Why Is The Fat In Grass Fed Beef Yellow?

You may have noticed that the fat on both our beef and our chicken has a distinct yellow hue compared to the stark white fat of grain-fed protein products and you have asked your self, why is the fat in grass fed beef yellow? This vibrant color is more than just a visual difference, it's a difference in the way the animal was raised, fed, and it's overall health.

The yellow tint in grass-fed beef and chicken comes primarily from beta-carotene, a natural pigment and antioxidant found in grasses, clovers, forbes (think "weeds"), and other plants these animals graze on. Beta-carotene is the same compound that gives fruits and vegetables their bright yellow, orange, and red colors, and is abundant in fresh, green forage. When cows or chickens eat grass, they store beta-carotene in their fat tissue, giving it that yellowish shade. Grain-fed animals, on the other hand, are typically finished on a corn or soy based ration, which generally lack these pigments, resulting in whiter fat.

This yellow fat isn't just a cosmetic difference-it signals nutritional benefits. Grass-fed beef and chicken tends to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and other antioxidants. The yellow color is a visual cue that the meat comes from an animal that roamed on grass, living a more natural lifestyle. Additionally, the fat in this meat from animals raised on a grass based system will break down easier when it is being cooked. This means a more tender bite, as well as a more rich and flavorful taste, almost "buttery" if cooked perfectly.

In choosing pasture raised meat you're supporting a more sustainable, nutrient-rich, and flavorful way of eating. The golden fat from animals that spend their life on pasture tells a story of happy animals, natural diets, and a healthier ecosystem and end product for you.