A Look at Labels: What Your Meat Is Actually Telling You
As you walk down the grocery store aisles, you’re likely to come across labels on your go-to protein. What exactly does grass fed steak mean, and what about pasture raised chicken? Here’s a quick glossary to help you navigate common terms and shop in confidence.
- Pasture Raised
A broader term, ‘pasture-raised,’ refers to animals with access to the outdoors. It doesn’t specify how much space or the quality of the land an animal has access to. This is why knowing who your farmer is is so important! Whether you’re on an in-person tour or browsing their ‘About’ section online, choose a producer that prioritizes animal welfare. More room to roam, more natural movement, less stress equals happy, healthy cows. - Grass Fed
The term ‘grass fed’ is often used to refer to ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep, and bison. It implies that the animal grazed on pasture, but it does not guarantee that it was finished on the same diet. Oftentimes, conventionally raised cattle begin their lives grazing on pasture but are later moved to feedlots, where they are “finished” on a grain diet to promote rapid growth before harvest. - Grass Fed and Finished
Grass fed and finished, on the other hand, means an animal ate grass and forage for its entire life, from birth to harvest. This distinction is not only important for transparency sake, but also ensures a superior nutritional profile. Grass fed and finished beef, for example, is known to be higher in inflammation-reducing omega-3s, muscle-retaining CLA, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Corn and Soy Free
Often associated with nutritious chicken raised free from soy and corn, this label ensures livestock were fed a diet without either ingredient. So what’s the deal with corn and soy? Conventional chicken feed often relies on this diet because it is low-cost and readily available. However, a corn- and soy-free diet has been shown to increase the birds' nutritional density, with a leaner fat profile and higher levels of vitamins B2 and B6 and DHA. - Regeneratively Raised
Regenerative practices ensure that farming systems work with nature rather than against it. Its holistic approach focuses on balancing animal welfare, land and soil restoration, and the delivery of nutrient-dense meats.
About Primal Pastures
Primal Pastures pasture raised proteins bring together nature and nutrient-dense food. From 100% grass fed and finished beef to corn and soy free chicken, every animal is regeneratively and ethically raised for nutritious, delicious, clean meats that are better for you and the planet. Shop for pasture-to-plate best sellers like Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Ground Beef, and Smoked Bacon. Or buy grass fed beef online through their Bulk Beef Shares program and save on premium cuts delivered straight to your door.
Find regeneratively raised pastured protein from Primal Pastures at https://primalpastures.com/
