In butcher shops, you may see some beef labeled as “Grass Fed” or “Grain Fed” (umm actually grain-fed beef is seldom specially labeled). But do you know what’s the difference?
Table of Contents
1. Feeding Method
The different feeding methods result in different beef in terms of fat content and marbling distribution, texture, taste, amount of nutrients and price.
Generally, the calves are fed with cow milk at the beginning, and then eat pasture after weaning. After about 7 to 9 months, the feed ratio will be changed according to different feeding methods, so they are divided into grass-fed beef and grain-fed beef.
2. Origin
Cows from Australia, New Zealand, Paraguay are typically fed with grass while cows raised in the USA, Canada and Japan are mostly fed with grains.
3. Fat & Marbling
Grass-fed cows are much leaner and less marbled than grain-fed cows.
Because grass-fed cows are pasture-raised. This allows them to walk and run freely in vast grasslands. Due to the great amount of exercise, the meat obtained from grass-fed cows are lean and not much marbled. Additionally, since they eat natural fresh grass and other plants which contain carotene, their fat and marbling are light yellow in color.
On the other hand, grain-fed cows are confinement-reared. They do not move frequently owing to the limited living space. Moreover, their diet consists of corn, soy, wheat, barley and additional supplements which increase the marbling content. Therefore, the meat taken from grain-fed beef has a higher content of fat and evenly distributed rich marbling. And their fat and marbling is white in color.
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4. Texture
As mentioned above, grass-fed cows get a lot of exercise. Thus, their muscle fibers are coarser than that of grain-fed beef. This results in a chewier and tougher texture.
While grain-fed beef has a more tender, softer and smoother mouthfeel.
5. Taste
Grass-fed cows have a richer beefy flavor with a bit of grassy fragrance.
And the plentiful fat and marbling enrich the taste of grain-fed beef, which also helps the meat be juicier.
6. Grass Fed and Grain Fed Beef, Which Is Healthier?
For health benefits, grass-fed beef top grain-fed beef.
Firstly, grass-fed beef contains lower calories and fat than grain-fed beef because they are leaner.
Secondly, grass-fed cows hold three times greater amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed cows. This helps reduce the chance of getting cardiovascular disease such as stroke and heart attack.
Thirdly, grass-fed beef has more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) that is antioxidative.
7. Which Is More Expensive?
Generally, the growing period of grain-fed cattle (18 months) is shorter than that of grass-fed cattle (30 months). However, the cultivation of the grain-fed cattle needs higher costs like wagyu. Also, rich marbling is considered as a main criterion of high-quality steak. As a result, the price of grain-fed beef is relatively higher than that of grass-fed beef.
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Where Buy Grass Fed Beef?
If you want to compare these two kinds of beef, you may try ribeye as this cut is tender and marbled. Hence, the contrast between grass-fed and grain-fed will be more obvious.
When you dine out, if it is not stated clearly on the menu, the steak is typically grain-fed beef. If it is your first time to try grass-fed beef, I suggest you purchase a sampler pack since you can taste different cuts at the same time.
Comparison Chart: Grass Fed vs Grain Fed Beef
| Grass-Fed Beef | Grain-Fed Beef | |
| Origin | Australia, New Zealand, Paraguay | USA, Canada and Japan |
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Feeding method | Pasture-raised | Confinement-reared |
| Fat & Marbling | Leaner Less marbled Yellow in color | More fat Rich, evenly distributed marbling White in color |
| Texture | Tougher Chewier | More tender Softer Smoother Juicier |
| Taste | Richer beef flavor Grassy fragrance | Enrich by plentiful fat and marbling |
| Nutritients | Lower calories More omega-3 fatty acids More conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) | Higher calories |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Summary
To sum up, grass-fed beef is leaner and chewier but healthier and cheaper. While grain-fed beef has a richer marbling, more tender and juicier but costs you more. If you are a big fan of highly marbled beef, grain-fed beef is your choice! But if you prefer a more natural beef, opt for grass-fed beef. As long as you find the beef you love and cook well, it is yummy beef!
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