Grass-Fed, Grass-Finished, and Grain-Finished: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for beef, you’ve probably come across labels like grass-fed, grass-finished, and grain-finished. While they might sound similar, each term represents a different feeding process that impacts the flavor, nutrition, and sustainability of the meat. 

Grain-Finished:

This term generally means that the cattle were raised on a diet of grass and forage for 80% of their lives. However, many grass-fed cattle are later switched to a grain-based diet before processing, which is why the distinction between grass-fed and grass-finished is important. Feedlots are where the cattle spend their last few months being fattened up and prepared for slaughter.  

Grass-Fed and Finished:

Cattle labeled grass-finished have eaten only grass and forage for their entire lives. This results in leaner meat with a distinct, earthy flavor. Grass-finished beef tends to have higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, but it can also be tougher and less marbled than grain-finished beef.  

Regenerative Grass-Fed:

This takes grass-fed and finished a step further by focusing on farming practices that restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce carbon emissions. Cattle raised under regenerative grazing are rotated across pastures to naturally fertilize the land, prevent overgrazing, and promote healthier ecosystems. This method is often considered the most sustainable, as it improves soil quality and helps fight climate change while producing nutrient-dense beef. The more ethical and environmentally friendly approach to cattle farming comes at a cost. The cost for ground beef is generally $7-12 per pound and premium cuts of steak can be upwards of $35 per pound.  

What about organic beef?

Organic beef can be grass-fed, regenerative grass-fed, or grain-finished. The difference between being organic or not is the certified organic beef sticker and different quality in marbling. Grain-fed can still be organic if the grains the cattle is eating are organic. Just make sure to check the label because not all grass-fed and finished beef is organic.  

One important thing to note about organic beef is that it is more nutritious than non-organic beef. This goes for both grain-finished and grass-fed and finished.  

Is organic beef better than not? Organic beef does not mean it will automatically be better than not. It does not mean that there are higher omega-3s and it does not mean the beef was not grain finished. Organic standards also do not account for the welfare standards of the cattle like being regenerative.  

What is the best choice? The short answer if you are looking for nutritional value, regenerative grass-fed is the best option. If you are looking for the most cost-effective, then the one that fits your budget best.  

Why those options? The long answer: The diet of the cattle plays the largest role in the quality and nutritional value of the meat. Cattle that are fed primarily on a diverse diet of plants, herbs, and rich soil grass generally are more nutritious. Organic options are generally the best because they are required to pass standards but regenerative grass-fed beef is a great alternative. This alternative can easily be the best option because the diet and welfare of the cattle is of highest importance. This can mean nutrients like Omega 6s and 3s, CLA, vitamins A, E, B12, and iron can be more dense.  

Cost can be a major factor in choosing the type of beef you are going to eat. Eating any type of beef is better than eating none at all. We know better than anyone that health is a priority, but at the end of the day, it is best to choose what you can afford.  

References in order of appearance 

https://forceofnature.com/products/regenerative-beef-ribeye-steak?srsltid=AfmBOoons_qHG7V5jd1_Ohr9J944uDlm_W7ND2zyGemM2_APPktbl041