If you’re a meat lover, chances are you’ve heard of Texas Roadhouse. With over 600 locations worldwide, this popular steakhouse chain is known for serving up delicious cuts of beef that are juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
But have you ever wondered where their beef comes from? Specifically, is it grass-fed?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the sourcing and production practices behind Texas Roadhouse’s beef to help you make an informed decision about whether or not to indulge in a juicy steak at your next visit.
Is Texas Roadhouse Beef Grass Fed?
Texas Roadhouse prides itself on serving USDA Choice beef, which means that the meat has been graded by the USDA using a subjective characteristic assessment process and electronic instruments to measure meat characteristics. The beef grades are Prime, Choice, and Select, and the grade Texas Roadhouse serves is high quality, but has less marbling than Prime. Choice roasts and steaks from the loin and rib will be very tender, juicy, and flavorful and are suited for dry-heat cooking.
While Texas Roadhouse does not explicitly state that their beef is grass-fed, they do claim that their beef supplies are leaders in sustainable beef production practices. This means that the cows are raised responsibly and in a way that balances efficient production with environmental, social, and economic impacts.
Grass-fed beef comes from cows that are handled with greater care, while conventional beef comes from cows who are fed with grain to help them gain weight. Treatment of cows in conventional beef production can lead to mistreatment of animals and lower quality beef. The cows are sometimes overfed in one spot with corn or grain mixed with antibiotics and hormones. Because they live in a solitary spot, the cows overeat, and their personal space can become extremely dirty and unsanitary. In addition to their poor living conditions, the cows often do not receive proper veterinary care, causing them to pass away prematurely.
While Texas Roadhouse does not explicitly state that their beef is grass-fed, they do claim that their beef supplies are leaders in sustainable beef production practices. This means that the cows are raised responsibly and in a way that balances efficient production with environmental, social, and economic impacts.
What Does Grass-Fed Mean?
Grass-fed beef refers to meat that comes from cows that are raised on a natural diet of grass and other forage, rather than being fed grain to help them gain weight. This means that the cows are allowed to graze freely on pasture, which is better for their overall health and wellbeing. Grass-fed beef is also considered to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly than conventional beef production.
The quality of meat depends on the condition in which the animal is brought up and kind of fodders they are fed with. Grass-fed beef is generally considered to be healthier than conventional beef because it has a healthier balance of essential fatty acids. Grass-fed beef has much higher levels of vitamins and many other nutrients than grain-fed beef. Grass-fed beef is also leaner, meaning it usually has very little intramuscular fat.
While grass-fed beef may have a stronger flavor than grain-fed beef, it is still a delicious and nutritious option for those who are looking for a healthier and more sustainable choice. Choosing grass-fed beef can also help support responsible farming practices and promote animal welfare. While Texas Roadhouse does not explicitly state that their beef is grass-fed, they do claim that their beef supplies are leaders in sustainable beef production practices, which suggests that they may be sourcing their meat from responsible producers who prioritize animal welfare and sustainability.
The Importance Of Grass-Fed Beef
Grass-fed beef is becoming increasingly popular due to its nutritional benefits and sustainable farming practices. Compared to conventional grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef is packed with vitamins and nutrients that help fight damage and build stronger muscle and cartilage tissue. Grass-fed beef has been found to be higher in vitamins A, E, and other antioxidants compared to grain-fed beef. It also contains significantly lower levels of saturated fat, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their risk of heart disease.
In addition to its health benefits, grass-fed beef is also environmentally sustainable. It doesn’t breed antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and it doesn’t involve stomach-turning amounts of cruelty to animals. Grass-fed cows are born in the early spring and allowed to roam free, eating grass or other edible plants they find in their environment for about 7-9 months. This grazing period not only allows the cows to live a more natural life but also helps maintain healthy soil and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, grass-fed beef is an important source of high-quality protein that contains every amino acid your body needs to make a complete protein building block. As part of a healthy lifestyle that incorporates good diet and exercise practices, the protein from grass-fed beef can help prevent sarcopenia – a loss of muscle mass that develops from a deficiency in protein over time. Grass-fed beef also contains beta-alanine, an amino acid that helps your body form a compound called carnosine. Carnosine is important for muscle function, perhaps increasing your capacity and performance in high-intensity exercise.
Texas Roadhouse’s Beef Sourcing Practices
Texas Roadhouse spends over a billion dollars on meat annually and purchases the majority of its beef from just three suppliers. While the geographic origin of the purchased beef is not disclosed, Texas Roadhouse claims that their beef supplies are leaders in sustainable beef production practices. This suggests that the company is committed to sourcing beef from responsible and sustainable sources.
To achieve sustainability in their beef production, Texas Roadhouse ensures that their cows are raised in a way that balances efficient production with environmental, social, and economic impacts. This means that the cows are raised in a manner that minimizes their impact on the environment, provides them with proper veterinary care, and ensures that they are treated humanely.
While Texas Roadhouse does not explicitly state that their beef is grass-fed, it is possible that some of their beef comes from grass-fed sources. Grass-fed beef is considered to be more sustainable than conventional beef production methods because it does not require the use of grain to feed the cows. This means that grass-fed cows have a lower impact on the environment and are treated with greater care.
The Role Of Grain-Finishing In Texas Roadhouse’s Beef Production
Grain-finishing plays a key role in Texas Roadhouse’s beef production. While grass-fed beef may be perceived as more healthy and environmentally friendly, grain-finishing allows for more efficient production and a higher yield of beef. It also allows for the production of beef with the marbling that many Americans associate with high-end steaks.
According to research by Judith Capper at Washington State University, grain-finishing uses less land, water, and fossil fuel resources compared to grass-fed systems. It also allows for the production of more beef in a shorter amount of time. Grass-fed cattle typically take longer to reach their final weight and often do not yield as much meat. Additionally, most grass resources are not conducive to finishing cattle, meaning that producing the same amount of beef on grass alone would require significantly more land.
Texas Roadhouse’s beef supplies are leaders in sustainable beef production practices, which means that they balance efficient production with environmental, social, and economic impacts. The company sources their beef from responsible producers who use grain-finishing to produce high-quality beef with a lower environmental impact.
