How We Score
Every company is evaluated on five evidence-backed dimensions. Scores are peer-compared within grade tier and updated as new data comes in. We earn affiliate commissions on some links — they never influence our scores.
Prime Score Formula
(Cut×2 + Value×2 + Transparency + Natural×2 + Freedom) ÷ 8
Cut, Value, and Natural are double-weighted because they most directly affect what lands on your plate and what you pay for it.
Cut Quality
2x weightUSDA grade floor and consistency
We look at the minimum USDA grade a company guarantees. Wagyu and Prime score highest, followed by Choice. Companies that don't disclose their grade floor are penalized.
Value
2x weightPrice per pound vs. DTC peers in the same tier
Every company is compared against other direct-to-consumer competitors in its grade tier — not against grocery stores. The best-priced company in each tier anchors the score at 10; others are scored proportionally.
Transparency
1x weightSourcing disclosure, audits, and lab testing
Points awarded for: stating USDA grade, naming farms, showing facilities, holding third-party certifications, and conducting independent lab testing. Maximum 10 points across five criteria.
Natural
2x weightPasture-raised, no antibiotics, no hormones, non-GMO
Scored on five claims: pasture-raised (4pts), antibiotic-free (4pts), hormone-free (4pts), non-GMO (2pts), and vegetarian-fed (2pts). Normalized to a 10-point scale.
Freedom
1x weightNo lock-in subscriptions, easy cancel, a la carte options
Points for: offering a la carte ordering (5pts), making subscriptions optional (5pts), and providing easy skip/pause/cancel (5pts). Normalized to 10.
What we believe
Independent
No company can pay for a higher score. We buy with our own money and test ourselves.
Peer-compared
Companies are scored against other DTC competitors in their grade tier — not against grocery stores.
Evidence-backed
Every dimension is sourced from verifiable data: USDA grades, published pricing, certifications, and company disclosures.
Transparent
The formula is public. The weights are public. If you disagree with our methodology, you have everything you need to draw your own conclusions.
Questions or suggestions?
Know a company we should review? Found a data error? Let us know.
hello@usaprimecuts.com