Ground beef

88 Excellent

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Meat and Seafood
Summary

This product is a minimally processed whole food, consisting solely of beef, which is a 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, although grass-fed beef would score slightly higher due to its superior omega-3 fatty acid content and antioxidant levels. Its plastic packaging can shed microplastics into the food and lowers its score.

Key ingredients 1

Beef
Very 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 antioxidant levels compared to grain-fed beef.

Risks

Excessive consumption of red meat has been linked to increased risks 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 a rich source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, supporting muscle health and energy levels. Grass-fed beef offers additional benefits with higher omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

See more about Beef →

Processing

Group 1 · Minimally processed

Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

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Ground beef

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Ground beef healthy?

Ground beef scores 88/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. This product is a minimally processed whole food, consisting solely of beef, which is a 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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