Steak ‘n Shake, a popular American restaurant chain, has announced a significant change in its beef sourcing policy. As of June 1, 2026, all Steakburgers will be made with beef from pasture-raised cattle that are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, with no antibiotics or hormones added. This move positions Steak ‘n Shake as the first major fast-food chain in the United States to fully adopt such a sourcing strategy.
Commitment to Healthier Options
The company shared this update on social media, stating, “Starting today, all our beef comes from pasture-raised cattle. Our beef is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished — no antibiotics or hormones added, ever.” Steak ‘n Shake emphasized its commitment to providing healthier beef options at reasonable prices, describing the change as “simply the right thing to do.”
Prior to this shift, Steak ‘n Shake’s suppliers were required to meet standards such as humane treatment of cattle and no added hormones, but the chain had not previously mandated a fully grass-fed, grass-finished program.
Industry Context and Challenges
Grass-fed beef is known for having higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), vitamin E, and beta-carotene compared to conventional grain-fed beef. It also typically contains less total fat. Despite these benefits, the transition to grass-fed beef presents challenges, particularly in terms of supply. The U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest level in 75 years, leading to reduced beef production and elevated prices. Observers have questioned whether Steak ‘n Shake will need to rely on imports to meet its nationwide demand.
In the past, other chains like Carl’s Jr. have experimented with grass-fed beef offerings, but such initiatives were often short-lived. Steak ‘n Shake’s decision to fully commit to grass-fed beef across its entire chain is a rare move among national burger brands.
Consumer Reactions and Market Impact
Customer reactions on social media have been mixed, with many praising the healthier beef option, while others have raised questions about the beef’s origin, taste, and the impact on other menu items. Despite the challenges of sourcing grass-fed beef amid tight supplies and rising prices, Steak ‘n Shake has assured customers that it will maintain reasonable prices.
This change is part of broader ingredient updates by the company, which has also shifted to using beef tallow for its fries in recent years. As the market for grass-fed beef grows, Steak ‘n Shake’s decision may influence other chains to consider similar sourcing strategies.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
