Grass-fed vs. Grain-fed Beef: How Do they Compare?

While grass-fed beef might be the preference among consumers who view themselves as more health-conscious, only two studies at the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M have been published that compare the effects of ground beef from grass-fed cattle and grain-fed cattle on health. Ground beef maintains a sizeable market share, making up 40% of American beef consumption.

Ground beef, the most economical product, is also generally higher in total fat than most cuts of beef – including the healthful monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid. Grass-fed ground beef naturally contains more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef but is much higher in saturated and trans-fat. Meanwhile, premium ground beef is very high in oleic acid and lower in saturated and trans-fat than its grass-fed counterparts. Additionally, a Texas Tech University study showed no difference in cholesterol from ground beef fed using grass or traditional feed.

So, grass-fed or grain-fed? The studies show you can’t go wrong with either.

Read more on the health studies around ground beef here.