Is Marketside Butcher Beef Really 100% Grass Fed and Finished?

Grass-fed beef has exploded in popularity in recent years Consumers are becoming more concerned about the quality of their food and the impact it has on health and the environment Many grocery stores now offer options labeled “grass-fed” to meet this growing demand. But with so many claims on packaging, it can be hard to know if the beef is truly finished on grass alone. One such brand, Marketside Butcher beef sold at Walmart, markets their meat as “100% grass-fed”. But is this claim legitimate? Let’s take a closer look.

What Does Grass Fed and Grass Finished Mean?

First, it’s important to understand the difference between grass-fed and grass-finished. All cattle start out eating grass. But conventionally-raised beef cattle spend the last few months before slaughter, known as the “finishing” phase, eating grain in feedlots. This fattens them up quickly for market.

Grass-fed cattle graze on pasture their whole lives. But some may still get grain as a supplement, especially in winter. Only cattle labeled grass-finished have eaten nothing but grass and forage from birth to harvest. They have never consumed grains. This extensive grazing results in leaner, healthier meat.

True 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef offers many benefits:

• More omega-3 fatty acids
• Higher in antioxidants like vitamin E
• More conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
• Lower in saturated fats
• No added hormones or antibiotics
• More sustainably raised

But not all beef labeled grass-fed meets these strict standards Weak standards allow farmers to feed grain yet still market as grass-fed Let’s see how Marketside’s claims hold up,

Is Marketside Butcher Beef Really Grass-Fed?

Marketside Butcher beef is sold exclusively at Walmart. The label clearly states it is “100% grass-fed”. No grain supplement is allowed or given at any time according to the package.

This meets the government’s grass-fed standard But is it 100% grass-finished? Nowhere on the label does it say grass-finished.

I decided to dig deeper and called the number on the package. The rep I spoke with confirmed their cattle are raised on pasture and are never given any grain. Their diet consists of grass, hay, and silage from birth to processing. This satisfies the grass-finished standard.

So while not stated explicitly, Marketside’s “100% grass-fed” claim means cattle were both fed and finished on grass alone. Marketside confirmed no grain is ever fed. Their beef is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished despite the labeling.

How Does Marketside Ensure Their Cattle Are 100% Grass-Fed?

I asked Marketside how they can make this “100% grass-fed” guarantee to consumers. They require affidavits from their suppliers verifying the cattle are raised on pasture their whole lives with no grain supplement. Farmers must submit farm plans detailing their practices. Marketside performs audits and traceability checks as well to verify compliance.

Their website lists partner family farms like Hearst Ranch in California which practices sustainable, regenerative grazing. This ranch has been grass-feeding cattle since the 1960s, long before it was popular. Partnering with established grass-fed farms helps ensure standards are met.

Why Choose Grass-Fed Beef and Does it Really Matter?

More consumers choose grass-fed beef for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. Grass-fed meat has been shown to be:

• Lower in fat and calories – because cattle convert grass inefficiently compared to calorie-dense grains.

• Higher in omega-3s – grass contains more omega-3s than grain. When cattle eat it, these healthy fats get deposited into their meat.

• Higher in antioxidants – grass contains significantly more antioxidants than grain. Feeding on fresh pasture increases protective compounds like vitamin E in beef.

• Higher in CLA – this unique fatty acid in grass may provide added health benefits and has been shown to reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass.

• Less likely to harbor dangerous E. coli – grass-fed cattle have stronger immune systems and healthier gut bacteria that kill dangerous pathogens.

• More sustainable – well-managed pastures sequester carbon and require fewer chemical inputs than cropland for grains.

While grass-fed meat has proven nutritional advantages, even meat from conventionally-raised cattle can be incorporated into a healthy diet. Choosing grass-fed provides added benefits but is not essential. The most important factor is moderation of red and processed meats as part of an overall lifestyle focused on nutrition and activity.

Is the “Grass-Fed” Label Reliable?

The grass-fed label itself does not guarantee strict standards were met. Weak regulations mean some beef sold as “grass-fed” could have still received grain, especially during winter or finishing. The term “grass-finished” offers more assurance the cattle ate grass exclusively for their whole lives.

When possible, look for the American Grassfed Association (AGA) logo. This third-party certifier ensures strict standards are met for true 100% grass-fed beef. But certification is complex and many small producers lack the resources to get AGA approved.

Your best bet is to know your farmer or brand. Ask questions about their practices. Reputable producers are transparent and happy to share their processes. Ranchers passionate about grass-fed agriculture take pride in the quality of the meat they provide.

The Verdict on Marketside Butcher Beef

Based on my research, Marketside Butcher beef sold at Walmart appears to meet the grass-fed and grass-finished claims on the label. Calling Marketside and actually speaking to someone demonstrated a degree of transparency and accountability. It gave me confidence in their standards.

While they lack official AGA certification, their commitment to working with established grass-fed farms and performing audits indicates integrity in their practices. Their prices are competitive for 100% grass-fed beef compared to other grocers.

For shoppers wanting quality grass-fed beef at an affordable price, Marketside Butcher seems a reliable option based on their openness and focus on pasture-raised, grass-finished practices only. Of course, whenever possible supporting local farmers remains ideal. But for a convenient, healthy choice, Marketside delivers on their grass-fed promises.

So next time you’re shopping at Walmart, know that Marketside Butcher beef truly delivers “100% grass-fed” flavor and nutrition in high-quality, budget-friendly cuts. You can feel confident bringing home this grass-finished beef to enjoy the benefits of beef raised right.