What Grocery Stores Sell Wagyu Beef? Your Guide to Finding This Premium Meat

Wagyu beef has gained legendary status for its exquisite marbling, tenderness and rich flavor. This highly prized delicacy originating from Japan commands premium prices and remains elusive even for most grocery stores. If you’re eager to cook this luxury ingredient at home, where exactly can you find authentic Wagyu?

This definitive guide explores which major grocery chains offer Wagyu beef and where your best bets are for securing quality cuts. You’ll learn how to identify real Wagyu, understand the grading system, get pricing intel, online buying tips, and expert cooking recommendations to make the most of this extraordinary meat.

Limited Wagyu Selection at National Grocery Chains

Large supermarket chains offer minimal availability of true Japanese Wagyu beef. At best you may find

• Walmart – Occasionally stocks ground American Wagyu beef at select high-end locations. No imported Japanese Wagyu is sold.

• Costco – Sells American Wagyu patties along with premium USDA Prime strip steaks and tenderloins from Snake River Farms Limited imports of true Japanese Wagyu based on seasonal availability.

• Sam’s Club – As a Walmart company, minimal offerings like seasonal American Wagyu ground beef or strips.

• Kroger – Spotty availability of domestic American Wagyu, maybe ground beef or strips at higher end banners like Ralphs or Mariano’s.

• Publix, HEB, Meijer – Currently do not carry any Japanese or American Wagyu beef selections.

The bottom line is Wagyu beef remains hard to find at national grocery store chains. Specialty retailers provide better access.

Your Best Wagyu Bets are Butchers Shops and Specialty Stores

For more extensive choices of quality domestic American Wagyu and prized Japanese imports, visit:

• Whole Foods – By far the leading national grocery chain for dependable Wagyu beef supply, often sourced from Snake River Farms. Regular offerings of ground meat, ribeyes, tenderloins, brisket, and more.

• Local butcher shops – Independent meat markets with in-house butchers and dry aging rooms provide premium cuts of boutique Wagyu beef. Develop a relationship with the butcher to access limited availability treasures.

• Asian markets – Stores specializing in Japanese ingredients may stock select Wagyu cuts like ribeye and short plate imported directly from Japan.

• Fresh Market – This upscale chain features exclusive Wagyu boxed sets sourced from the Miyazaki coast of Japan, considered top quality.

• Restaurant Depots – Normally supply restaurants, some locations now sell to consumers, carrying domestic American Wagyu.

• Online meat subscriptions – Services like Crowd Cow offer convenient Wagyu beef bundles shipped overnight to your door.

Seek out these independent sellers for the best Wagyu beef selection and availability. Call ahead to check on current inventory.

Grading Wagyu: Understanding the Ratings from A1 to A5

Wagyu beef is graded on a quality rating system from A1 to A5 based on marbling, similar to USDA grades:

• A1 – Modest thin marbling veins. Equivalent to USDA Prime grade.

• A2 – Increased marbling over A1 for added tenderness and juiciness.

• A3 – Abundant marbling on par with USDA Prime+ grade American beef.

• A4 – Intense marbling creates a signature “melt-in-your-mouth” texture.

• A5 – The pinnacle, highest percentage of fine fat marbling throughout the meat. Incredibly decadent.

Only the top A4 and A5 Wagyu grades are approved for export from Japan. If you find A5 Wagyu for sale, expect to pay over $200 per pound – making it one of the most expensive meats in the world.

American Wagyu Offers Quality at Lower Prices

To deliver Wagyu-style marbling at more affordable prices, American cattle ranchers have bred Japanese Wagyu genetics into their herds. Prime domestic brands include:

• Snake River Farms – Their Black Grade Wagyu rivals Japanese A5 marbling yet costs far less. Sold at Costco and online.

• Double 8 Cattle Company – Their Merit Grade Wagyu delivers superb marbling for almost half the price of Japanese. Buy online.

• First Light Wagyu – Australians first perfected infusing Wagyu fat qualities into Holstein cows. Ships direct to consumers.

• Imperial Wagyu – Hand massage and craft beer integrate beautiful marbling. Shop online or their California store.

For everyday enjoying, American Wagyu offers gourmet quality at around half the price of Japanese imports.

Identifying Authentic Wagyu at the Store

With many common beef breeds inaccurately marketed as “Wagyu”, check for these indicators when shopping:

• Breed stamps – Legit Wagyu will be clearly labeled with “Japanese Black” or “American Wagyu”.

• Marbling – You should see ample thin white fat marbling throughout raw cuts. If it lacks marbling, it’s not true Wagyu.

• Certifications – Official stamps like JWBA (Japanese Wagyu Beef Association) or AWA (American Wagyu Association) confirm authenticity.

• Farm traceability – Quality brands can trace back to exact farms to validate genetics and breeding.

• Trim – Wagyu is trimmed closer than regular beef to showcase marbling. Untrimmed fat caps signal fake Wagyu.

When unsure, ask the butcher or customer service to verify authenticity before purchasing.

Expert Tips for Cooking Wagyu Beef

To make the most of Wagyu’s rich potential, use these pro cooking tips:

• Go for smaller 3-4 oz. portions to appreciate the intense marbling.

• Quick sear, griddle or grill over high heat to medium rare. Prolonged cooking diminishes the delicate fat.

• Season simply with just high-quality salt and pepper to let the beef shine.

• Let rest 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute evenly.

• Sear or bake Wagyu in duck fat, olive oil or butter to layer on more flavor.

• Render excess fat into tallow for the ultimate Wagyu cooking experience.

• Use every precious scrap – bones for stock, fat for candles or soap.

With careful prep and cooking, Wagyu beef delivers an extraordinary culinary experience.

Is Buying Wagyu Online an Option?

The rise of online butcher shops expands access to coveted Wagyu beef:

• Check out services like Crowd Cow that offer curated Wagyu sample boxes.

• Buy direct from ranches like First Light Wagyu for overnight delivery of fresh cuts.

• Watch for online flash sales on Wagyu specials like ground beef and variety packs.

• Factor $15-$25 for overnight shipping with frozen gel packs to ensure ideal arrival.

• Carefully inspect shipments for any signs of thawing before freezing or cooking.

• Cook frozen Wagyu within 3-6 months for optimal freshness and flavor.

With careful handling, online ordering provides a convenient way to enjoy this exclusive beef from home.

What Does Wagyu Beef Cost?

There’s no getting around the fact that genuine Wagyu commands ultra-premium pricing:

• Japanese Wagyu – $120 to $300+ per pound depending on cut and grade. A5 Wagyu can cost $450+ per pound.

• American Wagyu – $50 to $150 per pound for prime cuts like ribeye, tenderloin and ground beef.

• Wagyu Brisket/Short Ribs – Expect to pay $80 to $150 per pound for these flavorful cuts.

• Wagyu Beef Packs – Sample packs with several cuts can offer more reasonable per-pound costs.

• Kobe Beef – This exclusive regional type of Wagyu fetches the highest prices, like $200+ for one steak.

For budget-focused shoppers, small portions of American Wagyu allow a taste for under $50 per serving.

Is Wagyu Worth the Splurge?

For hardcore beef fans, biting into well-marbled Wagyu is a bucket list taste experience justifying the price. Here’s why:

• The intricate marbling delivers unmatched richness and buttery mouthfeel. Like beef foie gras.

• Flavors are multifaceted – nutty, savory umami that coats the palate.

• Wagyu transitions sublimely from tender to toothsome as you chew, ending in a beefy finish.

• Inspires creativity in the kitchen to compose dishes worthy of this star