A man went into the grocery chain Aldi to pick up a ribeye. He explained why he always buys the one with black packaging instead of green to avoid this little-known difference.
In a video with over 74,000 views, steak enthusiast and TikToker Sir Loin-A-Lot (@sir_loin_a_lot) approaches the refrigerated meat packages. He shows two ribeye options: a single ribeye in black packaging and a two-pack in green.
“In my experience, when I bought these steaks, there is a huge difference. I buy the one that’s by itself,” he says. “Not with the green back. The green back has gristle. It’s just not as good.”
He says he prefers the taste of the single pack, too, and doesn’t mind skipping out on the savings from the two-pack.
The caption reads, “My two cents about the two different options of Ribeyes that I’ve had from Aldi.”
What’s The Difference Between Green And Black Ribeye At Aldi?
According to Aldi’s website, the green two-pack indicates “grass-fed” beef. The ribeye in black packaging doesn’t indicate what the cow was fed but likely means it was fed a standard grain diet.
The cattle’s diet prior to being slaughtered can have a major impact on the texture and taste of the meat, according to Herd & Grace. Grass-fed beef has a slightly earthier taste and may be leaner. On the other hand, grain-fed beef may be fattier and have a slightly sweet taste.
On the r/steak subreddit, steak lovers are split on whether grass-fed or grain-fed tastes better.
“Sorry, I like my beef naturally raised on grass and then fed corn at the feed lot to fatten them up. I want beef marbled and with fat,” one wrote.
Another said, “I enjoy a nice grass-fed steak. The flavor is so different from our corn-fed beef. The corn-fed beef tastes too bland, and I need to really season it to bring out the flavor.”
“Give me grain-fed 100% of the time,” a third commenter remarked.
Do Viewers Agree?
In the comments, other Aldi shoppers say they also opt for the black-packaged ribeye.
“Duuude. You are 100% correct about the green back package having a funky taste. I thought it was just me. They even smell weird. Almost like they’re spoiled,” one remarked.
“The greenbacks says grass fed. They are very tough. And yes it taste funny,” a second said.
“The green packaged steaks are the worst! Bought them once, then again thinking it was a fluke- nope, no more chances,” a third added.
However, some insisted that Aldi isn’t the best spot to pick up steak, regardless of packaging.
“No meat from Aldi…ever,” a commenter said.
Another wrote, “Aldi meat is inedible! I will die on that hill!!”
@sir_loin_a_lot My two cents about the two different option of Ribeyes that I’ve had from Aldis. #ribeyesteak #carnivoremeals
BroBible reached out to Sir Loin-A-Lot via TikTok direct message and to Aldi via email for further comment.