Tag Archive for: Beef

I was talking to an Australian Doctor at the Ancestral Health Symposium about finding grass fed meat in Australia. He was explaining to me that Australian meat is almost all grass fed, unlike America where grass fed meat is a lot harder to come by.

Grass fed beef has a far better omega 6:omega 3 ratio and far more vitamins & minerals than grain fed beef.

Since I got back I've been trying to find out if more about beef quality and availability. Until I make friends with a farmer, if I could be certain I was buying grass fed meat, I’d be very happy!

It seems that grass fed beef is dependent on the season; meaning springtime meat is more grain than grass fed.

On their website Coles state: –

Coles source both grass and grain fed cattle depending on seasonal quality. When rains are good, cattle are fed on grass. Being high in beta carotene, this is transferred to the meat and is why the fat is cream in colour. During drier times, grass is substituted with grain feed, and the fat has a whiter appearance. We offer both grass and grain fed cattle depending on the seasonal conditions to source the best quality available.

Woolworths doesn't go into much detail on their site, so I wrote to them, and have just received this reply: –

Woolworths has a number of different types of beef on offer. Our Riverine and standard Woolworths beef range are from grain fed animals, our market value and Macro branded beef come from grass fed animals. We are currently in the process of working on new labels and stickers which will help customers to be able to identify the difference between our beef range. You will notice these changes over the coming months.

So, whilst I’ll always strive to source my meat from a farmers market, or a good local butcher, it’s nice to know at a pinch there are some reasonable options in the supermarkets. If their new labelling enables me to see exactly what type of meat I'm eating, then that will be even better.

The Benefits of Truly Pasture-Raised Beef

As interest in ancestral and nutrient-dense diets continues to grow across Australia and New Zealand, more people are paying closer attention to the provenance and quality of their meat. While the term “grass fed” is commonly used in supermarket marketing, not all grass-fed beef is created equal. There is a significant nutritional and ethical distinction between cattle that are finished exclusively on pasture and those that are grass-fed for part of their life but finished in feedlots on grain.

Pasture-raised beef — sometimes called 100% grass-fed and finished — tends to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), and fat-soluble vitamins like A and E. These cattle graze on native grasses and forage, mimicking the natural diet ruminants evolved to eat, without the addition of genetically modified grains or high-energy feed.

How to Identify Grass-Fed vs Grass-Finished

In Australia, unlike in the US, “grass fed” can still apply to cattle that spend only part of their lives on pasture before being grain finished for several weeks or months to fatten them up for market. To be certain you’re getting the nutritional benefits associated with 100% pasture-raised beef, it’s important to look for:

• Grass-finished or 100% grass-fed labels, ideally accompanied by third-party certification
• Breed-specific producers like Wagyu or Hereford may state their finishing process more transparently
• Visual cues: Grass-finished beef often has a yellower fat due to its higher beta carotene content

Don’t be afraid to ask your butcher detailed questions about where the beef is sourced and how the animals are raised and finished. Smaller butchers, especially those at farmers markets, often have direct relationships with local producers and can give you accurate information.

Labelling and Transparency: Still a Work in Progress

While both Coles and Woolworths are making moves toward clearer labelling on their meat products, it can still be confusing to determine exactly what you’re buying. Macro’s grass-fed line at Woolworths is one of the more reliable supermarket options, but it’s still worth reading the fine print or asking for clarification, particularly if you're following a strict Paleo diet or trying to reduce your omega-6 intake.

The introduction of new labelling guidelines from the ACCC in recent years has improved the situation slightly, but voluntary use of terms like “natural,” “free range,” or “grass fed” remains a grey area. Certifications like Pasturefed Cattle Assurance System (PCAS) and Meat Standards Australia (MSA) can help, but they’re not yet universally adopted.

Farmers Markets and Local Producers

Farmers markets remain one of the most reliable places to source 100% grass-fed beef. You can often speak directly with the farmer or a knowledgeable staff member, who can explain how the cattle are raised, what they’re fed, and how the animals are handled during processing.

Some standout producers in Australia include:

• Provenir: Known for its mobile abattoir system, providing ethical on-farm slaughter and transparency around how cattle are raised and processed.
• Cherry Tree Organics: A family-run farm in Victoria producing certified organic, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb.
• Sommerlad Chicken & Grassland Poultry: While primarily focused on poultry, their farm partners also offer regeneratively raised beef options.

Many of these producers offer delivery services or meat boxes, allowing you to stock your freezer with high-quality cuts for later use.

Buying Meat Online in Australia

The rise of ethical and regenerative agriculture has led to more online options for buying quality meat. Several suppliers now offer nationwide delivery of frozen or vacuum-sealed meat, often in bulk packs or curated boxes.

Look for vendors who clearly outline their farming practices, such as:

• The Meat Club (NSW/VIC): Offers hormone-free, pasture-raised meat and wild game options.
• Feather and Bone Providore (Sydney): Specialises in ethically raised, heritage-breed meat from small producers across NSW.
• Australian Natural Meat Co.: Offers 100% grass-fed and finished beef, lamb and organic options.

These online retailers often work with regenerative farmers who focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare — values closely aligned with the principles of the Paleo lifestyle.

New Zealand Grass-Fed Beef

If you're based in New Zealand or shopping for imported options, you're in luck. Thanks to its temperate climate and lush pasture land, New Zealand is one of the few countries where the majority of beef is genuinely pasture-raised. Brands like Silver Fern Farms and First Light often export grass-fed beef to Australia and overseas markets.

Still, it's worth double-checking whether the meat is grain-finished before slaughter. Some large-scale producers still employ feedlot finishing, even in otherwise grass-based operations.

The Importance of Knowing Your Food Chain

One of the core philosophies of the Paleo diet is eating as our ancestors did — not just in terms of nutrients, but also in terms of food quality and sourcing. In today’s industrial food landscape, that means making a conscious effort to understand where your meat comes from and how it’s been produced.

By asking questions, seeking out producers who are transparent, and favouring direct relationships where possible, you gain more control over the quality of your food and its impact on your health.

Final Thought: Quality Over Quantity

If budget constraints prevent you from always choosing the most premium option, don’t worry — small improvements still matter. Even switching from grain-fed to mixed pasture-raised beef, or choosing organ meats from quality sources, can make a big difference nutritionally.

You don’t need to be perfect — just informed. Prioritising food quality is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your health, your environment, and your local economy. The more we demand transparency, the more producers and retailers will respond — and that's a win for everyone who values real food.

Where do you get your meat from? If you've found a good source of grass fed meat in Australia or New Zealand, share it in the comments.