7 Surprising Benefits of Grass Fed Beef

What are the benefits of grass-fed beef? Is it really worth it?

For years, I dreaded the meat counter. I’d typically get overwhelmed by labels, question spending the extra money and just grab what was on sale… and honestly, not even really enjoy it.

However, that has changed. Over the last year and a half, I’ve taken the time to read about grass fed beef and cook with it. And most importantly– taste it. There is a difference! In this post, we are discussing the benefits of grass-fed beef when compared to grain fed meat.

What is Grass Fed?

Understanding grass fed vs grain fed beef is pretty simple.

Grass Fed means that cattle were raised on the land and eat grass— alfalfa, clove and other natural grasses and hay.

Compare this to grain-fed beef, where the cattle are not allowed to graze and fed grain–soy, corn and/or other additives. Grain fed is also known as “conventional” and “corn feeding.”

Why Should I Care What Cows are Fed?

Have you ever heard the saying “You are what you eat?”

This is a great illustration to why you might think about what the animals are fed.

What a cow eats makes up the composition of the beef that you eat.

So, the quality of meat, nutritional value and even taste can be linked back to how they were raised.

Is Grass Fed the Same as Organic?

A common misconception is that grass fed is also organic. This is not the case.

For example, you can have a cow that was fed grass on open pastures but also exposed to pesticides.

Be reassured that you can buy meat that is grass fed and organic. You’ll want to read the label or learn more about the source if this is important to you.

Is Grass Fed Beef Healthier?

Short answer, yes.

If you compare a pound of grass-fed beef with a pound of grain fed beef, the nutritional makeup differs.

Grass fed beef has less fat and fewer calories overall.

To further answer this question, let’s dig deeper into the benefits of grass-fed beef.

7 Benefits of Grass Fed Beef

1. Contains Healthier Fats

So not only is grass fed beef lower in fat, but with the fat that it does have, you get more that are better for you.

For example, Omega 3 and CLA (Conjugated Lineolic Acid).

Studies have shown that grass fed have at least three times the amount of Omega 3 which is powerful in body and mind. This plays a role in the following:

• reducing inflammation
• reduces depression
• and increases focus

Both Omega 3 and CLA are also vital for heart health.

2. Higher in Nutrients

A grass-fed diet means that the meat is typically more nutrient dense (the plants are natural and “clean”) than grain fed. The meat has more of the following:

• Vitamins A, B, D, and E
• Iron
• Antioxidants

Did you know you can actually see the difference? For instance, the fat and grease are more yellow in color. This is due to higher levels of beta carotene (precursor of that vitamin A mentioned above).

3. Reduces Risk of Diseases

Those healthier fats and the abundant nutrients don’t just create a healthier plate at dinner, they play a role in the long-term picture of your health.

Grass fed beef can reduce the risk of serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease and cancers. This can be linked back to that omega 3’s and CLA’s.

4. Contains Less Bacteria

Want to avoid Bacteria? Grass fed beef is less likely to be contaminated than grain fed meat.

If you think about this, it makes sense. Grain fed cows are typically in more of a “farm factory” setting (crowded, in contact with feces) so the spread of disease is more likely.

And since grain technically isn’t the natural diet for cows, digestive illness is common. Antibiotics are administered to fend against these ailments, potentiating resistant bacteria or “superbugs” in the meat on your plate.

An article from Consumer Reports explains the difference, supporting the claim that grass fed beef has less harmful bacteria.

5. Better for Environment

Giving the cows access to pastures reduces two things– factory farming techniques (harsh conditions for animals) and the waste management issues that come alone with that. Therefore, grass fed beef is better for the environment.

Even more, cows raised naturally (on grass) can actually improve the environment. For example, grazing allows:

• Depleted nutrients to be added back into the soil
• Less soil erosion, making land less prone to flood and drought
• Healthier soil can offset climate change

Grass fed cattle raised and made in the USA also enhances the livelihood and environments of the American farmers.

6. Tastes Better

Think less fat means less flavor? Not always. In fact, many report the taste of grass fed beef as “pure” with intense flavor.

This was such a fun surprise for me, personally. Meat was never a favorite to prepare in the kitchen. But I will tell you, I now look forward to sloppy joe night because I actually enjoy the taste of grass-fed meat.

And whole process from opening the package to cooking is pleasant–the smell is so mild.

And leaner meat is an advantage when it comes to steaks. A quick marinade, or butter and salt is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

No longer do I get a bite that exercises my jaw like chewing gum. And they cook up so quickly and juicy, even in the air fryer!

7. Peace of Mind

Overall, one of the best benefits of grass-fed beef is the peace of mind. Especially when it comes to your children’s plates.

You can reduce amounts of hormones and antibiotics, while optimizing nutrition. And support local farmers and the environment!

Are there disadvantages?

Like most things, there are some cons.

First, not all grass-fed beef is the same. While any of these are still beneficial, please be aware of the variations. These include the following:

• 100% Grass Fed: Cattle have access to pasture entire life and only eat grass. This is also called grass finished.
• Grass Fed, Grain Finished: Eat grass but then switched to grain a few months before they are butchered
• Grass Fed, Grass and Grain Finished: Fed on grass diet entire life with addition of some grain towards end of life.

And did you know that a majority of grass-fed beef that is sold in stores is actually imported from overseas?

It’s easy to think it that perhaps you’re supporting a local farmer, when indeed you’re not. Importing may also affect the quality of meat you’re spending money on.

Last, another con is that grass fed beef tends to be slightly more expensive.

As you probably can guess, it requires a bit more effort to get the meat to the market. For example, without speeding up the growth of cows with hormones, a grass-fed cow takes longer to mature. They also require more space land to graze.

So that might bring you to the last question…

Is it worth the money?

If you can afford it, yes.

Support a local farmer and your economy. Have a peace of mind. Invest in humane conditions and improving the environment. Reap the extra nutritional benefits.

For me personally, it was a small change that has such a positive impact even within our home. We actually enjoy the meat more which creates a variety of better, balanced nutrition through the week.

Like anything, choose for the best quality, but also what you can afford and enjoy.

Healthier ways to Eat Your Beef

Regardless of whether you shop grass fed or grain fed, the most important thing is to know that beef, in general, is a powerhouse of nutrition. Somewhere along the way it’s been blamed for making people fat and sick.

Please know in moderation, it’s absolutely healthy. And it’s easy to make it part of a better, balanced plate. You can do this by the following:

• Serving with healthy starch like black beans or sweet potatoes.
• Top burger with fresh veggies like lettuce (spinach), tomato, onion or avocado
• Serve with whole grain bun or bread

Some people would argue that grass-fed beef is healthy enough to eat every day. You’re still better off alternating with other rich protein sources that include fish, poultry, grains and legumes.

Where can I buy Grass Fed Beef?

You can buy grass fed beef in almost any grocery store. Or look for a local butcher.

A convenient way to get high quality, American raised grass-fed beef is through mail delivery like Good Ranchers. For me, this takes the thought out of it and truly simplifies meals.

Bottom Line on Beef

While there’s a lot to think about, grass-fed beef is a healthier choice than grain fed. Benefits of grass-fed beef range from nutrition, environment, taste and what you add to the plate (like veggies!)

Even if you can’t always buy 100% grass fed beef, I’d encourage you to add some in when you can. Especially if you’re currently not a huge fan of red meat. It might just change your mind and increase your mealtime enjoyment.

Do you like red meat? Do you prefer grass-fed or grain fed? I’d love to know your thoughts below.