The difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef
Will Harris, a farmer and fourth-generation cattleman at White Oak Pastures, explains the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef.
“The term grass-fed has been defined many different ways by many different people,” says Harris. “To me, it means the animals are never fed grain and never confined in a feed lot. We also don’t use any performance-enhancing drugs.”
Grass-fed cows vs. grain-fed cows
Grass-fed cows are allowed to graze in pastures, where they eat a variety of grasses and clover. And because these cows only eat grass, they tend to be leaner.
“There isn’t nearly as much fat in grass-fed beef,” says Harris. “And the fat that it contains has a different fatty acid profile, or lipid profile.”
Grain-fed cows are placed in pens and fed a diet of soy and corn based grains. They are also given drugs, hormones and antibiotics. This diet helps to accelerate their growth.
“The grain-fed animal at slaughter is an unnaturally obese creature that would never exist in nature,” says Harris. “When you eat those animals, you’re eating a creature that’s dying of the same diseases of sedentary lifestyle and obesity that kill most people anyway. And I just don’t intuitively believe that eating the flesh of a dying animal is good for me.”
Choosing the right beef for you
Choosing the right type of beef for your family is a personal choice. Harris says it’s important to stay informed and learn more about the food production system.
“Know your farmer and where your farmer is raising your food to be sure you are getting what you think you are getting,” says Harris.
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FAQs
Grass-fed beef is often leaner and may have a different texture. Even though grass-fed beef contains higher amounts of certain nutrients, there is currently no compelling evidence that it's significantly healthier than grain-fed beef in the context of a balanced diet.
Which beef is better, grass-fed or grain-fed? ›
Grass-fed beef is often leaner and may have a different texture. Even though grass-fed beef contains higher amounts of certain nutrients, there is currently no compelling evidence that it's significantly healthier than grain-fed beef in the context of a balanced diet.
Why are cows fed grain instead of grass? ›
Corn helps cattle gain weight faster, which is desirable for producers – not the cattle or the consumer. The problem is the nutritional benefits of grass-fed beef decline as soon as the cow enters a feedlot.
What are the advantages of grain fed meat? ›
Believe it or not, diet can influence the taste of the meat. Grain is easier to digest and has a higher protein content than a foraging diet. Therefore, grass fed beef tends to be leaner with less marbling. Now, if you didn't know, marbling determines the grade of beef, or the degree of desirability and marketability.
Is grass-fed beef better than Angus? ›
Today, the general opinion is that grass-fed Angus beef is healthier since it is lower in calories and contains higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and linoleic acid. The lower calorie count is attributed to the grass-fed Angus beef having less marbling.
Why do people want grass-fed beef? ›
One of the most notable benefits of grass-fed beef is that it has an ideal ratio of omegas. Meat from grass-fed animals has 2 to 4 times more omega-3 fatty acid then meat from grain fed animals. Grass-fed beef has an omega 6:3 ratio of 0.16 to 1, while grain-fed beef can often have an omega 6:3 ratio higher than 20:1.
What are the pros and cons of grass-fed beef? ›
No studies have proven that grass-fed beef is better for your health. But pound for pound, it may have less total fat and fewer calories. Also, grass-fed beef has up to six times more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids than regular grain-fed beef. Many people also believe grass-fed beef to be a more humane option.
Why should cows not eat grain? ›
Grains are composed largely of starch rather than fiber. The populations of rumen microbes that most effectively break down fiber and ferment starch vary and prefer different rumen pH levels. As increasing levels of grain are fed rumen pH drops and a resulting decrease in the breakdown and digestion of fiber can occur.
Does grass-fed beef taste different? ›
Taste. Because of their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, grass-fed beef usually is described to have a more mineral-heavy, “nu*tty”, and “gamier” taste to them. While grain-fed beef has been described to have a milder, juicier, and buttery taste than its counterpart.
Is grass-fed beef inflammatory? ›
Incorporating grass-fed beef into your diet can offer significant health benefits, particularly in terms of reducing inflammation. Its higher content of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and beneficial fats, as well as its lower overall fat content, make it a superior choice compared to grain-fed beef.
Traditionally, Japanese Wagyu cattle are fed a mixture of grass and grain to ensure their signature high marbling. In New Zealand, where the majority of cattle are grass-fed, First Light Farms have taken Wagyu to the next level by raising Wagyu cattle on a 100% grass-fed diet.
What is more expensive grass fed or grain-fed beef? ›
Because grass-fed beef is eating a diet lower in calories and energy, it takes longer to get to the proper weight and finish, which is the amount of fat an animal has. It also takes more space to provide enough forage for these animals. This extra time on the farm is why grass-fed beef often has a price premium.
Does grass-fed beef raise cholesterol? ›
In older, mildly hypercholesterolemic men, ground beef from grass-fed cattle decreased HDL-cholesterol. In men with normal cholesterol levels, only ground beef from grain-fed cattle increased HDL-cholesterol. Neither ground beef type increased LDL-cholesterol in men.
Is 100% grass-fed beef healthy? ›
Grass fed beef is one of the most nutrient-dense proteins you can buy. It has an extensive micronutrient profile and contains a good amount of brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids.
Which is more tender, grass-fed or grain-fed beef? ›
comparing shear force values as a measure of tenderness, it was surprising to find that steaks from the grass-fed were as tender as the steaks from the grain-fed cattle” (John Marchello, 2010). New Zealand black angus beef offers consistent, superior quality from cut to cut.
What is the best grass fed cow? ›
Red Devon are widely recognized as one of the best, if not the best breed of cattle for grass fed, grass finished beef.
Does grass-fed beef taste better or worse? ›
The fat in grain-fed beef is more bland, but it also causes the steak to have a more tender texture. In contrast, beef from grass-fed cows is full flavor, leaner, and has a satisfying chew that many people prefer. This is especially true with pastured cows that live a healthy active lifestyle.
What is the best tasting cattle meat? ›
Angus Cattle
Angus beef has become all the rage in recent years thanks to its well-marbled meat, which typically earns Prime or Choice grades from the USDA and is usually the highest-quality meat available in grocery stores.
Is grass or grain-fed beef more expensive? ›
On average, grass-fed beef is about $2 to $3 more expensive per pound than grain-fed beef. This is mostly due to the time it takes to fully raise cows on a grass diet alone. Generally, it takes a whole year longer to raise grass-fed cattle, which in turn increases costs of food and labor for the farmers.
