As a bargain shopper who cares about quality, I often browse the meat aisles at Walmart. With its reputation for low prices, Walmart seems like an ideal place to find deals on groceries. But when it comes to high-end cuts like USDA prime beef, the highest grade available, I wasn’t sure if Walmart would carry it or just stick to more budget-friendly options.
In this article, I’ll provide a detailed look at Walmart’s meat department to answer the question – does Walmart sell USDA prime beef? I’ll cover the different grades of beef they offer pricing compared to competitors, availability in stores and online and tips for finding prime cuts when you shop at Walmart.
Overview of Walmart’s Beef Selection
Walmart offers a wide variety of fresh beef options including
- Ground beef
- Steaks: sirloin, ribeye, T-bone, tenderloin, etc.
- Roasts: chuck, rump, shoulder clod, etc.
- Brisket, short ribs and stew meat
- Organic beef
- Grass-fed beef
Within these offerings you can find three main USDA grades of beef at Walmart
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USDA Choice – This is the most common grade of beef sold at Walmart. It has less marbling than Prime or Select but still good flavor and tenderness. Choice roasts and steaks offer a good value.
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USDA Select – More budget-friendly but lower quality than Choice, with less marbling. Select works well for stew meat or ground beef.
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USDA Prime is the best grade, with abundant marbling that makes the meat more tender and flavorful. More details below!
So Walmart does sell all USDA grades, but availability of Prime can vary.
Availability of USDA Prime Beef at Walmart
The availability of USDA Prime beef depends on the location:
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Limited Selection – Only some Walmart stores carry Prime cuts. It depends on regional supply and local demand.
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By Special Order – You may need to ask the butcher to specially order Prime cuts not regularly stocked. Allow 2-3 days.
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Seasonality – Prime availability might increase around holidays when demand is higher.
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Online Only – Walmart.com has a wider selection for delivery vs. in-stores.
While Prime selection is limited compared to a dedicated butcher shop, some Walmart locations do carry it, especially with special orders.
Finding USDA Prime Ribeye at Walmart
One prized Prime cut is the ribeye steak. I recently found USDA Prime ribeyes on sale at my local Walmart for $24.99 per pound.
Here were the details on these premium steaks:
- 16 oz portion size, cut extra thick
- Generous marbling throughout
- Bright red color indicating freshness
- Firm, consistent texture when raw
- Butcher paper wrapping for aging
For Prime grade, the price was excellent compared to premium grocery stores. The marbling and portion size made them a great buy.
Tips for Finding Prime Beef at Walmart
If you want to find USDA Prime beef at Walmart, here are my top tips:
- Ask the butcher if they carry or can order Prime cuts
- Check for Prime 1 week before major holidays
- Inspect the marbling and color to identify Prime
- Look for “USDA Prime” not just “USDA Beef” tags
- Be willing to pay a small premium over Choice
- Shop online for wider Prime selection and convenience
- Consider pre-ordering cuts not regularly stocked
With some effort and timing, you can find delicious Prime steaks and roasts from Walmart and still save money.
Is Prime Worth the Price at Walmart?
At the end of the day, is USDA Prime beef worth paying extra for at Walmart? In my opinion, Prime is worth the splurge for special occasions or treating yourself. The generous marbling makes a noticeable difference in tenderness and rich flavor. However, for feeding a large family, the price difference could add up, making budget-friendly Choice more practical for everyday meals. With Walmart’s pricing, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy Prime beef occasionally.
While availability varies regionally, Walmart does carry high-end USDA Prime beef. With some work checking inventory and asking butchers for special orders, you can find Prime cuts like ribeyes for special meals. The prices offer serious savings versus premium grocery stores. If you know how and when to shop for it, Walmart can be a great source for top-quality yet affordable USDA Prime beef worth savoring. Use these tips and enjoy Prime steak savings without sacrificing delicious taste!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get USDA prime beef?
To find USDA Prime beef, check high-end grocery stores like Albertsons or Costco. You can also ask your local Walmart butcher if they carry or can specially order Prime cuts.
Is USDA prime beef worth it?
Prime beef contains abundant marbling, making it very tender and flavorful. This top grade is worth paying extra for special occasions or treating yourself. However, Choice is more budget-friendly for everyday cooking.
Which is better – Angus or USDA prime?
Angus is a breed while Prime is a grade, so they aren’t directly comparable. Angus beef can meet Prime or Choice grades. Both Angus and Prime suggest higher quality beef, but other factors like diet and handling also affect the final product.
Where does Walmart get its beef from?
Walmart sources beef from major suppliers like Tyson and Cargill. Even with its own Angus beef program, Walmart will likely continue buying from these major processors. Beef producers are pushing for more options beyond the mega suppliers.
