Grass-fed Beef 101

How do I cook grass-fed beef?

Does grass-fed beef taste different?

Are there environmental benefits to grass-fed beef?

How can I tell if beef is truly grass-fed?

Does grass-fed beef shrink less when cooked?

Is grass-fed beef better for animal welfare?

What is grass-fed beef?

Grass-fed beef comes from cattle that eat only grasses and other forage throughout their lives, rather than being fattened on grains in feedlots. These animals graze freely on open pastures, resulting in beef that’s typically leaner, higher in omega-3 fatty acids, and rich in natural flavor. Grass-fed systems emphasize animal welfare and sustainable land management, as rotational grazing helps maintain healthy soil and biodiversity. The result is beef that reflects both responsible farming and the pure, clean taste of nature.

Our Sourcing

What do we mean by grass-fed and finished beef?

“Grass-fed and finished” means the cattle ate grass and forage for their entire lives, from weaning to harvest—never switching to grain-based feed for fattening. Many products labeled simply “grass-fed” may still be grain-finished, meaning the animals started on pasture but were later fed corn or other grains to add marbling and weight. By contrast, grass-finished beef stays 100% on pasture, producing leaner meat with a distinct, clean flavor profile and often higher levels of omega-3s and CLA. It’s the purest form of grass-fed beef, reflecting a fully pasture-based lifecycle.

Is grass-fed beef healthier than grain-fed beef?

Yes, grass-fed beef is generally considered healthier than conventional grain-fed beef. Grass-fed beef typically contains less total fat and fewer calories per serving., higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids (which support heart health), more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and more antioxidants, such as vitamins A and E.

Yes, grass-fed beef typically has less fat than conventional grain-fed beef. Because grass-fed cattle spend their lives grazing on pasture rather than being grain-finished in feedlots, they develop leaner muscle and less intramuscular fat.

Does grass-fed beef have less fat than conventional beef?

How do I cook grass-fed beef?

Grass-fed beef cooks differently from conventional beef because it’s leaner and lower in fat, so a gentler approach brings out its best flavor and texture. Start by bringing the meat to room temperature and seasoning simply with salt. Cook it over medium or medium-low heat rather than high heat to avoid drying it out, and use oil or butter to prevent sticking. Because it cooks faster, keep a close eye on doneness. Remove it from heat about 10°F before your target temperature and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to retain juices. Slow cooking, braising, or quick searing to medium-rare all help preserve tenderness and highlight the clean, natural flavor of grass-fed beef.

Does grass-fed beef taste different?

Yes, grass-fed beef does taste different from conventional grain-fed beef. Because the cattle eat a natural diet of grasses and forage instead of grain, the flavor tends to be richer, earthier, and more complex, sometimes described as “beefier,” slightly “grassy” or “mineral.” It also has a cleaner finish with less of the buttery sweetness that comes from grain-fed marbling. The leaner fat profile means the flavor can be more pronounced, especially in steaks. Many people find the taste of grass-fed beef more authentic and reflective of the animal’s natural diet.

Are there environmental benefits to grass-fed beef?

Yes, grass-fed beef can offer significant environmental benefits, especially when raised using regenerative or rotational grazing practices. In these systems, cattle graze on open pasture and are moved frequently, allowing grasses to recover and improving soil health, water retention, and biodiversity. Healthy grasslands can store carbon in the soil, helping offset some greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. Grass-fed systems also reduce dependence on feed crops like corn and soy, which require fertilizers, irrigation, and transport.

How can I tell if beef is truly grass-fed?

To tell if beef is truly grass-fed, look for clear labeling and trusted certifications rather than relying on vague marketing terms. The phrase “100% grass-fed and finished” or “pasture-raised” means the cattle ate only grass and forage for their entire lives—never grain. Be cautious with labels that say only “grass-fed” without “finished,” since those animals may have been grain-fed in their final months. Transparency in sourcing and certification is the best proof of truly grass-fed beef.

Does grass-fed beef shrink less when cooked?

Yes, grass-fed beef often shrinks a bit less than conventional beef when cooked. Because grass-fed beef is leaner and contains less intramuscular fat and water, there’s less fat to melt away during cooking, so it typically loses slightly less volume. To minimize shrinkage and preserve juiciness, cook grass-fed beef at lower temperatures, remove it 10°F before your target doneness, and let it rest before slicing.

Is grass-fed beef better for animal welfare?

Yes, grass-fed beef generally supports better animal welfare than conventional feedlot systems. Grass-fed cattle spend all of their lives grazing freely on open pasture, where they can move naturally, form social groups, and express normal behaviors, unlike feedlot cattle that are often confined to crowded pens and fed grain diets. These pasture-based systems reduce stress, improve overall health, and minimize the need for antibiotics. Well-managed grass-fed operations prioritize both the animal’s quality of life and the land’s long-term health.