Written by CalorieData Nutrition TeamReviewed by a Registered DietitianLast Updated: March 2026

Chicken Wings vs Ground Beef: Nutrition Comparison

Which is healthier? Compare calories, protein, carbs, and more

Complete side-by-side nutrition comparison per 100g serving | Updated 2026

Which is Healthier?

Chicken Wings is generally healthier

Chicken Wings comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 2 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (203 vs 250), more protein (30g vs 26g), more fiber (0g vs 0g), less sugar (0g vs 0g), making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Chicken Wings

203 kcal

More Protein

Chicken Wings

30g

More Fiber

Chicken Wings

0g

Less Sugar

Chicken Wings

0g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Chicken Wings
203
Ground Beef
250
Proteinper 100g
Chicken Wings
30g
Ground Beef
26g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Chicken Wings
0g
Ground Beef
0g
Fatper 100g
Chicken Wings
8.1g
Ground Beef
17g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientChicken WingsGround BeefDifference
Calories203kcal250kcal-47.0kcal
Protein30g26g+4.0g
Carbohydrates0g0g0.0g
Fat8.1g17g-8.9g
Fiber0g0g0.0g
Sugar0g0g0.0g
Sodium82mg75mg+7.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:

Chicken Wings

Per 100g:203 calories
Per cup (150g):305 calories
Per serving (85g):173 calories

Ground Beef

Per 100g:250 calories
Per cup (150g):375 calories
Per serving (85g):213 calories

Diet Compatibility

Chicken Wings

Low-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

Ground Beef

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

When to Choose Chicken Wings

  • Lower in calories (203 vs 250)
  • Higher in protein (30g vs 26g)
  • More fiber (0g vs 0g)
  • Lower in carbs (0g vs 0g)
  • Less sugar (0g vs 0g)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Chicken Wings nutrition →

When to Choose Ground Beef

  • Lower sodium (75mg vs 82mg)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Ground Beef nutrition →

Chicken Wings vs Ground Beef: Nutritional Analysis

Ground Beef is more calorie-dense at 250 calories per 100g compared to 203 for Chicken Wings, a difference of 47 calories. On the protein front, Chicken Wings delivers more with 30g per 100g versus 26g, which matters for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall metabolic health. These differences become meaningful when you consider how each food fits into your daily dietary pattern rather than looking at any single nutrient in isolation.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The macronutrient profiles of Chicken Wings and Ground Beef tell different nutritional stories. Chicken Wings provides 0g of carbohydrates, 8.1g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Ground Beef contains 0g carbs, 17g fat, and 0g fiber.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Chicken Wings is the lower-calorie choice at 203 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Chicken Wings provides more protein (30g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Chicken Wings offers more fiber (0g/100g), which slows digestion and provides steadier energy release.
  • Overall: Neither food is universally "better" than the other. The right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals, meal context, and dietary preferences. Both can play a role in a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more calories, Chicken Wings or Ground Beef?

Ground Beef has more calories with 250 kcal per 100g, compared to Chicken Wings with 203 kcal. That's a difference of 47 calories per 100g serving.

Is Chicken Wings healthier than Ground Beef?

Based on our nutritional analysis, Chicken Wings is generally the healthier choice, winning in 2 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Chicken Wings has 203 calories, 30g protein, and 0g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

What is the protein difference between Chicken Wings and Ground Beef?

Chicken Wings has more protein with 30g per 100g, compared to Ground Beef with 26g. Chicken Wings provides 4.0g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Chicken Wings or Ground Beef?

For weight loss, Chicken Wings is the better choice with only 203 calories per 100g compared to 250 calories in Ground Beef. Ground Beef also offers 0g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Chicken Wings or Ground Beef have fewer carbs?

Chicken Wings and Ground Beef have the same carbohydrate content at 0g per 100g.

About Our Data

All nutrition data in this comparison is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central, the official food composition database maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Values are based on 100g servings for accurate comparison.

Health Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Nutritional needs vary by individual. The best food choice depends on your personal health goals, dietary requirements, and preferences. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.