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

Coffee 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?

Coffee is generally healthier

Coffee comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 2 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (1 vs 250), more fiber (0g vs 0g), less sugar (0g vs 0g), less sodium (5mg vs 75mg)making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Coffee

1 kcal

More Protein

Ground Beef

26g

More Fiber

Coffee

0g

Less Sugar

Coffee

0g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Coffee
1
Ground Beef
250
Proteinper 100g
Coffee
0.3g
Ground Beef
26g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Coffee
0.2g
Ground Beef
0g
Fatper 100g
Coffee
0g
Ground Beef
17g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientCoffeeGround BeefDifference
Calories1kcal250kcal-249.0kcal
Protein0.3g26g-25.7g
Carbohydrates0.2g0g+0.2g
Fat0g17g-17.0g
Fiber0g0g0.0g
Sugar0g0g0.0g
Sodium5mg75mg-70.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

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

Coffee

Per 100g:1 calories
Per cup (150g):2 calories
Per serving (85g):1 calories

Ground Beef

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

Diet Compatibility

Coffee

Low-CarbLow-CalorieVeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

Ground Beef

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

When to Choose Coffee

  • Lower in calories (1 vs 250)
  • More fiber (0g vs 0g)
  • Less sugar (0g vs 0g)
  • Lower sodium (5mg vs 75mg)

Common Uses

HydrationMorning ritualSocial occasionsEnergy boost
View full Coffee nutrition →

When to Choose Ground Beef

  • Higher in protein (26g vs 0.3g)
  • Lower in carbs (0g vs 0.2g)

Common Uses

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

Coffee vs Ground Beef: Nutritional Analysis

Ground Beef is more calorie-dense at 250 calories per 100g compared to 1 for Coffee, a difference of 249 calories. On the protein front, Ground Beef delivers more with 26g per 100g versus 0.3g, 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 Coffee and Ground Beef tell different nutritional stories. Coffee provides 0.2g of carbohydrates, 0g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Ground Beef contains 0g carbs, 17g fat, and 0g fiber.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Coffee is the lower-calorie choice at 1 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Ground Beef provides more protein (26g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Coffee 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, Coffee or Ground Beef?

Ground Beef has more calories with 250 kcal per 100g, compared to Coffee with 1 kcal. That's a difference of 249 calories per 100g serving.

Is Coffee healthier than Ground Beef?

Based on our nutritional analysis, Coffee is generally the healthier choice, winning in 2 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Coffee has 1 calories, 0.3g protein, and 0g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

What is the protein difference between Coffee and Ground Beef?

Ground Beef has more protein with 26g per 100g, compared to Coffee with 0.3g. Ground Beef provides 25.7g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Coffee or Ground Beef?

For weight loss, Coffee is the better choice with only 1 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 Coffee or Ground Beef have fewer carbs?

Ground Beef has fewer carbs with 0g per 100g, compared to Coffee with 0.2g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Ground Beef is the better option with 0.2g fewer carbohydrates.

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.