ButcherBox

ButcherBox delivers high-quality, humanely raised meat directly to your door. Choose from 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, heritage breed pork, and wild-caught seafood. All meat is free from antibiotics and added hormones, sourced from farms committed to sustainable practices.

ButcherBox started in 2015 with a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $200,000, tapping into growing consumer demand for high-quality, humanely raised meat without the premium grocery store markup. The company has since grown to over $600 million in annual revenue, establishing itself as the leading meat subscription service in the US.

The company’s core promise is transparency, every box contains meat from farms that meet strict standards for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and absence of antibiotics and hormones. For consumers frustrated by confusing labels like “natural” and “cage-free” that often mean little, ButcherBox provides clarity about exactly how animals were raised.

Pricing Plans

Box Type	Size	Price	Price Per Pound
Classic Box	8-11 lbs	$146/month	~$13-18/lb
Big Box	16-22 lbs	$269/month	~$12-17/lb
Custom Box	You choose	Varies	Market rates

First box often includes free bonus items (bacon, ground beef). All boxes include free shipping.

What’s Included

Protein Categories:

• Beef: 100% grass-fed, grass-finished ribeyes, NY strips, ground beef, roasts
• Chicken: Free-range organic breasts, thighs, drumsticks, whole chickens
• Pork: Heritage breed bacon, chops, tenderloin, ground pork
• Seafood: Wild-caught salmon, cod, scallops, shrimp (add-on or custom)

Sourcing Standards:

• No antibiotics ever
• No added hormones
• Humanely raised
• Grass-fed beef is grass-finished (not grain-finished)
• Seafood is wild-caught, never farmed

Box Contents:

• Curated boxes include a mix of cuts across protein types
• Custom boxes let you select exactly what you want
• Member specials offer add-on deals on popular items

How It Works

1. Select Your Box Type and Frequency: Begin by choosing between Classic Box (8-11 lbs of meat), Big Box (16-22 lbs for larger families), or Custom Box where you select specific cuts. Set delivery frequency to monthly or every other month based on your household consumption. Most families of four find the Classic Box delivered monthly provides adequate protein, while larger households or those who entertain often prefer the Big Box.

2. Create Your Protein Profile: Indicate whether you prefer beef-heavy, chicken-heavy, pork-heavy, or balanced boxes. For Custom boxes, browse the full catalog of 20+ cuts including ribeyes, NY strips, ground beef, chicken breasts, chicken thighs, pork chops, bacon, and wild-caught seafood. Select exact quantities of each cut you want delivered.

3. Review Member Specials and Add-Ons: Before checkout, browse exclusive member deals on popular items like heritage bacon, ground beef bundles, or seafood samplers. These add-ons ship with your regular box at discounted member pricing, allowing you to stock up on favorites or try new proteins.

4. Confirm First Delivery Details: Provide shipping address and delivery preferences. ButcherBox uses insulated packaging with dry ice to maintain frozen temperatures during transit. First-time orders often include bonus items like free bacon or ground beef as welcome offers.

5. Track Your Shipment: Receive email and text notifications as your delivery date approaches. Tracking information shows real-time package location. Delivery windows can span several days depending on carrier and weather conditions, plan to be available or have someone transfer the box to freezer promptly.

6. Receive and Inspect Delivery: Packages arrive in eco-friendly insulated boxes with dry ice. Meat should be frozen solid or very cold upon arrival. Inspect contents against packing slip to verify all items are included. Contact customer service immediately if anything appears damaged or missing.

7. Organize Freezer Storage: Transfer meat to freezer immediately. Most cuts maintain optimal quality for 6-12 months when properly frozen. Consider organizing by protein type or meal plan to make dinner prep easier. Label packages with delivery date if desired for rotation purposes.

8. Plan Thawing and Cooking: Move cuts from freezer to refrigerator 24-48 hours before planned cooking. Thicker cuts like roasts may need longer. Never thaw at room temperature. ButcherBox includes cooking tips and recipes via email and their website to help maximize each cut’s potential.

9. Manage Ongoing Subscription: Log into your account dashboard to skip upcoming deliveries, change box types, modify protein preferences, or add seasonal specials. Cancel anytime without penalty, there’s no commitment beyond your current billing cycle. Most members find monthly delivery optimal, but bi-monthly works well for smaller households.

Who It’s For

Perfect For:

• Families prioritizing high-quality protein without grocery store trips
• Health-conscious consumers who want grass-fed and organic options
• Home cooks who value ingredient quality
• Those following paleo, keto, or protein-heavy diets
• Consumers frustrated by confusing meat labels and inconsistent quality

Consider Alternatives If:

• Budget is primary concern (ButcherBox is premium priced)
• You prefer selecting meat in person at butcher shops
• Freezer space is very limited
• You need delivery on specific days (windows can be broad)
• You want more meal kit style preparation (this is raw meat only)

Quality Standards

ButcherBox’s sourcing exceeds typical grocery standards:

Beef: 100% grass-fed AND grass-finished. Most “grass-fed” beef is finished on grain, which changes the fat composition and flavor. ButcherBox beef grazes on pasture its entire life.

Chicken: Certified organic and free-range, meaning birds have outdoor access and organic feed. This exceeds “cage-free” which only means no cages, not outdoor access.

Pork: Heritage breeds (Berkshire, Duroc) raised outdoors on pasture without gestation crates. This represents a small fraction of US pork production.

Seafood: Wild-caught from sustainable fisheries, never farm-raised. This matters for omega-3 content and environmental impact.