Meat like beef and pork is not just delicious, it is packed with iron, protein, and other nutrients to support health, especially for those with anemia and weak immune systems. However, red meat is often linked to an increase in cholesterol. The good news is that organic, grass-fed steak has a lower fat content, making it a great alternative to regular red meat. So, here are tips for buying good-quality organic, grass-fed steak:

1. Check the labels carefully
Product labels say a lot about how the product has been manufactured and stored. Steak prepared from organic, grass-fed meat should have the tags “100% organic” and “grass-fed” on the label. These brands should ideally be certified by the American Grassfed Association. Also, it’s not enough to buy steaks that have these two tags; one should also look for the meat of animals that had been “pasture-raised.” This is because when animals like cows and pigs are raised in a healthy pasture environment, they graze on fresh, green grass and are able to derive a lot more nutrition from their food than if they were raised in captivity. Consequently, meat extracted from such animals can have high levels of vitamins and antioxidants to fight illnesses. So, when buying steak, one should always read the label for these three things.

2. Check for the use of hormones
Today, added hormones are used to help calves and piglets grow quickly so that manufacturers can meet the ever-growing meat demands and reduce costs. Similarly, many farm animals are given prescription medication to prevent bacterial infections and other health conditions. Excessive use of hormones and prescription treatment in high volumes may affect meat quality in the long run, causing harm to human health. So, it is better to check whether the animals from which the meat has been extracted have been fed hormones and other treatments. This verification is easier when buying from smaller farms, as one can directly ask the seller or farmer about how the animals were raised.

3. Enquire about animal’s food regimen
These days, multiple brands claiming to sell organic and grass-fed steak have emerged. So, it doesn’t hurt to do some research and find out what exactly the animal was fed and whether these foods are rich in all the essential nutrients. For example, if one wants good quality grass-fed meat, they should check if the animal has been fed grass and grains rich in omega 3, omega 6, and conjugated linoleic acid. High-protein grains like soybean meal, corn gluten feed, and brewer grains are excellent as well. The brand selling meat should ideally be totally transparent about the animals’ daily food habits.

4. Learn about the animal’s living conditions
It is not enough that an animal was raised on an open farm. Good living conditions and whether adequate care was taken of the animal also play a role in the quality of its meat. Many studies have shown that meat from animals that are treated kindly (i.e., never trapped in cages, craters, etc., at any point when they are being raised or transported) is packed with a host of nutrients and can even reduce cancer risk. So, when buying steak, one should look for a “ Certified Humane® Raised & Handled” logo on the package.

5. Compare different brands
To meet the increasing and diverse needs of consumers, many brands today sell various types of meat products. So, one can easily find a variety of brands claiming to sell organic and grass-fed meats. This is why it is important to closely examine the label and take on additional research to check if a brand really offers everything it promises in terms of steak quality. The best way to confirm product quality is to look up multiple brands, learn about their history, experience, and expertise, and check reviews and data on how they handle farm animals and meat. It helps to look for certifications, approvals from governing bodies like the FDA, and reviews left by other consumers before shortlisting a specific organic, grass-fed steak brand.

6. Check for low-stress environments
Stress plays a major role in determining meat quality and nutrition; high stress reduces the level of nutrients in meat. In fact, the method used to raise cattle and other farm animals affects even the taste and texture of meat. So, one should read up on the stress levels in the environment in which the animal was raised, whether the animal faced threats of attack from predators, whether the humans raising it were too stern with the animal, and if the animal had enough undisturbed grazing and resting time. These factors help in understanding whether the meat is good quality.

7. Visit local farmers
If possible, one should look for locally sourced organic, grass-fed steak and visit the farm in which the animal had been raised. This way, one can speak with the farmer and get answers to questions that the product label does not answer. This also helps small-scale, local, reliable sellers.

Many studies have established the benefits of organic, grass-fed steak. To ensure one gets good quality organic, grass-fed meat, one should opt for brands that are transparent and certified by authorized entities after exploring all the available options.