What is 90% Grass-Fed Butter? Understanding the Label and Benefits

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies suggest that butter from cows fed a grass-based diet contains significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) compared to conventional butter. With many brands now specifying, "What is 90% grass-fed butter?" and how does it stack up against other options is a question for savvy consumers seeking healthier dairy products.

Quick Summary

90% grass-fed butter is a dairy product from cows whose diet is primarily grass, supplemented with up to 10% other feed, such as grains. This provides a notable nutritional and flavor upgrade over regular butter, with higher levels of beneficial compounds like CLA and omega-3s, while offering a more affordable option than products from cows that are 100% grass-fed.

Key Points

Diet Standard: 90% grass-fed means cows consume a diet of at least 90% grass and forage, with the remainder being supplemental feed, unlike 100% grass-fed which is exclusive.
Superior Nutrient Profile: This type of butter contains significantly higher levels of beneficial compounds like omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and vitamins A and K2 compared to conventional butter.
Richer Flavor and Color: The grass-rich diet results in a deeper yellow color due to higher beta-carotene and a richer, creamier flavor and texture.
Varying Regulations: The term "grass-fed" is not strictly regulated by the USDA, so looking for third-party certifications like the AGA is recommended to verify claims.
Balance of Quality and Cost: 90% grass-fed butter provides a substantial health upgrade from standard butter and is often more affordable and widely available than 100% grass-fed varieties.
Culinary Versatility: It can be used interchangeably with regular butter for cooking, baking, or spreading, offering an enhanced nutritional profile without sacrificing performance.

Understanding the "90% Grass-Fed" Standard

Unlike an unregulated and often misleading "natural" claim, the phrase "90% grass-fed" indicates a specific feeding practice for the dairy cows. This means that, on a fresh-weight basis, a minimum of 90% of the animal's diet over a year consists of grass or grass forage. The remaining 10% is typically made up of a supplemental feed, which can include grains like barley, oats, or corn meal, and added vitamins and minerals to ensure the cow's nutritional needs are met. This practice allows producers to maintain a consistent milk supply, especially during winter months when fresh pasture is unavailable.

What does "pasture-raised" mean?

It's important to distinguish the term "grass-fed" from "pasture-raised," as they are not synonymous, though they often overlap. Pasture-raised indicates that the cows have regular access to a pasture for grazing, but it doesn't specify the percentage of their diet coming from grass. A pasture-raised cow may still receive a significant portion of its calories from grain-based feed, while a grass-fed cow's diet is strictly defined. For maximum health benefits and ethical sourcing, many consumers seek products that are both pasture-raised and grass-fed.

The Nutritional Superiority of 90% Grass-Fed Butter

The most significant advantage of 90% grass-fed butter lies in its nutrient profile. The diet of the dairy cow directly influences the composition of its milk, and therefore, the butter made from it. Compared to conventional butter from grain-fed cows, grass-fed butter provides a substantial nutritional boost.

Key nutritional highlights include:

Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Grass-fed butter boasts a much more favorable ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, with studies showing an average of 26% more omega-3s. These anti-inflammatory fats are crucial for heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.
Increased Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): This beneficial fatty acid is found in significantly higher concentrations in grass-fed dairy—potentially up to 500% more than in conventional dairy. CLA has been linked to immune function support and has shown promising anticancer effects in animal and test-tube studies.
Richer in Beta-Carotene: The vivid, golden color of grass-fed butter is a direct result of the cow's diet rich in beta-carotene from fresh grass. This antioxidant is a precursor to Vitamin A and plays a vital role in vision, immune function, and bone health.
A Source of Vitamin K2: While less common in the modern diet, Vitamin K2 is essential for bone health by helping to regulate calcium absorption. Grass-fed butter is a notable source of this vital nutrient.
Contains Butyrate: A short-chain fatty acid that supports digestive health, reduces gut inflammation, and boosts cellular energy.

Comparison: 90% Grass-Fed vs. Other Butter Types


Feature	90% Grass-Fed Butter	100% Grass-Fed Butter	Conventional (Grain-Fed) Butter
Cow's Diet	Primarily grass (avg. ≥ 90%), up to 10% supplemental feed.	Exclusively grass and forage, no grain supplementation.	Primarily grain and corn, with limited or no pasture access.
Nutrient Profile	Significantly higher in Omega-3s, CLA, Beta-carotene, and Vitamin K2 than conventional.	The highest levels of Omega-3s, CLA, Beta-carotene, and Vitamin K2.	Lower levels of beneficial fats and vitamins.
Taste & Texture	Richer, creamier, and more flavorful with a deeper yellow hue.	Richest, most complex flavor profile and creamiest texture.	Blah, milky flavor with a paler, whiter appearance.
Cost	Premium price point, often more affordable than 100% grass-fed.	The most expensive option due to stricter farming practices.	The least expensive and most widely available option.
Environmental Impact	Generally more sustainable farming practices than conventional.	Highest sustainability potential, often associated with regenerative farming.	Large-scale, industrial practices that can have a negative environmental impact.

How to Find and Choose 90% Grass-Fed Butter

When purchasing grass-fed butter, it's important to be a discerning consumer. Since the USDA rescinded its official definition of "grass-fed" in 2016, the term is now an unregulated marketing claim. While some brands, like Vital Farms, openly state their 90% standard, others may be less transparent. To be sure you are getting a genuine grass-fed product, look for third-party certifications from organizations with rigorous standards and auditing processes. Credible certifications to watch for include:

American Grassfed Association (AGA)
Global Animal Partnership (G.A.P.)
Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) 100% Grassfed (Note: This is stricter than 90%, but PCO is a strong certifying body)

The Bottom Line

90% grass-fed butter is a valuable dietary upgrade that offers a host of nutritional benefits over conventional butter. It provides more anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, higher concentrations of the powerful CLA, and more fat-soluble vitamins like K2 and A. While not as stringent as a 100% grass-fed product, the 90% standard represents a significant improvement in both the animal's diet and the resulting quality of the butter. For many consumers, it offers an excellent balance between premium quality, flavor, and a more accessible price point. The richer taste and texture alone are enough to sway many, making it a simple yet impactful swap in your daily cooking and baking. Choosing certified products is the best way to ensure your purchase aligns with the advertised claims and your health goals.

For more in-depth nutritional comparisons of various fats, consult sources like Healthline's detailed breakdown of grass-fed butter benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 90% grass-fed butter is considered healthier than conventional butter because it contains higher levels of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, and fat-soluble vitamins A and K2.

The primary difference lies in the cow's diet composition. 100% grass-fed means the cow's diet is exclusively grass and forage, while 90% allows for up to 10% supplemental feed, which may include grains.

The deeper golden-yellow color comes from higher levels of beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant found in green grass. Cows on a grass-heavy diet naturally produce milk richer in this compound.

Yes, due to the cow's varied diet, 90% grass-fed butter often has a richer, more complex flavor profile with a creamier texture and a subtly earthy or herbal note.

No, the USDA rescinded its official definition in 2016, making "grass-fed" a marketing claim. It is best to look for reputable third-party certifications to ensure the product meets certain standards.

Some studies suggest that grass-fed dairy can contain up to 500% more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than dairy from conventionally raised cattle fed a corn-based diet.

Yes, 90% grass-fed butter can be used as a direct substitute for regular butter in baking and cooking without needing to adjust recipes. Its slightly richer flavor may even enhance the final result.