When shopping for beef, you've probably seen labels like AA, AAA, or Prime.
But what do these grades actually mean?
And more importantly, what should you expect from the beef you buy from Hungry Herd?
Let's break it down.
What Is Beef Grading?
In Canada, beef is graded based primarily on two factors:
- Marbling
- Maturity
Marbling refers to the small flecks of intramuscular fat distributed throughout the meat.
These tiny streaks of fat melt during cooking and contribute to:
- Flavor
- Tenderness
- Juiciness
Generally speaking, more marbling means a better eating experience.
Canadian Beef Grades Explained
A Grade
The A grades include:
- A
- AA
- AAA
- Prime
Each step up represents higher levels of marbling.
AA Beef
AA beef contains moderate marbling and is commonly found in grocery stores.
It can be very good but may be less consistently tender than higher grades.
AAA Beef
AAA beef offers abundant marbling and excellent eating quality.
Most premium steakhouses and specialty meat retailers focus heavily on AAA beef because it delivers exceptional consistency.
Prime Beef
Prime is the highest widely available beef grade in Canada.
Only a small percentage of cattle achieve Prime status.
Prime beef contains the highest levels of marbling and is prized for its:
- Rich flavor
- Exceptional tenderness
- Outstanding juiciness
Where Hungry Herd Fits
At Hungry Herd, our beef ranges from AAA to Prime.
That means you're receiving beef from the highest quality tier of the Canadian grading system.
When you order from us, you can expect:
- Excellent marbling
- Outstanding tenderness
- Rich flavor
- Consistent quality
- Premium steakhouse-level eating experiences
Grass-Fed and AAA? Yes, It's Possible
Many people assume grass-fed beef cannot achieve high quality grades.
The reality is that exceptional genetics, proper animal management, and careful production can still produce beautifully marbled AAA and Prime-grade beef.
That's one reason we carefully select our farm partners.
We refuse to compromise on quality.
What Makes Hungry Herd Different
Not all AAA beef is created equal.
Our beef combines several characteristics customers care about:
- Grass-fed and grass-finished
- Locally raised in Alberta
- Slow-grown naturally
- AAA to Prime quality grades
- Carefully selected premium cuts
The result is beef that delivers both exceptional flavor and the values today's consumers care about.
The Bottom Line
When you see AAA or Prime on a package of Hungry Herd beef, you're looking at some of the highest-quality beef available in Canada.
Combined with our commitment to grass-fed production and local Alberta sourcing, it creates a product we're proud to serve to our own families—and yours.
