Looking into subscribing to Butcher Box or Crowd Cow?
It’s a tough decision to make.
You want the best meat for your family's dinners, but the hard part is finding out which service best fits your lifestyle.
Reviews are everywhere, but they don't make it easy to understand which service is the right fit for you.
That’s what we’ll help you determine in this post.
We'll look at differences between their prices, the quality of their meat, how they help customers, and more.
And more importantly, we’ll look at an alternative to both that allows you to get 100% pasture-centered, premium meat from farms in Texas and Tennessee.
Butcher Box vs. Crowd Cow: A Detailed Comparison
1. Quality of Meat
When we dive into the quality of meat from Butcher Box and Crowd Cow, we're looking at a few key things: where the meat comes from, how it's raised, and the special badges it earns, like "organic" or "grass-fed."
Sourcing Practices
Butcher Box sources its beef from cows that roam free in pastures and never eat grain.
Their chickens are organic, meaning they're free to roam outside and don't receive antibiotics or added hormones. The pork is a heritage breed, which means these pigs are a special, old-school type known for tastier meat.
Crowd Cow takes a slightly different approach.
They let you pick your meat from specific farms they partner with. You can actually see stories about the farms and what makes them special.
Like Butcher Box, they offer grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, but they also have unique options like Wagyu beef, which is like the Rolls-Royce of beef known for its marbling and flavor.
Quality of Cuts
Both services promise premium cuts.
Butcher Box is all about giving you a mix of high-demand cuts like ribeye and versatile options like ground beef. Crowd Cow goes a bit further by offering not just the classics but also gourmet cuts like tomahawk steaks or specialty items like Japanese Wagyu beef.
Certifications
Looking for that organic label?
Both services offer different kinds of meats with certifications.
For example, Butcher Box offers grass-fed beef, pork, and bison that is Certified Humane or Global Animal Partnership Certified.
With their chickens, they are USDA Certified Organic (with Certified Organic feed) and Global Animal Partnership Step 3 (GAP 3) certified and more.
With Crowd Cow, they let you see stories and certifications of the different farms that they support.
For example, Crowd Cow supports Kagoshima Farms in Japan, which is a “Wagyu Olympics” champion. They also support a farm called “Farmer Focus,” which is USDA-certified organic, free-range, and humanely raised in the USA without antibiotics or GMOs.
Crowd Cow makes it easy for you to look at where your meat comes from, the quality, and lets you choose which farm to shop on their website.
Third-Party Reviews
Don't just take their word for it.
A lot of regular customers has reviewed butcher Box and Crowd Cow. Websites like Trustpilot can give you a sense of what they offer.
Here are some 5-star and 1-star reviews from Trustpilot on Crowd Cow to give you an idea of both sides:
Crowd Cow 5-star Reviews
- “I received my first shipment last week and I am very happy with Crowd Cow's service. Ordering was a breeze, the delivery was fast with excellent packaging. All of the meat was frozen as you would like to avoid spoilage and all of the meat I have had so far has been excellent.”
- “Ordered a 16oz A5 Wagyu Ribeye Steak - Miyazaki Gyu Farm for $230 last Christmas for my husband. He’s tried American Wagyu but wanted to try authentic Japanese Wagyu. It arrived on time in a cardboard box with dry ice that kept it extremely cold. It tasted exceptionally fatty but isn’t that what Wagyu is known for? We were both happy with it”
Crowd Cow 1-star Reviews
- “Terrible. The portions are incredibly thin. Fatty etc The packages of two chops include chops of different sizes and thicknesses. I had one order and cancelled. This is my first time ordering from a meat/fish delivery service and now questioning if I will even try again. Avoid this vendor”
- “They are very expensive and difficult to keep track of it you postpone a box when right on funds. The only reason I'm leaving this review is because after postponing a box as far out as I could and then forgot about postponing again the box was delivered and left on the side of the road next to my mailbox rather than at my doorstep as they have done in the future. So not only could I not afford the box I got, which was my fault for not keeping track better, all the fish was thawed and I had to trash it!!
This is not for those who may have occasional financial issues. Just go to your local butcher and seafood market.”
Now, let’s look at Butcher Box reviews from Trustpilot:
Butcher Box 5-star Reviews
- “It was delivered before Thanksgiving. The meat was delicious. It wasn’t tough. I shared it with a friend of mine. He said, that was some of the best steak he had ever had. So basically you’re getting two reviews in one. One steak was pan fried and one was put on the barbecue. Honestly, the steaks were so good. You couldn’t tell the difference. Thank you Butcher block.”
- “I ordered my Butcher box last Thursday and the timeframe said it would arrive between 3/05 and 3/12. I got the notification at 3am on 3/09 that it was shipped and it was delivered by 12pm. The food was packaged with dry ice and was still completely frozen when it arrived. Everything that I ordered was included, including the free ground beef for life promotional items. I don’t usually post reviews on Trustpilot, but I was worried after ordering and then reading the reviews here, so I felt compelled to share my good experience.”
Butcher Box 1-star Reviews
- “The portion sizes can and are misleading. Example from their website reads "two 6 oz filets" (filet mignon). What you actually receive are two 4oz filets it literally reads that on the packaging as "portion size 4 oz", with a net weight of 6oz (2 oz I assume for the packaging material). So that is a 34% smaller portion than advertised. So I have yet to look but probably fair to say you get ripped off on all true portion sizes.”
- “I travel and I am out of town frequently. I received an e-mail as for my next delivery and knew that I would not be in town to receive it. So I went on the their website and changed it for a week later. So what could possibly go wrong? They shipped me 2 orders. I had to pay someone to pick up my first order and put it in their freezer and at the same time I changed my next box for March. When I called up to complain about what happened I was told too bad and that it was my doing. So after almost 10 years as a client they would rather lose my business than give good customer service. Not very good business.”
These reviews can show you what to expect from both meat delivery service providers. Note that the reviews from Trustpilot for both meat delivery services are low.
However, there are also good reviews. So, you will only really know once you get their services.
2. Price Comparison and Package Options
When it comes to filling your fridge with top-quality meat, what you get for the price is a big deal. Let's break down how much Butcher Box and Crowd Cow might cost you so it's easy to compare.
Butcher Box
Butcher Box offers different boxes:
1. Beef, pork, and chicken box
- 8-11 lbs of high-quality meat. It could include: 2 lbs of Ground Beef, 2 New York Strip Steaks, 4 Top Sirloin Steaks, 1 lb of Whole Pork Tenderloin, 3 lbs of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- $146 per month
- Free shipping, cancel anytime
- 8-11 lbs of high-quality meat. It could include: 2 lbs of Ground Beef, 2 New York Strip Steaks, 4 Top Sirloin Steaks, 3 lbs Drumsticks, 3 lbs of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- $146 per month
- Free shipping, cancel anytime
- 8-11 lbs of high-quality meat. It could include: 2 lbs of Ground Beef, 2 New York Strip Steaks, 4 Top Sirloin Steaks, 1 lb of Whole Pork Tenderloin, 4 Boneless Pork Chops
- $146 per month
- Free shipping, cancel anytime
- 9-14 lbs of high-quality meat
- $169 per month
- Free shipping, cancel anytime
- 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, pork raised crate-free, and wild-caught seafood options
- 20% more meat than our curated boxes
- Update your cuts in every order
Crowd Cow
Crowd Cow is a bit different because you can pick exactly what you want, piece by piece.
But, they have a $149 minimum spend for their box—so, almost the same price as Butcher Box options.
The only difference is that what you’ll get depends on your pick.
You build your box from their wide selection of meats, including beef, chicken, pork, and even more exotic options like bison and Wagyu. This means every box can be unique to your preferences.
Crowd Cow offers even more control.
Value for Money
Butcher Box throws in free shipping for all their boxes, which is pretty sweet. They also have special deals for new members, like free bacon in every box or a big discount on your first order.
Crowd Cow has a different perk. They offer a membership called "Crowd Cow Members," where you get free shipping on orders with $149. They also have something called “Moolah! Rewards,” where you can earn points on every dollar spent and redeem for free items and discounts.
In the end, both services offer a lot for what you pay, especially when you think about the quality and sourcing of the meat.
3. Customer Service Experience
Good customer service is like a safety net for your shopping experience. Let's see how Butcher Box and Crowd Cow stack up in terms of support and customer care.
Support Channels
Butcher Box makes it easy to get in touch.
They offer support through email, live chat, and a help center filled with FAQs.
Crowd Cow also offers a range of options to reach out, including email and a comprehensive FAQ section. However, they don’t have a live chat like Butcher Box.
Customer Feedback
Here, we’ll review Trustpilot reviews again to understand what people are experiencing. We want to give an unbiased review so you can make the best decision.
Customer Service Reviews
Butcher Box
Here are the good customer service reviews:
- “I had an issue with the delivery of my order which was actually my error, and Brandy in customer service offered me a complimentary replacement. Very thankful.”
- “I have used Butcher box since 2018 and have had a wonderful experience. The 2 or 3 issues were handled with replacements ASAP. Great quality and customer service. I would highly recommend to anyone who wants quality meat delivered to your door. I have a carnivore way of eating and all I eat is meat. Very satisfied with this service. THANK YOU Butcher Box…”
However, there are also some bad ones:
- “Having almost the same experience as the previous poster. I, also, ordered on 1/3 and it stated that I would receive my box on the 4th-8th. Nothing was received, and no emails stating a delay or problem with the order. I called customer service and they said it was still processing and they could not cancel the order or give a refund. Nor could they say when the order would be received. Well, I requested a chargeback from my bank... and off to the grocery store I go.”
- “ButcherBox sent my recent order to the wrong address and would not send a replacement order to the correct address unless I paid for it. I had an earlier experience where the order arrived several days late and was completely thawed. I did get a replacement box at no charge, but it was a huge hassle.I've canceled by subscription.“
Crowd Cow
Here are the good customer service reviews:
- “I had some issue with a parcel delayed due to their partner Fedex that did not respect the delivery calendar. Some meat came thawed...Crowd Cow immediately took care of the problem and refunded me. 5***** Customer Service.
They also informed me that they were planning to use soon another circuit to ameliorate their delivery process.”
- “Their communication is A+. I've texted them before with questions on a weekend, and they've responded immediately (even though it's outside of their business hours).”
The bad reviews:
- “Ordered $150 worth of meat to get the free shipping. Order arrived timely, however there wasn't any dry ice left in the box. Meat had stated to thaw, even though outside temps were in the low 20 degrees. I immediately took photos and sent an email to them. After 4-days, I had not heard from customers service. I submitted a second message from their website. Finally received a response a day later. They asked for more information, so I responded to customer services email that was sent to me. No response. Sent second email and still no response a week later. Terrible customer service, will never order from them again.”
- “They don't have an actual number to call and just want you to text or email. I did not subscribe to a monthly service, but somehow, they thought I did. I have tried for 2 months to stop it, and no response. So, I stopped payment and blocked them on my bank account.”
Pros and Cons: Butcher Box vs. Crowd Cow
When deciding between Butcher Box and Crowd Cow, it helps to weigh the pros and cons. Each service has its unique strengths and a few drawbacks worth considering.
Pros
Butcher Box
- Exclusive Cuts and Partnerships: Butcher Box's relationships with farms allow them to offer exclusive cuts that you might not find at your local grocery store, making your meals more special.
- Special Offers for Members: They often entice new members with appealing offers, such as free bacon in every box or significant discounts on the first order, adding extra value to your subscription.
- Convenience and Consistency: The subscription model ensures a steady supply of high-quality meat, saving you time and hassle. This is perfect for busy families or individuals who prefer to have one less thing to worry about.
- Humanely Raised: Butcher Box emphasizes that all their meats come from animals that are humanely raised without antibiotics or hormones, catering to ethically conscious consumers.
Crowd Cow
- Transparent Farm Sourcing: Crowd Cow provides detailed information about the farms and their practices, offering a transparent and educational shopping experience. You know exactly where your food is coming from, down to the breed and the farmer's philosophy.
- Wide Selection of Exotic Meats: For those with adventurous palates, Crowd Cow offers a variety of unique and exotic meats, including Wagyu beef, bison, and more, which can be hard to find elsewhere.
- Sustainability Focus: Crowd Cow takes pride in its sustainable practices, from eco-friendly packaging to supporting small, independent farms that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
- Flexibility in Ordering: Without a subscription requirement, you can order as much or as little as you want, whenever you want, providing flexibility to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Cons
Butcher Box
- Limited Customization in Standard Boxes: The pre-curated boxes offer limited customization, which might not suit those who prefer specific cuts or types of meat.
- Subscription Commitment: The model can be less flexible for those who don't want a monthly commitment or prefer to adjust their orders based on changing needs.
- Price Point: For some, the cost per pound might seem high compared to buying in bulk or choosing cuts on sale at a local butcher.
Crowd Cow
- Higher Prices for A La Carte: The flexibility of choosing exactly what you want comes with a higher price tag, especially for premium options like Wagyu, which might not fit everyone's budget.
- No Regular Subscription: While the lack of a subscription offers flexibility, it also means you have to remember to place orders, which might be inconvenient for those who appreciate the "set it and forget it" model.
- Overwhelming Choices: While the vast selection appeals to some, it might be overwhelming for others who prefer a more straightforward, curated selection.
The Verdict
The winner in the battle between Butcher Box and Crowd Cow boils down to what's most important to you.
When Butcher Box Might Be an Interesting Choice…
- Families with Consistent Needs: Butcher Box could be the winner. Their subscription model means you always have a steady supply of high-quality meats for family meals, and their boxes cater to various needs and sizes, making meal planning easier.
- People Who Want Higher Quality Meat Without Splurging Too Much: Butcher Box offers a lot of deals, especially with their member specials and free shipping. Good meat can be expensive, but discounts certainly help.
- Busy Professionals: Butcher Box's subscription model means one less thing to think about, making it ideal for busy professionals who appreciate the convenience of regular meat deliveries.
When Crowd Cow Might Be an Interesting Choice…
- Singles or Couples: Crowd Cow's flexibility shines here. You can order just what you need, when you need it, without worrying about excess or storage issues, making it perfect for smaller households.
- People Who Want Very High Quality Meat: Crowd Cow takes the cake. Their wide selection of exotic meats and detailed farm information provides a playground for culinary exploration, offering everything a gourmet cook might desire for special dishes.
- Ethically Conscious Consumers: Crowd Cow's transparency about farm practices and emphasis on sustainability makes it the top choice for those who want to know the story behind their food.
Both Butcher Box and Crowd Cow can be interesting options to get better quality meat for your family, but they aren’t always the most perfect solution.
That’s why we’ve begun offering subscription boxes with premium angus beef from our farms in Tennessee in Texas.
We strive to make several options that marry the value and consistency of a Butcher Box with the quality and transparency of a Crowd Cow.
We have tons of different boxes you can choose from, starting from $49.99.
Click here to try one and get 5 lbs. of ground beef added to your order for FREE.
Our Subscription Boxes Give The Best of Both Worlds at Affordable Prices
Don’t get us wrong, Butcher Box and Crowd Cow are great businesses and can be good options depending on your needs.
But we definitely think you should give our subscription boxes a try instead.
Here’s why:
- You get 100% pasture-raised meat that comes straight from our family farms in Tennessee and Texas
- Boxes start as low as $49.99
- You can get a box delivered to you as often as you want (whether that’s every 2 weeks or every 6)
- Our customers say this is the best meat they’ve ever purchased
…Not to mention we have an exclusive deal for you if you decide to go with us instead of Butcher Box or Crowd Cow!
Give us a try, we think you’ll be glad you did. 🙂
