Is Maple Hill milk really grass-fed?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Maple Hill Creamery was the first third-party certified 100% grass-fed dairy brand in the U.S.. For consumers questioning their claims, the company points to its strict sourcing from small family farms that adhere to rigorous 100% grass-fed and organic standards.

Quick Summary

This article explores Maple Hill Creamery's commitment to 100% grass-fed dairy, detailing their third-party certifications, regenerative farming practices, and the resulting nutritional and ethical benefits for both consumers and the environment.

Key Points

100% Third-Party Certified: Maple Hill is certified 100% grass-fed by the Organic Plus Trust, ensuring a forage-only diet for their cows.
No Grains or Corn, Ever: Unlike less regulated 'grass-fed' claims, Maple Hill prohibits the use of any grains or corn in its cows' diets.
Regenerative Farming: The company utilizes regenerative agriculture practices that focus on healing the soil, sequestering carbon, and promoting biodiversity.
Enhanced Nutritional Profile: The milk contains a healthier balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids, along with higher levels of CLA and fat-soluble vitamins.
Commitment to Animal Welfare: Cows are raised on open pastures, live longer, healthier lives, and are managed in smaller herds on independent family farms.
Full Supply Chain Transparency: The 100% grass-fed and organic standards are verified from the farm to the finished product on the store shelf.

Understanding the 'Grass-Fed' Label

The term "grass-fed" on its own can be ambiguous, as there is no universal U.S. regulatory standard for what it means. Some brands may use the label even if cows are only partially grass-fed. This ambiguity is precisely what Maple Hill Creamery set out to address by pursuing rigorous, third-party verification for their dairy products. Their cows are not merely given access to pasture; their diet is exclusively grass, with no grain or corn ever supplemented.

Maple Hill's Commitment to 100% Grass-Fed

Maple Hill's commitment goes beyond minimal requirements. Since 2014, they have been certified 100% grass-fed through a third-party program now run by the Organic Plus Trust. This certification demands a forage-only diet year-round, including stored forages like hay and silage during the winter months, and bans the use of any grains or grain byproducts. Furthermore, their partner farms are Certified Organic, adhering to USDA standards that prohibit synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and hormones.

This holistic approach ensures high standards for animal welfare. Cows in the Maple Hill network live on open pastures and are not confined to feeding barns. This natural lifestyle is not only better for the animals, but also contributes to the quality and nutritional profile of the milk they produce.

The Nutritional Difference of 100% Grass-Fed Milk

The diet of a dairy cow directly impacts the nutritional composition of its milk. A 100% grass-fed diet results in a superior fatty acid profile compared to milk from conventional or even standard organic farms that use grain supplements.

Comparing Milk Nutritional Profiles


Feature	100% Grass-Fed Milk	Conventional Milk	Standard Organic Milk
Diet	100% grass and forage	Grains, corn, and soy	Minimum 30% forage during grazing season
Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio	Close to 1:1, a healthier balance	High, often around 5.7:1	Balanced, but not as optimal as 100% grass-fed
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)	Significantly higher levels	Lower levels	Higher than conventional, but lower than 100% grass-fed
Fat-Soluble Vitamins	Higher levels of vitamins A, E, and K2	Lower levels	Lower than 100% grass-fed
Beta-Carotene	Abundant	Lower levels	Lower levels

Beyond the Cow: Regenerative Farming Practices

Maple Hill's philosophy extends to regenerative agriculture, which focuses on healing and restoring the land. Their practices aim to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and create a sustainable, positive cycle.

Soil Health: By grazing on pastures, the cows naturally aerate and fertilize the soil. This prevents soil tilling, which releases carbon into the atmosphere, and instead allows the soil to hold more carbon, acting like a natural sponge.
Biodiversity: Healthy soil leads to more nutrient-dense grass, which in turn feeds the cows. This creates a more robust ecosystem on the farm, fostering biodiversity.
Small Farms: Maple Hill sources from a network of small, independent family farms, many with herds of around 50 cows. This smaller scale allows for more attentive animal care and better pasture management.
Climate-Smart Partner: The company has been recognized by the USDA as a Climate-Smart Partner, supporting climate-friendly agricultural practices across their network.

The Consumer and Environmental Impact

Choosing Maple Hill's 100% grass-fed milk means supporting this cycle of regeneration. The milk is naturally fortified with nutrients from healthy soil and pasture, resulting in a product that benefits the consumer while also promoting a healthier planet. While the nutritional benefits are clear, the broader impact of supporting these farming practices is a significant factor for many consumers.

The Verdict: So, is Maple Hill milk really grass-fed?

Yes, Maple Hill milk is genuinely 100% grass-fed, as verified by reputable third-party certifications. Their rigorous standards ensure that cows consume no grains or corn, and are raised on open pastures with an emphasis on animal welfare. The company's transparent certifications and commitment to regenerative farming practices provide a clear answer to the question, backing their marketing claims with verifiable proof. This contrasts sharply with less-regulated grass-fed claims on other products, which may not adhere to the same strict, forage-only diet for their herds. For the consumer seeking guaranteed grass-fed dairy, Maple Hill provides a trusted and transparent option.

Visit the Maple Hill Creamery website to learn more about their sourcing and certification details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in the cow's diet and environment. Conventional milk comes from cows typically fed a grain-heavy diet and often confined, whereas Maple Hill's milk comes from cows that eat only grass and forage and live on open pastures. This difference results in significant variations in nutritional content, particularly fatty acid profiles.

Yes, all Maple Hill products are Certified Organic, which is an additional layer of certification on top of their 100% grass-fed standard. This ensures the milk is free from antibiotics, synthetic hormones, pesticides, and GMOs.

The certification means that the cows' diet consists solely of grass and forage, and they are never fed grains or grain byproducts. The certification process, verified by a third party like the Organic Plus Trust, involves regular inspections to ensure these strict standards are met from farm to finished product.

Due to the unique diet of the cows, many consumers report a richer, creamier flavor from Maple Hill milk, sometimes with a subtle 'grassy' note. The higher content of certain fats contributes to a flavor profile that some describe as fresher.

Maple Hill's regenerative farming practices, which are part of their 100% grass-fed approach, are designed to improve soil health and increase carbon sequestration. These methods benefit the land, which many consider more environmentally friendly than industrial farming models.

Maple Hill milk is richer in beneficial nutrients than conventional milk. This includes a more balanced Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio, higher levels of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), and elevated levels of fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K2.

The company relies on third-party certifications from organizations like the Organic Plus Trust. These verifiable standards and regular inspections ensure that the company's claims are legitimate and backed by a comprehensive auditing process from the farm to the packaging.