Is Culver’s Beef Grass-Fed? Examining Their Beef Sourcing Practices

Culver’s is known for their famously delicious ButterBurgers. But many health-conscious consumers want to know – is Culver’s beef grass-fed? Or is it conventional grain-fed beef?

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Culver’s beef sourcing and quality standards We’ll also overview the differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef

Culver’s Uses 100% Grain-Fed Midwest Beef

According to Culver’s website, all of their ButterBurgers use fresh never frozen 100 percent Midwest-raised, grain-fed beef.

The beef comes from three cuts – chuck, sirloin, and plate. Culver’s has not indicated that they use any grass-fed beef.

So while the beef is not explicitly marketed as grass-fed, Culver’s does emphasize that it comes from Midwest cattle farms. The specific farms are not identified, but Culver’s states the farms focus on animal care and sustainability.

Understanding Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed Beef

To understand Culver’s practices, it helps to overview the differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef:

• Grass-fed – Grass-fed cows eat a diet primarily of grass and forage. They graze in open pastures their whole lives.

• Grain-fed – Grain-fed cows start on grass but move to feedlots where they are fattened up on grain, corn, and soy.

About 97% of U.S. beef is grain-fed. Grass-fed is a premium niche making up around 3% of the market.

Potential Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef

While Culver’s uses grain-fed beef, some people prefer grass-fed believing it offers benefits like:

• More omega-3s
• More antioxidants
• Less saturated fat
• More CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)
• Lower risk of E. coli

However, some studies dispute these claims or find only minor differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef.

Still, grass-fed beef aligns with current trends for simpler, more natural foods. Consumers view it as a potentially cleaner, safer, and more nutritious choice.

Culver’s Emphasizes Beef Quality and Humane Farming

While their beef is grain-fed, Culver’s does prioritize sourcing high-quality beef from farms focused on animal welfare and sustainability.

Some of their touted practices include:

• Ranchers must comply with Culver’s animal handling requirements

• No added hormones or steroids

• Cattle have access to clean water, healthy feed, and shelter

• Limited antibiotic use only when medically necessary

• Third-party audited to ensure proper practices

So while Culver’s doesn’t currently offer grass-fed beef, they do try to source beef raised humanely and sustainably on Midwest family farms.

How Other Chains Compare on Grass-Fed Beef

Culver’s reliance on conventional grain-fed beef is typical for major fast food chains. However, a few chains are shifting toward grass-fed options:

• BurgerFi – Uses beef from 100% grass-fed cows. Also serves grass-fed hot dogs.

• Elevation Burger – All locations use 100% grass-fed organic beef.

• Chipotle – Sources grass-fed beef from Australia that meets husbandry standards.

• Shake Shack – While not fully grass-fed, Shake Shack uses only antibiotic-free Angus beef.

• McDonald’s – Allows some cattle to graze grass before finishing on grain. Has reduced antibiotics.

So consumers wanting grass-fed do have options at select chains. But the majority, including Culver’s, stick with traditional grain-fed beef.

Considerations for Consumers on Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed

When deciding between grass-fed and grain-fed beef, consumers can consider factors like:

Nutrition – Grass-fed is perceived as more nutritious. But results are mixed in studies.

Ethics – Grass-fed aligns with humane farming principles. But standards at some feedlots are improving.

Taste – Grain-fed typically has more marbling and tender texture. But preferences vary.

Cost – Grass-fed beef can cost 20-40% more than grain-fed. Budget may be a practical factor.

Availability – Finding verified grass-fed options requires seeking out specialty suppliers.

Overall, grain-fed beef still dominates the market. But consumers can find grass-fed options at some restaurants and grocers if they align with their preferences and budget.

Culver’s Offers Middle-Ground Fast Food Beef

While their beef is not grass-fed, Culver’s does try to offer a higher quality fast food option through practices like:

• Sourcing fresh, never frozen Midwest beef
• Working with family-owned ranches
• Auditing for proper animal handling
• Reducing antibiotics and added hormones

For many customers, these measures hit a middle ground – better than conventional feedlot beef but more accessible than premium-priced grass-fed options.

Ultimately, it comes down to aligning personal taste, ethics, budget, and availability when deciding between grass-fed and traditional beef at chains like Culver’s.

The Takeaway: Culver’s Uses Grain-Fed Beef with a Focus on Quality

To summarize, Culver’s ButterBurgers are made with grain-fed beef, not grass-fed. However, Culver’s emphasizes sourcing practices that set their beef apart from typical mass-produced beef:

• Cattle are raised humanely on Midwest family-owned farms
• No added hormones or antibiotics
• Cattle have access to clean water, food, and shelter
• Third-party auditing of proper animal handling

So while not grass-fed, Culver’s grain-fed beef does aim to deliver higher quality through conscientious sourcing. Those desiring premium grass-fed beef can check restaurants specifically promoting grass-fed. But for a fast food chain, Culver’s takes laudable steps to ensure their beef quality and responsible farming practices.