Have you wondered if Butcher Box is worth it? Is it affordable to purchase organic meat and seafood online at Butcherbox? Is it a good fit for your lifestyle? I’ll answer all of these questions in my honest Butcher Box review.
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Butcher Box Review
Summary
Butcher Box is meat delivery subscription service that delivers grass-fed and grass-finished beef, free-range chicken, heritage breed pork, and wild-caught seafood and shellfish straight to your door. There is a large variety and prices are comparable to organic meats and seafood at local grocery stores. It’s a great option for high-quality organic meats without needing to leave your house. Customer service is top-notch and want their customers to be happy.
What is Butcher Box
Butcherbox is a meat delivery subscription service. What does that mean?
They are the middle man. They source out high-quality organic meat and seafood, build relationships with the farmers and cooperatives, and then sell that meat and seafood to you (and me).
Butcherbox’s meat and seafood include grass-fed and grass-finished beef, free-range chicken, heritage breed pork, and wild-caught seafood and shellfish. Added hormones and antibiotics are never given to the animals, and they all are humanely raised.
When you purchase Butcher Box meat, you’re getting the best AND supporting local farmers.
Butcher Box Review
I’ve been a Butcher Box customer since 2018. Every 1-2 months, I order a large custom box and create meal plans around the meat to fit our grocery budget.
As a long-time customer, I can answer all of your questions and share my experience in this Butcherbox review to help you decide whether this meat delivery service is a good fit for your family.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It’s easy and convenient to get high-quality meat and seafood without leaving the house.
- Organic meats are available even when they might not be in the grocery stores.
- They offer a large variety of meat and seafood. Chuck roast, pork tenderloin, pork butt, chicken breast and thighs, whole chickens, steak tips, strip steaks, breakfast sausage, salmon, scallops, cod and lobster are just some of the options.
- Shipping is fast. Most of the time, I get a box 2-3 days after ordering it.
- Prices are comparable to grass-fed and organic meats in grocery stores. Depending on the cuts and size of the box you order, it could be a little more or less.
- Depending on your family’s needs, you can order curated or custom boxes.
- Customer service goes over and beyond to assure that you are successful with their service.
- Meat is packed in dry ice and continues to show up frozen solid.
- The quality and taste of the meat are excellent.
- They offer exclusive member-exclusive deals on bundles of meat and seafood.
- Holiday meats like turkeys, ham, and corn beef are available seasonally.
- Butcher Box has the most delicious meat and seafood.
- You’ll support local farmers.
Cons
- Prices are comparable to local grocery stores, but some meat cuts are pricier. However, you’re also paying for the convenience of high-quality meats and seafood delivered to your door.
- It does require some upfront grocery budgeting, especially if ordering a lot. Depending on what you order, you could be paying a large amount of money upfront for meat. For example, a large custom box is $270, and if you include any deals, you’ll need to budget for over $300 for meat.
- Even though the boxes are packed in dry ice, watching for summer packages is essential, so they don’t thaw in the heat. I never had meat thaw, but I live in Buffalo, NY; if you live in a warmer climate, that is something to keep in mind.
Who Would Benefit?
- People who put high-quality meat on the top of their priority list.
- People who don’t have time to go to the store or source farmers for high-quality meats and seafood.
- People who want to limit the time spent in grocery stores.
- People who don’t have access to high-quality meat or chicken and beef are often sold out at grocery stores.
Who Wouldn’t Benefit?
- People who are not concerned with organic chicken, grass-fed beef, heritage breed pork, or wild-caught seafood.
- People who have access to high-quality meats and don’t mind grocery shopping.
Butcher Box Promotion
Butcher Box doesn’t offer a specific discount code; instead, they provide regular promo deals to new subscribers. The deals are constantly changing; you can check the latest Butcher Box Promotion.
Faqs
All mixed boxes are $129 and provide 8.5 – 11lbs of meat.
The custom box is $149 a month and has 20% more meat than the curated boxes.
After registering, you’ll choose from a large selection of meats and cuts.
Whenever you order a custom box, you’ll have the option to change the selection of meats.
For all the boxes, you can choose to purchase a larger box. If you have larger families or need more meat, the larger boxes are a great option.
Another benefit of buying a big box is that it’s cheaper. So, just like with most bulk purchases, the more you buy, the less you pay.
The big curated boxes are $238, and the big custom box is $270.
The type of box (and how much) you order depends on your needs.
Yes. Butcherbox is a subscription service, and you can skip a box, change a delivery date, or change the contents of your box anytime before your next billing date.
It’s essential to keep that date in your calendar because if you don’t skip or make changes, then you’ll be sent a box regardless of whether you want it or not.
When I started to eat clean, one of the things I didn’t compromise on (and still don’t) was meat quality.
I’ve been purchasing grass-fed beef and organic chicken for years, so I’m used to paying a premium for meat. I know high-quality meats cost more than conventional meat, and I think it’s worth it, and it’s a cost I put right into my grocery budget.
So, do I think Butcher Box is worth it? Yes. Butcher Box takes pride in its sourcing practices to find the best farmers to provide high-quality meats and seafood. Along with being delivered conveniently to my door, this makes Butcher Box worth the price.
Also, as I mentioned, Butcher Box offers member-exclusive deals that offer great prices on organic meat and seafood, making it very affordable.
How Does Butcher Box Work?
Butcher Box is a meat delivery subscription service. Depending on your needs, you delivery frequency can be every two weeks, four weeks, six weeks, or eight weeks.
However, you’re not necessarily married to that time frame. If your needs change, then reschedule for a different time.
The critical thing to remember is your billing date. The date is shown at the top of the website after you log in.
You’ll also get a reminder email when it’s getting close.
If you want to reschedule your box or make any changes, you need to make those changes before the billing date.
Butcher Box Package Options
Butcher Box offers five package options:
- Mixed Box (chicken, beef, and pork)
- Beef and Chicken box
- Beef and Pork box
- All Beef box
- Custom box
In the first four classic boxes, the meats are curated. You’re able to pick the type of meat you’d like but not the cut. For example, if you choose the all-beef box, you’ll get a variety of beef cuts.
Some cuts of meat that I’ve received in curated boxes are:
- chicken thighs (bone-in and boneless)
- chicken breasts
- chicken tenders
- pork ribs
- pork chops
- boneless pork chops
- round roast
- shoulder roast
- sausage
The mixed box is the most popular option. In this box, Butcherbox chooses the type and cuts of meat.
You choose the exact type and cuts of meat sent in your box in the custom box. The large custom box is the box I typically will order.
Please know you can change these selections at any time before your box ships.
How to make Butcher Box affordable for your family?
High-quality meat will be more expensive no matter if you purchase from the grocery store or online from Butcher Box. Here are the strategies I use to prioritize organic meat while also making it affordable for my family.
Plan meals around the meat.
When I started using Butcher Box, I ordered the $129 mixed box and was happy with the cuts. It was a great way to get familiar with the service. However, I found myself trying to use up cuts of meat that I wouldn’t usually purchase.
So, after a couple of mixed boxes, I decided I wanted more control over the meats put into my box, so I decided to order a custom box and have been doing so ever since.
Ordering a custom box makes it easier to plan out my meals in advance since I know what I’m getting ahead of time.
I can purchase the other ingredients before my box gets delivered. I can also plan out our meals for 3-4 weeks, which saves me money.
Ordering a custom box essentially helps keep Butcher Box affordable because:
- I can plan meals ahead of time to grab other ingredients in bulk or on sale.
- I can prepare recipes to stretch the number of servings.
For example, if I order two sirloin steaks, I can plan to make steak fajitas that will feed four people or turn a 3lb package of chicken breast into five meals by making a couple of different shredded chicken recipes.
Same with a chuck roast – I can turn that into 3-4 different meals.
Other meals I make to stretch a pound of meat, chicken, and pork:
- Classic chili
- Homemade hamburger helper
- Pasta Fagioli
- Chicken quesadillas
- Detox Chicken Soup
- Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
- Steak salad
- Shredded Sweet and Spicy Pork
I have also made these meals with one small custom box of meat. And often, there’s meat leftover!!
In my experience, to make Butcher Box cost-efficient for my family, it’s better to order a custom box AND plan meals around the meat I choose.
Grab exclusive member deals and add-ons
I’ve mentioned this a couple of times, but I want to repeat it because it’s one way I get great deals on organic meats and seafood from Butcher Box.
One of the biggest perks of being a subscriber is the add-ons and exclusive member deals. These are great!
The add-ons include chicken breasts, ground pork, ground beef, ground turkey, and bacon pack—basically, the essentials.
Once you choose an add-on, it will go into your box every month unless you make changes.
Every time I order a box, I include ground turkey and a pack of bacon!
I always throw in an extra package of ground beef or chicken because it won’t go to waste in my house.
The exclusive member deals are my favorite.
These deals change up depending on the season and stock they have.
In the past, they’ve offered:
- Stock-up bundles (Chicken breast, ground beef, or bacon)
- Grilling Bundles
- Breakfast Bundles
- Salmon, Scallops, and other seafood bundles
I often grab a member-exclusive deal when ordering my box, especially if they’re having a big stock-up bundle sale.
Another perk is they offer specialty meats for the holidays. For example, turkey for Thanksgiving, ham for Easter, or corned beef for St. Patrick’s day are some meats I’ve purchased.
All of the specialty meats I’ve tried are delicious, but I highly recommend grabbing a Butcher Box turkey; it’s the juiciest, most flavorful turkey I’ve had.
My Personal Experience
Out of all the products and services I use, Butcher Box is one of my favorites.
Organic meat is a priority to me, and so is convenience. So, it’s a happy day when my Butcher Box delivery shows up at my doorstep!
As a side note, I love Thrive Market when stocking up on healthy pantry staples.
How long can Butcher Box Stay Outside?
The ButcherBox website states that you should not leave the box outside longer than 6-8 hours after delivery.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve ordered about 20 boxes, and every time my box is cold, and all the meat is frozen solid packed in dry ice.
And there have been many hot days when I couldn’t get the box in the house right away. So, I’ve never had a personal experience with meat thawing out. However, some people have had this problem so if you live in warmer climates, make sure to have a plan for when your box arrives.
Of course, you want to get the meat in the freezer as soon as possible, but I wouldn’t worry if you can’t get to it immediately.
You will receive tracking information, so that’s helpful to plan for when the meat is delivered.
Does The Meat Taste Good?
Butcher Box is the best-tasting meat I’ve ever purchased.
Every recipe I make is elevated because of the Butcher Box beef, chicken, pork, and seafood quality.
Whenever my husband, kids, or guests say, “wow, this recipe is so good,” I tell them it’s because of the high-quality meat.
I’ve cooked just about every recipe with Butcher Box meat.
- Meatballs
- Meatloaf (also made this with ground turkey)
- Stuffed Peppers
- Pasta and rice bakes
- Casseroles
- Sheet pan dinners
- Sauce, chilis, and soups
Also, I feel good eating meat that I know was humanely raised. These animals lived a good life and were treated with respect.
If you’re looking for a service that delivers high-quality organic meat directly to your door, then I recommend trying out Butcher Box.
I hope my Butcher Box Review helps you make an informed decision about whether or not it’s a good fit for you.
Butcher Box doesn’t offer a specific discount code; instead, they provide regular promo deals to new subscribers. The deals are constantly changing; but if you’re ready for to get a box then can check the latest Butcher Box Promotion.
Staci Genet says
I was not impressed with Butcherbox.com. While it was great for convenience purposes, the meat itself was not great and the cuts were clearly skimpy. I did get the feeling that there was not much care in the product. I had a terrible customer service experience. In the end I cancelled when they refused to cancel my order after I was evacuated for a hurricane. Although they knew that the hurricane was imminent, they sent the box. Of course, since I was forced to evacuate all the meat was rancid and the food sinfully wasted. They had the option to postpose the order but chose not too. I disputed the charge to my account, and prevailed. They not only lost the product, their profit but they lost a customer.
My recommendation, find another service provider who has some respect for their product.
Jean says
What “GRADE” is the Beef? There are three Grades of Beef from which to choose. They are “PRIME,” “CHOICE” and “SELECT.” Which GRADE is the Beef from Butcher Box?
Donna Pelchat says
Received my first order today after finally getting through to Fedex on a Sunday and they were very nice and within 15 minutes my meat was here but unfortunately it took four days to get to Cape Cod Massachusetts and that should not have been. There was no longer any dry ice. All the meats were defrosted and close to room temperature. I was so disappointed Especially with company coming for Fourth of July
I called butcher box and they will replace my order after next week when I return from holiday. I was advised by them to throw it all out because it was too close to room temperature and that was sickening to have to do that.
Reagan says
I just got my first box and signed up during a $20 off first two boxes + free first box bacon.
Also! Was looking on the site and at the bottom there is a “student” link! $20 off every box + bacon in every box through a Unidays account (easy to sign up for). Very excited to keep using this service especially with the student discount.
Tammy Kresge says
wow that’s great! I didn’t know about the student discount.
Abby says
I’ve actually had a bad experience with them. I signed up during a bacon for life offer and they will not honor it. I have a screenshot with date and time metadata on it and they are not budging. They also have forgotten things in each of the three custom boxes I received so far. They resolve to make it up by sending bacon in the next box but they’ve forgotten that all three times too…
Tammy Kresge says
I’m sorry you had that experience. I’ve had great experience with their customer service. I hope it all work out for you.
Natalie says
How did it work for you that all of the meat was frozen? I can NEVER seem to remember to thaw meat before I need it!
Tammy Kresge says
I agree! Ha! I actually prefer to freezer meat as part of a recipe. Basically, I just had to remember and plan our meals around what was in the freezer. I also thawed a few things at once when I prepped for the week.
Rex Newman says
We’re downsizing to a large apartment complex soon, so how would delivery be handled to an inside door, nothing to stop theft?
Tammy Kresge says
That a great question. I would ask the apartment complex how they handle deliveries like this. I would think it’s the same with any larger delivery. I know in my sister’s complex they deliver it right to their door (inside the complex). But I would think every complex is different.