Is Aldi Beef 100% Grass-Fed? A Shopper's Guide to Label Accuracy

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Demand for grass-fed beef has grown significantly, with many shoppers seeking more nutritional benefits and better animal welfare standards. While Aldi is known for its affordable prices, the question remains: is Aldi beef 100% grass-fed? The answer depends on which product you choose, as the store carries both conventionally fed and specifically labeled 100% grass-fed options.

Quick Summary

Aldi offers 100% grass-fed beef under its Simply Nature brand, though not all of its beef is pasture-raised. Identifying the correct product requires careful label reading, looking specifically for the '100% Grass Fed' and 'Grass Finished' claims on packages. These products are typically organic, imported from locations like Australia or Uruguay, and available at a competitive price point.

Key Points

Simply Nature Brand: Aldi’s 100% grass-fed beef is exclusively sold under its organic Simply Nature label.
Check the Label Carefully: The packaging must explicitly state "100% Organic Grass Fed" and "Grass Finished" to guarantee a purely forage-fed diet.
Sourcing Varies: Aldi sources its Simply Nature 100% grass-fed beef from the U.S., Australia, and Uruguay, enabling year-round availability.
Conventional Options Are Separate: The majority of Aldi’s beef is conventionally-fed and should not be confused with the specialized grass-fed offering.
Price Reflects Quality: While still budget-friendly compared to other retailers, Aldi's 100% grass-fed beef is more expensive than its conventional beef due to production methods.
Different Nutritional Profile: The Simply Nature grass-fed beef is typically leaner and higher in omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain-finished beef.
International Sourcing Controversy: Past issues regarding the definition of 'grass-fed' in different markets, like Australia, highlight the importance of checking for the specific '100% grass-fed' claim.

Distinguishing True Grass-Fed Labels

When shopping for beef, understanding the difference between a general 'grass-fed' claim and a verified '100% grass-fed' or 'grass-finished' product is crucial. The term 'grass-fed' can be misleading because most cattle consume grass for some portion of their lives. However, many are 'finished' on a diet of grain in a feedlot to promote rapid growth. For beef to be labeled '100% grass-fed' or 'grass-finished,' the cattle must have consumed only forage, aside from mother's milk, for their entire lifespan. This practice significantly influences the beef's nutritional profile and flavor.

Aldi's Simply Nature: The 100% Grass-Fed Option

For shoppers specifically looking for a product that meets the stricter standard, Aldi offers its Simply Nature Organic 100% Grass Fed ground beef. The product details on the Aldi US website explicitly state it is "100% Grass Fed Beef, Grass Finished". This is a clear indicator that the cattle were exclusively fed a forage diet throughout their lives. The Simply Nature line is Aldi's dedicated organic brand and these beef products also contain no added antibiotics or growth hormones.

Where Aldi's Grass-Fed Beef Comes From

The search results indicate that Aldi sources its Simply Nature 100% grass-fed beef from a few different places, including Australia, the United States, and Uruguay. Australian grass-fed standards are widely recognized, and Aldi Australia also sells a locally sourced grass-fed beef range under its Jindurra Station brand. This international sourcing network allows Aldi to maintain a consistent, year-round supply of its grass-fed options, helping keep costs down.

Comparing Aldi's Grass-Fed and Conventional Beef

It's important to recognize that not all beef at Aldi is grass-fed. The store sells a variety of products, including its standard fresh and frozen ground beef, which is sourced from conventionally raised cattle. These are different from the specialty Simply Nature offerings and are priced accordingly. The difference in diet between conventional and 100% grass-fed beef affects the nutritional content, with grass-fed varieties typically being leaner and higher in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

How to Verify the Label

Look for the brand: The 100% grass-fed product is consistently sold under the Simply Nature brand at Aldi US.
Read the claim carefully: Check for the specific phrasing "100% Grass Fed" or "Grass Finished." Avoid products that only say "grass-fed" without the "100%" clarification, as this could imply a grain-supplemented diet.
Check the Organic seal: The Simply Nature grass-fed beef is also certified USDA Organic, which provides an additional layer of assurance regarding feed and animal care.

Potential Considerations: Price and Sourcing Nuances

While Aldi's 100% grass-fed beef is notably more affordable than similar products at specialty stores, its price still reflects the higher production costs compared to conventional beef. Concerns about the labeling and sourcing of 'grass-fed' beef have been raised historically, particularly regarding non-US products. However, Aldi's current and specific "100% Organic Grass Fed, Grass Finished" labeling for its Simply Nature products is transparent. The international supply chain helps balance cost and availability, a key aspect of Aldi's business model. [Check the specific label and origin on your package, as sourcing can vary based on location and product.] For more information on beef labeling standards, you can refer to resources from organizations like the USDA or consumer guides online.

Comparison Table: Aldi Simply Nature 100% Grass-Fed vs. Conventional Beef


Feature	Simply Nature 100% Grass-Fed	Conventional Aldi Beef
Diet	Exclusively grass and forage after weaning.	Typically includes grain finishing in a feedlot.
Finishing	Grass finished, meaning no grain is introduced.	Finished on a grain-based diet to promote marbling.
Sourcing	Imported (Australia, Uruguay) or Domestic (U.S.).	Varies, often domestically sourced in the US.
Price	Higher than conventional but competitive for 100% grass-fed.	Very affordable and a budget-friendly option.
Certification	USDA Organic, no added antibiotics or hormones.	USDA Inspected; not organic; may contain hormones or antibiotics.
Nutritional Profile	Leaner, higher in Omega-3 fatty acids.	Higher in fat content, different Omega fatty acid ratio.

Conclusion

Yes, Aldi does sell 100% grass-fed beef, but it is a specific product line, not the entire beef selection. Shoppers must look for the Simply Nature brand and confirm the "100% Organic Grass Fed" and "Grass Finished" labels on the package. This distinguishes it from Aldi's other beef products. By understanding these labels, consumers can make informed choices based on their dietary preferences and budget, confident that Aldi provides transparent labeling for its specific grass-fed offerings.

Additional Reading: Grass Fed, Grass Finished, Organic | What Beef Labels Mean

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Aldi's Simply Nature brand offers ground beef specifically labeled "100% Organic Grass Fed, Grass Finished," indicating the cattle were fed only grass and forage after weaning.

No, only specific products under the Simply Nature brand are 100% grass-fed. Aldi also sells a wide range of conventional, grain-finished beef products.

Look for the specific branding and labeling. The 100% grass-fed option will be in a package marked 'Simply Nature' and explicitly state '100% Organic Grass Fed'.

According to Aldi, its Simply Nature 100% grass-fed beef is imported from countries such as Australia and Uruguay, in addition to some domestic sourcing from the U.S..

Yes, the Simply Nature 100% grass-fed ground beef sold at Aldi is also certified USDA Organic, meaning the cattle were fed 100% organic feed.

Yes, as with most retailers, the 100% grass-fed and organic beef at Aldi is more expensive than its standard, conventionally raised beef products.

The availability of specific cuts like steaks varies and is often part of seasonal 'Aldi Finds.' The most consistently available 100% grass-fed item is ground beef.

A 2015 article mentioned some ambiguity with Aldi Australia's 'grass-fed' claims. However, current US product labeling explicitly notes '100% Organic Grass Fed' and 'Grass Finished' for the Simply Nature line, addressing the distinction.