You've decided to buy wagyu beef online. Smart move. The best wagyu in America isn't at your local grocery store—it's shipped direct from importers and specialty butchers who source from certified Japanese farms, American Wagyu ranches, and Australian producers.
But the online wagyu market is a minefield. "Wagyu" has become a marketing buzzword slapped on everything from gas station beef jerky to Walmart steaks. Without knowing what to look for, you'll overpay for mediocre beef or—worse—buy something that isn't actually wagyu.
This guide breaks down the best places to buy real wagyu beef online in 2026, what to look for, and what to avoid.
What Makes Wagyu "Real" Wagyu?
Before you buy, understand the three tiers of wagyu available in the U.S.:
Japanese Wagyu (A5/A4)
The real deal. Raised in Japan from purebred Kuroge Washu cattle. Graded by the Japanese Meat Grading Association (JMGA) on a scale of C1 to A5. A5 represents the pinnacle—BMS (Beef Marbling Standard) scores of 8-12, with fat so finely distributed the meat looks almost white.
What to look for: A certificate of authenticity with the animal's nose print, prefecture of origin (Miyazaki, Kagoshima, etc.), and BMS score.
American Wagyu
Wagyu-Angus crossbreeds raised in the U.S. Lower marbling than Japanese (typically BMS 4-7) but significantly more affordable. The flavor is beefier, with less of the buttery richness of A5. Many people actually prefer American Wagyu for everyday cooking because the portions are more substantial.
Australian Wagyu
Australia has the largest Wagyu herd outside Japan. Their cattle range from fullblood (100% Wagyu genetics) to crossbred. Australia uses its own marbling scale (AUS-MEAT) from 0-9+. Fullblood Australian Wagyu at MS 8-9 rivals Japanese A4-A5 in quality.
Best Places to Buy Wagyu Beef Online (2026)
The Meatery — Best Overall Selection
The Meatery specializes in premium Japanese A5 Wagyu sourced directly from certified farms in Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and other top prefectures. Every cut ships with a certificate of authenticity and BMS score.
What they carry:
- Japanese A5 Wagyu — ribeye, strip, tenderloin, zabuton, and specialty cuts
- American Wagyu — Gold and Black grade from top U.S. ranches
- Australian Wagyu — fullblood and crossbred options
Why they stand out: Direct import relationships mean fresher product, full traceability, and competitive pricing. Overnight shipping on dry ice. No middlemen inflating prices.
What to Look For in Any Online Wagyu Retailer
Whether you buy from The Meatery or elsewhere, evaluate every retailer against these criteria:
- Specific grading disclosed — Not just "wagyu" or "A5." Look for BMS score, yield grade, and quality grade. If they don't list the BMS, they're hiding something.
- Prefecture or ranch of origin — Japanese wagyu should list the prefecture. American wagyu should name the ranch or producer. "Product of Japan" isn't specific enough.
- Certificate of authenticity — For Japanese A5, a real certificate with nose print and JMGA stamp. This is non-negotiable.
- Proper shipping — Overnight on dry ice in insulated packaging. Any retailer shipping wagyu via ground or 2-day is not serious about quality.
- Cut selection — A retailer that only sells ribeye and strip is likely buying commodity cuts. A serious wagyu program offers zabuton, flat iron, brisket, and other specialty cuts.
Red Flags: How to Spot Fake or Low-Quality Wagyu
- "Wagyu-style" or "Wagyu blend" — These aren't wagyu. They're conventional beef with marketing.
- No BMS or marbling score listed — Real wagyu sellers are proud of their scores and display them prominently.
- Suspiciously low prices — A5 Japanese Wagyu ribeye under $80/lb doesn't exist from legitimate importers. If it seems too cheap, it's not what they claim.
- No origin information — "Imported wagyu" with no country, prefecture, or ranch listed is a red flag.
- Photos that don't match the product — If every product photo shows perfect A5 marbling but the price is $30/lb, the photos aren't of the actual product.
How Much Should Wagyu Cost Online?
Expect these price ranges from reputable retailers in 2026:
- Japanese A5 Wagyu: $100-$200/lb for steaks, $50-$90/lb for value cuts
- American Wagyu: $35-$80/lb depending on cut and grade
- Australian Wagyu: $40-$120/lb depending on marbling score and bloodline
Shipping typically adds $15-$30 for overnight delivery. Many retailers offer free shipping over a certain threshold—The Meatery frequently runs free shipping promotions on orders over $199.
Tips for Ordering Wagyu Online
Start with Value Cuts
If you're new to wagyu, don't start with a $200 ribeye. Try a flat iron, chuck flap, or zabuton first. You'll get the same A5 marbling grade at 30-40% less per pound, and they're incredibly forgiving to cook.
Order More Than You Need
Wagyu freezes beautifully. Buy in bulk to save on per-pound cost and shipping. Vacuum-sealed wagyu keeps for 6-12 months in the freezer with no quality loss.
Check Delivery Days
Most wagyu ships Monday-Wednesday to avoid weekend delays. Order by Tuesday for same-week delivery. Don't order Thursday or Friday unless the retailer guarantees Saturday delivery.
Inspect on Arrival
When your box arrives, check that the dry ice hasn't fully sublimated and the meat is still frozen or very cold. If the package is warm or the meat has thawed and feels room temperature, contact the retailer immediately.
The Bottom Line
Buying wagyu online is the best way to access premium beef that never appears in grocery stores. The key is buying from retailers who provide full transparency—grading, origin, certificates, and proper shipping.
Browse The Meatery's full wagyu collection to see Japanese A5, American, and Australian wagyu with full grading details, certificates, and overnight shipping on every order.
