Lab analysis from Utah State shows our mineral content (calcium, magnesium, and B2) is higher than both grass-and grain-fed beef, and our omega-6 to omega-3 ratios are on par with grass-fed benchmarks. Nutrient-dense crops = nutrient-dense beef. We believe in building health from the soil up, with help from our friends at Calibrated Agronomy. After all, corn is just a big grass—and when we grow it right, we raise beef that’s packed with nutrients for your health.

We're proud of how far we’ve come, but we're excited to keep learning and improving. Read the entire report below.

Executive Summary

• Fatty Acids:
  GLC Beef samples show lower omega-6 levels than grain-fed beef and are comparable to grass-fed beef. The omega 6 to 3 ratio of GLC Beef samples range from 2.25 to 3.27, which makes them more like grass-fed beef samples and improved compared to grain-fed beef samples. This speaks to the high-quality feed the animals are receiving as such favorable omega 6:3 ratios are typically not observed in animals on feed but only in animals on pasture.

• Vitamins:
  All GLC Beef products contain higher levels of Vitamins B2 and B3 than both benchmarks. The Ancestral Blend contains the highest Vitamin B12 concentration across all samples, consistent with the rich presence of this vitamin in organ meats.

• Antioxidants:
  GLC Beef Ribeye is slightly elevated compared to the grain-fed ribeye benchmark but lower than the grass-fed samples. That is because fresh forages are richer in antioxidants than conserved forages or feed. The ancestral blend is closer to grass-fed beef ribeye benchmark because organs are more nutrient-dense than muscle meats and therefore also higher in antioxidants. In the case of grass-fed organ meat, this would also be higher than grass-fed muscle meat. Phytochemicals have important animal health benefits being antioxidant and anti-microbial. Higher intakes of antioxidants in humans are associated with improved heart and brain health, though more research is needed in the context of animal sourced foods. 

• Minerals:
  GLC Beef Ribeye shows higher levels of calcium, iron, and magnesium than both benchmarks. Zinc levels are consistent across all samples. The ancestral blend is particularly rich in iron, which is common in organ samples.

• Macronutrients:
  Total fat content in GLC Beef Ribeye is lower than the grain-fed benchmark and more closely resembles the grass-fed profile. GLC Beef Ribeye has a protein content above the grass-fed benchmark. The ancestral blend is between both benchmarks. 

• Conclusion: GLC Beef samples are more nutrient-dense than most grain-fed beef samples as evidenced by improved omega 6:3 ratios and high concentrations in various minerals and vitamins and approach or exceed grass-fed beef levels in certain nutrients, such as minerals and fatty acid ratios.

Fatty acid concentrations

Introduction

In this section, we compare the fatty acid composition of GLC Beef to two benchmark meats: Grass-fed and Grain-fed Beef. We quantified total omega-3, omega-6, and the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio to evaluate the nutritional balance of these fats. These comparisons are important for assessing dietary impacts on inflammation and cardiovascular health.

Total Omega 6

GLC Beef options tend to have lower omega 6 levels compared to the grain-fed benchmark and are similar to the grass-fed benchmark.

Health Benefit: Reducing omega 6 intake may help support a healthier inflammatory response.

Total Omega 3

In terms of omega 3 content, GLC Beef shows higher concentrations compared to the grain-fed benchmark but lower than the grass-fed benchmark, this is because fresh pasture/forage is rich in omega-3s. Nonetheless, the GLC Beef samples are high for animals finished on feed, illustrating the high-quality feed that the animals are receiving.

Health Benefit: Omega 3 fatty acids are known to promote heart and brain health.

Total Omega 6/3 Ratio

GLC Beef products have a more balanced omega 6 to omega 3 ratio than the grain-fed benchmark and come closer to the ideal ratio seen in grass-fed options. Typically, such favorable omega 6:3 ratios are not observed in animals on feed.

Health Benefit: A balanced omega 6 to omega 3 ratio can contribute to reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Vitamin Concentrations

Introduction

This section presents a comparative analysis of key B vitamin concentrations—B2, B3, and B12—in GLC Beef versus Grass-fed and Grain-fed Beef benchmarks. These data allow us to assess the nutritional value of lamb as a source of essential vitamins.

Vitamin B2

GLC Beef shows notably higher levels of Vitamin B2 than the benchmarks.

Health Benefit: Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) supports energy production and cellular function.

Vitamin B3

GLC Beef showed higher concentrations than the two benchmarks. 

Health Benefit: Vitamin B3 (niacin) helps convert food into energy and supports the nervous system.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is most abundant in GLC Beef Ancestral Blend, surpassing both benchmarks and other GLC Beef samples.

Health Benefit: Vitamin B12 is important for red blood cell formation and neurological function.

Antioxidant Concentrations

Introduction

We evaluated the total antioxidant count of GLC Beef in comparison to Grass-fed and Grain-fed beef benchmarks. This section provides insights into the bioactive compounds present in beef that may support cellular health and inflammation regulation.

Total Antioxidant Count

Total antioxidants count in GLC Beef Ribeye sample is elevated compared to the grain-fed ribeye benchmark. That is because grain/corn is relatively low in antioxidants, which is reflected in the antioxidant status of the animal. The ancestral blend is closer to the grass-fed sample, which is the result of organs being high in antioxidants. The ground beef samples were lowest.

Health Benefit: Higher total antioxidant content helps protect cells from oxidative stress and supports long-term health.

Mineral Concentrations

Introduction

In this section we analyzed the mineral content of GLC Beef in comparison to Grass-fed and Grain-fed beef benchmarks. Key minerals—calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc—were measured. 

Calcium

GLC Beef provides significantly more calcium than both benchmarks, illustrating that the animals must be receiving calcium rich feed.

Health Benefit: Calcium is important for bone strength and muscle function.

Iron

Iron levels in GLC Beef are higher than the benchmarks and especially high in the ancestral blend. Iron levels are high in organs.

Health Benefit: Iron supports red blood cell formation and oxygen transport.

Magnesium

Magnesium content in GLC Beef are higher than both benchmarks.

Health Benefit: Magnesium plays a role in nerve function, energy production, and muscle health.

Zinc

Zinc levels are consistent across all samples, indicating the GLC Beef samples are a good source of zinc.

Health Benefit: Zinc boosts immune function and supports wound healing.

Macronutrient Concentrations

Introduction

This section compares the macronutrient composition—protein and fat—of GLC Beef to Grass-fed and Grain-fed beef benchmarks.

Total Fat

GLC Beef fat content falls below the grain-fed beef benchmark and more closely aligns with the grass-fed beef benchmark. The ground beef sample had the highest level of total fat at nearly 15 grams. 

Total Protein

GLC Beef Ribeye has the highest protein content rising just above the grass-fed benchmark. GLC Beef Ancestral Blend has a protein content just above the grain-fed benchmark, but below the grass-fed benchmark. GLC Beef Ground beef falls below both benchmarks.