JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Winn-Dixie changed everything about its famous WD Brand beef. It got a new name, graphics, labels with useful information, and a toll-free customer hotline. All 1,070 stores in the chain will get the new line, which is called WD Brand Prestige Beef, according to a spokesman for the company, Mickey Clerc. Prestige items include all steaks, chops and roasts — ground and.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Winn-Dixie changed everything about its famous WD Brand beef. It got a new name, graphics, labels with useful information, and a toll-free customer hotline.
All 1,070 stores in the chain will get the new line, which is called WD Brand Prestige Beef, according to a spokesman for the company, Mickey Clerc. Prestige items include all steaks, chops and roasts — ground and cubed beef are not included.
“Its a modernization,” Clerc told SN. “We have not changed the standards for our beef. We have a great reputation for beef and have been called “The Beef People.” But weve just done a little face-lifting and have given it a fresher look thats more contemporary. “.
All of the brand’s beef is labeled USDA Choice, which is the highest quality level available in stores; all of the cattle are grain-fed; all of the cuts are naturally aged; and Winn-Dixie meatcutters hand-cut the beef for an eighth-inch trim and a ribbon of marbling, Clerc said.
The store has added more help for the new line by making the labels clearer and using color-coding to show the differences between cuts and cooking methods. Clerc said that Winn-Dixie has started using the “Beef Made Easy” program from the National Cattlemens Beef Association. This program sets up self-service cases for beef by cut and cooking method. Under the new line, the retailer has inserted some of its own ideas.
“Weve been working with them, but we have always included cooking information, like preparation methods,” he said. Safe-handling instructions and beef-cooking temperatures are also part of the information consumers are given.
Customers who want to know more about the cut itself, beef health, or food safety can now call the new “What’s Cookin’ Hotline.” ” Here, direct customer inquiries are addressed by a live representative familiar with the Prestige line. There is a whole section on Winn-Dixie’s website about the new line. It has more information about food safety, cooking methods, and the USDA grades and what they mean.
The retailer timed the introduction of the premium label to coincide with American Heart Month, observed throughout February. Winn-Dixie’s literature says that many of the cuts in the Prestige line, especially the loin and round, are the leanest cuts of beef that shoppers who eat beef and want to eat healthy can find.
As a Southern grocery staple, Winn Dixie offers plenty of perks for beef lovers. But when it comes to the all-important question – what grade of beef does Winn Dixie sell? – the answers aren’t always crystal clear.
After digging into their selection, here’s what I discovered about the beef grades, cuts, and overall quality shoppers can expect from this regional favorite.
Winn Dixie Sells Mostly USDA Choice Grade Beef
The predominant grade of beef you’ll find at Winn Dixie is USDA Choice This indicates that the beef has moderate marbling, which provides good flavor and tenderness when cooked
Choice hits the sweet spot – it’s one grade below Prime (the highest quality beef with abundant marbling) and one grade above Select (very uniform but less flavorful).
For most shoppers, Choice grade brings the right balance of taste and texture you want from a satisfying steak or roast. It aligns with Winn Dixie’s mission to deliver restaurant-caliber beef
Special Prestige Line Offers Premium Cuts
In particular, Winn Dixie shines with its new WD Brand Prestige Beef line. This showcases premium cuts like ribeyes, porterhouses, tenderloins, and sirloins that have been dry-aged by master butchers on site.
The Prestige cattle are corn-fed and the beef is naturally aged to amplify its flavor. This results in incredibly tender, juicy cuts that rival high-end steakhouses. For special occasions or a luxurious dinner, the Prestige options can’t be beat.
Lean Options Available for Health-Focused Shoppers
For those watching their fat and calories, Winn Dixie also offers leaner cuts of Choice beef. Favorites like filet mignon, sirloin tip roast, 93% lean ground beef, and eye of round roast fit well into a healthy diet.
These cuts come from the loin and round primals, which are naturally lower in fat. Winn Dixie labels them clearly as “lean” choices in the fresh meat case.
Grading System Explained – Prime, Choice, Select
To fully appreciate what Choice grade means, it helps to understand the USDA grading framework. Here’s a quick overview:
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Grading is voluntary for beef producers and based on marbling and maturity.
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There are 8 total grades from Prime (highest) to Canner (lowest). Most retailers sell Prime, Choice, or Select.
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Prime has abundant marbling and is often served in upscale steakhouses.
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Choice has less marbling than Prime but is still quite flavorful and juicy.
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Select is leaner with less marbling but has uniform texture.
So the Choice beef Winn Dixie sells brings nice marbling for added moistness and taste, but perhaps not as luxe as Prime grade. Still, it delivers on quality and satisfaction.
Tips for Cooking Winn Dixie’s Beef
Winn Dixie’s beef makes preparing the perfect steak or roast at home simple. Here are some tips:
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Choose the right cut for your cook method – tenderloin for grilling, brisket for smoking.
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Let meat come to room temp before cooking for even cooking.
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Use a meat thermometer – 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
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Allow steak to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
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Season simply with just salt and pepper to let the natural flavor shine.
Follow these guidelines when cooking those beautiful roasts and steaks from Winn Dixie to get exceptional results every time.
The Takeaway: Expect Quality and Satisfaction
At the end of the day, Winn Dixie aims to provide beef that customers can count on for tenderness, flavor, and overall eating enjoyment. The Choice grade beef ensures you’ll serve up juicy, well-marbled steaks and roasts.
And for special occasions, the Prestige line offers prime cuts aged to perfection by their expert meatcutters. Plus, health-focused shoppers have ample lean options for guilt-free enjoyment.
So next time you’re at Winn Dixie, you can grab that package of ground chuck or porterhouses with total confidence, knowing it brings serious beef satisfaction. Their commitment to quality means you’ll serve up steaks worth savoring.
Beef Grades Explained – Select vs Choice vs Prime Steaks
FAQ
What grade is Winn-Dixie meat?
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