Wagyu vs Angus Beef
Compare Wagyu and Angus beef breeds side by side for marbling, calories, protein, fat composition, oleic acid content, and practical buying context.
Wagyu (Japanese Black breed) is renowned for its extreme marbling. A5 Wagyu averages 40-50% intramuscular fat, giving it a butter-like texture and rich umami flavor.
Angus (Aberdeen Angus) is the most popular beef breed in the US. Certified Angus Beef (CAB) is a branded program selecting the top third of USDA Choice Angus cattle for consistent quality.
| Nutrient | Wagyu | Angus | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 396 kcal | 250 kcal | Angus |
| Protein | 14.7g | 19g | Angus |
| Total Fat | 37.5g | 19.2g | Angus |
| Saturated Fat | 15.8g | 7.8g | Angus |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 18.7g | 8.5g | Wagyu |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 68mg | Angus |
| Oleic Acid | 13.2g | 6.5g | Wagyu |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 1.9mg | Angus |
| Zinc | 3.2mg | 4.1mg | Angus |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Wagyu and Angus?
Wagyu is a Japanese breed known for extreme marbling (intramuscular fat), while Angus is a British/American breed with moderate marbling. Wagyu has significantly more fat and a buttery texture, while Angus offers a more traditional beefy flavor with better protein density.
Is Wagyu beef worth the price?
Authentic A5 Wagyu is a luxury product — rich, buttery, and unlike any other steak. Most people enjoy it in small portions (2-4 oz) as a special occasion food. For everyday eating, quality Angus steaks provide excellent flavor and value.
What is American Wagyu?
American Wagyu is typically a cross between Japanese Wagyu and Angus cattle. It has more marbling than standard Angus but less than authentic Japanese A5. It is more affordable and widely available than imported Wagyu.
Which has more protein, Wagyu or Angus?
Angus has more protein per 100g because it has less intramuscular fat. Wagyu's extreme marbling displaces some of the protein content per unit weight.
Data source
Wagyu values are estimates for A5-grade Japanese Wagyu ribeye from published research and USDA FoodData Central references. Angus values represent USDA Choice-grade Angus from the shared site dataset. Individual products may vary.
Related tools
Prime vs Choice vs Select
Compare USDA Prime, Choice, and Select beef grades for marbling, nutrition, and price.
Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed Beef
Compare grass-fed and grain-fed beef for omega-3, CLA, vitamins, and overall nutrition.
Ribeye vs NY Strip
Compare ribeye and NY strip steak side by side for nutrition, flavor, cooking, and price.