Not Just Angus - Certified Angus Blog

While many cattle are labeled “Angus,” not all qualify for the Certified Angus Beef® standard and here is why...

Certified Angus Beef® isn’t just about the breed, it’s about meeting the highest standards of flavor, tenderness, and juiciness. Only the top percent of beef in the U.S. earns the Certified Angus Beef® label. That means every cut has been hand-selected and graded to ensure it delivers a consistent eating experience every single time. You’ll get bold rich marbling that melts during cooking, and tenderness you can cut with a fork.

How Healthy is Certified Angus?

- Certified Angus is high quality protein which is great for muscle strength and recovery. It is full of Iron that helps with energy and oxygen flow. Zinc which helps supports the immune system and B vitamins which are important for brain and body function.

Certified Angus Beef® is backed by ten different standards:

1. Modest or Higher Marbling
   – More marbling (the little white flecks of fat) means richer flavor and juicier beef.
2. Medium to Fine Marbling Texture
   – Marbling must be small and evenly distributed, not coarse or patchy.
3. Only “A” Maturity
   – Beef must come from younger cattle for maximum tenderness and consistency.
4. 10-16 Square Inch Ribeye Area
   – Ensures steaks are the right size: big enough for flavor, not so big they lose balance.
5. 1,050 Pound Weight or Less
   – Keeps cuts manageable and ensures consistent portion sizes.
6. Less than 1-inch Fat Thickness
   – Too much external fat doesn’t add flavor - it just adds waste.
7. Superior Muscling
   – No thin, narrow beef - only well-muscled cattle with the right build.
8. Free of Capillary Rupture
   – Prevents steaks from looking “blood-spotted” after cooking.
9. No Dark Cutting Beef
   – Guarantees steaks with bright, appetizing color.
10. No Neck Hump Over 2 Inches
    – Ensures strong Angus genetics (and excludes dairy-influenced cattle).

For us, it’s more than a label. It’s a promise to our customers that when they buy Certified Angus Beef® from Cusack Meats, they’re buying the best quality possible.

Until We Meat Again,

- Taylor Cusack