USDA Choice
The second-highest USDA quality grade, representing the majority of graded beef sold in the US, with moderate marbling.
USDA Choice is the second-highest quality grade and represents the bulk of graded beef sold in America — roughly 55–65% of all graded cattle. It's what you'll find at most grocery store meat counters and many restaurants.
The Grade Range: Choice is actually a wide band. The marbling score ranges from "Small" (the bottom of Choice, just above Select) to "Moderate" (the top of Choice, just below Prime). This means there's significant variation within the grade:
- **Upper Choice (Moderate marbling):** Nearly as good as low-end Prime. Some in the industry call this "CAB+" territory.
- **Mid Choice (Modest marbling):** The bulk of Choice beef. Solid quality, good flavor.
- **Low Choice (Small marbling):** Just above Select. Noticeably leaner.
Certified Angus Beef (CAB): CAB is essentially "upper Choice and above" from Angus cattle that meet 10 quality specifications. It's a brand program, not a USDA grade, but it does guarantee you're getting Choice beef in the upper portion of the range.
When to Buy Choice vs Prime: - Go Prime for: Steaks (ribeye, strip, filet), prime rib, any cut where marbling is the star - Choice is perfect for: Braising cuts (chuck, short ribs, brisket), ground beef, any cut with long cooking times where added fat renders out anyway - The sweet spot: Upper Choice or CAB for everyday steaks — 80% of Prime quality at 60% of the price
Buying Tip: When buying Choice steaks, look carefully at the marbling through the packaging. The variation within the grade is significant — a well-marbled Choice ribeye can be a better steak than a poorly marbled Prime.