Honest Brand Reviews

ButcherBox Subscription Review

Written By Amy Evans on July 20, 2021

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About ButcherBox

More and more meat lovers are gravitating toward ButcherBox, a convenient and flexible meat subscription service. Subscribers can choose between curated and customized boxes of humanely raised beef, pork, seafood, and chicken, delivered monthly or every second month. 

The best part? This brand makes sure that all of the products provided are sourced from local farms that respect grass-fed, organic, heritage-breed, and wild-caught produce. 

Joe Rogan Experience, Food & Wine, The New York Times, and Forbes have all praised this brand and it has become a popular and safe choice among keto and paleo eaters. The ButcherBox Instagram also boasts 365k followers while the brand’s Facebook page has 218k followers. 

In this ButcherBox review, we will provide a complete rundown of this brand, the products offered, the prices, and customer feedback so that you can decide if this subscription is right for you.

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Overview of ButcherBox

ButcherBox has pretty humble and back-to-nature beginnings. Founder Mike Salguero ended up in a living room picking out his own $400 pile of meat from a cow share. 

From there, Mike became intrigued by the pure and wholesome taste of 100% grass-fed beef. He also discovered the varying health benefits of consuming grass-fed versus grain-fed cows.

So naturally Mike wondered, why wasn’t everyone eating it? Today, only 1% of the beef consumed in the US is 100% grass-fed.

But, ButcherBox was born with the goal to make grass-fed beef more accessible than ever, and has since expanded to heritage-breed pork, wild-caught seafood, and organic chicken. 

Mike’s start-up went from a handful of seats at cafes to at one point a closet, before setting up its headquarters in Harvard Square, Cambridge in 2015. 

ButcherBox now serves over 10,000 families in the United States and Canada and the team identifies itself as a friendly neighborhood butcher, always open, and hassle-free. 

Before we cover all of the products offered, here are the two innovations that ButcherBox’s practices bring to the table:

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If you’re not up for reading the full ButcherBox review, check out the major pros and cons: 

Pros

Cons

How Does ButcherBox Work?

ButcherBox delivers meat to your doorstep monthly or bi-monthly depending upon how big of a meat-eater you are. 

All the meat that comes in a ButcherBox has been personally taste-tested by the team. This brand wants to introduce you to cuts and quality of meat that can’t be found in a grocery store, and quality assurance is their #1 priority. 

ButcherBox encourages subscribers to learn all about the sourcing of their meats. That’s why every piece of meat in a ButcherBox is: 

If you are worried about freshness, each piece of poultry, meat, pork, or seafood comes in frozen, vacuum sealed containers so that every item is fresh upon arrival. When delivered, all produce is stored in an insulated box and eco-friendly packaging, which is either biodegradable or recyclable. 

Some boxes even come with dry ice if necessary, since this brand is always committed to keeping your meat at the right temperature and ready to cook.

But what is in the boxes from this brand? When you sign up, you have 5 box types to choose from. With each of these boxes, you will have the option of a Classic or Big Box, with all of the quantities of each listed below: 

You can pause or cancel your ButcherBox subscription at any time, with no commitment to future orders. But please note that subscriptions automatically renew each month or every other month. So unless you change your box type you will receive the same items in every shipment. 

You should also note that all ButcherBox products are subject to availability, meaning that there may be quantity limits on orders, all or parts of orders may be rejected, or certain meats may be discontinued or substituted.

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What Comes In A ButcherBox?

All the meat that comes in a ButcherBox has been personally taste-tested by the team. They want to introduce you to cuts and quality of meat that can’t be found in a grocery store. I personally have come across many a disappointing cut at the grocery store, so this alone piques my interest.

Every piece of meat in a ButcherBox is humanely raised, free of antibiotics and added hormones. ButcherBox encourages subscribers to learn all about the sourcing of their meats. Quality is largely influenced by how the animal lived: how healthy and content it was, and how humanely it was raised on a farm with sustainable practices.

Beef

ButcherBox cattle are happily free to range on grassy pastures all their lives. The cows eat a natural diet of grass, and thanks to the climate, can graze all year round. Subscribers can feel good about consuming ButcherBox beef for these reasons: 

Pork

ButcherBox’s Chester White pigs are raised in Duroc, Berkshire and possess distinguished ancestry (whoa, fancy!). Heritage breed pigs are special: according to ButcherBox, “their natural, old-world genetics mean that during their slow maturation process, they develop the fine marbling and great flavor that nature intended them to have.” Mmm, now I’m fantasizing about some crispy ButcherBox bacon.

These pigs lead some pretty great lives (minus the fact that they’re raised for eating):

Chicken

ButcherBox free-range organic chickens “spend their days roosting in barns and exploring the outdoors.” Who knew that chickens are adventurous by nature? The team works with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to align with their chicken welfare policy, and the birds are raised accordingly:

My takeaway while writing this ButcherBox subscription review: if reincarnation is real and I come back as a cow, pig, or chicken in the next life, I hope I end up on a ButcherBox farm.

Salmon

Canadian subscribers also have access to ButcherBox wild sockeye salmon. Sadly, this seafood option is not available in the United States. I would have included a picture but I didn’t want to make anyone jealous.

Next up in this ButcherBox subscription review, we’ll get into all of the ButcherBox plans.

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How Much is ButcherBox? 

ButcherBox pricing depends on the box you choose and its size. They have 5 different boxes: 4 curated options and their most popular Custom Box, either in Classic or Big Box size. ButcherBox offers a range of add-ons and monthly specials, so even if you choose the curated boxes, you do still have freedom of choice. 

We show you the full range of options in this ButcherBox subscription review:

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Butcherbox Review 

Next in this ButcherBox review, we will go over what is in each of the boxes offered. Whether you love a great New York Strip Steak, Whole Pork Tenderloin, or even good, old-fashioned Chicken Drumsticks, there is definitely a box for you. 

First up, the Custom Box. This brand consistently strives for you to feel comfortable with what you are receiving, and that is why they have created a customizable box option for you to build your own box based on your preferences. 

As stated, the Custom Box comes with 9-14 lbs. to 18-26 lbs. of meat which includes beef, seafood, pork, and chicken options. Though the brand does not specify what exactly comes in this box, we can only assume that the brand offers a wide selection of its produce to choose from that changes on a monthly basis. 

Next, the Mixed Box. This is one of the most diverse, fixed subscriptions the brand offers with 8-11 lbs. to 16-22 lbs. of chicken, pork, seafood, and/or beef. When it comes to seafood, the brand is known for its wild sockeye salmon. Make sure you add this to your cart and stock up on some lemons and dill! 

This ButcherBox review suggests this box for those that also love homemade burgers, beef bourguignon, or a classic pork tenderloin with honey sauce. Including all of the different types of meat offered, a sample Mixed Box that the brand provides includes: 

Then, the Beef & Chicken Box. The name says it all, the brand offers it’s grass-fed beef and organic chicken in this box, ranging from: 

For a total of 8-11 lbs. to 16-22 lbs. of meat, this box is made for those that love a classic bolognese sauce, stuffed chicken breasts, and the classic steak and eggs on Sunday, this box is definitely one to look into. 

All of this brand’s chickens are free-range organic chickens “spend their days roosting in barns and exploring the outdoors.” Plus, ButcherBox works with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to align with their chicken welfare policy. This means that all of the brand’s poultry are raised with: 

Second to last, the Beef & Pork Box is for those that only want the hearty meats. Coming with 8-11 lbs. to 16-22 lbs. of meat, this ensemble is perfect for anyone looking for crate-free pork options. 

You should also know that ButcherBox only sources Chester White pigs which are raised in Duroc, Berkshire and possess a rather distinguished ancestry and have been raised with a forage + all-vegetarian feed. Here is the sample menu currently advertised by the brand: 

Finally, the All Beef Box. Designed for those that love ground beef fajitas, a steak and potato combo, or a stew using chuck roasts. All of these options come with the benefit of healthy Omega 3’s, vitamins, and minerals so don’t feel bad when you chow down. 

Coming with 8-11 lbs. to 16-22 lbs of pure, grass-fed and grass finished beef, you can expect options like: 

Based on these ButcherBox options, a family or small group can enjoy all of the best cuts with the highest quality without breaking the bank. Plus, need we remind you, that all of the options on these menus are made to be paleo and keto friendly. 

Before we get into customer feedback, shipping options, etc., we would like to show you some of our favorites from this brand. 

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Our Favorites From The Menu

Filet Mignons 

Need we say more? Filet Mignons are one of the most popular and delicious cuts of meat from any butcher. Made to melt in your mouth, this meat is one of the softer cuts on the market as it is sourced from the tenderloin of the cow which also adds its delicious flavor. 

ButcherBox suggests that you pan-sear and then heat in the oven to contain the natural juices and flavors, and, as usual, season with salt and pepper before cooking. 

Boneless Skinless Breasts 

A classic staple of any family kitchen, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts are easy to make into soups, sandwiches, entrees, and even kebabs. 

ButcherBox suggests a pan or the oven to cook, or even stuff with some cheese and spinach for a new twist on this classic favorite. 

Pork Tenderloin 

We all had or seen Pork Tenderloin at some point in our lives as it is an excellent source of protein and nutrients. Soft and delicious, ButcherBox’s Pork Tenderloins are lean and easy to cook for those with tight schedules in need of an easy fix. 

Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon 

There is nothing more pleasing than a perfectly cooked salmon fillet. ButcherBox’s Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is sourced from Bristol Bay, Alaska which according to World Wildlife is the “most productive salmon ecosystem in North America.” 

Fresh, supple, and delicious, the brand suggests pan-searing or grilling to cook. Or, oven-bake to seal in all of that flavor. 

Ground Bison 

Burgers, meatballs, and meatloaf done differently with fresh Ground Bison that is 100% grass-fed. Though it tastes like beef, the brand warns of its “umami flavor,” which roughly means ‘savoriness’. 

Use it as an alternative to your average meaty pasta, chili, or protein bowl for something new, interesting, and packed with protein. 

Check Availability

Are There Any ButcherBox Recipes? 

A ButcherBox subscription review found a ton of delicious-looking meat recipes on their website. Seriously, my mouth is watering going through these. They don’t look overly complicated and there are different cuisines to choose from. ButcherBox also has video tutorials, guides, and a blog that can help you brush up your chef skills.

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How Long Does ButcherBox Last? 

ButcherBox meat is meant to last as long as possible in the fridge. Firstly, each piece of meat from this brand is tightly sealed and can last in the fridge for at least 2 weeks. But, if it is removed from the packaging, you can expect your meat to last only 3-5 days. 

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Can You Skip Months With ButcherBox? 

When you log into your account page, you can adjust or cancel your shipments before your next billing date. Plus, the brand also allows you to change your subscription box at any time before the next billing period begins. 

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Who Is ButcherBox for? 

ButcherBox is made for those that love quality meats at discounted prices. Since the box sizes can be quite large, this subscription is best for families or large groups. For those on a budget, ButcherBox is the best option for quality meats as the subscription costs a fraction of the retail price for quality cuts at your local butcher. 

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Comparison: ButcherBox vs. Crowd Cow

Though ButcherBox is a great option for a quality meat subscription, there are a few other brands that you should consider before buying. 

Crowd Cow is another great meat subscription box option that carries beef, chicken, seafood, wagyu, pork, and lamb for competitive prices. Founded in 2015, this brand has dedication to their ranches and the animals that are raised there as they only source their meat from local, US ranches, giving back to the community. 

But, who has the better offer? Let’s find out. 

Firstly, ButcherBox has many promotions and discounts that keep customers coming back. Including the Free Bacon For Life promotion where a free package of bacon is added to every subscription shipment. Crowd Cow has participated in this trend and offers the same promotion, but it is on a limited time basis. 

Crowd Cow may offer the same meats as ButcherBox, but this competitor also carries desserts, wagyu, and family packs that have more options and personalization in their custom subscriptions. 

Much like ButcherBox, this brand ships across the entire US except for Alaska and Hawaii. But, one big difference is that ButcherBox ships free on all orders, whereas Crowd Cow only ships meat for free with purchases over $99. 

So, both of these brands have an amazing reputation when it comes to making sure that their meat is responsibly raised, providing the same range of meats, and having reasonable shipping methods. But, which of the two has what it takes to be our #1 pick? 

Well, that brings us to the price. With ButcherBox, you have an average of $129-$147 per month for a range of 8.5lbs-14lbs of your selected meats. With Crowd Cow, the price starts at $99 for the smallest custom box, and up to $249 per month for the most expensive subscription of the Japanese wagyu steaks. 


With so many boxes offered, it was hard to narrow down who had the better bang for your buck. So, after building a custom box on the Crowd Cow site that had the same quantity as ButcherBox’s All Beef Box, the cost came to a total of $200+. So, for the quantity you get, ButcherBox is definitely the better deal.

Want to learn more about Crowd Cow? Check out the full Crowd Cow Review.

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ButcherBox Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

ButcherBox showcases some impressive praise on their website, though there isn’t an option to leave a ButcherBox review. A few notable sources have left their thoughts: 

“It is important to me and my community that our animal protein sources are naturally and responsibly raised and fed. For this reason, I trust and recommend ButcherBox.” – Melissa Urban, Whole30 Co-Founder and CEO

“This is meat as nature intended that truly emulates the diet of our ancestors. These folks are doing a terrific job and you can be sure that they get my support.” – Dr. David Perlmutter, Board-Certified Neurologist

I did some digging for this ButcherBox subscription review to get at what customers are really thinking. ButcherBox has a 3.6/5 star rating on Influenster. Many reviewers left positive feedback on the quality of the meat and its price point.

Others received their orders completely thawed, with freezer burn, or in some cases, rancid meat (yikes). There were also quite a few complaints about inaccessible customer service and difficulty cancelling the subscription.

ButcherBox Reddit reviews are also mixed. Lovers of the service agree that the meat is cheaper and tastes better than grass-fed beef that can be found at the grocery store.

Other users complained about ButcherBox cost. When it comes to ButcherBox price points, most of the complaints came from reviewers who are accustomed to grocery store prices and bulk-buying meat at places like Costco. 

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Is ButcherBox Worth It? 

ButcherBox will almost always be pricier compared to grocery stores, the trade off being better quality and ethically sourced meat. Some of us just want a good quality steak, or none at all. If you’ve ever seen documentaries like Food, Inc. on the horrors of the meat industry, you’ll recognize how badly these animals are treated and the environmental damage that goes along with it. 

It’s like drinking fair trade coffee over regular coffee—it tends to be more expensive, and though it’s possible to find coffee that tastes just as good by unethical means, it’s the principle that counts.

All this being said, the negative ratings that turned up in this ButcherBox subscription review are troubling. I definitely wouldn’t want rotten meat to show up on my doorstep, but honestly, mistakes and shipping issues do happen. 

The consensus is that the meat is high quality and good-tasting. Since there’s no commitment to the subscription, there’s no harm in trying it out. In light of the customer service issues, if you do decide to cancel, contact the team as early as possible.  

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ButcherBox Promotions & Discounts

ButcherBox has had some sweet promotions in the past, like Free Bacon For Life (cue the heavenly harp music). ButcherBox groupon deals are also offered intermittently. A ButcherBox subscription review found no sign up deals at the moment, but those come up as well. Plus ButcherBox members have access to exclusive deals and flash sales every month. 

Claim Discount

ButcherBox Sign Up

As of March 20, 2020, joining ButcherBox is by waitlist. Accountability is one of their core values, and they’ve made this change “to focus on quality, safety, and service for [their] current members.” To join the waitlist, all you have to do is input your email and postal code. ButcherBox will notify you as soon as they are capable of taking your order. 

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ButcherBox FAQ

Pause Or Cancel ButcherBox

ButcherBox allows subscription pauses for up to 6 months or cancellation at any time before the next order is billed. Enter your ButcherBox login and visit the account page.

The page opens on the Your Box tab, where you’ll see your next bill date at the top. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Pause or Stop Subscription. You can also adjust the frequency of your deliveries under Box Settings.

Cancellations can be completed any time before the next order is billed. If you cancel after the billing but before delivery, the cancellation will only be processed for the next scheduled billing date. 

ButcherBox Shipping Policy

Your ButcherBox is delivered within approximately 7 business days from your bill date, or the first time you place an order. If your orders are recurring, the date you first purchased a subscription will be your bill date each month, or every 2 months. Subscribers can change their bill date any time by accessing the account page. 

Major points given in this ButcherBox subscription review: shipping is free within Canada and the United States. Shipments are sent via UPS or FedEx and do not extend beyond these countries.

ButcherBox Return Policy

Since ButcherBox ships perishable products (cannot be restocked or resold), they do not accept returns. There are exceptions that are covered under their return policy:

ButcherBox requires you to report order issues, which may include product replacement, credit towards the next box, or a partial/full refund. You’ll likely have to send a photo of your damaged, thawed, or otherwise defective items. 

Contact ButcherBox

For questions not answered in this ButcherBox subscription review, you can contact the team through:

ButcherBox customer service hours are from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM EST.

Feeling adventurous? Check out The Honest Bison for grass fed, non-processed bison, elk, and venison.

Amy Evans