Is there a better butter? On top of buttermilk pancakes, browning rosemary chicken in the oven, or baked into a peach cobbler — there are so many ways to enjoy this dairy staple. But is there a nutritional difference between grass-fed butter and conventional butter? And overall, is grass-fed butter healthy?
What is Grass-Fed Butter?
100% Grass-Fed Butter vs. Conventional Butter
The Broader Impact of Grass-Fed Butter
What is Grass Fed Butter?
Grass-fed butter is made from the milk of cows who eat grass and forage in pastures. At Maple Hill, we make 100% grass-fed butter from our dairy cows who exclusively eat grass and forage.
Butter is as old as civilization itself — we’ve discovered preserved butter in Ireland’s wetlands that date back to 400 B.C. Wherever livestock animals and humans lived side-by-side, butter was sure to appear. It’s a simple recipe: separate the milk from the cream, churn the cream, and knead until smooth.
The process might not have changed for thousands of years, but the core ingredient, milk, makes a difference. Maple Hill cows are 100% grass-fed throughout the year, even when the growing season ends and cows switch to a diet of dried grass. Most conventional dairy cows eat grain and corn, which is cost-effective for dairies that manage hundreds or even thousands of cows. The difference in diet makes a difference in the end product.
100% Grass-Fed Butter vs. Conventional Butter
Conventional dairy practices create conventional butter. Most dairy farms in the U.S. share a few common characteristics: they are fed a primarily grain-based diet that is supplemented with hormones and antibiotics, and they are housed in confinement or in large barns. This is a cost-effective and efficient way to produce as much dairy milk as possible, but it doesn’t result in the highest-quality product.
100% grass-fed dairies at Maple Hill are unique — our milk shed is a network of 135 independent farms, each with an average of about 50 cows. This personal touch is key to our high-quality milk. Farmers know their cows by name and prioritize their well-being. Smaller farms mean better care for animals and land. Our farmers practice regenerative agriculture, focusing on soil health and sustainability. Cows graze freely, improving both their health and the land. This results in premium, nutritious, 100% grass-fed organic milk. And that means that our butter is made with the highest quality milk on the market. You can see it with your own eyes– our butter has the beautiful yellow-orange tint that comes from the beta-carotene in grass.
Differences in Flavor
Yes, you can taste a difference in grass-fed butter compared to conventional butter. Since a 100% grass-fed dairy is more nutrient-dense than conventional dairy milk, the flavor is more intense in the final product. Grass-fed cows produce butter with a creamier texture and a richer, more complex flavor — subtle herbal notes distinguish it from regular butter, which tastes more like milk with a malty hint.
Grass fed butter also looks different: since it’s naturally higher in beta carotene, the butter tends to have a darker yellow color.
Differences in Nutrition
Nutrition is where 100% grass-fed butter stands apart from conventional butter in a significant way — with data to back it up.
Studies suggest that grass-fed butter has less saturated fat and more polyunsaturated fat than conventional butter, making it more heart-health friendly. But there are other nutrients found in grass fed butter, such as:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Grass-fed butter is naturally higher in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. One study found that grass fed butter contains 26% more omega-2 fatty acids than regular butter.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): CLA is a type of fatty acid found in grass-fed butter that has been linked to improved immune function.
Vitamins and Minerals: Grass-fed butter is richer in vitamins A, K, and D, as well as antioxidants, compared to conventional butter.
Differences for Dairy Cows
100% grass-fed cows spend the majority of their time grazing on pastures, consuming a diet rich in grasses, herbs, and wildflowers. This natural diet is far removed from the grain-based, nutrient deficient feed used in conventional dairy farming.
Grazing in open pastures reduces stress in cows, leading to better overall health and longevity — Maple Hill cows live three times longer than the average dairy cow. Grass-fed cows are able to enjoy natural behaviors such as grazing, socializing, and resting, which contributes to their well-being. By choosing grass-fed dairy products, consumers can support a more humane and sustainable approach to animal agriculture.
The Broader Impact of Grass-Fed Butter
Beyond personal health, 100% grass-fed butter is also a healthier choice for our planet. Maple Hill is built on a foundation of regenerative agriculture: the cows are nourished by their pasture, and in turn take care of the pastures by aerating the soil and fertilizing the grass.
Conventionally made butter aims to make a profit — grass-fed butter aims to support the entire cycle of production, including the dairy cows, land, farmers, and consumers. You can make a decision about 100% grass-fed butter purely based on the added nutrition alone, but it’s also a decision you can make to support the overall health of the regenerative cycle.
100% grass-fed butter stands out as a superior choice. Its higher omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid, and vitamins make it a healthier option for heart health, brain function, and overall well-being. The ethical and environmental benefits of grass-fed dairy farming contribute to a more sustainable and humane food system.
By choosing grass-fed butter, you're not only supporting your health but also supporting a more sustainable and compassionate approach to food production. You can learn more about Maple Hill products and its mission here, or explore other dairy products made by Maple Hill.
Read more about 100% grass-fed dairy farming:
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