Grass Fed Butter: Benefits, Brands, and Buying Guide 2025

Cows grazing on a lush green pasture, illustrating pasture-raised cattle the source of grass fed butter. Grass-fed butter is made from the milk of cows that eat mostly grass instead of grain. This simple change in diet affects the butter’s color, flavor, and nutrition. In recent years, grass fed butter has soared in popularity as health-conscious cooks and butter enthusiasts seek richer flavor and added nutrients.

In this guide, we’ll explore what grass-fed butter is, its health benefits, top grass fed butter brands, where to buy it (including Costco grass fed butter and Kirkland grass fed butter), and answers to common questions like “Is grass fed butter healthy?”.

Grass-fed butter tends to be yellower and richer in some nutrients than conventional butter. By definition, “grass-fed” means the cows’ diet is primarily pasture grasses (often 85–100% of feed). Some products go further, labeling “organic grass fed butter” if no antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides are used on the farm. Consumers often ask “grass fed butter benefits?” and “grass fed butter vs regular butter which is healthier?” Many experts report that grass-fed butter has a more favorable nutrient profile higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K2, CLA, and antioxidants like beta-carotene.

However, it still contains saturated fat, so moderation is key. In the sections below, we’ll delve into the science-backed benefits of grass fed butter, compare it to conventional butter, highlight popular brands (Kerrygold, Kirkland, Vital Farms, etc.), and provide buying tips and FAQs (including how to find grass fed butter near me).

What Is Grass Fed Butter?

Grass-fed butter is simply butter made from milk of cows that have eaten mostly grass (fresh or dried) for most of their lives. In contrast, most conventional dairy cows are fed grain-based feed. The cow’s diet directly changes the composition of their milk and thus the butter churned from it. The grass diet makes the butter naturally richer in certain compounds found in green plants, including beta-carotene (giving butter a deep yellow color) and omega-3 fatty acids.

Researchers note that “milk from grass-fed cows may be nutritionally superior to milk from cows eating conserved grass”, meaning pasture diets generally improve the fat profile of the milk.

For example, studies have found grass-fed butter has about 26% more omega-3 fats and up to 500% more CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) than regular butter. These differences come from the fresh, green grass in the cows’ diet, which contains these healthy fats. In short, grass-fed butter is a more nutrient-packed variety of butter thanks to pasture-raised cows.

Grass-fed butter can be labeled in various ways. You might see “grass-fed butter” or “grass-fed” (often with a hyphen) to indicate pasture-fed cows. Some brands also use organic grass-fed butter if their farms meet organic standards (no pesticides or growth hormones). For example, Organic Valley’s Grassmilk dairy products come from 100% grass-fed cows on organic farms. Other packagers, like Costco’s Kirkland Signature, source their grass-fed butter from New Zealand cows eating 95% grass.

Grass-fed butter is generally turned and packaged like any butter. You’ll find it in sticks or bars (8 oz sticks in the U.S., often labeled “100% Grass-fed” or “Pasture-Raised”). In appearance, it often looks deeper yellow and sometimes a bit softer due to slightly different fat profiles. It spreads, bakes, and cooks the same way as regular butter. In fact, recipes don’t change – you can substitute grass-fed butter 1:1 for conventional butter in any dish. The main difference is nutritional content and flavor nuances.

Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits:

Grass-fed butter has a slightly richer nutritional profile than regular butter. Though all butter is high in fat and calories, grass-fed varieties contain higher amounts of certain beneficial fats and nutrients. Here are some key grass fed butter benefits:

• Higher omega-3 fatty acids: Grass-fed butter typically has about 25–30% more omega-3s than grain-fed butter. Omega-3 fats (like ALA) have anti-inflammatory properties and are linked to heart and brain health. This is because fresh green grass is naturally rich in omega-3s.

• More CLA (conjugated linoleic acid): CLA is a type of fatty acid found in the fat of grass-fed animals. Research shows butter from pasture-fed cows can have 4–5 times more CLA than conventional butter. CLA has been associated in studies with health benefits such as reduced inflammation and potential anti-cancer effects. (Note: human studies on CLA are ongoing, but it’s generally regarded as beneficial.)

• Rich in fat-soluble vitamins (A, K2): Grass-fed butter is high in vitamin A (roughly 10% of the daily value per tablespoon), which supports vision and immunity. More importantly, studies find grass-fed butter is much richer in vitamin K2 than regular butter. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is important for bone and heart health because it helps deposit calcium in bones and prevent arterial plaque. In fact, one nutrition review notes grass-fed butter is “much richer” in K2.

• Antioxidants (beta-carotene, others): A grass diet gives cows more beta-carotene in their milk fat, which turns into vitamin A in the body. Grass-fed butter often appears a deeper yellow due to beta-carotene (the same pigment in carrots). Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Some studies showed butter from 100% grass-fed cows had the highest beta-carotene levels.

• Higher unsaturated fat ratio: While butter is mostly saturated fat, grass-fed butter contains a slightly higher proportion of unsaturated fats compared to conventional butter. Nutrition experts recommend getting more unsaturated fats (like from fish, nuts, avocados) for heart health. Switching a bit of saturated fats for unsaturated can reduce heart risk. Because grass-fed butter has more unsaturated fats, it may be a slightly “healthier” butter option though it’s still quite high in saturated fat.

• Good source of vitamin A: Like regular butter, grass-fed butter naturally contains vitamin A. Each tablespoon provides about 10% of daily vitamin A requirements, which is vital for vision and immunity.

• Contains Butyrate: Both grass-fed and regular butter contain butyric acid (butyrate), a short-chain fatty acid that supports gut health. Some animal studies suggest grass-fed cows might yield slightly more butyrate, though data is limited.

Summary: Grass-fed butter generally offers a more nutrient-dense profile than regular butter. It tends to have more heart-healthy omega-3s and CLA, along with fat-soluble vitamins K2 and A. According to experts, “Compared to regular butter, grass-fed butter has been found to be higher in vitamin K2 and healthy fats, such as omega-3s and CLA”. These nutrients may support bone, heart, and immune health.

However, it’s important to keep perspective. Grass-fed butter is still high in fat and calories. A nutrition review noted that even grass-fed butter contains saturated fat and should be eaten in moderation. The American Heart Association advises limiting foods high in saturated fat (like butter) to keep LDL cholesterol in check. So while grass-fed butter benefits include extra nutrients, it should be part of a balanced diet.

Grass Fed Butter vs. Conventional Butter

What makes grass-fed butter different from regular butter? The main difference is the cow’s diet, which changes the fat composition:

• Fat profile: Cows eating more grass produce milk with higher unsaturated fats and lower overall fat concentration. A study found that “grass-fed milk contained more healthful fats” (more unsaturated, less saturated) compared to grain-fed cows. Grass-fed butter melts at a slightly lower temperature and can taste creamier because of this fat profile. In practice, many people notice grass-fed butter has a “richer” flavor and a smoother melt.

• Texture and taste: Tests have shown grass-fed butter often has a softer texture and melts more easily. For example, trained tasters reported that butter from cows on a high-grass diet was “likelier to melt in the mouth” – a texture many find pleasant. The yellow color from beta-carotene is also striking; the golden hue is often cited as a hallmark of grass-fed butter.

• Nutrient differences: As covered above, grass-fed butter has more omega-3s, CLA, vitamins, and antioxidants. Conventional butter (from grain-fed cows) has a more muted nutrient profile.

• Health implications: In moderation, grass-fed butter may be considered a better choice due to its healthier fat profile. For example, the American Heart Association recommends replacing some saturated fats with unsaturated fats. Since grass-fed butter has more unsaturated fat, it may slightly fit this guideline better than regular butter. Still, both types should be used sparingly.

In summary, grass-fed butter offers a small but meaningful nutritional edge and often a richer taste. It is often a preferred choice among chefs and home cooks looking for quality. But it’s not a “health food” in unlimited quantities – it’s healthier than conventional butter, yet still mostly fat. As one review put it: “Grass-fed butter can be healthful in limited amounts”.

Top Grass Fed Butter Brands:

Several brands specialize in grass-fed butter. Whether you want Kerrygold grass-fed butter from Ireland or a domestic option, here are some popular grass fed butter brands:

• Kerrygold (Ireland): Often called the gold standard of grass-fed butter, Kerrygold is widely available and consistently top-ranked. It’s made from 100% grass-fed Irish cow’s milk. Chowhound notes that Kerrygold has a bright golden color due to grass carotene and “is the butter I would get at a fine restaurant”. It’s 80% butterfat and has a rich, creamy taste. Kerrygold’s salted version is especially famous. (Customers often find Kerrygold at Costco and other stores.)

• Kirkland Signature (Costco): Costco’s house brand launched its own Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter in 2021. Made in partnership with New Zealand’s Westland Milk Products, it uses milk from cows on lush pastures (at least 95% grass diet). Sold in a 4×8 oz green box, Kirkland’s butter is comparable in taste to Kerrygold but much cheaper. One review found a 32 oz box for $9.99 (about $2.50 per cup of butter), versus over $3.60 per cup for Kerrygold at Costco. Kirkland butter is a natural source of vitamin A and contains significant CLA. It’s a great value grass fed butter (especially if you shop at Costco).

• Westgold (New Zealand): Westgold is an NZ dairy brand using milk from grass-fed free-range cows. Reviewer Kyle Grace Mills praises Westgold’s “nuanced flavor and delicate kiss of salt”. It’s a New Zealand product (often available in the US via importers). Its butter is golden and smooth, and quite affordable (around $3.76 for 8 oz in one mention).

• Truly Grass-Fed Butter (Ireland): This is a specialty Irish butter made from 100% grass-fed cows (no grains, antibiotics, or GMOs). It’s known for its very bright color and extremely rich flavor. Reviewed as “elite and expensive”, Truly butter often costs around $5 for 8 oz. It’s the top-ranked butter on one list due to its exceptional taste.

• Vital Farms (USA): An American brand known for ethical practices. Their butter comes from pasture-raised cows that are 90% grass-fed on average. This means the cows graze outdoors in warm months (about 200 days a year) on mostly grass. Vital Farms butter has a rich, creamy flavor and is widely sold in US supermarkets. It’s premium but not as pricey as European butters.

• Organic Valley (USA): Organic Valley Pasture Butter is made from certified organic, mostly grass-fed cows. While “grass-fed” percentages vary by season, all Organic Valley butter farmers follow strict USDA organic standards for grazing. Organic pasture-raised milk averages 62% more omega-3 and 18% more CLA than regular milk, so this butter is nutritionally potent. Organic Valley emphasizes no antibiotics or synthetic hormones.

• Land O’Lakes Pasture Promise: A USA butter brand with a grass-fed line. Its “Pasture Promise” butter comes from cows raised on pasture in the USA (the exact grass percentage isn’t specified, but it meets certain quality metrics).

• Tillamook: Oregon-based Tillamook has an “Pasture Butter” line and some limited grass-fed runs. Their extra creamy salted and unsalted butters are popular for their texture (though availability may be regional).

• Anchor (New Zealand): Another imported NZ brand. Anchor Grass-Fed Butter (salty-tasting) is sold in many supermarkets.

• Plugrá, Président, Plugra, etc.: These are European-style butters (80+% butterfat) often considered top-quality. Not all versions are 100% grass-fed (some US Plugrá uses American milk not fully grass-fed). Président (France) uses cream and cultures, and while not explicitly grass-fed, it’s a high-quality butter with a tangy taste.

Many other local farms and boutique brands produce organic grass fed butter. For example, some smaller dairies sell churned butter at farmers markets, often labeled “grass-fed” or “pasture-raised.” When shopping, look for phrases like “100% grass-fed”, “pasture-raised”, or organic certification on the label.

Buying Grass Fed Butter: Where and How Much?

If you’re looking to buy grass fed butter, you have several options:

• Wholesale clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club): Costco sells the Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter in the refrigerated dairy aisle. Each box has four 8-oz sticks (32 oz total). The price is remarkably low: about $9.99 per box, which is ~$0.31 per ounce (roughly $2.50 per cup of butter). In contrast, Costco also sells Kerrygold at about $14.49 per 32-oz (4-pack), ~$0.45 per ounce. So Costco’s grass-fed butter costs about $4.50 less per 4-pack than Kerrygold. Sam’s Club and other bulk stores may offer similar deals under different brands.

• Supermarkets and natural food stores: Many grocery chains carry at least one brand of grass-fed butter. Look in the butter/dairy section for labels like “grass-fed” or “pasture-raised.” Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Wegmans typically stock Kerrygold, Vital Farms, and sometimes Organic Valley Pasture Butter. Trader Joe’s often has grass-fed Kerrygold. Kroger, Albertsons, and Publix may carry Vital Farms or Organic Valley. Some stores even have house brands (for example, Wegmans Organic Butter is from grass-fed cows).

• Local farms and co-ops: If you live near farms or a co-op, ask if they sell butter. Some small dairy farms churn their own grass-fed butter or sell milk/cream you can make butter with. Farmers markets occasionally have grass-fed butter in bulk tubs. Check farm websites or call ahead with “grass fed butter near me” queries.

• Online/Delivery: Specialty butter (like high-end European butters) can be ordered online or delivered via grocery services. Some food co-ops allow you to order in bulk.

• Price considerations: Expect to pay more for grass-fed butter than basic store-brand butter, but not drastically more if you find deals. Brands like Organic Valley or Vital Farms might be $5–7 per pound (16 oz). Kerrygold typically goes for $0.45–0.75 per ounce ($7–12 per lb). Big club deals like Kirkland bring it down to $0.31/oz, which is very affordable for grass-fed. Smaller, artisanal butters (like Truly or specialty farm butters) can be $5–8 per 8 oz stick.

• Storage: Grass-fed butter should be refrigerated to stay fresh. Some suggest storing a small amount at room temperature in a butter dish for easier spreading, but keep the main supply in the fridge (or freezer for longer storage).

In summary, Costco’s grass fed butter (Kirkland Signature) is often the best value option. If you need just a stick or two, you might pay more per unit but grab Kerrygold or Vital Farms. For bulk cooking or baking, Kirkland is hard to beat. Many shoppers swear by the Costco product, noting you can save $1+ per cup of butter by choosing it over Kerrygold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is grass-fed butter healthy?
A: Grass-fed butter is richer in some nutrients than regular butter – for example, it has more omega-3 fats, CLA, and vitamin K2. These nutrients are linked to health benefits (e.g. anti-inflammatory effects, bone health). However, grass-fed butter is still primarily fat (about 75–80% of calories), mostly saturated fat. Health experts advise using all butter even grass fed  in moderation.

The American Heart Association still recommends limiting saturated fats to reduce heart disease risk. So in a balanced diet, grass-fed butter can be part of a healthy eating plan, especially if you use it to replace (not just add to) less healthy fats. In short, grass-fed butter can be considered a healthier butter option, but it’s not a miracle food. Enjoy it sparingly to reap its benefits without excess calories.

Q: What are the benefits of grass fed butter?
A: The main advantages are its enhanced nutrient profile. Studies show grass-fed butter has about 26% more omega-3 fatty acids and up to 500% more CLA than conventional butter. It’s richer in vitamin A and particularly vitamin K2, which supports bone and heart health. It also contains more beta-carotene (an antioxidant) and has a higher proportion of unsaturated fats.

Many people also prefer the taste and texture of grass-fed butter (creamier melt, deeper color). These benefits, however, are gained in the context of a high-fat food, so use it in place of other fats rather than in addition to them.

Q: Which is the best grass-fed butter?
A: “Best” depends on your criteria (taste, price, organic, etc.). Many experts and users cite Kerrygold as the top grass-fed butter for flavor. It’s widely available and consistently high quality. Kirkland Signature (Costco) grass-fed butter offers excellent taste for the price. Tasting reviews note that Kirkland’s can stand up to Kerrygold, and it’s much cheaper per ounce.

Other high-quality butters include Truly (Ireland) for a gourmet experience and Vital Farms for ethical, pasture-raised sourcing. Organic Valley is a good choice if you want certified organic. Ultimately, trying a few will tell you what you like best.

Q: How much does grass-fed butter cost?
A: Prices vary by brand and pack size. At Costco, Kirkland Grass-Fed Butter is about $9.99 for a 32-ounce box (four 8-oz bars) roughly $2.50 per cup. By contrast, a 32-oz pack of Kerrygold there was about $14.49 (≈$3.62 per cup).

In regular grocery stores, expect to pay around $4–8 per pound for premium grass-fed butter (brands like Kerrygold, Vital Farms, Organic Valley). Smaller tubs or sticks may be $3–6 each (8 oz). If price is a concern, look for bulk sales or buy from clubs like Costco.

Q: Where can I find grass-fed butter near me?
A: Many grocery stores carry grass-fed butter in the dairy section. Look for specialty shelves or the organic dairy aisle. Big retailers like Costco, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Safeway, and Wegmans often stock it. You can also search “grass fed butter” on store websites or apps.

For local options, check farmers markets or farm co-ops some small dairies churn grass-fed butter themselves. When in doubt, call ahead to your store’s dairy department. In the end, if you shop at Costco, you’ll likely find Kirkland grass fed butter there.

Q: What is organic grass-fed butter?
A: Organic grass-fed butter is from cows that are both pasture-fed and raised according to organic farming rules (no synthetic pesticides, antibiotics or hormones). For example, Organic Valley’s Pasture Butter is organic and pasture-focused. Organic dairy (grass-fed or not) has extra standards.

Nutritional studies show organic milk can have about 50% more omega-3 than regular milk, so organic grass-fed products often carry this extra benefit. So organic grass-fed butter combines the perks of both organic farming and pasture feeding for cows.

Conclusion

Grass fed butter offers a natural way to upgrade your butter by using milk from cows grazing on pasture. Research shows it typically contains more omega-3 fats, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), vitamin K2, and antioxidants than conventional butter. These compounds support various aspects of health for example, vitamin K2 aids bone and heart health, and omega-3s are anti-inflammatory.

Many cooks appreciate grass-fed butter for its richer flavor and creamy texture, too. Popular brands include Kerrygold (Ireland), Costco’s Kirkland (NZ-sourced), and American brands like Vital Farms and Organic Valley.

That said, grass-fed butter is still butter: mostly fat and calories. Health experts agree that it can be part of a balanced diet if used in moderation. In practical terms, you can substitute grass-fed butter into any recipe or spread it on toast just like regular butter. And because Costco’s Kirkland grass-fed butter is so affordable, it’s easy to try it without spending a lot.

In summary, grass-fed butter is generally a healthier butter choice with genuine nutritional benefits. Whether you bake, cook, or simply love buttery toast, choosing grass-fed butter adds a little extra nutrition and flavor. Give it a try, and you might notice the difference in taste and texture just remember to enjoy it in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.

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