Understanding The Canada AAA Grade

What is Marbling?

Marbling can enhance the juiciness and flavor of beef. It refers to the amount of fine white flecks of fat that you see running through the lean meat.
Beef grading can indicate the amount of marbling in the meat.

Canada AAA has adopted the US marbling thresholds for USDA Choice

Canada AAA grade is a great choice for high-quality beef. Canada AAA offers high levels of marbling and is well-suited for all popular cooking methods. Canada AAA will become a delicious family favourite when grilled, broiled, simmered, or roasted to perfection.

Butcher's shop seller helps to choose product to woman customer

Beef as an Industry: Canada and the United States’ Trading Relationship

Canada and the United States share a unique partnership forged by shared geography, similar values, common interests, deep personal connections and powerful, multi-layered economic ties¹. In 2022, Canada was the United States’ largest trading partner in goods and services, with over $886 billion USD being traded between the two nations.¹

Beef is among the many goods traded cross-border, allowing Canadians and Americans to share in a delicious eating experience. While the Canadian economy benefits as a net exporter of beef to the United States, the American economy derives exceptional value as well.

1 Canada-United States relations. Government of Canada.
https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/us-eu/relations.aspx?lang=eng

Per-Capita

On a per-capita basis, the average Canadian purchases over $31 USD of U.S. beef, while an average American purchases over $7 USD of Canadian beef.

US Exports

In 2022, the US exported 302,000 head of cattle to Canada, a nearly ten-fold increase over 2015.

Canadian Imports

On a per-capita basis, Canadian imports of US cattle were approximately 4x greater than US imports of Canadian cattle.

Grade Expectations

When you bite into a juicy steak or roast, you want to enjoy the highest quality beef. Canadian beef grades help ensure that your beef has been meticulously chosen to deliver a delicious experience every time.