Where to Find Grass-Fed Butter Near Me: Farms, Stores, Brands, and More

Finding Grass-Fed Butter Near You

Butter is a staple ingredient in many recipes and dishes, but not all butter is created equal. Grass-fed butter has risen in popularity over the past few years as a healthier alternative to regular butter. If you want to reap the benefits of grass-fed butter, you may be wondering where you can find it close to where you live.

What is Grass-Fed Butter?

Grass-fed butter comes from cows that eat a natural diet of - you guessed it - grass. The butter is made from the milk these happily grazing cows produce. Grass-fed cows get to live outdoors year-round, moving to fresh pastures to feed on grass and clover. This is in contrast to conventional butter, where the dairy cows are often confined to barns and fed grain, corn, soy, and other commercial feeds to boost milk production.

The difference in diet leads to changes in the nutritional makeup of grass-fed butter. It has been shown to contain:

• More omega-3 fatty acids
• Increased vitamins A, E, and K levels
• Higher concentrations of antioxidants like beta-carotene
• A richer yellow color from the carotenoids in the cows grass-based diet

Grass-fed butter also provides conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid linked to health benefits. Research indicates grass-fed dairy may be easier to digest and less inflammatory as well.

Where to Buy Grass-Fed Butter

Luckily, the popularity of grass-fed butter means its becoming easier to find. Here are some places to look for grass-fed butter near you:

Natural Food Stores

Health food stores and co-ops are a go-to spot for grass-fed butter. Stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Earth Fare stock quality grass-fed butter options. Check the dairy case for specialty butter from grass-fed cows.

Farmers Markets

Hit up local farmers markets to look for small farm producers of grass-fed butter. You can often find grass-fed dairy farmers selling fresh butter from their pasture-raised cows. Going direct to the source means you know exactly what the cows are eating.

Online Stores

You can order grass-fed butter online from specialty grocery sites like Thrive Market or Butcher Box. Amazon also carries selections of grass-fed butter that can be delivered right to your door.

Big Box Stores

Major chains like Walmart, Target, and Costco have expanded their organic offerings to include grass-fed butter varieties too. Check the organic dairy section for quality butter from grass-fed cows.

CSA Farm Shares

Join a CSA (community supported agriculture) program to receive a weekly share of produce and goods from a local farm. Many dairy CSAs include fresh grass-fed butter with your deliveries.

Local Dairies

See if you have a local dairy farm in your area that sells grass-fed milk and butter. Purchasing directly from them allows you to really know the source.

Grass-Fed Butter Brands to Look For

Watch out for misleading labels - not every product touting pasture-raised cows truly adheres to grass-fed standards. When searching for quality grass-fed butter in stores or online, look for these recommended brands:

• Kerrygold - From grass-fed cows in Ireland, sold widely in stores
• Organic Valley - Farmer-owned cooperative, available online and at Whole Foods
• Straus Family Creamery - Excellent regional dairy in CA, at farmers markets
• Kalona SuperNatural - Available online and at Costco, from Amish farm in Iowa
• Trutorros - Family farm in NY, on Amazon and in natural grocers

Is Grass-Fed Butter Worth It?

Grass-fed butter tends to cost a bit more than conventional butter - up to twice as much. But many feel its worth splurging on for the added health perks. Beyond the nutritional benefits, grass-fed butter offers:

• Happier cows - Grass-fed conditions are more humane for dairy cows
• Richer flavor - The lush green diet leads to a richer, more complex taste
• Environmental sustainability - Pasture feeding minimizes industrial farming pollution

Buying local grass-fed butter also helps support small regional farms and dairies practicing regenerative agriculture.

Cost Saving Tips for Grass-Fed Butter

If the price of quality grass-fed butter seems too steep, here are some tips to make it more affordable:

• Watch for sales - Stock up when you see it on promotion to save
• Buy in bulk - Check bulk bins for deals on large quantities
• Shop online - Online stores can offer lower prices, and you can buy in bulk for savings
• Split with friends - Split bulk online orders to save on costs
• Use sparingly - The rich flavor means you can use less butter
• Make it last - Store grass-fed butter properly to prevent spoilage

How to Store Grass-Fed Butter

To retain freshness and prevent waste, store your grass-fed butter properly at home. Butter can absorb odors from other foods, so keep it well wrapped.

• Use original packaging - Keep in the foil or waxed paper wrapping it came in
• Air-tight container - Store in an airtight plasticware or glass storage container
• Freeze extras - For longer storage, freeze extras until needed
• Watch expiration - Consume within a few weeks of purchase for best freshness

With proper storage in the refrigerator or freezer, grass-fed butter can last 2-3 months past its printed expiration date. Date your butter when you open it, and inspect for signs of spoilage before consuming.

Get the Benefits of Grass-Fed Butter

Adding grass-fed butter to your diet is an easy way to reap the nutritional rewards of grass-fed dairy. Thankfully, quality butter from pasture-raised cows is becoming widely available both locally and online. Finding grass-fed butter near where you live is getting easier.

Do some investigating to discover where to source grass-fed butter in your area. With its many health perks and rich dairy flavor, grass-fed butter is worth going out of your way to find.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.