Grass-fed vs grass-finished: what’s the difference?

You’ve likely come across terms like “grass-fed” and “grass-finished”. Both sound natural and healthy, but what exactly do they mean? Is there really a difference between grass-fed and grass-finished? Let’s dive into these two terms to help you make more informed choices.

What does "grass-fed" mean?

"Grass-fed" refers to cattle that have grazed on grass or forage for a portion of their life. In the UK, many cattle are traditionally raised on pasture, consuming grass during the warmer months and conserved forage like hay in the winter. However, there’s a catch with the label "grass-fed".

In the Britain and other parts of the world, cattle labelled as "grass-fed" may still be grain-finished, which means that although they spent the majority of their life eating grass, they were fed grains (like corn or soy) in their final months. This is often done to fatten the animal more quickly and improve marbling, which results in a tenderer cut of beef.

However, this grain-finishing period can significantly impact the nutritional profile of the meat, as feeding cattle grains increases their fat content and can alter the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio in favour of omega-6, which is less beneficial for human health.

What does "grass-finished" mean?

On the other hand, "grass-finished" beef refers to cattle that have eaten only grass or forage for their entire lives. There’s no period of grain-feeding with grass-finished beef.

These animals typically roam freely and graze on pastures for their entire lifespan, which can result in meat that is leaner and higher in beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, compared to grain-fed or grain-finished cattle.

Because grass-finished cattle take longer to mature and don’t fatten up as quickly as grain-finished cattle, the beef produced can be slightly tougher and less marbled. However, many consumers feel that the health benefits and more natural diet are well worth this trade-off.

Nutritional differences

The diet of the cattle has a significant influence on the nutritional composition of the beef. Here’s a quick comparison between grass-fed, grain-finished beef and 100% grass-finished beef:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids: Grass-finished beef contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to heart health, brain function, and reduced inflammation. Grain-finishing tends to lower these omega-3 levels.
2. Vitamins and antioxidants: Grass-finished beef has been found to contain more antioxidants, such as vitamin E and beta-carotene, which can help protect cells from damage. These levels drop in cattle that have been grain-finished.
3. Fat content: Grass-finished beef tends to be leaner overall, with less total fat and less intramuscular marbling compared to grain-finished beef. Grain-finishing can increase the fat content, which some people prefer for taste and tenderness, but it also means consuming more saturated fat.
4. Omega-6 to omega-3 ratio: One of the significant differences is the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Grass-finished beef has a more balanced ratio, which is generally considered more favourable for health. Grain-fed or grain-finished cattle, on the other hand, can have a higher ratio of omega-6 fatty acids, which may contribute to inflammation if consumed in excess.

Environmental and ethical considerations

Beyond nutrition, the differences between grass-fed and grass-finished beef also have implications for sustainability and animal welfare.

1. Environmental impact: Grass-finished cattle are typically raised on pasture, which can help promote soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration, making it a more environmentally friendly option. However, raising grass-finished cattle takes longer, which can mean a larger land use footprint compared to grain-finished systems.
2. Animal welfare: Grass-finished cattle spend their entire lives grazing in natural environments, which many people see as a more humane and ethical approach. Grain-finishing, especially in large-scale feedlots, raises concerns about animal welfare due to confinement and less natural living conditions.

Cost and availability

Grass-finished beef often comes with a higher price tag than grain-finished beef. The reason is simple: raising cattle entirely on grass takes more time and resources. Additionally, since grass-finished beef is leaner, there is less demand for it compared to the more tender, marbled grain-finished beef that many people are used to.

In the UK, grass-fed beef is relatively easy to find due to the traditional farming methods employed, but truly grass-finished beef may require a bit more effort to seek out, particularly if you’re buying from supermarkets. However, many local farmers, butchers, and organic food shops are more likely to provide authentic grass-finished options.

Which one should you choose?

The choice between grass-fed and grass-finished largely depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a product that is higher in beneficial nutrients, more ethically sourced, and produced in a way that is gentler on the environment, grass-finished is the superior choice.

While both grass-fed and grass-finished beef have their merits, understanding the key differences helps you make a decision based on what matters most to you — be it nutrition, taste, or sustainability.

Final thought

When choosing your beef, it’s important to look beyond the label and ask questions about the meat's journey. By doing so, you can enjoy your meals with confidence, knowing that your choices align with your values and health goals.

Grass-finished tallow specifically comes from cattle that have been fed only grass or forage throughout their entire lives.

The Soil Association also advocates for organic farming, where cattle must have access to grazing pasture, and at least 60% of their diet consists of grass or silage. Organic certification further guarantees that the animals are raised without GMOs and that their pasture is free from synthetic fertilisers and herbicides.