As a mindful carnivore, you want quality meat from animals raised right. And as a bargain hunter, you want all that grass-fed goodness without blowing the budget That’s why Simple Truth grass fed beef at Kroger catches your eye. But terms like “grass fed” and “grass finished” can be confusing Does this affordable organic line really deliver tasty, nutritious beef from well-treated cows? Let’s explore what makes Simple Truth grass fed beef unique.
A Primer on Grass Fed vs Grain Fed Beef
First, a quick cattle diet primer Conventionally raised cows typically eat grain for most of their lives. But grass fed cows, as the name implies, munch on grass and other forages. There are different types of grass fed beef
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Grass fed – Grass makes up the majority of the diet The cow may eat some grain, but grass is predominant
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Grass finished – The cow eats grass from start to finish with no grain. This is the gold standard.
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Grain finished – The cow eats grass then switches to grain later on. Most commercial beef is grain finished.
So when a beef is “grass fed AND grass finished,” that cow ate nothing but nourishing grasses and forages its whole life. No grain. This matters because…
Why Grass Fed Beef is Healthier and More Humane
Simply put, cows evolved to eat grass. Feeding them corn and soy can lead to health issues. Grass fed beef offers benefits:
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More Omega-3s – Grass fed beef provides more anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids than grain fed.
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More Antioxidants – It contains higher levels of antioxidants like vitamin E.
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Less Saturated Fat – Grass fed beef has a healthier fat profile with less “bad” saturated fat.
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No GMO Feed – Cows eat only non-GMO grasses instead of potentially GMO corn/soy.
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No Confinement – Grass fed cows aren’t confined to crowded feedlots. They graze freely on open pastures.
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No Antibiotics – Grass fed cows don’t need routine antibiotics to stay healthy.
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More Humane – Grazing on pasture is healthier and more natural for cows.
So grass fed beef has nutritional and ethical advantages over conventional beef. But is all grass fed beef equal? Let’s see how Simple Truth stacks up.
Simple Truth Grass Fed Beef: Inside the Kroger Exclusive Brand
Simple Truth entered Kroger grocery stores in 2012 as the chain’s natural and organic brand. Simple Truth grass fed beef comes from cows raised on family farms without antibiotics, added hormones or GMO feed. Since they eat only grass and forage, Simple Truth beef is both grass fed AND grass finished.
According to Kroger’s website:
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Cattle graze on open pastures their whole lives. This enables natural behaviors like roaming.
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Farms must meet Kroger’s standards for animal welfare and sustainable farming. Third parties audit for compliance.
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Kroger is the only U.S. retailer to offer organic grass fed beef nationally.
While not certified organic, Simple Truth’s strong animal welfare policies and non-GMO verification satisfy many looking for ethically sourced grass fed meat.
How Does Simple Truth Grass Fed Beef Rate?
Navigating grass fed beef labels is tricky. Here’s how Simple Truth grass fed beef compares to other brands and claims:
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USDA Certified Organic – While not certified organic, Simple Truth meets many organic standards. But without the USDA label, some shoppers prefer verified brands like Natural Acres.
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American Grass Fed Certified – This is the leading third party certification. Simple Truth isn’t AGF certified, but adheres to similar principles.
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Grass Fed vs Grass Finished – Simple Truth states their cows are BOTH grass fed AND finished their whole lives. This is ideal. Some brands are just “grass fed.”
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Feedlot Free – Simple Truth cattle are pasture raised and never confined to crowded feedlots.
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Local or Regional – Simple Truth doesn’t emphasize sourcing beef from local farms. Some prefer region-specific brands.
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Taste and Tenderness – While lean, most find Simple Truth delivers satisfactory flavor and tenderness. Proper cooking helps maximize taste and texture.
Cooking with Simple Truth Grass Fed Beef
Grass fed beef requires slightly different handling than grain fed to yield the best results. Here are some tips:
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Let it come to room temp before cooking so it cooks evenly.
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Aim for medium rare – Cook just to 145°F for optimum juiciness and tenderness. Well done dries it out.
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Sear, then roast or braise tougher cuts like roasts and brisket.
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Add moisture via marinades, rubs and bastes. Simple Truth burger patties benefit from added fat like avocado oil.
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Slice against the grain – This shortens the meat fibers for tenderness.
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Go slow and low with pot roasts and stews – Let connective tissue break down gradually.
Is Simple Truth Grass Fed Beef Worth Buying?
The bottom line: if you want affordable grass fed beef available nationwide, Simple Truth makes the cut. Key advantages include:
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100% grass fed AND finished – No grain, only pasture
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Good animal welfare – Cows graze freely; no feedlots allowed
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Non-GMO verified – Cattle eat only non-GMO grasses
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No antibiotics or added hormones – Reduced drug residues
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Improved nutrition – More omega-3s; less saturated fat
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Budget price – One of the most affordable grass fed options
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Nationwide availability – Easy to find at your local Kroger
While not certified organic, Simple Truth still hits the right notes for an accessible grass fed line. Try their steaks, burger patties, roasts and stew meat for quality grass fed beef that’s easy on your wallet.
FAQs About Simple Truth Grass Fed Beef
More questions? Here are answers to some common queries:
Is Simple Truth grass fed beef organic?
It’s not certified organic, but adheres to many organic practices. Without certification, some organic purists prefer verified brands.
Is the meat imported or from the USA?
Simple Truth doesn’t emphasize domestic sourcing. But as a Kroger brand, sourcing at least some beef locally is likely.
Is it better than conventional grain fed beef?
Nutritionally, grass fed beef contains more healthy fats and antioxidants. But some find conventional beef more marbled and tender. It comes down to personal priorities.
How lean is Simple Truth grass fed ground beef?
Very lean – about 92-96% – because grass fed cows have less marbling. Adding olive or avocado oil when cooking can prevent dryness.
What cuts of beef does Simple Truth offer?
Simple Truth grass fed beef is available in popular cuts like ribeyes, NY strips, filets, roasts, brisket, chuck rolls, ground beef and burger patties.
Is the texture and taste noticeably different?
Yes, most find the texture leaner. The flavor is also more earthy and grassy. Proper cooking helps maximize moisture and tenderness.
Can I freeze Simple Truth grass fed beef?
Absolutely. Portion it first, and wrap tightly in freezer bags or paper. Maximize freshness by freezing within 2 days of purchasing.
Is Simple Truth grass fed beef consistently in stock?
Availability can occasionally be spotty. Check your local Kroger frequently if a desired cut is out of stock. Or ask the butcher when they expect more.
