Ground Beef vs Chicken Breast: 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 Breast is generally healthier
Chicken Breast comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (165 vs 250), more protein (31g vs 26g), less sodium (74mg vs 75mg)making it the better choice for most health goals.
Quick Summary
Fewer Calories
Chicken Breast
165 kcal
More Protein
Chicken Breast
31g
More Fiber
Ground Beef
0g
Less Sugar
Ground Beef
0g
Visual Comparison
Side-by-Side Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Ground Beef | Chicken Breast | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250kcal | 165kcal✓ | +85.0kcal |
| Protein | 26g | 31g✓ | -5.0g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0g | 0.0g |
| Fat | 17g | 3.6g✓ | +13.4g |
| Fiber | 0g | 0g | 0.0g |
| Sugar | 0g | 0g | 0.0g |
| Sodium | 75mg | 74mg✓ | +1.0mg |
Serving Size Comparison
All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:
Ground Beef
Chicken Breast
Diet Compatibility
Ground Beef
Chicken Breast
When to Choose Ground Beef
- ✓More fiber (0g vs 0g)
- ✓Lower in carbs (0g vs 0g)
- ✓Less sugar (0g vs 0g)
Common Uses
When to Choose Chicken Breast
- ✓Lower in calories (165 vs 250)
- ✓Higher in protein (31g vs 26g)
- ✓Lower sodium (74mg vs 75mg)
Common Uses
Ground Beef vs Chicken Breast: Nutritional Analysis
Ground Beef is more calorie-dense at 250 calories per 100g compared to 165 for Chicken Breast, a difference of 85 calories. On the protein front, Chicken Breast delivers more with 31g 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 Ground Beef and Chicken Breast tell different nutritional stories. Ground Beef provides 0g of carbohydrates, 17g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Chicken Breast contains 0g carbs, 3.6g fat, and 0g fiber.
Key Takeaways
- For weight management: Chicken Breast is the lower-calorie choice at 165 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
- For muscle building: Chicken Breast provides more protein (31g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
- For sustained energy: Ground Beef 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, Ground Beef or Chicken Breast?
Ground Beef has more calories with 250 kcal per 100g, compared to Chicken Breast with 165 kcal. That's a difference of 85 calories per 100g serving.
Is Ground Beef healthier than Chicken Breast?
Based on our nutritional analysis, Chicken Breast is generally the healthier choice, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Chicken Breast has 165 calories, 31g protein, and 0g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.
What is the protein difference between Ground Beef and Chicken Breast?
Chicken Breast has more protein with 31g per 100g, compared to Ground Beef with 26g. Chicken Breast provides 5.0g more protein per 100g serving.
Which is better for weight loss, Ground Beef or Chicken Breast?
For weight loss, Chicken Breast is the better choice with only 165 calories per 100g compared to 250 calories in Ground Beef. Chicken Breast also offers 0g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.
Does Ground Beef or Chicken Breast have fewer carbs?
Ground Beef and Chicken Breast have the same carbohydrate content at 0g per 100g.
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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.