Nutrient-Dense Ground Beef Blends Arrive at Sprouts
Shoppers can now find ground beef blended with heart and liver at more than 500 Sprouts Farmers Market locations.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Organic Food
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Hickory Nut Gap Farms has expanded the availability of its Vital Blend ground beef to over 500 Sprouts Farmers Market stores across the country. The product, which debuted in 2018, incorporates heart and liver to increase its nutrient density compared to standard beef options.
Why it matters
For shoppers looking to increase their intake of nutrient-dense organ meats, this retail expansion makes products containing both heart and liver more accessible. The blend is designed to provide a higher protein content than traditional 80% lean, 20% fat ground beef.
The Vital Blend product provides 4 grams more protein per serving compared to conventional 80% lean, 20% fat ground beef. The specific nutrient profile gained from the addition of heart and liver tissue remains to be disclosed.
The players
Hickory Nut Gap Farms
A Fairview, North Carolina-based producer of regeneratively raised beef.
Sprouts Farmers Market
A Phoenix-based natural grocery chain operating over 500 stores in 25 states.
The details
Hickory Nut Gap Farms sources cattle from family-run operations in the southeastern United States that utilize regenerative agriculture practices. The Vital Blend combines ground beef with nutrient-rich organ meats like heart and liver. These animals are raised on high-quality pasture without the use of antibiotics or added hormones.
Timeline
2018: Hickory Nut Gap Farms originally launched the Vital Blend product.
October 15, 2026: Vital Blend products became available in Sprouts Farmers Market stores.
Health Landscape
This product expansion follows a broader market trend toward the inclusion of organ meats in ground products to improve nutrient density. It reflects a growing consumer interest in utilizing whole-animal nutrition to enhance the protein and vitamin content of standard meals.
Shoppers interested in the nutrient profile of organ meats can now find this blend in more locations, though it is worth checking the label to compare against your current dietary goals. Consider discussing any major shifts in your red meat consumption with your doctor or a registered dietitian.
The takeaway
Adding heart and liver to ground beef can be an effective way to boost the protein and nutrient density of your meals. If you are looking to increase your intake of these organ meats, check the labels at your local grocer for similar blends that prioritize pasture-raised, hormone-free sourcing.
Further reading
For more on finding quality meat options at the grocery store, check out our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Perishable News.
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Do you prioritize nutrient density and sustainable farming when purchasing meat products for your household?
