Where to Buy Picanha in 2025 — The Guide for Steak Lovers

Picanha — pronounced pee-KAHN-yah — is a Brazilian beef cut prized for its rich flavor and buttery fat cap. Known as the top sirloin cap or rump cap, this triangular cut sits above the sirloin, delivering a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.

In 2025, Picanha has become a global favorite among grill enthusiasts in the USA, Canada, and Australia, thanks to its rise on YouTube BBQ channels and churrasco restaurants. Whether you’re making Churrasco-style skewers or Garlic Butter Picanha Steaks, the first step is finding a reliable place to buy it.

🏪 Where to Buy Picanha In-Store (Costco, Walmart & Local Butchers)

1. Costco Picanha (USA, Canada, Australia)

Availability:
Costco remains one of the top retail chains selling Picanha, though it’s often labeled as Top Sirloin Cap Roast.

Price Range (2025):

• USA: $9.99–$12.99 per lb

• Canada: CAD $14–$18 per lb

• Australia: AUD $22–$28 per kg

Why Buy from Costco:

• Consistent quality (USDA Choice or Prime)
• Large family-size roasts (3–4 lbs)
• Seasonal availability during BBQ months
• Excellent return and freshness policies

Buying Tip:
Ask the butcher directly for “Coulotte” or “Top Sirloin Cap with Fat On” — the exact cut of Picanha.

2. Walmart Picanha (USA and Canada)

Walmart now stocks imported Picanha from Brazil and Uruguay, often vacuum-sealed for freshness.

Price Range (2025):

• USA: $10.99–$13.99 per lb

• Canada: CAD $16–$20 per lb

Perks:

• Online order with same-day delivery

• Great for small portions (pre-sliced steaks)

• Sold under brands like Marketside Butcher

Watch Out For:
Cheaper packages may have the fat cap trimmed off — avoid those for authentic flavor.

3. Local Butchers and Brazilian Markets

Your neighborhood Brazilian or Latin American butcher often carries the best quality Picanha.

Why Choose Local:

• Freshly cut to your specifications

• Better marbling than grocery chains

• Support small businesses

• Often available year-round

Tip:
Ask for “Picanha with full fat cap” — not the lean sirloin version. The fat layer protects the meat during grilling, keeping it juicy.

💲 2025 Price Comparison: USA, Canada, and Australia

⚠️ Important Price Disclaimer

Prices listed above are approximate averages as of 2025.
Actual prices may differ depending on:

• Store location and local supply chain costs

• Beef grade (Choice, Prime, Wagyu, Grass-fed)

• Packaging and weight (whole roast vs sliced steaks)

• Seasonal demand — prices often rise during summer BBQ months

• Import status — imported Brazilian or Australian beef may fluctuate with exchange rates and tariffs

💡 Pro Tip: Always check your local Costco, Walmart, or butcher’s weekly flyer or online listings for updated prices before purchasing.

🧾 Updated Buying Summary (2025 Snapshot)

🏁 Final Note (Updated for Price Transparency)

While Costco, Walmart, and online butchers offer reliable Picanha options, prices can vary weekly and regionally in 2025.
The best value often depends on your preferred grade — from affordable USDA Choice cuts to luxurious American Wagyu.

Always compare:

• Per-pound cost

• Shipping fees

• Fat cap thickness

• Origin labeling

That’s how you’ll find the perfect balance of quality, authenticity, and price for your next Brazilian BBQ.

FAQ — Where to Buy Picanha (15 Questions & Answers)

1. Where can I buy picanha near me?
   Check big stores like Costco and Walmart, local butchers, and Brazilian markets; if none carry it, order from online meat retailers that ship nationwide.

2. Does Costco sell real picanha in 2025?
   Yes — Costco often sells picanha labeled as Top Sirloin Cap or Coulotte, though availability may be seasonal and vary by warehouse.

3. Can I buy picanha at Walmart?
   Yes — Walmart stocks picanha sometimes, usually vacuum-packed or imported; check online listings or your local store for current stock.

4. Is buying picanha online safe and fresh?
   Yes, when you pick retailers with temperature-controlled shipping and vacuum sealing; choose overnight or two-day delivery in warm months.

5. How much does picanha cost in 2025?
   Prices vary by country, grade, and retailer — expect roughly $10–$13/lb (USA), CAD $15–$18/lb (Canada), or AUD $22–$28/kg (Australia) as an average range.

6. What should I look for when buying picanha?
   Look for a triangular shape, a ½ inch fat cap, deep red color, and vacuum-sealed packaging for freshness.

7. Is picanha the same as sirloin?
   Picanha is the top sirloin cap (a specific part of the sirloin), but not all sirloin cuts are picanha; ask your butcher for “top sirloin cap” or “coulotte”.

8. Can I buy grass-fed or Wagyu picanha online?
   Yes — specialty online butchers sell grass-fed and Wagyu picanha, but expect higher prices and check shipping reviews first.

9. Should I buy picanha with the fat cap on?
   Always buy with the fat cap on — it melts during cooking and keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

10. How much picanha do I need per person?
    Plan roughly 8–10 ounces (225–280 g) cooked per person when serving other sides, or 12–16 ounces for big appetites.

11. Can I find halal or kosher picanha?
    Yes, some online butchers and specialty stores offer halal or kosher picanha — check product labels and certifications before ordering.

12. Is frozen picanha just as good as fresh?
    Yes, if frozen quickly and vacuum-sealed: quality remains high after proper thawing, though fresh is preferred if available.

13. How should I thaw frozen picanha?
    Thaw slowly in the refrigerator for 24 hours, or submerge sealed packaging in cold water for faster thawing; never thaw at room temperature.

14. Can I return picanha if it arrives bad or damaged?
    Most major retailers (Costco, Walmart, reputable online sellers) have return or refund policies if packaging is defective or the meat arrives warm; keep photos and order info.

15. Which online retailers ship picanha to Canada and Australia?
    Some US retailers will ship to Canada and select vendors ship within Australia; for best results use local Australian suppliers or Canada-friendly sellers to avoid long transit times and import fees.

🔗 Useful References & Resources

Here are trusted resources to help you learn more about buying, handling, and cooking picanha safely and deliciously:

1. USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) – Official temperature and meat handling guide
   👉 https://www.fsis.usda.gov

2. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) – Safe food handling and storage standards for Australian consumers
   👉 https://www.foodstandards.gov.au

3. Costco Wholesale – Beef Cuts & Meat Selection
   👉 https://www.costco.com

4. Walmart – Fresh Beef Department
   👉 https://www.walmart.com

5. BBQGuys – Picanha Cooking Guides & Grilling Gear
   👉 https://www.bbqguys.com

6. Snake River Farms – Premium American Wagyu Picanha
   👉 https://www.snakeriverfarms.com

7. Meat & Livestock Australia – Beef Cut and Grading Guide
   👉 https://www.mla.com.au

8. Certified Angus Beef – Sirloin Cap & Picanha Tips
   👉 https://www.certifiedangusbeef.com

9. Porter Road – Grass-Fed Picanha & Sirloin Selection
   👉 https://www.porterroad.com

10. Crowd Cow – Global Meat Marketplace (Ships to US & Canada)
    👉 https://www.crowdcow.com

11. ButcherBox – Grass-Fed Beef Subscription Options
    👉 https://www.butcherbox.com

12. Reddit – r/BBQ & r/Grilling Communities
    👉 https://www.reddit.com/r/BBQ

13. YouTube – Guga Foods (Brazilian Picanha Masterclass)
    👉 https://www.youtube.com/c/GugaFoods

14. The Spruce Eats – Picanha Recipe and Cooking Techniques
    👉 https://www.thespruceeats.com

15. Serious Eats – Meat Science & Grilling Tutorials
    👉 https://www.seriouseats.com