Walmart named the best place to buy USDA Prime beef by an award-winning chef

The James Beard Award-winning chef says Walmart is one of the best places in America to buy USDA Prime beef — praising the grocer for offering high-quality cuts at affordable prices.

The approval comes as consumers continue to seek lower-cost grocery options without sacrificing quality, especially premium meats that used to carry higher price tags.

Chris Shepherd, former executive chef and founder of Houston’s Georgia James Steakhouse, told Food & Wine that Walmart is a great place to buy beef.

THE PRICE OF THIS SUMMER’S ORIGINAL CUT IS AT A RECORD HIGH AS MEAT LOVERS FREAK OUT.

Beef is prized for its high level of intramuscular fat, which improves flavor, tenderness and moisture, Shepherd told Food & Wine.

Shepherd noted that Walmart’s beef prices are competitive even with Costco and Sam’s Club, which is owned by Walmart.

Food & Wine highlighted Walmart’s partnership with beef producer McLaren Farms, which provides beef for an “end-to-end Angus beef supply system.”

Fox News Digital reached out to Walmart for comment about Shepherd’s praise and the grocer’s beef program.

SAM’S TEAM IS MADE OF A SCIENTIFIC SYSTEM TO REMOVE OVER 40 INGREDIENTS FROM ITS FOOD AND BEVERAGES

“I love what McLaren Farms and Walmart are doing at select stores … working with small farmers and the incredible Black Angus genetics to provide this program,” Shepherd said.

Shepherd noted that the cuts available are aimed at steak and barbecue lovers, including ribeyes, briskets, short ribs and tenders, as well as “Thor’s Hammer and brisket burnt ends.”

Walmart’s beef pricing was described as competitive with supermarkets such as Costco and Sam’s Club. (Robyn Beck/AFP)

“Smiling in this cut is genetic [that] “McLaren Farms has been in business for many years, and now consumers have access to the best Black Angus beef in the world at an affordable price,” he said.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LIFE NEWSLETTER

But the USDA Prime label doesn’t tell the whole story, says Evan Carter, a nutritionist based in Washington state and host of the Meat Dudes podcast.

Contrary to popular belief, the grading system alone does not always guarantee premium meat, Carter told Fox News Digital.

Nutritionists say identification, cattle genetics and feeding systems can greatly affect beef quality and consistency. (Stock)

“USDA Prime is a rating system based on saliva and the age of the animal,” he said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS

“It doesn’t matter how the cows were raised, what they’re fed, the genetics of the animal or how the beef ends up being flavorful and tender.”

Prime is the highest quality beef in the USDA grading system. (Stock)

He also noted that the two Prime steaks can differ greatly based on sourcing, serving systems and handling, adding that Walmart’s scale can make consistency more difficult.

“In the end, good beef isn’t just about the grade. It’s about the whole picture.”

“That doesn’t mean beef is bad, but it does mean there can be more variety,” Carter said.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM

Carter, who is also a Wagyu expert, recommends that customers always check where their beef comes from and buy from sources that “give you more information about the farm or the system behind it.”

“Ultimately, the big beef isn’t just about distance. It’s about the full picture,” Carter concluded.

Some meat experts say consumers should research where their beef comes from instead of relying solely on USDA grading labels. (Stock)

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“But yes, there is room for beef available in the market, especially at the price point.”