Ground beef

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Common questions

Is Ground beef healthy?

Ground beef scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. This product consists solely of beef, which is a minimally processed, high-quality source of complete protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

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, 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

85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$6.69 · 1 lb · $6.69 / lb
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Meat and Seafood
Summary

This product consists solely of beef, which is a minimally processed, high-quality source of complete protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. The lack of additives or harmful ingredients contributes to its high rating, making it a nutritious choice for muscle growth and energy production. Grass-fed beef would score slightly higher due to its superior fat profile and omega-3 content.

Key ingredients 1

Beef
Good

Beef is a high-quality source of complete protein, providing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth and repair. It is rich in important nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are crucial for energy production and immune function. Grass-fed beef is particularly valued for its higher omega-3 fatty acid content and better fat profile compared to grain-fed beef.

Risks

Excessive consumption of red meat has been associated with increased risk of certain health issues, such as heart disease and colorectal cancer. It is important to consume beef in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Benefits

Beef provides essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, which support red blood cell production and neurological health. It is also a rich source of high-quality protein, beneficial for maintaining muscle mass and overall health.

See more about Beef →

Processing

Group 1 · Minimally processed

Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

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