Is Kirkland Organic Ground Beef Grass-Fed?

Kirkland Signature’s organic ground beef is a popular choice among Costco shoppers. But one common question is – is Kirkland’s organic ground beef also grass-fed? Let’s take a closer look.

Overview of Kirkland Organic Ground Beef

Kirkland Signature’s organic ground beef comes in 4 pound packages for $19.89 at Costco warehouses. The beef is 85% lean and 15% fat, giving it a nice ratio for burgers and other ground beef uses.

The organic beef is raised without antibiotics or added hormones. It comes in three 1.34 pound pouches per package.

What “Organic” Means for Beef

For beef to be certified organic by the USDA it must meet certain standards

• Cattle are fed 100% organic feed and graze on pasture for the entirety of their lives.

• No antibiotics or growth hormones are administered.

• Cattle have access to the outdoors year-round.

• Land used for grazing must be organic for 3 years prior.

So organic beef comes from cows raised in more natural settings without drugs or chemicals. But organic does not necessarily equate to “grass-fed.”

Is Kirkland’s Organic Ground Beef Grass-Fed?

No, Kirkland Signature’s organic ground beef is not 100% grass-fed. The cattle are grass-finished, meaning they eat grass in the final stages before processing. But their full diet includes grain as well.

100% grass-fed beef comes from cows that eat only grass and forage their entire lives after weaning. They do not consume grain. Kirkland’s organic beef includes some grain in the cows’ feed.

Additionally, the label does not say “grass-fed” anywhere. Kirkland only uses the term “organic” in their packaging.

How Kirkland’s Organic Beef Compares

Kirkland’s organic ground beef is higher quality than traditional store beef. But it doesn’t reach the bar for grass-fed since the cattle’s diet incorporates grain.

Here’s how it compares to other options:

• Traditional ground beef – not organic or grass-fed
• Kirkland organic ground beef – organic but not 100% grass-fed
• Grass-fed ground beef – 100% grass-fed diet, but not certified organic
• Organic grass-fed ground beef – highest standard, organic and 100% grass diet

So Kirkland’s lands between traditional and the gold standards of organic grass-fed beef in terms of production practices. But it offers an affordable price point for shoppers looking for a better option than conventional ground beef.

Is Kirkland’s Organic Worth It?

At just under $5 per pound, Kirkland Signature organic ground beef hits the sweet spot of quality and value. It’s priced not much higher than traditional ground beef. Yet as an organic product it’s held to higher standards.

If you want 100% grass-fed beef, expect to pay $1-3 more per pound at other retailers. Kirkland’s organic offers an intermediate upgrade for those looking for more ethical, environmentally friendly beef that’s not as costly.

While not at the top tier, Kirkland Signature organic ground beef is still an excellent choice for the price. The cattle live better lives without drugs, and you get a healthier end product. For quality organic beef on a budget, it’s tough to beat Kirkland.