Tag: Cattle diet

According to industry data, many products labeled 'grass-fed' may still be finished on grain, leading to consumer confusion about the true diet of the cattle. This raises the important question: Can beef be 100% grass-fed? The answer is a definitive yes, but it requires understanding what to look for beyond vague marketing claims.

According to Nielsen data, U.S. retail sales of labeled fresh grass-fed beef grew from $17 million in 2012 to $272 million in 2016. This trend highlights a growing consumer interest in the source of their food, bringing the debate of which is better, grain-fed or grass-fed cows, to the forefront of grocery store aisles and dinner tables.

According to agricultural data, the majority of conventionally-raised beef in the United States is finished on a grain-heavy diet. Understanding what beef is corn-fed means learning how a high-energy, corn-based feedlot diet produces a specific flavor and texture profile favored by many consumers.

The simple 'grass-fed' label does not guarantee a soy-free diet, as federal regulations defining the term were withdrawn in 2016. The answer to, "Does grass-fed beef have soy in it?" is complex and depends heavily on a farm's specific feeding and finishing practices, as well as third-party certifications.