What Brands of Butter Are Grass-Fed?

According to a study published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, milk from grass-fed cows contains significantly higher levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) compared to milk from conventionally-fed cows. This makes identifying which brands of butter are grass-fed a key factor for many health-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

A guide detailing popular grass-fed butter options, comparing different brands, and offering tips for verifying pasture-raised claims. It covers products available at major stores and explains the nutritional benefits of choosing high-quality grass-fed dairy.

Key Points

• Nutrient-Dense: Grass-fed butter is richer in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and vitamins K2 and A compared to conventional butter.

• Popular Brands: Key grass-fed butter brands include Kerrygold, Vital Farms, Organic Valley, Kirkland Signature, and Anchor, each offering different standards and availability.

• Verifying Claims: Look for certifications like 'Organic' or 'Pasture-Raised' and check the butter's deep yellow color, which indicates high beta-carotene content.

• Sourcing Matters: The sourcing location is important, as countries like Ireland and New Zealand are known for their year-round access to fresh pastures.

• Taste and Texture: Grass-fed butter typically has a richer, creamier texture and a more complex flavor profile due to the cows' natural diet.

Why Choose Grass-Fed Butter?

Beyond the ethical considerations of animal welfare, the diet of a dairy cow directly impacts the nutritional composition of its milk and, subsequently, the butter produced from it. Cows that graze on natural pastures, rich in beta-carotene and other nutrients, produce milk with a distinctively rich, golden-yellow hue. This vibrant color is a visual indicator of a higher concentration of beneficial compounds like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K2, and antioxidants. The flavor profile is also richer and more complex compared to butter from grain-fed cows.

Nutritional Advantages of Grass-Fed Butter

• Higher Omega-3s: Grass-fed butter boasts a more favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, which is beneficial for reducing inflammation.
• Rich in Vitamin K2: This fat-soluble vitamin plays a crucial role in bone health and heart health by helping to regulate where calcium is deposited in the body.
• Increased CLA: Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a fatty acid associated with reducing body fat and muscle growth. Levels of CLA are up to five times higher in grass-fed dairy.
• Antioxidants and Beta-Carotene: The high intake of fresh grass leads to higher levels of antioxidants and beta-carotene, giving the butter its deep color.

Popular Grass-Fed Butter Brands

Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter

Arguably the most well-known grass-fed butter brand, Kerrygold is made from the milk of Irish cows that graze on lush, nutrient-rich pastures. It is widely available in most grocery stores and is prized for its rich, creamy taste and deep golden color. While primarily grass-fed, some supplemental feed may be used during colder months.

Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Butter

Vital Farms is a brand committed to pasture-raised farming practices, with cows spending most of their time outdoors. Their butter is known for its high butterfat content, which provides a rich, decadent flavor. The brand is transparent about its standards and is readily available nationwide.

Organic Valley Pasture Butter

For those seeking a certified organic option, Organic Valley's Pasture Butter is a solid choice. It's crafted during the peak pasture season when cows are feasting on fresh grass, resulting in a product high in omega-3s and CLA. Being organic also means that any supplemental feed is non-GMO.

Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter

Costco’s private-label brand offers a more budget-friendly grass-fed butter option, sourced from New Zealand. New Zealand cows have year-round access to fresh grasslands, which contributes to the butter's high nutritional value. It's often sold in larger quantities, making it an economical choice.

Anchor Butter

Imported from New Zealand, Anchor butter is another excellent grass-fed option known for its clean, buttery flavor and creamy texture. It's becoming more widely available in US supermarkets and is a favorite among those who prefer the taste of high-quality, pasture-fed dairy.

How to Vet Grass-Fed Claims

Not all grass-fed claims are equal. Some products might only be partially grass-fed, while others are certified 100% grass-fed. To ensure you're getting a high-quality product:

• Look for Certifications: Organizations like the American Grassfed Association offer certifications that guarantee strict grass-fed standards are met. Brands like Organic Valley will often have organic and pasture-raised seals.
• Read the Label: Scrutinize the packaging for phrases like "pasture-raised," "grass-fed," or "produced from grass-fed cows." Brands that are less committed may use vague language. The ingredient list is also key.
• Check the Color: A rich, deep yellow color is a strong indicator of a high beta-carotene content, which is a hallmark of truly grass-fed butter.

Grass-Fed Butter Brand Comparison

Feature	Kerrygold	Vital Farms	Organic Valley Pasture Butter	Kirkland (Costco)	Anchor	Anchor
Sourcing	Ireland	American Pasture-Raised Farms	Organic Co-op Farms	New Zealand	New Zealand
Primary Diet	Predominantly grass-fed	90% grass-fed minimum	Pasture-raised (organic)	Year-round pasture access	Pasture-raised	Pasture-raised
Availability	Widely available	Widely available	Major grocery stores	Costco members only	Increasingly available	Increasingly available
Organic	No (but grass-fed)	No (but pasture-raised)	Yes	No (but grass-fed)	No	No
Price	Mid-range	Mid-to-high	Mid-to-high	Budget-friendly (bulk)	Mid-range	Mid-range
Key Feature	Excellent taste, widely known	High butterfat, high standards	Certified organic	Cost-effective bulk option	Creamy texture, clean taste	Creamy texture, clean taste

Conclusion

Choosing grass-fed butter offers significant nutritional benefits over conventional options, thanks to its richer profile of omega-3s, CLA, and vitamins. Brands like Kerrygold, Vital Farms, Organic Valley, Kirkland Signature, and Anchor all offer quality grass-fed products that vary in availability, price, and specific standards. By paying attention to labeling and looking for key indicators like a deep yellow color, consumers can confidently select a butter that aligns with their health goals and supports more sustainable farming practices. For those dedicated to the healthiest options, checking for official certifications or brands known for their transparency is the best approach. The investment in higher-quality, grass-fed butter not only enhances the flavor of your cooking but also provides a more nutrient-dense product for your overall well-being.

: https://www.organictimes.com.au/blog/grass-fed-butter-is-best-spread-the-word/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between grass-fed and regular butter?

The main difference lies in the cow's diet. Grass-fed cows primarily eat pasture, which results in butter that is higher in omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, and beta-carotene. Regular butter comes from cows fed a grain-heavy diet.

Is Kerrygold butter truly grass-fed?

Yes, Kerrygold is made from the milk of Irish cows that are predominantly grass-fed, though some supplemental feed is used during the winter months.

Is grass-fed butter organic?

Not necessarily. While some grass-fed butters, like Organic Valley's Pasture Butter, are certified organic, others are not. 'Grass-fed' refers to the cow's diet, while 'organic' relates to farming standards that prohibit synthetic pesticides and GMOs.

Where can I find Kirkland grass-fed butter?

Kirkland Signature grass-fed butter is available exclusively at Costco stores and is sourced from New Zealand.

Why is grass-fed butter more yellow?

The vibrant yellow color of grass-fed butter comes from beta-carotene, a nutrient from fresh grass that is converted into Vitamin A in the cow's digestive system and then passed into the milk fat.

Is grass-fed butter more expensive?

Yes, due to the higher costs associated with pasture-based farming and seasonal production, grass-fed butter is often more expensive than conventional butter.

Can I use grass-fed butter for cooking and baking?

Yes, grass-fed butter can be used for all cooking and baking applications just like regular butter. Its higher butterfat content and richer flavor can enhance the taste of your recipes.