From organic to natural, humane certified and beyond, there are a lot of label claims to sort through in the meat department. For a growing number of retailers, however, one standard says it all: grass-fed. Low in fat and high in omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which studies show reduces the risk for heart disease, grass-fed meats have a robust health profile. In addition, the ruminant diet ensures that animals are out in the fresh air — something that's important to many welfare-conscious consumers.
Dorothy Lane Market recently added a line of grass-fed beef, according to meat department manager Jack Gridley. And this summer, Whole Foods Market began carrying grass fed-and-finished beef in all of its 284 stores.
“Raising cattle just on grass is a return to traditional methods the way nature intended,” said Theo Weening, global meat coordinator for Whole Foods, in a press release.
