Is Grass-Fed Beef Better?

In a time when consumers are more concerned than ever about where their food comes from and how it’s produced, understanding product labels is key. “Grass-fed beef” is a term often used by brands that boast higher-quality meats and advocate for the humane treatment of livestock. But what exactly does it mean for cattle to be grass-fed, and how does the end product differ from conventionally-raised beef? Below, we’ll define the grass-fed label and determine if grass-fed beef is really better.

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What Is Grass-Fed Beef?

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The USDA previously defined “grass-fed” as the practice of allowing livestock to forage for food, rather than feeding them grains or grain byproducts¹. Animals must have continuous access to pasture, weather and seasons permitting, allowing them to graze freely. The USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small (SVS) Producers set these requirements and awarded qualifying livestock producers with the USDA Certified grass-fed certification.

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However, this standard definition and label were withdrawn in January 2016. These standards are still highly recommended, and many livestock producers who focused on grass-fed products continue following the original requirements today.

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Why Is Grass-Fed Beef Better for Animals?

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All beef cows start off grass-fed after they’re weaned off their mother’s milk¹. The difference is that after several months of grazing, conventionally raised cattle are moved to grain feedlots to put on weight quickly before slaughter. These cows eat an unnatural diet—mostly corn, soy, and other additives. Grass-fed cattle, on the other hand, remain on pastures and continue foraging.

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The main reason many animal welfare organizations advocate for grass-fed beef is because it simulates a more natural environment throughout their lifespan. Animals are free to roam and forage the pasture, eating grass and other natural plants whenever they’re hungry, instead of on a set feeding schedule. Some consider it a more humane way to raise livestock.

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Is Grass-Fed Beef Healthier?

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You might also be wondering if grass-fed beef is better for your health than grain-fed. There are minor differences in the composition and texture of the meat, after all. While there aren’t any studies to conclusively confirm that grass-fed beef is healthier than grain-fed beef, it is lower in total fat content and calories.

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Grass-fed is also slightly higher in omega-3 fatty acids². This “healthy fat” plays a vital role in heart and brain health³. Grass-fed beef may contain more antioxidants, vitamins, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fat that has many potential benefits, from reducing inflammation to improving immunity⁴.

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Other factors that affect how healthy your beef is include the cut of the meat, the breed of the cattle, and the quality of the forage. While grass-fed beef simulates a more natural environment, it’s important for livestock producers to monitor and manage the nutritional value of the pasture. This ensures consumers are getting the healthiest and highest-quality cuts of beef possible.

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Does Grass-Fed Beef Taste Different?

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It probably won’t surprise you to hear that what livestock eats will affect the flavor of the meat. In addition to animal welfare and health benefits, many consumers find themselves wondering: Does grass-fed beef taste different? In short: yes, but the difference is subtle. Grass-fed beef has a unique flavor and texture that most people probably aren’t used to since most cattle are fed a grain-based diet⁴. Since grass-fed beef is leaner, for example, it tends to be tougher and “beefier.”

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Although the flavor might take some getting used to, consider that cows were raised on pastures for centuries. We might be accustomed to the taste of grain-fed beef, but a purely grain-based diet is a recent development. If you’re seeking a more natural and possibly healthier alternative to traditionally raised beef, it might be worth it to seek out grass-fed beef.

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With The Rounds, it’s easy to get local, grass-fed beef delivered right to your door. Simply take our quiz to share your preferences, choose from our quality selection of groceries and home necessities, select delivery and refill dates, and wait for your order to arrive! It’s that easy, and you can make changes to your Refill Day whenever you need. Learn more about how it works today and get started on making your life easier.