Understanding Vital Farms' Pasture-Raised and Grass-Fed Practices
Vital Farms is well-known for its commitment to pasture-raised products, particularly its eggs and dairy. For consumers, the terminology can be confusing, especially when comparing 'pasture-raised' to '100% grass-fed.' The distinction is crucial, as it directly relates to the animals' diet and the final product's nutritional profile.
The Details on Vital Farms' Butter
For its butter, Vital Farms sources milk from cows that are pasture-raised on a network of small family farms. These cows have access to open pastures during warmer months, which is approximately 200 days a year, allowing them to graze on a natural buffet of grasses and forage. As of April 2024, the company raised its standard for its butter cows to a 90% grass-fed diet. The remaining 10% of their diet consists of a nutritionally balanced supplemental feed, which can include grain, vitamins, and minerals. This is particularly important for maintaining the cows' health and well-being, especially during winter or when pasture foraging is limited.
Comparing Different Farming Labels
The world of food labeling is complex, with terms like 'pasture-raised,' 'grass-fed,' '100% grass-fed,' and 'Certified Humane' all having distinct meanings. For ruminant animals like cows, the difference between 'grass-fed' and '100% grass-fed' can be significant. Many products labeled simply as 'grass-fed' can still be 'grain-finished,' meaning they consume grain during the final months of their life to accelerate growth. A '100% grass-fed' label, on the other hand, means the animal has consumed only grass and forages after weaning.
The Nuances of Vital Farms' 'Pasture-Raised' Eggs
For its eggs, Vital Farms adheres to a strict 'pasture-raised' standard. This means their hens are granted access to fresh pastures year-round and are not confined to cages. Under the Certified Humane® standard, which Vital Farms adheres to, hens must have at least 108 square feet of outdoor space each and the fields must be rotated. While foraging on the pasture, hens also receive supplemental feed to ensure a balanced diet. This feed, developed with an animal nutritionist, often includes a blend of corn and soybean meal. So while the hens are pasture-raised, their diet is not 100% forage-based.
Why the Distinction Matters
For many consumers, the choice between different types of animal products comes down to a combination of animal welfare, nutritional value, and environmental impact. A diet that is entirely grass-fed is often associated with higher levels of certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), compared to grain-fed animals. By providing a detailed explanation of their feeding practices, Vital Farms offers transparency that helps consumers make informed decisions, even if it does not meet the 100% grass-fed criteria.
Vital Farms vs. 100% Grass-Fed Comparison
| Feature | Vital Farms (Dairy) | 100% Grass-Fed Standard | Vital Farms (Eggs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diet | 90% grass-based, 10% supplemental feed. | 100% grass and forage after weaning. | Forages plus supplemental feed (corn and soybean meal). |
| Pasture Access | Pasture-raised, with outdoor access in warmer months (approx. 200 days/year). | Continuous pasture access for grazing ruminants. | Certified Humane® standard: 108 sq. ft. per hen, year-round pasture access. |
| Key Benefit | High butterfat content and creamy texture. | Higher omega-3s, richer flavor profile. | High animal welfare standard, rich yolk color from foraging. |
| Certification | Certified B Corporation, farms are certified humane. | May have specific '100% grass-fed' or 'grass-finished' certification. | Certified Humane®, Non-GMO Project Verified, Organic options. |
Conclusion: Navigating the Labels
In summary, the answer to the question "Is Vital Farms 100% grass-fed?" is no, but with important context. The company’s butter cows are fed a 90% grass-based diet, and their egg-laying hens, while pasture-raised, receive supplemental feed. This standard, while high compared to conventional farming, is different from a strict 100% grass-fed and finished regimen. Vital Farms remains transparent about its practices, allowing consumers to make an informed choice based on their priorities, whether those are high animal welfare standards, dietary specifics, or overall product quality. For consumers seeking a truly 100% grass-fed product, it is essential to look for explicit labeling that guarantees no grain supplementation at all.
The Difference in Farming Labels
- Pasture-Raised: Animals have access to an outdoor pasture. Vital Farms' cows get outdoor access during warmer months, and hens have 108 sq. ft. each of outdoor space, meeting the Certified Humane® standard.
- Grass-Fed: The animal's diet consists mainly of grass and forage. The term does not guarantee a 100% grass diet and may include grain-finishing. Vital Farms uses this term for its butter, clarifying the 90% standard on its website.
- 100% Grass-Fed: Indicates a diet composed entirely of grass and forages after weaning. This is a stricter standard than Vital Farms currently meets for its butter.
The Importance of Animal Diet
Animal diet directly impacts the nutritional profile of the final product. Grass and forages provide different nutrient compositions than grain-based feeds, which can alter the fat content and vitamin levels in dairy products. The diet of a pasture-raised hen, which includes foraged plants and insects, contributes to the distinctive flavor and appearance of Vital Farms' eggs, including a deep orange yolk.
Vital Farms’ Commitment to Transparency
Vital Farms is a Certified B Corporation, meaning it is legally committed to considering its impact on animals, people, and the planet. The company is open about its practices, including the use of supplemental feed for both its hens and butter cows, providing consumers with detailed information on its website. This transparency builds trust and empowers conscious consumers to decide if the company's standards align with their values.
The Impact of Seasonality
Since Vital Farms’ animals graze outdoors, their diets and the resulting products can be influenced by seasonality. For example, hens may eat less and cows may receive more stored feed during the winter, which can slightly affect yolk color and butter composition. This natural variation is a direct result of their pasture-raised methods and is another key difference from more standardized, factory-farmed products. Consumers who understand this can appreciate the natural variations that come with this style of farming. The seasonal fluctuations are part of the process and a trade-off for animals that are not in a controlled, indoor environment.
The Role of Regenerative Farming
Vital Farms is also expanding its commitment beyond just pasture-raised practices to include regenerative farming principles. This approach focuses on improving soil health and biodiversity through methods like rotational grazing. By implementing regenerative practices, Vital Farms aims to not only improve animal welfare but also make a positive environmental impact. This is a higher tier of farming that goes beyond the basic pasture-raised label, demonstrating the company's ongoing effort to improve its standards.
The Consumer's Role
Ultimately, the consumer holds the power to drive change in the food industry. By understanding the different labels and supporting companies that are transparent about their practices, consumers can encourage higher animal welfare and more sustainable farming methods. While Vital Farms is not 100% grass-fed, its commitment to pasture-raised standards and transparency is a step in a direction many conscientious consumers support. For those who prioritize a 100% grass-fed diet, other products are available, but for many, Vital Farms provides a solid, ethical alternative to conventional eggs and dairy.
