Grass-fed vs. Grain-fed Beef – which is better for taste and health?

There is a lot of information out there on this subject but here we have attempted to sift through it to get to the heart of this debate…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrOKP2xbATY

USA

Grass Fed vs. Grain Fed Steaks: The Ultimate Difference

With all the talk about grain-fed vs. grass-fed beef, steak eaters might be curious to know separates one from the other when these steaks hit the plate.

Both sides have their advocates. Grain-fed steak lovers point out that grain-fed steaks tend to have a much higher level of marbling and juiciness, and are typically more richly flavored. Grass-fed proponents – some of whom prefer the “gamier” taste of grass-fed meat – often mention the health benefits that come with forage-fed cattle. These include far leaner cuts of meat, and a higher percentage of healthy acids.

We’ve broken down grain-fed and grass-fed steaks by taste, texture, and health benefits, to help give steak lovers insight into what sets these cuts apart from one another.

Taste

One of the most debated issues surrounding grain-fed and grass-fed cattle is the way that each tastes. The foods that cattle eat have a major impact on the way they eventually taste and the composition of their meat.

In America, grain-fed beef is usually given a combination of corn, soy, corn-by-products (husks and cobs, for instance), and other supplements for the 3-6 months prior to slaughter. This mix has been fine-tuned over the last 75 or so years to promote faster growth in beef cattle. Corn feed leads to higher-levels of marbling and imbues beef with a slightly sweeter taste.

Grass-fed beef cattle, on the other hand, feed on grass (no kidding) and a mixture of other forage (plants that grow on the ground, such as bushes and thistles). This is more natural for cows, but produces less marbling. Grass-fed steaks also have a much more mineral-heavy taste that is often described as “meatier” or “gamier,” which is also a common description of grass-fed texture.

While there are outliers, the majority of Americans seem to prefer the sweeter, richer taste that comes with corn-fed beef. This is a big part of the reason why major steak-brands and restaurants continue to draw attention to the fact they serve corn-fed steaks.

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The Conscious Farmer – Health Benefits of Grass Fed Beef v Grain Fed

If you’ve ever tasted the difference of beef fed on diverse pastures, there’s an inherent knowing that it must be better for you, because it tastes so good.  But why is grass fed beef better for us than grain fed beef?

Many people already know that grass fed beef is better for them because of its healthy fat profile, but there are some other differences that you may not be aware of, like its ability to satiate, its superior mineral content and its role in preventing modern, western society diseases.  Let me start by explaining why the fat profile of grass fed beef is healthier.

Good Fats

There has been much recognition of the importance of fats in our diets in recent years. And they do form a very important part of our diet but it’s essential that we eat the right ones – or more importantly that we eat the right balance to help ensure great health, longevity and freedom from modern day diseases.

Essential fatty acids are named so as they are required in biological processes in our bodies, as opposed to fats that are for storing and providing energy.  Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are such fats, and it is the balance of these essential fatty acids that is important.

There is much evidence to suggest that the diet on which we evolved consisted of a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids of around 1:1. Modern day western diets however, have much higher relative levels of omega 6 fatty acids, which has been found to promote diseases like heart disease and cancer, as well as inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (1). Shockingly, most current western diets consist of ratios of around 16:1 and even higher!

Choosing grass fed beef over grain fed beef assures you a healthy balance of fats.  Grass fed beef has an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of around 1.5 : 1 – a level consistent with wild game – because, like wild game, grass fed animals are eating what nature intended!  This is compared with grain fed animals – the meat of which has a ratio of up to 7:1 and even as high as 16:1(2) – much higher in its relative quantity of the less desirable omega-6 fatty acids.

High concentrations of Omega 6 in the diet have been linked to memory problems, confused behaviour and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as weight gain, allergies and depression.

Research shows that choosing grass fed beef helps put you in a position of preventing or fighting these diseases. Virtually all cattle in Australia are born into a grass fed environment.  Many of these however are then sent to feedlots as yearlings (at a certain weight and age), where they are fed and finished on grain.  Research shows that the fat profile of the animal changes very quickly, (to an undesirable level) once the animal’s feed is switched to grain. Grain fed beef then takes to the consumer the potential health problems associated with this higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratio – and in most cases to an unknowing consumer.  This is one of the reasons that we choose to eat and produce beef that is not only fed on pasture, but is also finished on pasture – completely 100% grass fed.

Grass fed beef is one of the best ways to source healthy omega 3 fats, along with other grass fed & free range meats, coconut oil, olive oil, butter from grass fed dairy cows and eggs from pasture fed chooks. Avoiding commonly used vegetable and cooking oils (which are high in omega 6’s), will also keep your omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio healthy – things like canola, sunflower, soybean and cottonseed oil.  We avoid these whenever possible (and it’s not so easy to do if you eat anything remotely processed – they are in so many things, including most sweet and savory biscuits and crackers and even sultanas – listed as vegetable oils!).  Many of these oils themselves are highly processed.

Stick with whole foods, stick with what nature intended.

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Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef — What’s the Difference?

The way cows are fed can have a major effect on the nutrient composition of their beef. Whereas cattle today are often fed grains, the animals people ate throughout evolution roamed free and ate grass.

Many studies have shown that the nutrients in beef can vary depending on what cows eat. Where beef is mass-produced, such as in the United States, cattle are usually fed grain. However, grass-fed beef is common in many other countries, such as Australia.

You may wonder whether the way cows are fed makes any difference to your health. This article looks at the evidence to determine the differences between grass- and grain-fed beef.

The difference between grass- and grain-fed cattle

In the United States, most cows start living similar lives. The calves are born in the early spring, drink milk from their mothers, and are then allowed to roam free and eat grass or other edible plants they find in their environment. This continues for about 7–9 months. After that, most conventionally raised cows are moved to feedlots.

Large feedlots are called concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). There, the cows are kept in confined stalls, often with limited space. They are rapidly fattened with grain-based feeds that are usually made from a base of soy or corn. Typically, their diet is also supplemented with small amounts of dried grass. The cows live in these feedlots for a few months before being brought to a slaughterhouse.

Of course, it’s not that simple. The different feeding practices are complicated and varied.

For example, grass-fed beef in Australia may not be directly comparable to US products, and grass-fed beef isn’t necessarily pasture-raised. Not all grass-fed cows can graze outdoors. In fact, the term grass-fed isn’t clearly defined. That said, grass-fed cows eat (mostly) grass, while grain-fed cows eat (mostly) an unnatural diet based on corn and soy during the latter part of their lives.

To maximize growth, the cows are often given drugs, such as antibiotics and growth hormones.vAs of January 1st, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) passed new legislation known as the Veterinary Feed Directive. According to this legislation, antibiotics that are considered important in human medicine need to be administered under the oversight of a licensed veterinarian and cannot be used for growth promotion (1Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Most cows start on a pasture, drinking milk and eating grass. However, conventionally raised cows are later moved to feedlots and fed mainly grain-based feeds.

Differences in fatty acid composition

“You are what you eat” applies to cows, too. What a cow eats can significantly affect the nutrient composition of its beef. This is particularly evident when it comes to fatty acid composition. Grass-fed beef usually contains less total fat than grain-fed beef, which means that gram for gram, grass-fed beef contains fewer calories. However, the composition of fatty acids is also different:

• Monounsaturated fat. Grass-fed beef contains much less monounsaturated fat than grain-fed beef (2Trusted Source).
• Omega-6 polyunsaturated fats. Grass- and grain-fed beef contain very similar amounts of omega-6 fatty acids.
• Omega-3s. This is where grass-fed makes a major difference, containing up to five times as much omega-3 (3Trusted Source).
• Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Grass-fed beef contains about twice as much CLA as grain-fed beef. This fatty acid is associated with a few health benefits (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).

In short, there are some significant differences in the composition and amount of fat in grass- and grain-fed beef. Moreover, the breed and cut of meat considerably affect the fat composition of beef (2Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Grass-fed beef may contain less total fat than grain-fed beef, but a lot more omega-3 fatty acids and CLA, which are both linked to health benefits.

Grass-fed beef is more nutritious

Both grain- and grass-fed beef are highly concentrated sources of nutrients. Beef is loaded with vitamin B12, B3, and B6. It’s also rich in highly bioavailable iron, selenium, and zinc. In fact, meat contains almost every nutrient that you need to survive (6Trusted Source). It also contains high quality protein and various lesser-known nutrients, such as creatine and carnosine, which are very important for your muscles and brain.

But even though the difference isn’t great, grass-fed beef generally contains higher amounts of certain nutrients. Compared with grain-fed beef, grass-fed is much higher in the following vitamins:

• Vitamin A. Grass-fed beef contains carotenoid precursors to vitamin A, such as beta carotene.
• Vitamin E. This antioxidant sits in your cell membranes and protects them from oxidation (4Trusted Source).

Grass-fed beef also tends to be richer in other antioxidants (7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Conventional grain-fed beef is highly nutritious, but grass-fed beef contains more carotenoids, vitamin E, and other antioxidants

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North American Meat Institute: Corn-fed vs. grass-fed beef

What is the difference between “grain-fed” or “corn-fed” and “grass-fed” cattle?
All cattle are grass fed, but some cattle are fed a diet that includes
corn for part of their lives. Grain-fed or “corn-fed” beef is the
most widely produced type of beef in the United States. It is
a product prized around the world for its highly-marbled cuts
that are especially tender and juicy. Grain-fed cattle spend most
of their lives grazing on pasture before moving to a feedlot for
approximately four to six months prior to harvesting.

At the feedlot, the cattle are fed a carefully balanced diet that
usually includes corn, soybeans, by-products, forage (plant leaves/
stems) and the appropriate minerals and vitamins. Feeding cattle
a grain-based ration for a small period of time helps improve
meat quality and provides a more tender and juicy product for
consumers.

While cattle are in feedlots, beef nutritionists ensure the animals
have a balanced diet, good care, access to clean water and room
grow and roam.

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Australia

Grass fed vs. Grain fed beef explained

What’s the difference and how does it affect the quality and taste?

When it comes to beef, there’s one question we all want answered… Grass-fed or Grain-fed? In Australia, the type of feed is usually displayed on the label, but for many of us there’s still a big question mark as to how this affects the quality and taste of meat and which one we should choose.

So we’ve decided to settle the score once and for all and give you the facts on Grass fed vs. Grain fed beef so you can make up your own mind!

Grass-fed beef:

Around 97% of Australian cattle are raised on natural pastures and are considered grass fed. While grass makes up the the majority of the animal’s feed, they may also be fed grain to supplement their diet when pastures are poor. Different breeds of cattle along with changes in the seasons can influence the style and quality of beef produced as a result of being 100% grass fed.

Meat colour:
You can often pick when beef is grass-fed by the slight yellow hue of the fat. This is a result of the pigments in grass and does not effect on the quality of the beef.

Flavour:
For many consumers, grass-fed is said to have a more complex flavour as a result of the varied pastoral diet.

Grain-fed beef:

To be classified as Grain-fed, cattle must be fed a grain based diet for over 60 days. At the last count, grain fed beef made up around 3% of total cattle in Australia with many farmers choosing to raise their cattle on a grass-based diet before finishing the cattle on a grain-based diet. Grain in the cattle diet can include wheat, barley or sorghum.

Meat colour:
Beef from grain-fed cattle have brighter, whiter fat with more marbling throughout due to the the higher sugar and fat content of the grains.

Flavour:
Because of the increase in intramuscular fats, Grain-fed beed is said to have a more buttery flavour.

So when it comes to choosing between the two, it’s simply a case of personal preference. If you like your meat to have more marbling then you’re more likely to enjoy the flavour of Grain-fed beef, but if you like the idea of cattle raised on natural pastures, then Grass-fed is for you. If you like both, it’s a win win! You’ll enjoy your beef no matter what you choose!

Whatever your preference, just remember to buy Australian so you can be sure of the providence and quality of the meat you eat!

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Grass-fed beef vs. grain-fed beef

Knowing where our food comes from has always been an upmost importance to us. What we eat reflects the quality of life we live. But just as what we eat is important, it is also matters what the food we eat, ate.The way cows are fed can influence the nutrition composition of the beef. With more grass-fed beef readily available in supermarkets, this has spark the debate between grass-fed and grain-fed beef. So what is the difference?

Grass-fed beef are cattle that feed on grass pastures throughout their lives (and are not “finished” on a diet of grains and supplements for rapid weight gain). Grain-fed beef are cows that may have started out on pastures, but move to feedlots where they are fed a mixture of grains which consists of corn, soy, grains, and other supplements like hormones and antibiotics. Let’s compare the meat quality, nutrition profile, and quality of life.

Meat Quality

Grass fed beef have a leaner and juicier meat that is dark maroon colour with a beefy flavour. Grain-fed beef have a fattier and greasy texture with a pinkish colour and a buttery flavour. 

Can you tell which is which?

Nutrition Profile

Because grass-fed beef is leaner, it is lower in calories, contains two to five times higher in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, micronutrients likes iron and zinc, and about twice the amount of conjugated linoleum acid (CLA) which is known to help fight cancer. However this doesn’t mean that grain-fed beef is “unhealthier”, but rather has a lower nutritional profile as compared to grass-fed beef. In fact red meat is nutritious and loaded with Vitamins B12, B3, and B6, high protein and various nutrients like creatine and carnosine, which are important for muscles and brains.

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What’s the Difference between Grass Fed and Grain Fed Beef?

Make no misteaks about grain fed and grass fed beef. We discuss the differences.

Australian beef farmers are custodians of almost half of the continent and this great Southern land encapsulates a range of climatic, topographical and geological environments. As such, and to ensure the consistent supply of beef there are two main farming methods in Australia – grass fed and grain fed.

GRASS FED (OR PASTURE FED) BEEF

In Australia, the majority of beef is raised on pasture and this meat is usually described as ‘grass fed’ or ‘pasture fed’. The breed type, as well as changes in seasons and nutritional value of the pasture, can influence the style and quality of beef produced on grass.

All Australian cattle spend the majority of their lives in a pasture fed environment. For an animal to be classified as grass fed it means that they have spent their entire life grazing pastures. Grass fed beef is often said to have a complex, robust flavour and yellowish fat colour.

GRAIN FED BEEF

Grain fed beef comes from cattle that have spent part of their lives being fed a ration of grain in order to achieve a more consistent product. On average, cattle that are grain fed spend between 50 and 120 days on grain after having spent 85-90% of their lives in a grass fed environment.

A cattle feedlot is a managed facility where grain fed livestock are provided a balanced and nutritious diet for the purpose of producing beef of a consistent quality. In a feedlot, cattle are placed in a yard of up to 6,000m2 in size (i.e. around the size of 14 basketball courts), which is enough space for all cattle to exhibit natural behaviour in terms of movement and interaction.

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Canada

What’s the Beef? The Pros and Cons of Grass Fed vs. Grain Fed

It is no secret that Canadians love their beef. Whether eating steaks fresh from the barbecue, enjoying a spicy chilli, or digging into a classic burger, Canadians each consumed on average more than twenty-five kilograms of beef in 2018 alone, and this number is projected to remain stable in 2019. Food trends may be changing across the country, but one thing is clear: for many individuals and families, beef is a dietary staple.

There are a variety of cultural reasons for this. Canada, a country home to peoples from all over the world, has a rich and varied cuisine; but the availability and quality of Canadian beef is ideally suited to dishes as different as Korean bulgogi, Argentinian milanesa, Hungarian goulash, Ukrainian borscht, Turkish kebabs, and Indonesian satay — as well as Western European classics like steak frites, meatballs, and steak and kidney pies. For millions of Canadians, the taste of beef is the taste of the homeland.

But there are other reasons why beef is such a big hit in this country. Between the rolling hills of the southern Ontario and the great cattle ranges of Alberta’s prairies, Canada has a long tradition of producing some of the best cattle in the world. And with truLOCAL, the only meat delivery services across the country that has specialized from the beginning in providing the very best local and sustainable beef straight to customer’s doors, getting hold of the best Canadian beef is easy.

But while Canadians’ appetite for beef hasn’t changed, the way they think about sourcing it certainly has. Twenty years ago, the local food movement existed only on the cultural periphery; things like the one hundred mile diet were still years away from reaching the mainstream, and most people didn’t think too much about where their meat was coming from.

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Other

Grain-Fed vs Grass-Fed and Finished Beef – Why Does it Matter?

Videos

Grass Fed vs Grain Fed Comparing the taste in a NY Strip Steak Cook offWe partnered up with our friends from FOGO Charcoal to compare GRAIN fed and GRASS fed New York Strips.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1528376647289171

PennState Extension: There are many possible production scenarios for beef cattle. This video will explain two different types of production, grass-fed versus grain-fed beef.
https://extension.psu.edu/grass-fed-vs-grain-fed-beef