Beef eaters: Grass or grain fed?

[tvguy]

So there has been some discussion among my associates about the difference between grass fed and grain fed beef.

In this area, for decades the grocery stores advertised "grain fed beef, the best there is". One chain, Raley's specified "corn fed beef"

And to this day the big steakhouses like Ruth Chris, Mortons and Wolfgangs all use grain fed beef.

I know grass fed beef is healthier because it has less fat, and grain fed beef has better marbling and thus better flavor.

What do you prefer, Grass Fed or Grain fed Beef?

 

[Southernmiss]

Grain fed.

Grass fed tastes gamey to me. We've purchased 1/2 cow before from a local farm. Gamey. Must have been just grass fed.

My parents had a hobby farm and raised up to 10 cows at a time. Each year, dad would pen one up in a pen for a few months. Feed it grain and fatten it up. Always delicious.

Just ate grilled tbone from Winn Dixie. Tender and delicious.

 

[ronandannette]

You need an "Other". Anything but corn-fed (which yes, I do know, is considered a grain). Yuck to mushy, purple beef.

Most farmers/ranchers here pasture their herds, so it's mostly grass, then they go to feed lots for a period of time to "finish" on grain (mainly barley), which enhances the fat content, before being shipped to the packers.

 

[JaxDad]

I’m actually enjoying some Beefeaters now…

 

[Micca]

I don't eat much beef, just some stuff for burgers and tacos--Don't think it makes much difference. However Mortons and Ruth's Chris are pretty top notch, so whatever they have is likely the best answer.

 

[Stratman50th]

Grocery store!

 

[nw6675]

Grain fed.

Grass fed tastes gamey to me. We've purchased 1/2 cow before from a local farm. Gamey. Must have been just grass fed.

My parents had a hobby farm and raised up to 10 cows at a time. Each year, dad would pen one up in a pen for a few months. Feed it grain and fatten it up. Always delicious.

Just ate grilled tbone from Winn Dixie. Tender and delicious.

I just think it's cool that you still have a Winn Dixie!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Makes no difference to me.

 

[tasha99]

I far prefer grain fed and remember when that was the gold standard. Grass fed is too gamey, but I'll eat it.

 

[kymom99]

My dad raised beef cattle. As others have said, he would pen one up and feed grain for a while before butchering

 

[soccerdad72]

Don’t really care

 

[mumto3girls]

I usually buy grass fed, but mainly use it for tacos, occasionally meatballs. I couldn’t tell you if it tastes gamely or not. We buy premade burgers from Sam’s Club and I am fairly sure those are grain fed not grass.

 

[tvguy]

I usually buy grass fed, but mainly use it for tacos, occasionally meatballs. I couldn’t tell you if it tastes gamely or not. We buy premade burgers from Sam’s Club and I am fairly sure those are grain fed not grass.

No, the Sams Club website says they are grass fed. That makes sense since grass fed beef is cheaper.
https://www.samsclub.com/p/85-lean-organic-ground-beef/prod24480770

 

[superme80]

Grass Fed

 

[mumto3girls]

No, the Sams Club website says they are grass fed. That makes sense since grass fed beef is cheaper.
https://www.samsclub.com/p/85-lean-organic-ground-beef/prod24480770

These are the burgers I buy. It doesn’t mention if they are grain or grass fed.

 

[bcla]

Pretty much beef cattle are grass fed, so whatever they eat that might result in a "gamey" taste is going to be there. Grazing is a lot cheaper, although I suppose they might get fed hay in winter or under certain conditions.

I think the operating phrases are "grain finished" (typically with corn feed) vs "grass finished".

I rather like grass finished for ground beef/burgers but grain finished for steaks, ribs, etc. where it makes for good fat distribution in the meat.

 

[tvguy]

These are the burgers I buy. It doesn’t mention if they are grain or grass fed.

Looked them up on the Sam's Club website and it doesn't say. However, they may sell different brands in different areas because it says these are not available at my store and can't be ordered for pickup.

 

[AustinTink]

With steaks you always want “grain finished” for a nice, juicy steak. The more marbled the better. And now I’m craving a steak from Smith and Wollensky.

 

[dizneegirl]

Best beef we ever had was when we'd buy half a cow from a farmer who would finish the cattle with corn. Miss those cows!

 

[TLSnell1981]

I love a good steak. We're older and a bit more health conscious. While fed may taste better I purchase grass fed for use at home about 90% of the time. I began using Butcher Box during the pandemic and still do. All their beef is grass fed.