Certified Piedmontese Review: Lean, Flavorful Beef Delivered

Certified Piedmontese is a premium online meat company known for its uniquely lean yet tender beef from the rare Piedmontese cattle breed. This Nebraska-based ranch-to-fork operation stands out for delivering gourmet steaks that are high in protein but lower in fat and calories than typical beef. Fans love Certified Piedmontese for its rich flavor without the guilt, as well as the brand’s sustainable ranching practices and quality assurance, which is why we will go deep on the company, their values and story in this Certified Piedmontese review. Before buying, just know that this beef is pricier than supermarket steaks, and its lean profile means you’ll want to cook it carefully to keep all that juiciness intact.

Company Background and Values

Certified Piedmontese is backed by Great Plains Beef, a company based in Lincoln, Nebraska, that has dedicated itself to raising Piedmontese cattle in a natural and ethical way. Piedmontese is a heritage breed originally from the Piedmont region of Italy, prized for a genetic trait that produces extra muscle (often called “double muscling”). Fewer than 1% of cattle in the U.S. are Piedmontese, making this beef truly special. To ensure authenticity, Certified Piedmontese DNA-tests every calf to confirm the breed’s genetics, so customers know they’re getting the real deal.

The company’s values center on sustainability, animal welfare, and quality. Cattle are raised on expansive family ranches across Nebraska (and parts of the Great Plains) with a farm-to-fork approach that ensures full traceability, environmental sustainability, and humane animal handling. 

• Ranchers use low-stress handling techniques and never administer growth hormones or routine antibiotics to the Piedmontese herd. 
• The animals graze on natural prairie grasses supplemented with home-grown feed, and they are given plenty of space on the Nebraska Sandhills grasslands. 
• These high standards are verified by third-party audits (e.g. IMI Global’s Verified Natural Beef program) to confirm the cattle are raised without hormones or antibiotics.

One unique aspect of Certified Piedmontese’s operation is its ranch-to-table supply chain. Great Plains Beef owns or partners closely with the ranches, and also manages the processing and distribution. This means when you order from Certified Piedmontese, the beef comes directly from their network of ranches straight to your doorstep, with no middlemen. The result is a high level of quality control and transparency “from pasture to plate”. It’s not uncommon to find Certified Piedmontese beef featured at upscale restaurants and steakhouses, but the company’s direct-to-consumer service allows home chefs and BBQ enthusiasts to enjoy this specialty beef anywhere in the U.S.

What Makes Certified Piedmontese Different?

Certified Piedmontese sets itself apart from other premium beef purveyors in a few key ways. The core difference is in the beef itself, which comes from that rare Piedmontese breed. Thanks to a natural genetic mutation, Piedmontese cattle develop leaner muscle tissue without the excessive fat marbling you see in breeds like Angus or Wagyu. You end up with beef that is extremely tender but much lower in fat, calories, and cholesterol than conventional beef. In fact, the Piedmontese breed’s unique muscle fiber structure yields steaks that are “unbelievably tender with half the fat and calories” of typical beef. This is a holy grail for health-conscious carnivores – you can enjoy a thick, juicy ribeye or filet mignon with far less guilt about saturated fat.

Despite being lean, Piedmontese beef doesn’t eat like “diet” food. The flavor is still rich and beefy, and many diners are surprised at how juicy it is for such lean meat. As one steak lover noted, “It’s lean but surprisingly juicy and tender. It almost runs counter to everything I’ve learned and experienced about beef.” This unique combination of leanness and tenderness is something you won’t easily find with other cattle. It’s the opposite of the well-known Wagyu beef: Wagyu packs in maximum fat for indulgence, while Piedmontese delivers tenderness without the fat. If you’re trying to eat healthier red meat or follow a high-protein, lower-fat diet, Piedmontese beef is a game-changer.

Another differentiator is Certified Piedmontese’s emphasis on sustainable and humane practices alongside quality. Plenty of premium beef companies talk about quality, but Certified Piedmontese goes the extra mile in how the cattle are raised and how the business operates.

• Their ranches span thousands of acres of untouched grassland, providing a natural, stress-free environment for the cattle. 
• Ranchers are Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified and trained in low-stress handling.
• The company forgoes shortcuts like feedlot confinement or cheap grain fillers; even the feed is carefully managed (no animal by-product feed, and a portion of the cattle are finished on grass pastures).

The traceability and testing programs also make Certified Piedmontese stand out. Every animal’s ancestry is tracked, and the DNA tests guarantee that the beef you receive genuinely comes from Piedmontese genetics. This level of verification is rare in the industry – it’s like a pedigree for your steak. It gives customers confidence that the advertised health and quality benefits (like the lower fat content and tenderness) are inherent to the product. In short, Certified Piedmontese isn’t just selling “USDA Prime” beef or a fancy marketing term; they’re selling a fundamentally different kind of beef, with a verified lineage and a distinct eating experience.

Lastly, Certified Piedmontese maintains a satisfaction guarantee and a fully transparent supply chain (from ranch to fork) that few others match. Interestingly, because Piedmontese beef is so unlike conventional beef, it doesn’t neatly fit the USDA grading system (which is largely based on marbling). You won’t see a USDA Prime sticker on these steaks – they might technically grade Select by fat content – but in terms of tenderness, they can rival or exceed Prime grade. The company often cites independent tests showing Piedmontese beef can meet or beat the tenderness of the highest USDA grades, even with a fraction of the fat. That’s a major difference in philosophy: quality measured by eating experience and nutrition, rather than just fat marbling.

Product Range and Offerings

What can you actually buy from Certified Piedmontese? In short, just about any cut of beef you can think of – and then some. 

Certified Piedmontese Beef Cuts

The company offers a full range of beef cuts from luxury steaks to everyday ground beef. You’ll find all the steakhouse favorites: filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye (including tomahawk ribeyes), sirloin, flat iron, skirt steak, flank steak, tri-tip, and more. They also sell roasts like brisket, chuck roast, rib roasts, and specialty cuts like picanha and short ribs. For the BBQ enthusiasts, there are cuts “for the smoker” such as beef back ribs, brisket (including a competition-trimmed brisket), and chuck short ribs. If you’re into organ meats or odd cuts, they have options like oxtail and liver too.

Certified Piedmontese Beef Products

In addition to raw cuts, Certified Piedmontese produces value-added beef products. 

• These include ground beef (in various leanness ratios, though even the regular ground beef is leaner than normal);
• Pre-formed burger patties;
• All-beef hot dogs and brats;
• Beef jerky

They even offer unique Piedmontese beef sausages and snack sticks for those who want ready-to-eat protein snacks.

Certified Piedmontese Bison & Lamb

While beef is the main attraction, Certified Piedmontese has expanded its catalog to a few other proteins as well. You can find Great Plains Bison (bison steaks and ground bison) and even some grass-fed lamb and free-range chicken on their site, sourced from partner producers. This means you can bundle a variety of meats in one order if you wish, though the spotlight remains on their beef. They also sell a selection of seasonings and rubs, and even Wagyu beef from a partner ranch (such as Morgan Ranch Wagyu) – presumably to round out the offerings for those who want a one-stop premium meat shop. But the star of the show is Piedmontese beef, and that’s what most people come to them for.

Certified Piedmontese Gift Boxes & Samplers

Bundle boxes and samplers: If you’re not sure where to start, Certified Piedmontese has curated collection boxes that can simplify your choice. For example, their Beef Sample Pack includes a few different popular cuts (like filet, NY strip, flat iron, and ground beef) at a reasonable bundle price. They also offer larger gift packs – up to the massive “Presidential Freezer Filler” which contains a trove of different cuts for stocking your freezer. Themed boxes (like a Slow ‘n’ Low BBQ box, or a steak lover’s box) rotate seasonally and make great gifts for the grillers in your life. These bundles often come at a slight discount versus buying items individually, and let you experience the variety of Piedmontese beef.

Pricing: For a high-end meat delivery service, Certified Piedmontese’s prices are relatively reasonable. Individual steaks generally come in multi-packs (e.g. 2–4 steaks per pack) and prices per steak can range roughly from $12–$30 depending on the cut. For instance, a pack of four 10 oz. Piedmontese ribeyes is around $70 (so about $17.50 per steak), and a four-pack of 8 oz filets is about $100 ($25 each). Ground beef runs about $8–$9 per pound (leaner options slightly more). These prices are on par with or a bit lower than other luxury beef providers. Keep in mind, you’re getting a healthier product for the price. The company deliberately doesn’t lock customers into subscriptions, so you can order whatever you want, whenever. Volume discounts aren’t really a thing here, but spending over $99 in an order will get you free shipping (orders under $99 incur about a $20 shipping fee).

One thing to note: you usually can’t buy just one steak from Certified Piedmontese. They package their meats in set quantities. This isn’t unusual for online butchers, but it means if you want, say, a single tomahawk ribeye, you might have to get a pack of two. Most steaks and roasts come in reasonably sized packs of 2–4 pieces, but it’s something to be aware of (especially if you have a small freezer). The upside is you’ll have an extra on hand once you taste how good this beef is!

Ordering experience: Ordering from Certified Piedmontese is straightforward via their website:

• There’s no membership required for one-time orders.
• Simply add items to your cart and choose your delivery date at checkout. 
• They ship to all U.S. states in insulated coolers with frozen gel packs or dry ice, ensuring your meat arrives cold (usually frozen). 
• The packaging is eco-friendly where possible – they’ve even introduced recyclable and biodegradable materials for shipping boxes and insulation. 
• Many customers report that delivery is prompt and the meat arrives in excellent condition (often still frozen solid, which is ideal). 
• In the rare case of any issue, the company has a satisfaction guarantee and responsive customer service to make it right.

Certified Piedmontese vs Other Meat Delivery Services

How does Certified Piedmontese stack up against other high-quality meat delivery companies? Here’s a look at how it compares to a few notable competitors:

Snake River Farms (American Wagyu Beef)

Snake River Farms is famous for its American Wagyu beef, which is basically the opposite end of the spectrum from Piedmontese beef. Snake River Farms (SRF) offers ultra-marbled, rich beef with a buttery texture – their steaks are packed with intramuscular fat for maximum flavor. In fact, SRF’s top-grade Wagyu cuts can have more marbling than even USDA Prime. By contrast, Certified Piedmontese beef is extremely lean.

Health vs. Indulgence: If you’re looking for a healthier beef option, Piedmontese clearly wins – it has far less fat and calories than SRF’s Wagyu. On the other hand, if you want an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth steak and don’t mind the extra fat, SRF might be your choice. Many BBQ enthusiasts actually enjoy both depending on the occasion – Piedmontese for routine lean protein, Wagyu for a special treat.

Flavor and Cooking: Snake River’s Wagyu will have a rich, juicy mouthfeel due to all that fat; you can cook it hot and fast and it stays moist. Piedmontese beef, while tender, is leaner, so you have to be a bit more careful not to overcook it (lower fat means it can dry out if left on too long). However, Piedmontese beef still offers a satisfying beefy flavor, just without the heavy greasiness. Some folks describe Piedmontese steaks as a “cleaner” taste, whereas Wagyu is almost buttery.

Sourcing and Practices: SRF and Certified Piedmontese both emphasize quality and humane practices. SRF’s cattle (a cross of Japanese Wagyu with American Angus) are raised predominantly in the Northwest U.S. with careful feed regimens. They do use grain-finishing to achieve that high marbling, and they partner with family farms. However, SRF doesn’t market itself on health qualities or leanness – it’s all about luxury beef. Certified Piedmontese’s differentiator is the breed and health aspect. Both companies ship nationwide and have similar premium packaging. Price-wise, Snake River Farms tends to be more expensive for comparable cuts (Wagyu is costly), especially for their Gold Grade Wagyu. If you compare a Piedmontese filet and an SRF Wagyu filet, the Wagyu will likely cost significantly more per pound.

In summary, Certified Piedmontese vs Snake River Farms comes down to lean vs rich. Piedmontese is best for the health-conscious meat lover who still demands tenderness, while Snake River Farms is for those who want the most decadent, fat-marbled beef experience. They’re both excellent in quality, but cater to different tastes and dietary priorities.

Porter Road (Pasture-Raised Craft Butcher)

Porter Road is another well-regarded meat delivery service, known for pasture-raised meats and a nose-to-tail butcher shop philosophy. The key difference here is that Porter Road isn’t focused on a single breed. They source traditional breeds (like Angus or heritage pork) from small family farms, with all animals raised outdoors without hormones or antibiotics. All of Porter Road’s beef is pasture-raised, grain-finished, and dry-aged for enhanced flavor.

Beef Quality: Porter Road’s beef tends to have more marbling than Piedmontese simply because it’s from conventional breeds (and grain-finished), and their hallmark is dry-aging, which concentrates the flavor. So a Porter Road ribeye will have the classic fatty flavor and additional funk from aging. A Certified Piedmontese ribeye will be leaner and cleaner-tasting, but still tender. It really depends on whether you want that dry-aged traditional beef taste or the lighter Piedmontese profile. Both are high quality, just different styles of beef.

Product Selection: Porter Road offers a variety of meats beyond beef – including pork, lamb, and chicken – all sourced with high standards. Certified Piedmontese has a more limited range (mostly beef, with some bison and chicken as add-ons). So if you want one place to order a mix of pasture-raised beef, heritage pork, and maybe some bacon and sausage, Porter Road is great. They even have subscription boxes for mixed meats. Certified Piedmontese is more specialized around beef (and the unique attributes of Piedmontese beef).

Pricing: The pricing between the two is fairly comparable for similar cuts, though Porter Road often sells smaller quantities (you can buy one steak at a time there). Both have items that are good value and some that are pricey. Porter Road requires a $100 order for free shipping (vs. CP’s $99) – pretty similar. Porter Road’s subscription boxes can save a bit of money if you go that route, whereas CP doesn’t have a standard subscription (aside from their beef club, which we’ll mention later).

Sustainability: Both companies pride themselves on sustainable and humane farming. Porter Road partners with farms in Kentucky, Tennessee, and surrounding regions, focusing on regenerative practices. Certified Piedmontese runs its own network of ranches in Nebraska with very similar principles. Neither use hormones or antibiotics. So, in ethics, they’re both top-notch.

In short, Certified Piedmontese vs Porter Road comes down to specialty beef vs variety butcher. Choose Certified Piedmontese if you specifically want the Piedmontese breed’s health benefits and tenderness. Choose Porter Road if you want an artisanal butcher experience with a wider selection of meat types and the deep flavor of dry-aged, pasture-raised beef.

Other Competitors

The gourmet meat delivery space has exploded in recent years. Other noteworthy competitors include ButcherBox, Crowd Cow, Omaha Steaks, and Holy Grail Steak Co., among others. Each has its niche:

• ButcherBox is a subscription service offering grass-fed beef (usually Angus), along with chicken and pork. It’s convenient and often more budget-friendly, but the beef, while good, is not particularly unique breed-wise. If you strictly want grass-fed (and don’t mind a subscription model), it’s an option. However, ButcherBox beef will generally be lean and not nearly as tender as Piedmontese, since grass-fed Angus can be a bit tougher and less marbled.
• Crowd Cow is a marketplace that lets you pick and choose cuts from various farms, including Wagyu and sometimes Piedmontese or other breeds. You might occasionally find Piedmontese beef on Crowd Cow, but it’s not a dedicated source like Certified Piedmontese. Crowd Cow is great for exploration, but if you know you specifically want Piedmontese beef consistently, going straight to the source (Certified Piedmontese) is more reliable and often more cost-effective.
• Omaha Steaks is one of the oldest names in meat delivery. They offer a wide range of products (beef, seafood, prepared foods) and often have big package deals. However, their beef is typically grain-fed Midwest beef, not particularly geared toward health, and they don’t emphasize breed or sourcing to the degree that newer companies do. Omaha Steaks are known for convenience and gift packages, but if you want the breed-specific qualities of Piedmontese, Omaha won’t scratch that itch.
• Holy Grail Steak Co. specializes in ultra-premium steaks, particularly Japanese Wagyu, American Wagyu, and other high-end cuts (check out our in-depth review). They do the opposite of Certified Piedmontese in that they chase the highest marbling possible (A5 Japanese Wagyu, etc.). That’s a completely different experience (and price point). One could argue Holy Grail and Piedmontese are in separate categories: one is for over-the-top luxury splurge, and the other is for everyday healthy luxury.

At the end of the day, Certified Piedmontese is carving out its own niche. No other service focuses exclusively on Piedmontese beef with a dedicated ranch-to-door program. If you value the combination of health, sustainability, and premium quality, Certified Piedmontese stands tall among the competition. You can certainly find other great meat providers out there, but none quite duplicate what CP offers.

Pros and Cons of Certified Piedmontese

Every food delivery service has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of Certified Piedmontese:

Pros

• Lean & Healthy but Flavorful: Piedmontese beef offers excellent flavor and tenderness with a fraction of the fat of traditional beef. It’s high-protein, lower-calorie beef that doesn’t taste “lite”.
• Ethical, Sustainable Ranching: Cattle are humanely raised on open rangeland with no hormones or unnecessary antibiotics, and the operation emphasizes environmental sustainability.
• High Quality Assurance: DNA testing and full traceability ensure you’re getting authentic Piedmontese beef of consistent quality. Independent tests have equated its tenderness to Prime grade beef.
• Great Variety of Cuts: Huge selection of cuts and products – from premium steaks to ground beef to jerky – plus occasional bison and chicken offerings for variety.
• No Subscription Required: You can order as needed. (They do have an optional Beef Club for monthly or quarterly boxes if you prefer a subscription experience.)
• Positive Customer Feedback: The brand earns high marks from customers (rated “Excellent” with 4.8/5 stars on Trustpilot), with many praising the taste and quality of the beef.
• Convenient Delivery: Ships to your door in eco-friendly packaging; free shipping over $99; meat arrives frozen and well-sealed. It’s easy to stock your freezer with healthy beef.

Cons

• Premium Price: Quality doesn’t come cheap – expect to pay more than grocery store beef. While prices are fair for what it is, it’s still a premium product.
• Must Buy in Multi-Packs: Most items come in preset pack sizes (e.g. 2–4 steaks), so you can’t always buy a single steak or smaller portion. This might be inconvenient for some or require freezer space for extras.
• Shipping Fee Under $99: If you just want to try a small order, the $20 shipping charge on orders below $99 can feel steep. It encourages you to buy in bulk (which isn’t always a bad thing).
• Lean Learning Curve: The leaner meat can be less forgiving to cook. If you’re used to fatty USDA Prime steaks, you might need to adjust your cooking technique (e.g. don’t overcook, maybe use marinades or rubs to help retain moisture). There’s a slight learning curve to get the best results, especially on slow cooks like brisket which will have less fat to baste the meat.
• Limited Grass-Finished Selection: While all Piedmontese beef is relatively lean, not all of it is 100% grass-finished – many cuts are from cattle finished on grain (albeit high-quality feed). They do offer a line of 100% grass-fed, grass-finished Piedmontese beef (which is also Non-GMO Project verified), but the selection for that is more limited. If you strictly want grass-fed, you’ll have fewer options.
• Mostly Beef-Centric: This is a minor “con,” but if you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all meats and seafood, Certified Piedmontese’s focus is beef. They have some bison and poultry, but you won’t find pork or seafood here. You might need another source for those proteins.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

It’s always wise to see what real customers are saying about a service like this. Certified Piedmontese generally receives glowing reviews. On Trustpilot, the company currently holds an “Excellent” 4.8 out of 5-star rating, indicating that the vast majority of customers have had a very positive experience. Shoppers often comment on the noticeable quality of the meat and the surprising tenderness of such lean beef. Many health-conscious beef lovers are repeat customers, appreciating that they can enjoy steaks without the usual guilt. Comments frequently mention that the beef is as tender as advertised and has rich flavor despite the lower fat content.

On forums and social media in the BBQ community, you’ll find similar praise. Grillmasters who have tried Piedmontese beef report that it delivers on tenderness. For instance, one pitmaster on a popular smoking forum shared that Certified Piedmontese ribeyes are “juicy and full of flavor” and perfect even without any steak sauce – his only wish was that they’d offer a thicker cut!. This speaks to the eating quality meeting expectations.

Reddit discussions about Certified Piedmontese often start with skepticism (after all, it sounds almost too good: “healthy beef that’s tender?”), but the follow-up responses are usually from people who gave it a shot and became believers. One Reddit user marveled that trying Piedmontese was “a novel experience unlike any steak you will try”, noting the unique combination of leanness and tenderness. Others on r/steak have noted that it “almost counteracts everything you thought you knew about beef” in a good way – because it’s lean yet still tastes great. In general, word-of-mouth among BBQ and steak enthusiasts has been positive, which is a great sign.

Of course, not every single review is perfect. A few customers have mentioned that Piedmontese beef has a different mouthfeel than heavily marbled beef – which is true, it won’t coat your palate with fat the way a Wagyu steak might. Some folks who prefer super fatty beef might find it a tad less decadent. Occasionally, someone might comment that the flavor is a bit milder than a prime Angus due to the lower fat (fat carries flavor), or they had to adjust their cooking to prevent dryness. And like any shipping business, there could be the rare complaint about a delayed delivery or a mix-up, but those instances seem few and far between, and the company tends to address them quickly.

Overall, the feedback from verified buyers and the BBQ community reinforces that Certified Piedmontese is delivering on its promises. The beef really is tender, the company is reliable in its service, and people feel it’s worth the money – especially if health is a priority.

To wrap up, Certified Piedmontese offers a unique beef experience that caters beautifully to those of us who want to eat healthier without giving up our steaks. It brings something new to the table (quite literally) for grill enthusiasts. Now, to address any remaining curiosities, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about Certified Piedmontese:

Certified Piedmontese FAQ

What is Certified Piedmontese beef?

Certified Piedmontese beef comes from a specific breed of cattle called Piedmontese, originally from Italy. It’s a branded beef program by Great Plains Beef that raises these cattle in Nebraska and sells their lean, tender beef directly to consumers. Essentially, it’s a unique type of beef known for being very tender despite having less fat than regular beef.

Where does Certified Piedmontese beef come from?

The beef is sourced from family ranches primarily in Nebraska (and the Great Plains region of the U.S.). The cattle are Italian Piedmontese breed, but they’re born and raised in America on open rangeland. The operation is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, and that’s where the ranch-to-fork supply chain is managed.

How are Certified Piedmontese cattle raised?

They are raised humanely and sustainably. The cattle roam on large pastures, grazing on grass, and are handled with low-stress techniques. They are never given growth hormones or routine antibiotics. Certified Piedmontese also enforces standards for environmental stewardship on their ranches (protecting grasslands, using sustainable feed, etc.). It’s a very natural approach to cattle raising.

Is Certified Piedmontese beef grass-fed?

Yes and no. All Piedmontese cattle start on mother’s milk and grass on pasture. Many are then finished on a grain diet (corn and other feed) for a period to achieve desired weight and consistency – this is similar to most premium beef programs. However, Certified Piedmontese also offers a line of 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef (which is also Non-GMO certified). Those cuts are labeled as such on their site. So if you specifically want grass-fed/finished, look for those products. Otherwise, assume the beef may be grain-finished (but still from cattle raised on pasture, not feedlots, and with no animal by-products in feed).

Why is Piedmontese beef leaner than regular beef?

Piedmontese cattle have a natural genetic mutation called the myostatin gene variant, which causes them to develop more muscle and less fat. They are often referred to as “double-muscled” cattle. This genetic trait means their meat has less intramuscular fat (marbling) than traditional beef breeds. So, by nature, Piedmontese beef is leaner. Despite having less fat, the muscle fibers are very tender because of how that gene works – it creates finer muscle fibers and extra muscle mass, making the meat tender without needing much fat.

Is Piedmontese beef really tender without much fat?

Yes, surprisingly so. Tenderness in beef comes from a combination of factors – fat can help, but muscle fiber structure is crucial. Piedmontese cattle have a unique muscle structure that stays tender. Many people find Piedmontese steaks as tender as USDA Prime steaks, even though they don’t have the same fatty marbling. In fact, some chefs compare Piedmontese to Wagyu in tenderness, minus the huge fat content. The result is a steak that cuts easily and isn’t tough, as long as you don’t overcook it.

Does Piedmontese beef taste different from other beef?

It has a slightly different profile. Because it’s lean, the flavor can be described as “cleaner” or more pure beef taste, without the richness that a lot of fat brings. Some say it’s a bit milder than a heavily marbled steak, but it still has a good beefy flavor. If you season and cook it well, most people would just find it delicious, not noticeably odd. The main difference is in mouthfeel – it won’t be as oily or buttery as a Wagyu steak. It’s more akin to the taste of a very high-quality grass-fed steak, but more tender.

Is Piedmontese beef healthier than regular beef?

Generally, yes. Piedmontese beef is lower in fat, calories, and cholesterol than beef from conventional breeds. For example, a 3.5 oz Piedmontese steak has been shown to have roughly half the fat and significantly less cholesterol than the same size steak from an Angus steer. It’s even leaner than skinless chicken breast in terms of fat content, yet packed with protein. So if you’re watching your fat intake or calories, Piedmontese beef is a smart choice without sacrificing protein or taste.

How does Certified Piedmontese ensure their beef is actually Piedmontese?

They take it very seriously – every animal in the program is DNA tested to confirm it has the Piedmontese genetics. Only cattle that are at least 50% Piedmontese (many are purebred) with the right gene get the “Certified Piedmontese” designation. They also keep detailed records tracing each animal from ranch to processing. So, when you buy from them, you can be confident it’s not just marketing – the beef really does come from Piedmontese cattle.

Does Certified Piedmontese offer any subscription or membership program?

Yes, they have an optional Beef Club. It’s essentially a subscription where you can get a curated box of Piedmontese beef delivered regularly (you can choose monthly or quarterly). The box contains a variety of cuts selected by them. This is great if you want a steady supply without re-ordering each time. However, unlike some services, you are not required to subscribe – you can absolutely shop a la carte. The Beef Club is just there for convenience or for superfans who want to try new cuts frequently.

What products can I buy from Certified Piedmontese?

The product range is wide: all kinds of steaks (filet, ribeye, strip, sirloin, flank, etc.), roasts (brisket, chuck roast, prime rib roast), ground beef and patties, ribs, and more. They also have beef jerky, beef sticks, hot dogs, brats – all made from Piedmontese beef. In addition, you’ll find a few non-beef items like bison meat, and chicken breast, plus some seasonings. They also sell gift bundles and sampler packs if you want a variety in one package.

Do they sell only beef, or other meats too?

Beef is the primary offering. However, Certified Piedmontese does offer some Great Plains Bison (bison burgers, steaks) and occasionally other meats like chicken or lamb from partner farms. These are more like add-ons to complement your order. If your question is whether they have things like pork, seafood, or a full grocery selection – no, they don’t. It’s largely beef-focused with a few specialty meats on the side.

How does Piedmontese beef compare to Wagyu beef?

They are almost opposites in the beef world. Wagyu (especially Japanese Wagyu or even American Wagyu from places like Snake River Farms) is famous for intense marbling – streaks of fat throughout the meat – which makes it very rich, buttery, and high in fat. Piedmontese beef has very little marbling, so it’s much leaner. Both are very tender, but Wagyu’s tenderness comes from the fat melting in the meat, while Piedmontese’s tenderness comes from the muscle genetics. Nutrition-wise, Piedmontese is far healthier (less fat, more protein per ounce). Flavor-wise, Wagyu can taste more decadent, almost like beef crossed with foie gras in some cases, whereas Piedmontese tastes like a really good traditional beef steak, just leaner. If you put a Piedmontese steak next to a Wagyu steak, you’ll see the Wagyu is visibly fattier. Some people absolutely love Wagyu for its luxury; others find it too fatty and can’t eat a large portion. Piedmontese is more akin to a really high-end filet mignon in profile – you could eat a whole steak and not feel it’s overwhelming. So it depends on what you’re looking for: indulgence vs. nutrition. Both have their place in a carnivore’s heart.

How does Certified Piedmontese compare to Snake River Farms or other meat delivery services?

In short, Certified Piedmontese is unique because of the breed and health angle. Snake River Farms (as mentioned) is all about Wagyu and indulgence, whereas CP is about lean beef and health without sacrificing tenderness. Porter Road focuses on pasture-raised, dry-aged craft beef and other meats – great variety and flavor, but no specific breed focus or health twist like CP. ButcherBox is convenient and cost-effective for grass-fed beef but is a subscription and the beef quality, while good, is not as premium or unique as CP’s. Crowd Cow offers lots of choices and even Wagyu and other breeds, but it’s more of a marketplace, not one cohesive program, and you might pay more for similar cuts. Omaha Steaks has name recognition and lots of packages, but their beef is more conventional (and often comes frozen, not that that’s bad, but it’s not as specialized). Overall, Certified Piedmontese holds its own by offering something different: a specific breed with specific benefits. If those benefits align with what you want (leaner but still tender beef, ethical ranching, direct from source), then CP might be “better” for you. If you prioritize say, extreme marbling or a mix of meats or cheapest price, another service might suit you better. It really depends on your priorities as a consumer.

How is Certified Piedmontese beef shipped?

The beef is shipped frozen (or very cold) in insulated boxes. They vacuum-seal each cut of beef, then pack it with dry ice or frozen gel packs, so it stays at safe temperatures during transit. Packages are typically delivered by UPS or FedEx. The meat will arrive either frozen solid or partially frozen/chilled, depending on transit time – either way, it’s usually in great shape upon arrival. You should plan to put it into your freezer or fridge soon after delivery. The company has also moved toward eco-friendly packaging, using recyclable insulation and shipping materials that are biodegradable, which is a nice plus.

How long does delivery take and where do they ship?

They ship throughout the contiguous United States. Shipping is pretty quick because it’s perishable: once your order is processed, it usually arrives in about 2–3 days. You can select a specific delivery date at checkout (usually they ship orders early in the week to avoid weekend delays). They do not ship internationally. If you’re on the West Coast or East Coast, expect closer to 3 days; Midwest orders might arrive in 1–2 days since Nebraska is central. They pack enough dry ice to keep it frozen for the journey. You’ll get a tracking number to follow the shipment.

Is there a minimum order for free shipping?

Yes, the magic number is $99. If your cart is $99 or more, shipping is free. If it’s below $99, a flat $20 shipping & handling fee applies. So it often makes sense to add an extra item or two to hit $99 and save that $20, effectively getting more meat for your money. There’s no absolute minimum order size (you could order just one pack of something if you really wanted, but you’d pay the shipping).

What do customers say about Certified Piedmontese?

Customers generally have great things to say. Many are repeat buyers who rave that this is the only beef they’ll buy now for health reasons. Common themes in reviews: “unbelievably tender,” “full of flavor,” “my kids/family couldn’t tell it was lean beef,” etc. The Trustpilot reviews average 4.8/5, which is very high. People also praise the customer service and fast shipping. On BBQ forums, experienced cooks have shared success stories cooking Piedmontese briskets, steaks, and more – often surprised that even without heavy fat, the results were excellent. The few negative comments usually come from folks who either expected a very fatty flavor (and didn’t get it, since this is lean beef) or who had a minor shipping hiccup. But overall, the reputation is strong: it’s seen as a trustworthy company with a product that lives up to its billing.

Is Certified Piedmontese beef worth the money?

If you value healthy eating and love a good steak, most would say yes, it’s worth it. You are paying for a premium product that is unique in the market. For roughly the price of a filet at a nice restaurant, you can get several Piedmontese steaks and enjoy them at home. The combination of quality, taste, and nutritional profile is hard to beat. That said, if you’re someone who just wants the cheapest possible beef or you really crave fatty marbling, then this might not be your go-to for everyday meals. But for a growing number of people – especially those into fitness, or managing cholesterol, or just trying to eat cleaner without giving up red meat – Certified Piedmontese is absolutely worth the cost. It allows you to “have your steak and eat it too,” so to speak. When you grill up a Piedmontese ribeye and realize you didn’t have to trim huge globs of fat and there’s no greasy aftertaste, you’ll appreciate what you paid for. Plus, supporting a program that treats animals and the land well is a nice bonus for the conscience.