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Ground Beef

Common questions

Is Ground Beef healthy?

Ground Beef scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This ground beef product is considered ultra-processed due to the inclusion of natural flavorings, which are often highly processed and lack transparency.

How processed is Ground Beef?

Ground Beef is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Ground Beef's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Natural flavorings is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Ground Beef

60 Fair

Analysis updated June 2026 · How Scout scores

$6.69 · 1 lb · $6.69 / lb
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Meat and Seafood
Summary

This ground beef product is considered ultra-processed due to the inclusion of natural flavorings, which are often highly processed and lack transparency. While the beef itself is a good source of protein and healthy fats, the processing level and the use of flavor enhancers limit its overall healthiness compared to minimally processed alternatives. The presence of natural flavorings raises concerns about potential allergens and the quality of the ingredients used.

Key ingredients 2

Beef
Neutral

Beef is a rich source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. The nutritional value can vary based on the animal's diet and living conditions, with grass-fed beef generally being more nutrient-dense. However, the health impact of beef consumption can depend on the overall diet and lifestyle.

Risks

Excessive consumption of red meat has been linked to increased risks of certain health issues, such as heart disease and colorectal cancer.

Benefits

Beef provides essential amino acids, iron, and vitamin B12, which are important for muscle maintenance and energy production.

See more about Beef →
Natural flavorings
Bad

Natural flavorings are often used to enhance taste but can be highly processed and lack transparency regarding their specific components. They may contain a variety of chemical compounds derived from natural sources, which can be concerning for individuals with allergies or sensitivities. The term 'natural' does not necessarily imply health benefits or high quality.

Risks

Potential allergens or sensitivities may be triggered by undisclosed components within natural flavorings.

See more about Natural flavorings →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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Amazon pricing & content

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