Where to Buy 100% Grass Fed Beef: A Complete Guide

Grass fed beef has gained popularity over the last few years as more people become aware of its health and environmental benefits. But with so many labels like “natural”, “humane” and “pasture raised” on beef in stores it can be tricky to find beef that is 100% grass fed.

In this complete guide I’ll explain what 100% grass fed beef really means why it’s better than conventional beef, and most importantly, where you can find and buy it – whether in stores near you or online.

What is 100% Grass Fed Beef?

The term “grass fed” on a beef label means that the cows ate grass and foraged for their entire lives after weaning right up until slaughter. They are not fed grain or given growth hormones or antibiotics at any point.

The most legitimate grass fed beef labels will say “100% grass fed” or “grass fed and finished”. This means the cattle were never confined and never ate any grains.

Cows are natural grass eaters, so when they eat grass, they stay healthier compared to cows fed grain. As a result, 100% grass fed beef is higher in some nutrients like omega-3s and CLA. Plus the beef is lower in fat and calories.

Grass fed cattle also get to live outdoors grazing on pasture. This is their natural lifestyle. So ethical reasons drive some consumers to choose grass fed beef.

Why Buy 100% Grass Fed Beef?

Here are 5 of the top reasons to choose 100% grass fed beef:

1. More Nutritious – Multiple studies show grass fed beef is higher in antioxidants like vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C and antioxidant enzymes. It also contains more omega-3 fatty acids.

2. Fewer Calories – Research finds that grass fed beef can contain about 25% fewer calories than conventional beef. It’s also lower in fat.

3. No Added Hormones – Grass fed cattle are never given growth hormones which are commonly used in conventional beef production. This matters to many health-conscious consumers.

4. No Antibiotics – Cows that eat grass stay healthier than cows in dirty, crowded feedlots. So grass fed cattle very rarely require antibiotics.

5. More Humane – Cows get to live in their natural setting versus confined in feedlots. And they get to eat what they naturally eat rather than inappropriate grains.

So in a nutshell, you can feel better about eating grass fed beef for your health, ethics and the planet. Now let’s cover how to find it.

Where to Buy Grass Fed Beef

You have several options for sourcing 100% grass fed beef:

• Local farmers and ranchers
• Health food stores
• Co-ops
• Online stores

I’ll explain how to find and buy from each below.

Buy from Local Grass Fed Cattle Farms

Searching out farms in your area that raise grass fed cattle is one of the best ways to get high quality beef and support your local food economy.

Here are tips for finding grass fed beef from local farms:

• Search online directories like Eat Wild and Local Harvest that list local producers of grass fed meats.

• Check if your local farmer’s market has vendors selling grass fed beef. Ask them questions to confirm how the cattle are raised.

• Search for grass fed beef CSAs (community supported agriculture programs) in your area. These provide recurring beef orders.

• Join Facebook groups, especially farm-focused groups local to your state or region. Ask for recommendations on where to buy grass fed beef.

• Drive through rural areas near you and look for signs advertising grass fed beef for sale. Stop by the farm.

• Ask at your local butcher shop if they source grass fed beef from any regional farms.

Once you find farms nearby, visit their website or call to find out where you can buy their beef. Some will deliver orders, allow you to buy online, attend farmers markets, or schedule farm pickups.

Buying beef directly from the farm that raised the cattle is ideal. You can confirm their farming practices and that “grass fed” claims are valid.

Shop Health Food Stores for Grass Fed Beef

Larger chains like Whole Foods and Sprouts, as well as smaller independent health food grocers, often carry high quality grass fed beef options.

You’ll usually pay a premium price compared to conventional beef. But you gain access to grass fed beef without travelling to farms far away.

Look for brands that say “100% grass fed beef” on the label. Also choose organic grass fed if you want beef from cattle never given antibiotics, added hormones, or chemical pesticides.

Be aware that most mainstream grocery stores now sell at least some “grass fed” beef too. But it may not always be 100% grass fed, so read labels.

Check Your Local Food Co-Op

Since food co-ops focus on local food, many partner with nearby farms to sell their grass fed beef.

Search online for “food co-op” in your city or town. Call them to ask if they carry 100% grass fed beef from local producers. If they do, shop their meat counter for high quality beef.

Co-ops also tend to have stringent standards for the products they sell. So if they carry grass fed beef, they’ve likely vetted their suppliers.

Order Grass Fed Beef Online

Ordering grass fed beef online is convenient if you can’t find good options near you. Nationwide companies ship frozen grass fed beef to your door.

Some popular online stores are:

• US Wellness Meats
• Butcher Box
• Thrive Market
• Crowd Cow

The beef is sourced from various farms and ranches around the country that meet the company’s criteria for being 100% grass fed. Brands may also have differing policies on using antibiotics and added hormones.

Check company standards and read grass fed beef reviews before you buy. Delivery costs can be high for frozen meats, so factor that in too.

How to Know Your Beef is Truly Grass Fed

With so many beef labels using the term “grass fed”, how can you confirm your beef is 100% grass fed? Here are 3 tips:

• Look for the AGA Grassfed Label – This logo from the American Grassfed Association is the most trusted industry standard. Farms have to apply and be audited annually.

• Look for the Certified Grassfed Label – Administered by AGW, this is another trusted certification that audits farms raising 100% grass fed cattle.

• Call the Farmer – Ask questions about their practices and request to visit their farm. Transparency is a good sign when sourcing directly from local cattle farms.

Choosing truly grass fed beef does require some sleuthing. But you’ll gain meats that are more nutritious and responsibly raised. I hope these tips help you find and buy high quality grass fed beef in your area or online. Vote for better beef with your dollars, and happy grass fed grilling!