Ground beef

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

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, providing a high-quality source of complete protein with essential amino acids.

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.

You might also like

See more

Ground beef

Lidl
80 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by "Schwarz Group"
Category Meat and Seafood
Summary

Ground beef is a minimally processed food, providing a high-quality source of complete protein with essential amino acids. When sourced from grass-fed cattle, it offers additional nutritional benefits such as higher omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Its simple ingredient list and lack of additives contribute to its high rating.

Key ingredients 1

Ground beef
Good

Ground beef is a high-quality source of complete protein, providing essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth. It is minimally processed, especially when sourced from grass-fed cattle, which can enhance its nutritional profile with higher omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Compared to plant-based proteins, it offers a richer amino acid profile and better bioavailability.

Risks

Potential risks include high saturated fat content, which may contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess. There is also a risk of contamination if not cooked properly.

Benefits

Rich in protein and essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are crucial for energy production and immune function. Grass-fed beef may offer additional health benefits due to its higher omega-3 content.

Processing

Group 1 · Minimally processed

Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Meat and Seafood