is costco organic ground beef grass fed

Is Costco Organic Ground Beef Grass-Fed? Getting the Facts

With the rising popularity of organic, grass-fed, and pasture-raised meats, many Costco shoppers wonder if Costco’s Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef is grass-fed. The short answer is no – Costco’s organic ground beef is not grass-fed However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a high-quality option for those looking for an organic choice

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the specifics of Costco’s organic ground beef, alternatives for those seeking grass-fed options, and the differences between organic, grass-fed, and pasture-raised beef

Costco Organic Ground Beef Details

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef comes in 4 lb packages divided into 1 lb bricks. It features the USDA Organic seal and is certified to meet USDA organic standards. This means the cows are:

• Fed 100% organic grain and forage
• Not administered antibiotics or artificial growth hormones
• Raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors

The organic ground beef is 85% lean and 15% fat. It has received high praise from Costco members for its flavor and quality. The texture is said to be moist and tender.

Costco’s organic ground beef is priced lower than many competing organic options, making it budget-friendly. It’s versatility also makes it a staple for many families. You can seamlessly incorporate it into favorites like burgers, chili, meatballs, tacos, and more.

While meeting organic standards is admirable, the cows are not 100% grass-fed. They are fed organic grain like corn, as well as forage.

Understanding the Difference Between Organic, Grass-Fed & Pasture-Raised

Organic: To earn the certified organic label, cattle must eat 100% organic feed and forage. This diet cannot contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, or chemical fertilizers. The cows also cannot receive antibiotics or artificial growth hormones. Organic certification focuses heavily on diet.

Grass-Fed: Grass-fed cattle receive a majority of their nutrients from grass throughout their lives. However, they may be fed grain as well. Grass-fed beef is praised for its high omega-3 content and CLAs. There is no legal or regulated definition of grass-fed beef in the U.S.

Pasture-Raised: This label indicates the cows had access to outdoor pasture year-round. Their diet will consist of grass and other forage. Grain may still be included though in smaller quantities. This method of raising beef allows for more movement and sunshine.

As you can see, grass-fed cattle do not necessarily have to meet organic standards. However, when looking for beef combining both organic and grass-fed, be sure to check that the label specifies 100% grass-fed organic or pasture-raised organic.

Grass-Fed Ground Beef Options at Costco

For those intent on incorporating more grass-fed meats into their diet, check out these options at Costco:

• Ground Bison – This lean, low-fat option contains 90% ground bison meat and 10% ground beef. Bison are grass-fed so their meat has a rich, gamey flavor.

• Ground Beef Patties – The Kirkland Signature Beef Patties are made from grass-fed beef. They have 20g of protein per serving.

• Organic Patties – Sold seasonally, these burgers are organic and grass-fed. They are juicier and more tender than the standard Kirkland beef patties.

• Steakburgers – These patties contain grass-fed organic beef and are gluten-free.

• Frozen Organic Patties – Costco offers frozen grass-fed organic beef patties when in-stock. They are slightly pricier than non-organic options but provide the grass-fed and organic benefits.

• Ground Bison Burgers – These quarter-pound patties offer a leaner red meat alternative with 10g of protein and only 2.5g of fat each.

Those willing to shop elsewhere can also find grass-fed organic ground beef at specialty grocers like Whole Foods. When on sale, this can provide the best value when looking for beef that is both grass-fed and certified organic. Trader Joe’s also offers an Organic Grass-Fed Ground Beef option.

Is Grass-Fed Worth the Higher Costs?

Grass-fed beef does come with a higher price tag, which is why some Costco shoppers opt for the organic-only ground beef to save money. But those focused on the nutritional profile and taste of grass-fed beef find it to be worth the added costs.

Some noted benefits of grass-fed beef:

• More omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3s are linked to improved heart and brain health. Grass-fed beef provides 2-6x more omega-3s.

• More conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) – CLAs may provide protective benefits against cancer, heart disease, and inflammation. Grass-fed beef contains significantly higher levels of CLAs.

• Higher in antioxidants like vitamin E – Antioxidants help combat free radicals and cellular damage. Vitamin E may also protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

• Lower in fat – Grass-fed beef is lower in total fat, saturated fat, and calories than conventionally raised beef. It has a healthier fatty acid profile.

• Natural beefy flavor – The switch to an all-grass diet results in a richer, beefier taste. Many people find it far superior to conventional beef.

When it comes to your health and taste preferences, only you can decide if paying more for grass-fed beef is worth it. Try a few different grass-fed options and see if you can detect enhanced flavor and texture. Get a feel for recipes and cooking methods best suited for grass-fed cuts. While Costco’s organic beef is not grass-fed, Costco still offers quality grass-fed options to fit a range of budgets and needs. Evaluate all the options and choose the best fit for your household.