Steak ‘n Shake Bets Big On Grass — America’s First Major Chain To Switch

Steak ‘n Shake announced that, as of June 1, 2026, all its Steakburgers will use beef from pasture-raised cattle that is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, with no antibiotics or hormones added.

In a statement posted Monday on X, the company said: “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.” It added, “Steak n Shake is committed to serving the healthiest kind of beef at reasonable prices. It is simply the right thing to do.” The post ended with “Go MAHA!”

Prior to the switch, Steak ‘n Shake required suppliers to meet standards including humane treatment of cattle, no added hormones, and no animal by-products in feed, but it did not specify a fully grass-fed, grass-finished program.

The company has not publicly detailed the exact prior sourcing mix or countries of origin for the new beef supply. Some observers have questioned whether the volume needed for nationwide use will require imports, given the limited U.S. grass-fed supply.

Pasture-Raised Beef Context and Similar Moves

Pasture-raised, grass-fed, and grass-finished beef differs from conventional grain-finished beef, which accounts for the majority of U.S. production. Studies indicate that grass-fed beef can have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), vitamin E, and beta-carotene than grain-fed beef, per the Mayo Clinic.

It typically has lower total fat content.

In the past, Carl’s Jr. introduced an “All-Natural Burger” in 2014-2015 featuring grass-fed, free-range beef with no added hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. It was marketed as the first such offering from a major fast-food chain but was later discontinued.

Other restaurants, particularly independent or upscale spots, have offered grass-fed options for years, but full-chain adoption by a national burger brand remains rare.

U.S. Beef Market Conditions

Beef prices in the United States remain elevated in 2026 due to tight supplies. The U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest level in 75 years, leading to reduced production, according to Beef Magazine.

USDA forecasts for 2026 project beef production at approximately 25.547 billion pounds, down from prior years.

Retail all-fresh beef prices averaged around $9.47 per pound in January 2026 and rose to $9.64 in February, approaching $10 per pound in some reports.

Wholesale prices have also climbed, with forecasts for further increases of about 6.9% in 2026, per Food Ingredients 1st.

Key drivers include low cattle inventories after years of herd liquidation, strong consumer demand, and heavier reliance on imports to meet ground beef needs, according to Farm Progress.

Steak ‘n Shake stated it would maintain reasonable prices despite the sourcing change. Customer reactions on social media included praise for the move, as well as questions about its origin, taste, and other menu items.

The company has also shifted to beef tallow for fries in recent years as part of broader ingredient updates.