Understanding US Beef Grades and the Plant-Based Alternatives from Redefine Meat

If you’ve ever stood at the butcher counter and wondered what makes one cut of beef fancier than another, you’re not alone. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established a grading system for beef based primarily on the degree of intramuscular fat, known as marbling. This marbling significantly influences the tenderness, flavour, and juiciness of the meat. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right cut for the right moment.  

Beef Grade Breakdown:  

Prime Grade: Representing the highest quality, Prime beef exhibits abundant marbling. Cuts such as the Ribeye, Strip Loin (New York Strip), and Tenderloin (Filet Mignon) from this grade are highly sought after for their exceptional tenderness and rich flavor, making them ideal for grilling and other high-heat cooking methods. 

Choice Grade: This grade denotes high-quality beef with moderate marbling. It offers a favorable balance of flavor and tenderness and is widely available. Common cuts include the Chuck Roast, which is well-suited for braising, the flavorful Sirloin, and Brisket, which benefits from slow cooking techniques. 

Select Grade: Characterized by its leaner composition and less marbling, Select beef is a more economical option. While still palatable, it may require marinating or slow cooking to enhance tenderness and flavor. Examples include leaner Round Steaks and Flank Steak. 

Beyond these, there are lower grades (Standard, Commercial, Utility, Cutter, and Canner) mostly used for processed meat products rather than being sold as retail cuts. 

Redefine Meat: A Plant-Based Innovation 

Redefine Meat has pioneered a novel approach to creating plant-based meat alternatives. Through the application of advanced technologies, Redefine produces substitutes that closely mimic the sensory attributes of animal-based beef, including its taste, texture, and even marbling. 

This innovative approach extends to replicating specific cuts and grades of beef, offering a sophisticated alternative to generic meat substitutes. 

Plant-Based Alternatives for Every Cut and Craving: 

Just like beef comes in different cuts for different occasions, Redefine Meat offers a full portfolio that covers every craving, from premium steaks to everyday staples.  

• Plant-Based Steak: Plant-based steaks are inspired by the beefy, slightly chewy goodness of classic steak cuts. Redefine Meat’s Flank Steak brings this experience to life with a juicy, flavourful cut that works perfectly for slicing, searing, or creating restaurant-worthy meals at home. Stay tuned, because even more premium cuts are coming soon!  

• Plant-Based Burger: Plant-based burgers capture the rich, juicy feel of classic chuck burgers. Redefine Meat’s Premium Burger is crafted to deliver that satisfying, meaty bite.  

• Plant-Based Beef Mince: Versatile and rich, plant-based beef mince is a staple for everything from pasta sauces to tacos. Redefine Meat’s Beef Mince makes it easy to cook up your favourites. 

• Plant-Based Pulled Beef: Slow-cooked, tender, and shreddable, pulled beef alternatives mirror traditional brisket or chuck. Redefine’s Pulled Beef is ready for piling into sandwiches, tacos, you name it!  

• Plant-Based Pulled Pork: Smoky, tender, and saucy, pulled pork alternatives are all about comfort. Redefine’s Pulled Pork captures the essence of what makes traditional pulled pork a beloved and popular dish worldwide.   

• Plant-Based Bratwurst: Love the snap, sizzle, and juicy bite? Plant-based sausages deliver. Redefine Meat’s Sausages and Bratwursts are grill-ready, pan-perfect, and meal-time favourites. 

• Plant-Based Lamb Kofta: Plant-based lamb kofta brings all the juicy tenderness and bold, spiced flavor you love from traditional kofta, but crafted entirely from plants. Redefine Meat’s Lamb Kofta captures this experience perfectly, ready to roll into flatbreads, wraps, or Mediterranean spreads. 

Broad Appeal Across Dietary Preferences 

The appeal of Redefine Meat’s products lies in their capacity to satisfy a wide range of dietary preferences and motivations. 

• Meat Reducers: Individuals seeking to decrease their meat consumption will find Redefine Meat a compelling substitute that does not necessitate a compromise on taste or texture. 

• Flexitarians: People who incorporate both meat and plant-based meals into their diets can seamlessly integrate Redefine Meat’s high-quality alternatives. 

• Vegetarians: Vegetarians who may occasionally miss the textural and flavour profiles of certain meat dishes now have a plant-based option that can provide a comparable sensory experience. 

• Vegans: As Redefine Meat’s products are entirely plant-based, they align with the ethical and dietary principles of veganism. 

“When we serve people a classic dish made with Redefine Meat, they don’t ask what’s in it. That’s the best compliment.”  

Chef Ron Blaauw 

The versatility of these plant-based meats allows for a wide array of culinary creations, from classic steakhouse fare to comforting stews and flavourful ethnic dishes, prepared using familiar cooking methods.  

And it’s not just chefs who are impressed. Customers are also sharing incredible feedback! Here’s what one had to say:  

“Didn’t expect to say this but this is the closest I’ve found to the real thing. Absolutely delicious with the right texture and thickness. Tried many others and this is the best. I think some of the meat eaters in my family would find it difficult to say this wasn’t meat. I’ve found my new favourite burger and now I’m looking forward to trying the mince. The sausages are already my favourite. Excellent product!” 

No matter your reason, new-meat makes it easy to say yes to great meals, without compromise.  

The Evolving Landscape of Meat Consumption 

Redefine Meat represents a significant advancement in the realm of plant-based foods, offering alternatives that can genuinely satisfy the desire for the taste and texture of beef. As concerns regarding sustainability and ethical food choices continue to grow, innovative products like those from Redefine Meat are poised to play an increasingly important role in the future of food consumption, providing delicious and sustainable options for a diverse range of palates. 

Ever Thought About What You’re Really Tasting? 

Close your eyes and think of your favourite steak. What makes this steak your favourite? Is it the marbling? The sizzle? The perfectly pink center?  

Now think bigger.  

What if you could have that same satisfaction from plants? What if you could choose based on flavour and feel, not habit? And what if your next delicious meal didn’t come with a compromise?  

As more people explore the world beyond animal-based meat, it’s clear: great taste doesn’t have to come from the same old places.