Beef Chuck, Chuck Tender
USDA Spec
IMPS 2020 §116BIn simple termsThe chuck tender, also called the mock tender, a long lean muscle above the medial ridge of the blade bone. Shape mimics a tenderloin but it eats tough. Used as a value retail roast and in slicing or braising programs. Main muscle: supraspinatus.
Individual muscle. Consists of the M. supraspinatus which lies dorsal to the medial ridge of the blade bone. Separated from other muscles through the natural seams.
- Weight range
- 3-down to 3-up lb
- Key muscles
- supraspinatus
- Primal
- Chuck
Last 6 months
Recent prints
| Date | Choice (¢/lb) | Select (¢/lb) | Ch/Se Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-28 | 426.06¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-27 | 425.07¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-26 | 443.11¢/lb | 430.48¢/lb | +12.63¢/lb |
| 2026-08-25 | 452.71¢/lb | 422.13¢/lb | +30.58¢/lb |
| 2026-08-24 | 468.16¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-21 | 415.22¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-20 | 436.12¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-19 | 460.65¢/lb | 415.29¢/lb | +45.36¢/lb |
| 2026-08-18 | 473.06¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-17 | 449.39¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-14 | 436.62¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-13 | 436.11¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-12 | 441.96¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-11 | 444.51¢/lb | - | - |
Frequently asked
What is the current wholesale price of beef chuck, chuck tender?
$4.26/lb as of 2026-08-28, Choice grade, from the USDA AMS National Daily Boxed Beef Cutout report. That's up 2.6% week over week.
Where has chuck, chuck tender traded recently?
Roughly flat over the last six months. Within range, no clear directional trend.
How is beef chuck, chuck tender priced?
Wholesale beef chuck, chuck tender is priced FOB plant in cents per pound and reported daily by USDA AMS as part of the National Daily Boxed Beef Cutout, Negotiated Sales (LM_XB403) report. Prices reflect weighted-average negotiated trades for delivery within 0-21 days.
What drives chuck and round pricing?
Two demand channels: whole-muscle roasts and the grind. When lean trim runs expensive, more chucks and rounds go to the grinder, which supports the whole primal. Roast season adds a cold-weather retail pull.
What is IMPS 116B?
IMPS 116B is the USDA Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications code for Beef Chuck, Chuck Tender (IM). It's the standard spec used in wholesale trading and procurement contracts.
About this cut
The supraspinatus muscle from the front of the shoulder. Visually resembles a tenderloin but is much tougher. Best for braising or grinding.
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