Ground Beef

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Common questions

Is Ground Beef healthy?

Ground Beef scores 80/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Ground beef is a minimally processed food that provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

How processed is Ground Beef?

Ground Beef is NOVA Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Ground Beef's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Ground beef counts in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Ground Beef

Kroger
80 Good

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Kroger
Category Meat and Seafood
Summary

Ground beef is a minimally processed food that provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. It is a single-ingredient product with no additives, making it a clean and nutritious choice. When sourced from grass-fed cattle, it may offer additional health benefits, including higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Key ingredients 1

Ground beef
Good

Ground beef is a minimally processed source of high-quality protein. It provides essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are important for various bodily functions. When sourced from grass-fed cattle, it may contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Risks

Potential risks include high saturated fat content, which may contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess. It's important to ensure proper cooking to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Benefits

Rich in protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, supporting muscle growth and immune function. Grass-fed options may offer additional health benefits due to higher omega-3 content.

Processing

Group 1 · Minimally processed

Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

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