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 processed and contains flavoring and encapsulated salt, which includes hydrogenated cottonseed oil.

How processed is Ground Beef?

Ground Beef is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Ground Beef's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Beef counts in its favor; flavoring, hydrogenated cottonseed oil are flagged as ingredients 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

Ground Beef Member's Mark
Bioengineered
60 Fair

Analysis updated June 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Walmart
Category Meat and Seafood
Summary

This ground beef product is processed and contains flavoring and encapsulated salt, which includes hydrogenated cottonseed oil. The presence of hydrogenated oils is concerning due to potential trans fat content, which is not ideal for health. While it provides a good source of protein, the processing level and inclusion of vague flavoring ingredients limit its healthiness compared to minimally processed options.

Key ingredients 5

Beef
Very Good

Beef is a high-quality source of protein and essential nutrients, making it a beneficial ingredient for muscle health and overall nutrition.

See more about Beef →
encapsulated salt
Neutral

Encapsulated salt helps control salt release and flavor, but its health impact depends on overall salt intake.

salt
Neutral

Salt is essential for flavor and preservation but should be consumed in moderation to avoid health issues.

See more about salt →
flavoring
Bad

Flavoring can contain artificial additives or preservatives that may not be ideal for health-conscious consumers.

hydrogenated cottonseed oil
Very Bad

Hydrogenated cottonseed oil contains trans fats, which are linked to increased risk of heart disease and should be minimized.

See more about hydrogenated cottonseed oil →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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