Grass fed beef offers many benefits over conventional grain finished beef. The meat is lower in fat and calories while being higher in heart-healthy omega-3s. Grass fed cattle also enjoy a more natural, humane life grazing on pasture.
But with so many beef options at the grocery store, where exactly can you find high-quality grass fed beef? Here are the best places to buy genuine 100% grass fed and grass finished beef.
Check With Your Local Farmer or Rancher
One of the best ways to source grass fed beef is to buy directly from a farmer or rancher in your area. Ask around at your local farmer’s market to find vendors selling grass fed beef. Or search online directories like EatWild.com and LocalHarvest.org to find a farm near you.
Buying directly from the farm ensures you’re getting beef from cattle that were truly raised on pasture from birth to processing. You can ask questions and learn exactly how the cattle are raised. Many small farms sell individual cuts, mixed boxes, and even part or whole cows.
Look for a CSA or Meat Delivery Service
Another way to access grass fed beef is through a community supported agriculture (CSA) program or meat delivery service. Companies like ButcherBox, Crowd Cow, Joyce Farms, and Texas Grass Fed Beef Box ship frozen grass fed beef nationwide.
Most food delivery services clearly state their farming practices, so you can choose companies that align with your standards. Delivery is convenient, and some CSAs even offer subscriptions to receive routine shipments.
Check Your Local Specialty Market
Many upscale grocers and specialty food stores now carry high-end grass fed beef options. Look for brands like Thousand Hills, Maplewood, and Panorama Meats grass fed beef at retailers like:
- Whole Foods
- Sprouts
- Earth Fare
- Lazy Acres
- Bristol Farms
- Metropolitan Market
- Oliver’s
- New Seasons Market
- AJ’s Fine Foods
Call ahead to ask if they have 100% grass fed beef available. Then you can find individual cuts, ground beef, and more.
Search Your Supermarket Selection
Even regular supermarkets are expanding their natural and organic meat selections, including grass fed beef. Look for “grass fed” labeled products at large chains like:
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Kroger
- Publix
- Harris Teeter
- H-E-B
- Hy-Vee
- Ralphs
- Winn-Dixie
- Food Lion
Major chains like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart may have grass fed beef options as well. Check the meat case or freezer section.
Consider Online Grass Fed Beef Companies
For convenience, you can order grass fed beef online and have it shipped frozen to your door. Look for companies that are certified grass fed and offer product transparency like:
- Butcher Box
- Crowd Cow
- Thrive Market
- Primal Pastures
- Panorama Meats
- Meyer Natural Farms
- US Wellness Meats
Make sure to factor in the shipping costs when ordering online. And opt for expedited shipping if possible to ensure optimal freshness.
What to Look for When Buying Grass Fed Beef
Not all “grass fed” beef is created equal. Here are a few tips for identifying truly high-quality grass fed beef:
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100% grass fed – This means the cattle eat grass their whole lives, not just for a short time before processing.
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Pasture raised – The cattle should live outdoors on pasture, not confined in feedlots.
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Grass finished – “Grass fed, grass finished” indicates the cattle were never fed grains.
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Organic – Certified organic beef comes from cattle never given antibiotics, hormones, or chemical pesticides.
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Animal welfare certified – Look for certification from A Greener World or Animal Welfare Approved for humane practices.
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Lean appearance – Grass fed beef is lower in fat so will look very lean with little marbling.
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Grassfed association logo – For third party certification, look for the American Grassfed Association logo.
Finding high-quality grass fed beef does require some sleuthing. But you can feel good knowing your beef comes from cattle that lived happy, natural lives munching grass on pasture while providing superior nutrition.
Health Benefits of Choosing Grass Fed Beef
Switching to grass fed beef provides many potential health advantages:
Fewer calories and less fat – Grass fed beef is much leaner, with about 25% less calories than conventional beef from feedlot cattle.
More omega-3 fatty acids – Grass fed beef offers 2-4 times the levels of beneficial omega-3s compared to grain fed beef.
No added hormones – Grass fed cattle never receive added hormones, which are banned in beef but allowed in conventional dairy.
No routine antibiotics – Grass fed standards prohibit the routine preventative use of antibiotics common in feedlots.
More antioxidants – Grass fed beef contains higher levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase, antioxidants that fight disease.
No GMOs – Cattle raised entirely on pasture never consume genetically modified corn or soy feed.
Choosing grass fed over feedlot beef provides huge health upsides with meat that is lower in bad fats yet high in good fats, antioxidants and nutrients.
Grass Fed Beef Cooking Tips
The extra leanness of grass fed beef does call for some tweaks to cooking times and methods. Here are some tips:
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Grill, pan sear, or broil grass fed steaks over high heat. The leanness calls for quick, hot cooking.
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Roast grass fed roasts (ribeye, chuck, etc.) low and slow to compensate for the lower fat.
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Braise grass fed roasts in broth or wine to keep the lean meat moist.
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Add moisture when cooking with a slow cooker. Opt for a fatty cut like brisket.
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Avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and don’t go over medium or risk dryness.
With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy deliciously tender and flavorful grass fed beef.
Is Grass Fed Beef Worth the Price?
Grass fed beef does come at a premium cost over conventional beef. On average, expect to pay:
- Ground beef: $6-$12 per lb
- Steak: $15-$25 per lb
- Roasts: $12-$18 per lb
Buying in bulk, like a quarter or half cow, can help cut down the price. The higher cost reflects the increased time cattle spend on pasture along with the decreased yields of leaner carcasses.
For many, the added health benefits, animal welfare, and environmental gains are worth paying extra. And the intensely beefy, pure flavor of good grass fed beef makes it taste like a premium product. Think of grass fed beef as a special treat to enjoy in moderation.
Discover Delicious Grass Fed Beef
With its superior nutrition and complex flavor, grass fed beef offers an eating experience that satisfies on every level. Although finding 100% grass fed beef requires a bit more effort, you can source it through local farmers, specialty grocers, delivery services, and online stores.
Take your time to find a supplier you trust who meets your standards for animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. The extra effort provides the peace of mind that your food choices align with your values.
The hunt for grass fed beef encourages us to know where our food comes from and how it is produced – a rewarding process. And the prize is incredibly healthy, ethical, and great-tasting meat.
New Fascinating Research on Grass-Fed Beef
FAQ
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