American Wagyu Beef

Snake River Farms American Wagyu is the result of crossbreeding 100% Japanese Wagyu cattle with high quality American breeds. The combination produces beef with extraordinary marbling (or intramuscular fat) and the robust beef flavor of traditional American beef. The result is beef with a unique buttery flavor and texture and savory umami taste and essence.

The marbling. Wagyu cattle produce extraordinary amounts of intramuscular fat — the fine white streaks visible throughout the meat. This fat melts at a lower temperature than conventional beef, basting the meat from within as it cooks. The result is a texture and depth of flavor that USDA-graded beef cannot replicate.

Yes, American Wagyu is 50% purebred Wagyu with verified Japanese Wagyu genetics. American Wagyu is not the same as 100% Wagyu beef but hits the sweet spot between USDA Prime and Japanese Wagyu with rich marbling, the beef forward characteristics preferred by American palates, and a buttery, umami rich aroma, flavor and texture.

Snake River Farms beef grades start at USDA Prime, the top grade on the USDA scale. The majority of SRF beef is marbled well beyond this level. To grade SRF, we use a 12-point Beef Marbling Score (BMS), which measures marbling that exceeds the USDA scale. SRF Silver® BMS 4–5, marbling comparable to USDA Prime. SRF Black® BMS 6–8, significantly more marbling than USDA Prime. SRF Gold® BMS 9–10, dramatically more marbling than USDA Prime. SRF Gold Plus™ BMS 11–12, the highest marbling available from Snake River Farms.

Wagyu cattle require a significantly longer feeding period than conventional beef — over 450 days of grain finishing compared to the industry standard. The genetics, extended feeding time, rigorous grading process, and small-scale ranching practices all contribute to the cost. The result is beef in a category of its own, with marbling levels that standard production cannot achieve.

Every order is flash frozen at peak freshness, individually vacuum sealed, and shipped in an insulated thermal box with dry ice. Orders arrive frozen or partially frozen, per USDA guidelines. Free standard shipping on orders over $199.

Yes. All Snake River Farms products are gluten free.

The difference between SRF grades is the amount of marbling. All SRF grades have the buttery aroma, umami rich beef flavor and tenderness unique to American Wagyu, however each grade from Black to Gold Plus has a progressively higher levels of marbling. SRF Black scores BMS 6–8 on our Beef Marbling Score, which is significantly more marbling than USDA Prime. SRF Gold scores BMS 9–10 with dramatic marbling two levels above USDA Prime. SRF Gold Plus rates 10-12 BMS and is the pinnacle of American Wagyu marbling. For most occasions, SRF Black delivers an exceptional Wagyu experience. SRF Gold is used in competition BBQ and served in premier steakhouses. SRF Gold Plus is for those who want to share the experience of beef served at world class, Michelin level restaurants.