Understanding Truly Grass Fed's 95% Grass-Fed Claim
When a company labels a product "grass-fed," the term can be interpreted in different ways depending on a brand's standards. In the case of Truly Grass Fed butter, the brand is transparent about its sourcing and processes. Their products are made from milk from Irish cows that are 95% grass-fed. This is an independently verified and audited claim, ensuring a high level of integrity.
The Irish Farming Model
Truly Grass Fed sources its milk from a cooperative of over 3,000 small family farms across Ireland. The mild, wet climate of Ireland is ideal for growing lush, green grass, which allows the cows to graze outdoors on pasture for an average of 250 days per year. This lifestyle aligns with natural bovine behavior and is a key part of their grass-fed claim.
The 5% Supplementation
What accounts for the remaining 5% of the cows' diet? During the colder winter months, when outdoor grazing is not possible, the cows are housed indoors for shelter and are fed a diet of harvested grass, silage, and a small, non-GMO concentrate supplement. This practice is common in seasonal climates and is disclosed by the company, differentiating it from butter sourced from cows kept in confinement and fed a predominantly grain-based diet.
Nutritional Advantages of Truly Grass-Fed Butter
The diet of a dairy cow has a significant impact on the final nutritional composition of its milk and, subsequently, the butter. The high grass intake of Truly's cows leads to several notable nutritional benefits over conventional butter:
- Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Grass-fed butter contains a higher concentration of Omega-3s, which are considered beneficial for heart health, compared to conventional butter.
- Increased Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Pasture-raised dairy can have up to 500% more CLA, a beneficial fatty acid, than grain-fed dairy.
- More Vitamins A, D, E, and K2: Grass-fed cows, naturally consuming more nutrient-rich forage, produce milk with higher levels of these fat-soluble vitamins.
- Rich in Beta-Carotene: The high beta-carotene content from fresh grass is responsible for the butter's distinctive golden color.
Comparison of Butter Types
To better understand Truly Grass Fed butter, here is a comparison with two other common types:
| Feature | Truly Grass Fed | Conventional Butter | 100% Grass-Fed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | Irish family farms (co-op) | Large-scale U.S. or global dairies | Often smaller, specialized farms |
| Diet | 95% grass, 5% non-GMO concentrate | Primarily grain-based diet, sometimes with silage | Exclusively grass and forage |
| Omega-3s | Higher levels than conventional | Typically lower levels | Highest levels among the three |
| CLA | Higher levels than conventional | Typically lower levels | Highest levels among the three |
| Outdoor Access | 250+ days per year | Often limited or nonexistent | Always pasture-raised |
| Color | Distinctive golden yellow | Pale white or light cream | Deepest yellow color |
| Key Certifications | Non-GMO, AWA, SDAS | Often none beyond basic USDA | May include AGA or other stringent certifications |
The Role of Independent Certifications
Truly Grass Fed's commitment to transparency is bolstered by its adherence to several independent certifications. These third-party verifications provide consumers with confidence that the brand's standards are being met and maintained over time. The key certifications include:
- Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW): This is one of the most rigorous animal welfare certifications. It guarantees that animals are raised outdoors on pasture on independent farms their entire lives, using truly sustainable, high-welfare farming practices.
- Non-GMO Project Verified: This certification ensures Truly's products are produced according to strict standards for the avoidance of genetically modified organisms.
- Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS): Truly Grass Fed farms are audited and certified to Ireland’s national sustainable dairy program.
Conclusion
So, is Truly butter really grass-fed? The answer is yes, with the specific clarification of being 95% grass-fed and independently verified. This puts it in a category far above conventional butters, which often come from cows primarily fed grain and with limited outdoor access. By sourcing from small Irish family farms and adhering to high standards for animal welfare and sustainability, Truly Grass Fed provides a premium butter with enhanced nutritional properties and a richer flavor. While not 100% grass-fed year-round due to winter supplementation, the company is transparent about its practices and provides a product that is genuinely sourced from grass-fed cows. For consumers prioritizing animal welfare, superior nutrition, and a natural farming process, Truly Grass Fed butter is an excellent and verified choice.
For more information on the standards behind the animal welfare certification, visit A Greener World.
