Skip to Content

The Best Meat Delivery Services, According to Extensive Testing

We tested over 40 meat subscription boxes to find the best of the best.

best meat delivery services

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Why trek to the butcher when these top-rated meat delivery services bring premium cuts straight to your door? If you’re unsure about trying one, rest assured — Good Housekeeping Institute analysts tested over 40 meat and seafood delivery services and found that many offer proteins as good as, if not better than, those at your local grocery store.

Over three months, our food and nutrition experts rigorously evaluated these services, also sending boxes to home cooks nationwide for real-world feedback. We assessed quality, taste, selection, animal welfare standards and sustainability. Any service that delivered subpar, undersized or poorly butchered cuts — or resulted in tough, bland meat — didn’t make the cut.

Here are our top picks for the best meat delivery services, along with expert tips on selecting premium cuts.

1
Best Overall

ButcherBox

ButcherBox
Credit: Butcher Box

Pros

  • Wide selection of beef, chicken, pork and seafood
  • Variety of customizable boxes to choose from
  • High-quality cuts and sourcing standards

Cons

  • Requires a lot of freezer space for storage

This B Corp-certified company offers a wide selection of high-quality proteins, including 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, humanely raised pork and wild-caught seafood — all delivered straight to your door.

As a dietitian, I was impressed by their rigorous quality standards. I also appreciated the flexibility to mix and match different meats, fish and poultry, making it easy to maintain a varied and balanced diet.

HOW IT WORKS: Start by choosing from two subscription plans:

  • Custom, which lets you handpick specific cuts from any protein type.
  • Curated, where you choose the proteins and ButcherBox selects the cuts for you.

Next, select a Classic Box (9–14 pounds of meat) or a Big Box (18–26 pounds, ideal for stocking up your freezer). Set your preferred delivery frequency, anywhere from every two to eight weeks, and add extras to your order if desired. Keep in mind that all items arrive frozen to maintain freshness.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: ButcherBox stood out in our tests for its high-quality cuts and diverse selection. Nicole Papantoniou, director of Good Housekeeping’s Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, appreciated that their grass-finished steaks were leaner than others she tested. She also noted that everything arrived individually packaged, making defrosting and cooking quick and convenient.

“The quality stood out to me,” said one tester. “Everything was so delicious, and I also appreciated their commitment to humane practices.” Another shared, “I don’t like buying most meat from the regular grocery store because I’m never sure of the quality, but ButcherBox was out-of-this-world good.”

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: ButcherBox

CostClassic size boxes start at $146 and include free shipping.
PackagingBox is 100% recyclable and made from recycled materials.
AvailabilityDelivery available to all 48 contiguous states. Does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or Canada.
2
Best Fresh

Porter Road

Porter Road
Credit: courtesy of Porter Road

Pros

  • High-quality, flavorful meats
  • Most meat is shipped fresh, not frozen
  • Both à la carte and subscription options available

Cons

  • Does not offer seafood

Every cut of meat at Porter Road is hand-cut at its Kentucky facility, with products sourced directly from family-owned farms in Kentucky and Tennessee. The animals are pasture-raised, and the brand emphasizes its commitment to humane farming practices.

HOW IT WORKS: If you prefer fresh meat over frozen, Porter Road is a great choice. We love that you can shop à la carte for a variety of proteins — including beef, pork, chicken and sausages — or opt for a subscription box delivered every two, four or eight weeks and save 15% on your order.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Testers were impressed with the tenderness and rich flavor of the meat, noting that the darker hues on products like chicken and pork often indicate a well-balanced diet for the animals. Many appreciated that most cuts arrived fresh rather than frozen (though steaks and other meats can easily be frozen for later use).

Several testers also praised the generous portion sizes and high-quality selection, though they noted that Porter Road offers a smaller variety than some other services and does not include seafood. One tester shared, “The quality was excellent, and the flavor was better than anything I’ve bought at a grocery store.” Another added, “The meat was incredibly tender, and I loved how the breakfast sausage and chorizo were packaged.”

CostSubscription boxes start at $145.
PackagingPackaged with a biodegradable insulation with gel packs in a standard cardboard shipper.
AvailabilityDelivery available to the contiguous United States. Does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Best Butcher-Style

Rastelli's

Rastelli's
Credit: RASTELLI’S

Pros

  • Generous selection of meats, seafood and more
  • Excellent quality and sustainable sourcing practices
  • Options for gifting

Cons

  • Everything is frozen

Founded by a butcher, Rastelli’s offers in-house aged beef and prioritizes sustainable sourcing, carefully selecting farmers and fishermen who align with its high standards.

As a dietitian, I appreciate the brand’s strong commitment to food safety. All meat comes from audited and approved farms, and every delivery is tested upon arrival for multiple strains of E. coli. To ensure accuracy, samples are even sent to an independent lab for validation testing.

HOW IT WORKS: With this online meat delivery service, you can choose from beef, antibiotic-free chicken, wild-caught seafood, heritage pork and more. Opt for a one-time purchase or subscribe for savings and free shipping. You can even gift any of the boxes available on the site.

All products arrive frozen and vacuum-sealed for freshness. A standout feature of Rastelli’s is its flexibility — you can choose from curated boxes or build-your-own options, making it easy to tailor orders to your family’s specific needs.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Not only did the meat earn top marks from testers, but the seafood also impressed with its high quality. “I can’t say enough good things about my food from Rastelli’s,” one tester said. Another shared, “The meat tasted wonderful, and the seasoning kits were packed with flavor. Everything was absolutely delicious. The salmon was the best I’ve ever had — and I’ve eaten a lot of salmon! I would highly recommend them.”

RELATED: How to Safely Defrost Meat

CostSubscription boxes start at $69
PackagingThe box and package insulation can be recycled via curbside pickup, and the bag that your products were packaged in is reusable.
AvailabilityDelivery available within the continental U.S. Does not ship Hawaii, Alaska or Canada.
4
Best for Gifting

Omaha Steaks

Omaha Steaks
Credit: Omaha Steaks

Pros

  • Wide selection of meats
  • Purchase à la carte or via a subscription box plan
  • Also offers burgers, chicken, pork, seafood and pre-prepared items

Cons

  • Meals, sides and desserts are not the healthiest

Founded in 1917, this fifth-generation, family-owned company is well known for its premium beef and gourmet foods. Omaha Steaks naturally ages its beef for at least 28 days, enhancing tenderness and flavor.

HOW IT WORKS: You can shop à la carte, choosing from steaks, burgers, franks, chicken, pork, seafood, wine and more. With over 15 different cuts of beef, including filet mignon, T-bones and porterhouses, the selection is extensive.

Subscription plans are also available, and we found their gift boxes to be well-packaged and impressive — perfect for any occasion. All meat is flash-frozen and vacuum-sealed to maintain peak freshness.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Ordering was simple and seamless, with a wide selection to keep meals exciting. “Excellent photos, easy-to-read information about each product,” one tester noted, making it easy to choose the perfect cuts.

When it came to delivery, the packaging earned high marks for keeping food cold and fresh. “Packaging kept everything frozen even after sitting on my front porch until I got home from work,” another tester shared.

Testers also appreciated that the meats were individually portioned, making them easy to defrost and cook, and they found the quality to be a great value for the price. Many also said the boxes would make a great gift option. Just keep in mind that some of the prepared sides may not be the healthiest options.

CostMonthly steak boxes starting at $149.99.
PackagingItems are shipped in custom reusable/recyclable polystyrene coolers.
AvailabilityDelivery available throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Best Premium

Snake River Farms

Snake River Farms
Credit: Snake River Farms

Pros

  • High-quality Wagyu and meats
  • Exceptional flavor and tender cuts
  • Airtight packaging

Cons

  • Expensive

As part of a family-owned and operated business, Snake River Farms delivers meats from cattle raised along the high plains of the Snake River in Eastern Idaho. Its beef comes from a carefully developed crossbreed of Japanese Wagyu and continental cattle, resulting in intense marbling and rich, buttery flavor.

HOW IT WORKS: Shop a wide selection of American Wagyu steaks, beef roasts, brisket, dry-aged beef and steaks, surf and turf and even Wagyu burgers and hot dogs. For those looking to stock up, larger boxes featuring a variety of cuts are also available.

All products are individually sealed in air-tight packaging and flash-frozen before shipping, while dry-aged products are shipped fresh to preserve flavor and texture.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Papantoniou calls Snake River Farms her go-to splurge for premium meat. “The quality is outstanding, and it’s the most tender beef I’ve ever tasted from frozen. Everything is packed airtight, so it stays fresh for months in the freezer,” she says. “It’s a brand you can really feel good about — especially if you like your beef rare.”

Testers agree, with one sharing, “It was the best beef we’ve ever had at home — fresh, tender and incredibly satisfying.” While the prices are on the higher side, many testers said the exceptional quality made it worth the investment, and they’d be willing to reorder. Plus, we found Snake River Farms’ packaging to be superior to other services we evaluated, ensuring the meat arrives in peak condition.

Cost$49 order minimum on products and gift cards.
PackagingOrders are shipped in reusable, thermal bag in a recyclable shipper box lined with biodegradable insulated foam.
AvailabilityDelivery available to all 50 United States (additional cost for Hawaii and Alaska).
6
Best American-Bred

Good Chop

Good Chop
Credit: Good Chop

Pros

  • All meat is born and bred in the U.S.
  • Offers wide selection of meat and seafood
  • Good value for price

Cons

  • Delivery only available as frequently as every four weeks

If you're seeking meat exclusively born and bred in the U.S., Good Chop is the way to go. This popular online butcher sources responsibly raised American beef, pork and chicken — all free from antibiotics and added hormones. They also offer seafood that is either wild-caught along U.S. coasts or raised in U.S. fish farms.

Since imported meat can still be labeled as a "Product of the U.S.A." even if the cattle were raised abroad, Good Chop stands out by ensuring its selections are 100% American-raised.

HOW IT WORKS: Select from Medium (9–14 lbs), Large (14–22 lbs) and Extra-Large (42 lbs) boxes; the latter provides significant per-serving savings — perfect if you have the freezer space to stock up on proteins.

Options include everything from sirloin steaks and boneless ribeyes to Alaskan sockeye salmon and Pacific cod. Deliveries are available every four to eight weeks, with all products frozen at peak freshness and packed in dry ice within an insulated box.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Our testers gave Good Chop top scores across the board, noting that the price offers great value for the amount of meat you receive. One tester said, “Highly impressive! Beautiful cuts of meat.” Another added, “They arrived perfectly packed — unlike some other companies — and the quality of the cuts seemed exceptionally fresh.”

CostBoxes start at $149.
PackagingPackaging is fully curbside recyclable.
AvailabilityDelivery available to the majority of the continental United States.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best Variety

Crowd Cow

Crowd Cow
Credit: Crowd Cow

Pros

  • Varied selection of meat and seafood
  • Curated gift boxes available
  • Sustainable packaging and practices

Cons

  • Expensive

Not only does this popular meat delivery service offer a wide variety of options, but the quality is top-notch. Crowd Cow specializes in sourcing premium beef, pork, chicken, seafood and Wagyu from farms and fisheries that adhere to regenerative and ethical practices.

HOW IT WORKS: You can order à la carte or choose to make your box a recurring delivery at checkout. One of my favorite features is the ability to shop by farm, allowing for a more personalized experience. The selection is also extensive, offering everything from beef and bison to lamb, salmon and shrimp.

There is no order minimum, but shipping fees apply for orders under $149. (Keep in mind that you’re paying for high-quality, premium meats, which come at a higher price point.)

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Our culinary pros in the GH Test Kitchen raved about the thick-cut, meaty bacon — no fatty or skimpy slices here. All items are flash-frozen and shipped directly to your door for maximum freshness.

The curated gift boxes were a standout in our evaluations, offering impressive variety and presentation. Another major highlight is Crowd Cow’s sustainable packaging, which was among the best we reviewed in our evaluations.

RELATED: The Best Seafood Delivery Services

CostFree shipping on subscription orders over $149.
PackagingPackaging is 100% recyclable and compostable.
AvailabilityDelivery to everywhere in the United States except Hawaii and Alaska.
8
Best Pork

Campo Grande

Campo Grande
Credit: Campo Grande

Pros

  • Exceptional quality pork and beef
  • Premium seafood also available
  • Pork sourced directly from humane family-owned farms in southern Spain

Cons

  • Smaller selection than other services

Campo Grande sources its famous pork directly from humane, family-owned farms in southern Spain, delivering some of the most flavorful meat we evaluated.

While its selection isn’t as extensive as some other services on this list, the exceptional quality of the meat makes it stand out. (The seafood also earned top scores in our tests.) As a dietitian, I appreciate the brand’s commitment to carefully sourcing its products, ensuring both ethical practices and premium taste.

HOW IT WORKS: Shop à la carte, build your own box or choose from a selection of curated boxes to suit your preferences. All items are shipped fully frozen, with cuts individually vacuum-sealed to maintain peak freshness and quality.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Campo Grande impressed testers by showcasing the very best of Spain’s free-range Ibérico pork — often called the “Wagyu of pork” — alongside grass-fed Vaca Vieja beef and sustainably sourced European seafood.

Testers were especially impressed by the rich flavor and exceptional quality of the Ibérico pork, as well as the remarkable tenderness of the beef.

CostCustom boxes start at $150.
PackagingAll packaging is 100% recyclable and compostable.
AvailabilityDelivers to everywhere in the U.S. except Alaska and Hawaii.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Best Beef

Mr. Steak

Mr. Steak
Credit: Mr. Steak

Pros

  • Solid variety of beef, Wagyu and burgers
  • Shop à la carte or customize a subscription box
  • Strict sourcing standards

Cons

  • No chicken, pork or seafood options available

This family-owned company specializes in USDA Prime meats sourced from pasture-raised cattle on local ranches within 250 miles of Omaha, Nebraska. Mr. Steak stands out for its commitment to quality, offering only graded USDA Prime beef and strictly sourced Wagyu. Its Natural American Wagyu comes from family farms across the U.S., while its Japanese Wagyu is sourced from Kyushu in Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture — renowned for its exceptional marbling and flavor.

The beef is fairly priced for its quality, with an impressive selection of nearly every cut you could want. However, Mr. Steak does not offer chicken, pork or seafood, making it less ideal for those seeking variety. But for beef enthusiasts, this service delivers an outstanding assortment.

HOW IT WORKS: Opt to shop à la carte or sign up for a subscription, where you can choose exactly what you want and how often you receive it — plus, you’ll get 10% off products with a subscription. Options include USDA Prime meats, Wagyu, burgers and bratwurst, all shipped frozen to ensure peak freshness upon arrival.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: One tester said that the Natural American Wagyu Ribeye was the best he has ever had in his life.

CostMinimum order of $149.99.
PackagingProducts are shipped in our biodegradable corn-based cooler and the shipping box is made from recycled materials.
AvailabilityDelivery available throughout the continental United States.

Other services we tested and recommend

linebreak

✔️ Thrive Market: Although online healthy foods grocer Thrive Market isn't exclusively dedicated to meat, they do offer a nice selection of both meat and seafood products.

✔️ Carnivore Club: This cured meat-of-the-month club offers boxes of premium jerky, salamis, prosciutto and more. We love the variety of boxes available, and testers said that they'd make a great gift. But there is no fresh beef available with this service.

✔️ Chop Box: Based out of northern New Jersey, products are cut daily by Chop Box butchers and fish cutters. They have a large selection of beef, as well as unique proteins like duck, veal and lamb that aren't offered by many other services. Just note that not all of the meat is grass-fed.

✔️ Maui Nui: Get top-quality, nutrient-dense venison from this specialty service, which pioneered wild-harvesting venison as USDA-approved meat. However, beef and other meats are not available, making this a niche option.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

How we test meat delivery services

double line break

From evaluating healthy snacks and supplements to food subscription boxes, our experts Good Housekeeping Institute are committed to bringing you the best of the best when it comes to quality, flavor and nutrition.

For this review, we evaluated over 40 different meat and seafood delivery services, testing them over the course of three months. Our team of food and nutrition experts looked at everything from the variety and quality of meats, customization, sourcing practices, packaging and more. We also sent the services to at-home testers across the nation for real-life feedback on how the meats fared in home cooking environments.

cooking meat at the good housekeeping institute meal delivery services test

We selected the best meat delivery services based on expert evaluations and tester feedback across key categories, including overall satisfaction, meat quality, cost, sustainability efforts and availability.

Our top picks stand out for their exceptional quality, diverse selection of cuts, and options ranging from steak to pork and chicken. While taste is subjective, we prioritized companies that consistently earned high marks from testers for flavor, freshness and overall experience.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
at home meat delivery service box testing
Rachel Rothman

We are constantly testing new services in this space to ensure our recommendations stay up to date, providing readers with the latest and best options available.

What to consider when selecting a meat delivery service

linebreak

All of the services on our list offer impressive, high-quality cuts of meat, but there are a few additional factors to consider when choosing the best service for your needs.

✔️ Protein types: Are you looking for a service that specializes in beef and pork, or do you prefer a broader selection that includes chicken, seafood, or even organ meats? Be sure to review the offerings to find a service that best matches your preferences.

✔️ Plans: You can choose a one-time purchase or opt for a regular subscription to ensure a steady supply of meat for you and your family. Most services offer additional discounts for subscribers. Be sure to consider delivery timing and frequency, as well as the flexibility of the subscription — such as whether you can skip a shipment if needed — to find the best fit for your needs.

✔️ Fresh or frozen: You may prefer fresh meat, but don’t dismiss frozen. Frozen meats are typically frozen at peak freshness, helping to preserve both nutritional value and flavor, ensuring high-quality results when cooked.

✔️ Location: Make sure the service delivers to your area, and be aware of any associated shipping costs, as meat — especially frozen meat — can be costly to ship. Some brands offer free shipping for subscription plans or orders over a certain amount, so it’s worth checking for those savings.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

FAQs

double line break

What are the benefits of meat subscription services?

Beyond the convenience of having meat delivered directly to your home — saving you a trip to the grocery store or butcher — meat subscription services offer several key benefits. In our tests, experts were consistently impressed by the quality of the meats offered by most services.

Because these companies specialize in meat, they take extra care in sourcing and selecting high-quality cuts. Many services go beyond just beef, offering seafood, pork, and poultry, giving you a wide variety of proteins to choose from — so you never have to worry about getting bored with your selection.

Additionally, subscription plans ensure regular deliveries, so you’re never caught without a great cut of meat when you need it.

Are meat subscriptions worth it?

Ultimately, the answer will depend on how much meat your household consumes each month. If you regularly eat beef and other cuts throughout the week, a meat delivery service could actually save you money and reduce trips to the butcher or supermarket. Most of these services ship meat frozen, so it will last a long time in the freezer. Plus, if you ever have too much, you can usually skip or cancel your subscription with ease.

That said, freezer space is key — many meat delivery services ship large boxes to justify shipping costs. If you find yourself loving one of these services, you might want to invest in a standalone freezer for your basement or garage. Buying in larger quantities often gives you more value for your money.

One thing to consider is that, unlike at a butcher shop, you won’t be able to inspect individual cuts before purchasing, which may be a drawback for some. However, many of these services offer a discounted first box, making it worth trying to see if the quality and selection fit your needs and suit your family’s preferences.

Tips for selecting and cooking quality meat

sassos testing butcherbox, two vacuumsealed cuts of meat held above an open cardboard box
Stefani Sassos

A great piece of meat doesn't need much to shine. Here are some pro tips for selecting and preparing the perfect protein.

✔️ Type: If you’re a beginner cook, Papantoniou recommends choosing meats that aren’t too lean, as they’re less likely to dry out. “Boneless chicken thighs are great and almost impossible to overcook. Ribeye steaks are another good choice because their fat content and bone help keep them juicy,” she says.

✔️ Preparation: Another key tip for beginners — take the meat out of the fridge at least 20 minutes before cooking so it reaches room temperature. “It’ll cook faster and stay juicier,” Papantoniou explains.

✔️ Method: “Season with salt — and pepper if you like — then sear the outside in a cast iron pan, grill pan or on a grill. Afterward, lower the heat or transfer it to the oven to finish cooking gently,” Papantoniou advises. This locks in flavor and keeps the meat tender and juicy. Prefer a hands-off approach? She suggests an air fryer as a great alternative. “A good-quality air fryer browns the outside nicely while keeping the inside juicy. I especially love it for thinner cuts of meat and salmon.”

✔️ Temperature: One of the most important things to remember is the USDA’s safe minimum internal temperature guidelines, says Papantoniou. Different meats require specific cooking temperatures, which can be accurately measured with a meat thermometer:

  • Beef, pork, and veal should reach 145°F
  • Poultry should be cooked to 165°F

“Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the meat to check,” she advises. “Remember, meat continues to rise in temperature after coming off the heat source, so if you’re close to your target temperature, it’ll likely get there as it rests.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

double line break

As a dietitian and working mother, GH Institute Nutrition Lab Director Stefani Sassos is passionate about preparing balanced meals for her family. After experiencing dangerously low iron levels during pregnancy, she began incorporating more high-quality, lean meats into her diet in moderation, prioritizing options that are responsibly raised. She appreciates that meat delivery services provide both convenience and quality.

Headshot of Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., NASM-CPT
Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., NASM-CPT
Nutrition & Fitness Lab Director

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition and Fitness Lab, where she oversees all nutrition and fitness-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University, as well as advanced certifications as a Women's Fitness Specialist and a Behavior Change Specialist. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

Watch Next 
best meat delivery services
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below