, we believe this one goes to ButcherBox.
ButcherBox delivers grass-fed beef at an affordable price, specializing in sustainably-sourced seafood, humanely raised pork, and organic meat.
Since this meat delivery company works closely with family-owned farms, it allows better control over the products being sold, resulting in meat that is both delicious and healthy.
Click here to check out ButcherBox.
#1 Meat Delivery Service
ButcherBox
- Grass-fed and grass-finished beef delivered directly to your door
- Without antibiotics or added hormones
- Customizable boxes available
- Select from up to 21 different cuts
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of June
- No organ meat
