Is Kirkland grass-fed butter 100% grass-fed? An Analysis of Nutrition and Sourcing

While regulations for "grass-fed" products vary globally, Costco's Kirkland grass-fed butter is produced from New Zealand cows maintained on a minimum 95% grass diet. This specific standard, though not 100% grass-fed, offers unique nutritional benefits that differentiate it from conventional butter.

Quick Summary

Kirkland grass-fed butter is sourced from New Zealand cows that are fed at least 95% grass, with supplementary grain for the remaining portion. This standard provides health benefits, including higher omega-3s, compared to conventional dairy.

Key Points

• Not 100% Grass-Fed: Kirkland's butter is sourced from New Zealand cows with a minimum 95% grass-fed diet, not 100%.

• Nutritional Superiority: Compared to conventional butter, it has higher levels of omega-3s, CLA, and beta-carotene due to the grass-heavy diet.

• Sourcing and Standards: The butter comes from New Zealand, where dairy farming is strictly regulated, banning GMOs and growth hormones.

• Flavor and Color: The butter's deep golden color and rich flavor are attributed to the beta-carotene from the cows' pasture-based diet.

• Labeling Matters: Different certifications exist for grass-fed products, with some guaranteeing a 100% grass diet, unlike Kirkland's specific 95% standard.

• Affordable Quality: For many, Kirkland's offers an excellent balance of nutritional benefits, quality, and price compared to other premium grass-fed brands.

What Does '95% Grass-Fed' Mean for Kirkland Butter?

Contrary to some assumptions, Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter is not 100% grass-fed. It comes from New Zealand cows whose diet is a minimum of 95% grass. The remaining 5% consists of non-GMO supplementary feed. This distinction is crucial for consumers seeking the purest form of grass-fed butter.

Globally, there is no universal regulatory standard for what constitutes a "grass-fed" dairy product. This allows for a wide range of interpretations, with some products potentially coming from cows with minimal time on pasture. The New Zealand standards, however, provide a rigorous framework, ensuring a high proportion of grass in the animals' diet. According to Costco, their supplier, Westland Milk Products, annually audits the farms to verify the percentage of grass consumed.

The New Zealand Advantage: Quality and Ethics

Kirkland's partnership with Westland Milk Products leverages New Zealand's robust dairy farming practices. The cows graze on the country's lush, green pastures, and the nation's strict regulations ban the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and growth hormones in dairy farming. This attention to animal welfare and natural sourcing contributes to the butter's distinctive quality and taste. The butter also boasts a rich, golden color, which is a result of the high beta-carotene content in grass-fed dairy.

Nutritional Profile: Kirkland vs. Conventional Butter

The diet of a dairy cow directly impacts the nutritional composition of its milk and, subsequently, the butter. Compared to conventional butter from grain-fed cows, Kirkland's grass-fed butter offers several nutritional advantages:

• Higher Omega-3s: Grass-fed dairy contains significantly higher levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart and brain health. Conventional butter tends to have a less favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
• Increased Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Kirkland's butter is a natural source of CLA, a fatty acid associated with potential benefits for metabolism and fat reduction.
• More Beta-Carotene and Vitamin K2: The vibrant golden color is due to beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. Grass-fed butter is also richer in vitamin K2, which is vital for bone health.
• No GMOs or Growth Hormones: New Zealand's farming regulations mean the butter is free of these common additives found in some conventional dairy products.

Comparison of Butter Types

Feature	Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed	100% Grass-Fed & Finished	Conventional Grain-Fed
Sourcing	New Zealand dairy farms	Specific certified farms (e.g., American Grassfed)	Large-scale, often undisclosed farms
Diet (% Grass)	Minimum 95% grass diet	Exclusively grass and forage	Primarily grain and supplemental feed
Omega-3s	Higher than conventional	Highest levels found in butter	Lower levels
CLA Content	Higher than conventional	Highest levels	Lower levels
Beta-Carotene	Rich, golden color	Most vibrant yellow color	Pale yellow color
Added Hormones	None (banned in NZ)	None (certified)	Can be used (US regulations)

The Importance of Labeling in the Dairy Aisle

Consumers seeking clarity on their dairy products must understand the nuances of labeling. For instance, the American Grassfed Association (AGA) offers a specific certification guaranteeing animals were 100% forage-fed, never confined, and raised without hormones or antibiotics. A "grass-fed" label alone is not enough, as some cows may be "grain-finished"—fed grain to fatten up before processing. Kirkland's transparent 95% grass-fed standard, while not 100%, is still a far cry from conventional grain-fed butter and offers substantial nutritional benefits. Always look for certifications or specific diet information to make an informed choice. For more details on independent certifications, the American Grassfed Association provides clear standards.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

While not 100% grass-fed, Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter represents a high-quality, nutritionally superior option compared to standard conventional butter. The combination of New Zealand's rigorous farming standards, a predominantly grass-based diet, and the exclusion of hormones and GMOs results in a butter that is rich in flavor and beneficial fatty acids. For those seeking an affordable yet high-quality grass-fed option, it is an excellent choice. However, for consumers who require a strict, 100% grass-finished product, independent certifications are the best way to verify the claim.

---

Here are a few things you should remember about Kirkland's grass-fed butter:

• It is sourced from Westland Milk Products in New Zealand.
• The cows have a minimum 95% grass-fed diet.
• It contains higher levels of omega-3s, CLA, and beta-carotene than standard butter.
• The diet is supplemented with 5% non-GMO grain feed.
• The product is free of hormones and GMOs, as per New Zealand regulations.

---

Tips for choosing grass-fed butter:

1. Read the label carefully: Look for a percentage or a certification from an independent organization like the American Grassfed Association for 100% assurance.
2. Check the color: A deep golden or yellow hue is a good indicator of high beta-carotene content from a pasture-based diet.
3. Consider the sourcing: Butter from regions known for extensive pasture grazing, like New Zealand or Ireland, is often a good sign.
4. Taste-test: Some taste tests show that Kirkland's butter has a richer, more "buttery" flavor than more expensive alternatives like Kerrygold.
5. Evaluate your budget: Balance your desire for a high-percentage grass-fed product with cost, as options vary widely.

---

Comparison table creation for Kirkland, 100% grass-fed, and conventional butter:

Feature	Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed	100% Grass-Fed Certified	Conventional Grain-Fed
Diet	95% Grass	100% Forage (Grass & Hay)	Grain-based diet
Omega-3s	Higher	Highest	Lower
CLA	Higher	Highest	Lower
Beta-Carotene	High	Highest	Low
Sourcing	New Zealand	Varies (check certification)	Varies (often North America)
Hormones	No added hormones	No added hormones (certified)	Can contain added hormones
GMOs	No GMOs (NZ standard)	No GMOs (certified)	Potential for GMO feed

---

Conclusion

While not 100% grass-fed, Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter represents a high-quality, nutritionally superior option compared to standard conventional butter. The combination of New Zealand's rigorous farming standards, a predominantly grass-based diet, and the exclusion of hormones and GMOs results in a butter that is rich in flavor and beneficial fatty acids. For those seeking an affordable yet high-quality grass-fed option, it is an excellent choice. However, for consumers who require a strict, 100% grass-finished product, independent certifications are the best way to verify the claim. The final decision ultimately depends on personal dietary goals and priorities regarding price and sourcing rigor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kirkland grass-fed butter really grass-fed?

Yes, Kirkland grass-fed butter is genuinely grass-fed, but not 100%. It is sourced from New Zealand cows with a diet of at least 95% grass.

Where does Kirkland grass-fed butter come from?

The butter is made by Westland Milk Products and sourced from approximately 400 farms on New Zealand's South Island.

What is the difference between Kirkland grass-fed butter and 100% grass-fed butter?

The main difference is the cow's diet. Kirkland's cows are 95% grass-fed, while 100% grass-fed products come from cows fed an exclusive forage diet.

Does Kirkland grass-fed butter contain GMOs?

No, the supplementary feed given to the cows is non-GMO, and New Zealand has a ban on GMOs in dairy farming, ensuring the butter is free of GMOs.

Is Kirkland butter better than conventional butter?

From a nutritional standpoint, yes. The grass-heavy diet results in higher levels of omega-3s, CLA, and beta-carotene in Kirkland's butter compared to conventional grain-fed varieties.

Why is Kirkland grass-fed butter so yellow?

The rich golden color comes from beta-carotene, a compound found in grass. Cows on a pasture-based diet, like those in New Zealand, produce milk higher in beta-carotene.

Is there an independent certification for Kirkland grass-fed butter?

While Kirkland's supplier conducts annual audits, the product does not carry a certification from an independent third party like the American Grassfed Association, which would verify a 100% grass diet.

How does Kirkland grass-fed butter compare in price to other brands?

Kirkland's grass-fed butter is generally more affordable than some competing premium brands like Kerrygold, offering a high-quality product at a lower price point.