From Wagyu to Angus: what the name tells you about beef
Japan helps us distinguish breed, bloodline, grading and origin. We then explore beef from around the world, turning its names into useful questions to ask when buying.
Buying guides
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Premium beef has no single winner
A large meat group, a cattle farm and an ageing specialist can all do excellent work. To compare them, we first need to understand what each contributes and what we expect from the beef we are going to eat.
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How to read a beef label: origin, breed and quality marks
Read real labels from Alcampo, Mercadona, Carrefour, Dia, Lidl and Discarlux to find origin, product names, ingredients and quality marks, while distinguishing a beef cut from a meat preparation.
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Japanese wagyu: four breeds and a story from field to plate
Wagyu, Kobe and A5 often appear together when we talk about Japanese beef. Each name explains something different: the cattle, a certification or the grading of the beef. Understanding these differences reveals a more diverse food culture than a photograph of marbling might suggest.
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Grass-fed or grain-fed beef: what changes and how to choose
Grass and grain indicate what the animal is fed. When a label says ‘grain-finished’, it refers to the animal’s diet during the final stage of rearing. Use that information alongside the cut and your own preferences.
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How to choose beef for burgers
A good burger starts before the griddle: compare the beef, fat, grind, format, label and storage without overlooking food safety.
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Eat less meat, but better: 7 ways to recognise quality beef
Excellent beef is not defined by price, breed or ageing time alone. These seven criteria will help you choose with greater confidence.
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How to buy beef online with confidence
A checklist for buying beef online: cut, weight, chilled delivery, packaging, delivery date and supplier terms.
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How to store vacuum-packed beef at home
General advice for receiving and storing vacuum-packed beef while always following the supplier's instructions.
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Chilled beef delivery: what buyers should check
Cold chain, packaging, handover and storage: key points before buying fresh beef online.