Healthier ground beef headed to Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - GreatO Premium Ground Beef is coming out with a healthier beef option enriched in Omega-3s and Buffalo is the test market.

Omega-3 fatty acids are typically found in fish and plant oils and have been shown to reduce heart disease, cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Now, GreatO has come up with ground beef that delivers about a fourth of the healthy daily amount.

"For, say, the typical quarter pound hamburger, it would be something in the range of 200-350 milligrams in that quarter pound serving of hamburger," said Jim Drouillard a professor at Kansas State University.

Drouillard developed the USDA-approved Omega-3 ground beef. His research began a decade ago when he started feeding cattle flax seed, which increased the amount of Omega-3 in the animal.

"It's a natural uptake of nutrients into the food so nothing's added to the product. It's extremely nutritious. We know that customers are looking to incorporate more of Omega-3 into their diets. Omega-3 supplements are actually the highest selling supplement in the United States," said Tops Supermarket spokesperson Katie McKenna.

In about four weeks, Tops Supermarkets will begin carrying the Omega-3 pre-packaged beef on its shelves.

"I like that because even though I am not eating as healthy as I used to, I am trying. I always go for that kind of stuff, so that sounds good to me," said shopper Michelle Kucharski.

As far as the taste, Drouillard says the Omega-3s don't change the flavor.

"If in some small way we can contribute to a more balanced diet for Americans than we feel pretty good about that," said Drouillard.

A GreatO spokesperson says expect prices on the Omega-3 beef to be a little higher than typical ground beef, but less expensive than organic.