To earn the Certified Angus Beef®
brand name, cattle must first be Angus-influenced, with a predominantly solid black coat. Then, beef must pass our 10 quality standards:
Modest or higher marbling – for the taste that ensures consumer satisfaction
Medium to fine marbling texture – the white “flecks of flavor” in the beef that ensure consistent flavor and juiciness in every bite
Only cattle harvested less than 30 months of age by dentition and only A-maturity lean – for superior color, texture and tenderness
10- to 16-square-inch ribeye area*
1,100-pound hot carcass weight or less
1-inch or less fat thickness
Superior muscling – limits light-muscled cattle
Practically free of capillary rupture – ensures the most visually appealing steak
No dark cutters – ensures the most visually appealing steak
No neck hump exceeding 2 inches – safeguards against cattle with more variability in tenderness
*A 19-square-inch maximum for certain cuts offers you greater access to flavorful tenderloin, brisket, chuck and round cuts in the meat case and at restaurants.