Grass-finished beef offers superior flavor and nutritional benefits compared to conventional grain-fed beef. Cattle that are 100% grass-fed and finished on pasture produce healthier, more robust meat.
If you want to experience the best tasting, most nutritious beef, purchasing high-quality grass-finished meat is key. But where can you find authentic, humanely raised grass-finished beef?
This guide covers the top sources to buy premium grass-finished beef online or in-store.
What is Grass-Finished Beef?
First, let’s define what grass-finished beef is exactly:
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Grass-fed cattle spend their entire lives eating only grass and forage, not grain. This is their natural diet.
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Grass-finished cattle continue grazing on pasture grass right up until processing.
This contrasts with conventional feedlot beef. Most cattle are grain “finished” for the last 4-6 months before slaughter.
Ensuring beef is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished from birth to processing results in better marbling, richer flavor and added nutrition.
Benefits of Grass-Finished Beef
Choosing grass-finished over grain-finished beef offers these health and taste advantages:
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More Omega-3s – Grass-finished meat contains 2-4x more healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
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More Antioxidants – It provides more vitamin E, beta-carotene and other antioxidants.
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More CLA – Full pasture grazing increases levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fat-burning acid.
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Less Total Fat – Grass-finished meat actually has less overall fat and calories.
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Better Taste – The naturally slow growth and varied forage creates more flavorful beef.
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No GMOs – Cattle eat only natural grasses free of GMOs, pesticides and chemicals.
Buying authentic grass-finished beef ensures you get the highest quality pasture-raised meat.
Where to Buy Grass-Finished Beef
Here are the best sources to purchase premium grass-finished beef:
Online Grass-Fed Beef Companies
Purchasing high-end grass-finished beef online offers convenience and nationwide shipping. Some top online providers include:
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White Oak Pastures – ThisGeorgia farm produces humanely raised grassfed and grass-finished beef and lamb. Their online shop ships grass-finished beef nationwide.
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ButcherBox – This popular meat delivery service offers 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef from small partner farms. Boxes ship free nationwide.
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Crowd Cow – Marketplace connecting consumers to local farms and their grass-fed beef. Offers individual cuts or bundles for delivery.
Check companies are verified to ensure cattle are actually finished on grass, not grain. Look for humane, sustainable practices as well.
Local Butcher Shops & Farms
Beyond online ordering, visit local butchers and farms in your area. Ask them directly about sourcing 100% grass-finished beef.
Many small regional ranches are raising grass-fed/grass-finished cattle. Local butchers often partner with them to sell premium beef.
Shopping local farmer’s markets can connect you with ranchers in your community. Strike up a conversation and inquire if they offer grass-finished beef.
Direct from Grass-Fed Cattle Ranches
Purchasing beef directly from respected grass-fed cattle ranches ensures the highest quality. You’re buying straight from the source.
Some top ranches offering online ordering of their grass-finished beef include:
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Grove Ladder Farm – Family farm in South Carolina specializing in grass-fed/finished Florida Cracker cattle. Ships beef nationwide.
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Morris Grassfed Beef – Small ranch raising grass-finished Red Angus beef in San Juan Island, WA. Ships individual cuts or bulk boxes.
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Rain Crow Ranch – Fourth generation farm sustainably grazing cattle on pastures in Missouri and Arkansas. Ships frozen grass-finished beef nationwide.
Calling ranches gives the benefit of asking questions directly about their beef. Ensure they exclusively grass-finish, never using grain.
What to Look for When Buying Grass-Finished Beef
Not all beef marketed as “grass-fed” is 100% grass-finished. Some cattle enter feedlots for grain-finishing before processing.
When sourcing authentic grass-finished beef, look for these indicators:
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Grass-Finished Claim – Clear statement that cattle are finished on pasture grass right until processing.
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Grass-Fed AND Finished Logos – Logos from validating third parties like American Grassfed Association.
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Born AND Raised on Grass – Confirms a grass-only diet from birth to harvest.
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No Grain Finishing – Makes clear cattle never enter a feedlot for finishing with grain.
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Pasture-Based Farming – Ranches actively managing cattle rotationally grazing on pasture.
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Sustainability Commitment – Regenerative, eco-conscious farming methods.
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Humane Animal Welfare – Cattle humanely treated and processed.
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Hormone and Antibiotic Free – No growth hormones or routine antibiotics given.
Seeking out these assurances helps guarantee the beef is authentically grass-finished, not grain-finished.
Is Grass-Finished Beef More Expensive?
On average, expect to pay $9-12 per pound for individual grass-finished beef cuts purchased online. Due to slower growth, tighter supply and demand, grass-finished commands a premium over conventional beef.
However, many feel the added health benefits and exceptionally flavorful eating experience justify the higher cost.
Buying larger bulk quantities directly from ranches can lower costs. Splitting beef halves or quarters with friends splits the price tag. Freezing extra cuts saves repeated shipping fees too.
While pricier than standard beef, transitioning even one meal per week to grass-finished is an easy upgrade. The unrivaled richness is worth the occasional splurge.
Discover Delicious Grass-Finished Beef
Nothing beats the depth of flavor and wholesome nutrition of 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef. With an array of reputable sources available, it’s easier than ever to incorporate this premium meat into your diet.
We hope these tips help you find and enjoy the healthiest, tastiest beef possible from cattle raised humanely on pasture. From online companies to local butchers to direct-from-ranch purchasing, you have abundant access to premium grass-finished beef.
Grass Fed Beef – Everything You Need To Know And Where To Buy It
FAQ
Is 100% grass fed beef the same as grass-finished?
Who is the largest supplier of grass fed beef?
Is grass fed beef worth the price?
Is grass-finished beef healthy?