Snake River Farms is a company I’ve tried a number of times over the course of 3+ years.
To date I’ve bought tons of their frozen meats as well as their previously smoked BBQ to reheat.
All of which has resulted in some of the best tasting meat I’ve ever had.
Most Recent Order: 12/16/2024 – Prime Rib, Picanha, Chuck Roast
What Have You Bought from Snake River Farms?
To date I’ve ordered several different cuts from Snake River Farms.
I’ve ordered:
- Tomahawk Steak
- Several Ribeyes
- Kurobuta Spare ribs
- NY Strip steaks
- Double bone pork chops
- Pork Short Ribs
I’ve also bought their previously smoked meats that they ship frozen:
- Pork spare ribs
- Dino Beef Ribs
- Brisket
- Sausage
The following are my opinions on the output, meaning, what I may like, you may not.
If there’s one thing to test from SRF, I’d opt for any cut of steak they sell.
Their steaks are some of the best meat I’ve ever eaten.
The marbling is incredible and the steaks are extremely tender.
Even in comparison to something like Prime Beef – their beef is just more tender, more flavorful and tastes better, plain and simple.
BUT it costs way more.
Pretty much the only time I’ll order the steaks is if I’m having Friends or Family over for a special event – like a birthday, holiday, etc.
I’m personally not big on buying chicken and pork from online butchers – unless it’s a specialty cut; To me, pork is pork and chicken is chicken.
This is the same reason the USDA doesn’t grade them.
Although they do have some unique cuts like Pork Short Ribs.
These cook and looks similar to “dino” short ribs – only they’re pork.
What About Their Previously Smoked Barbecue?
So if you’re someone giving a gift, this would make for an awesome experience.
However, I do feel like it’s:
- Rather expensive for what you get.
- Somewhat lacking in terms of smoke flavor.
The meat is still supremely tender and smoked/cooked well and it reheats very well.
No matter how you slice it, it’s expensive.
You’re paying for the labor to smoke the meat and you’re paying for the meat (which is also high quality).
The second factor – I’m not really sure how to describe it but the smoke flavor is lackluster.
I’m someone who smokes and freezes meat often and my reheated smoked food clearly tastes like it was smoked – even months later.
I’m unsure if it’s due to their freezing process but SRF even lists who smokes their food and it’s done by Southside Market & Barbeque over post-oak in an offset smoker.
With all that said, the meat is tender and delicious and would make for a wonderful gift that nobody would put their nose up to.
Is Snake River Farms Worth Trying?
In my opinion, yes.
If anything – just try 1 steak of your choosing and compare it to a USDA Prime steak from your grocery store.
While they are definitely more expensive than a lot of online Butchers, you get what you pay for.
Likely I’d never buy the pre-smoked meats again but it was a worthwhile test and something I know that Friends, Family, or someone who doesn’t smoke meat would likely enjoy.
