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 ground beef is a minimally processed, high-quality source of protein and essential nutrients.

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.

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Ground beef

85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Meat and Seafood
Summary

This ground beef is a minimally processed, high-quality source of protein and essential nutrients. It offers a rich amino acid profile and better bioavailability of nutrients like iron and zinc compared to plant-based proteins. The product's simplicity and lack of additives contribute to its high rating.

Key ingredients 1

Ground beef
Good

Ground beef is a high-quality source of protein and essential nutrients. It provides a rich amino acid profile and is minimally processed, especially when sourced from grass-fed cattle. Compared to plant-based proteins, it offers better bioavailability of nutrients like iron and zinc.

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 B vitamins. When sourced from grass-fed cattle, it may contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Processing

Group 1 · Minimally processed

Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

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