What does it really mean and what are you actually looking for?

"Grass Fed Beef" has become one of the most common and misunderstood claims in the world of meat. It's often associated with health, sustainability, animal welfare, and superior flavor. But what does grass-fed legally mean? And how does it differ from pasture-raised or grass-fed, grass-finished beef?

If you've ever been confused by all this jargon, this article is for you!

What does "Grass-Fed Beef" mean as per the USDA?

According to the USDA:

• Cattle must have access to grass after weaning
• This can include grass, hay, silage, and other plant-based roughage
• Grain is not allowed during the grass-fed period
• Animals may still receive grain at other points in their life

The important take away here is that Grass-Fed doesn't automatically mean no grain. 

With a "Grass-Fed" label, animals can legally be:

• Grass-fed for most of it's life
• Finished on grain for the final 60-180 days of life

Grass-Fed vs Grass-fed, Grass-Finished

Grass-Fed (Only)

• Fed Grass or forage for some or most of it's life
• May be grain-finished before slaughter
• Often results in more marbling and milder flavor

Grass-Fed, Grass Finished

• Fed only grass and forage for it's entire life
• No grain at any stage
• Produces leaner beef, firmer texture and a more mineral-forward beef
• Often higher in omega-3s and CLA

What about "Pasture-Raised"?

The truth is "Pasture-Raised" is not a federally regulated term for beef.

It generally implies:

• Cattle spent significant time outdoors on pasture
• They may eat grass, forage and supplemental feed
• Grain is often a part of the diet

Pasture-Raised speaks more to the living conditions than diet specifics. It can be an excellent indicator of the animal welfare being practiced.

Why these labels matter? 

Marketing has blurred these terms because:

• "Grass-Fed" sounds healthier
• "Pasture-raised" sounds more humane
• "Grass-finished" sounds more premium

However, no single label tells the full story.

What should you actually look for?

Instead of chasing buzzwords, ask better questions:

• Ws the animal grain or grass finished?
• How long was it finished?
• Where was it raised?
• How was it processed?
• Does the seller clearly explain their sourcing?

In conclusion look for transparency more than labels.

Shop Grass Fed, Grass Finished Ground Beef via this link.

Shop Pasture Raised Whole Chickens via this link.