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

Ground Beef vs Oatmeal: 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?

Both foods have similar nutritional profiles

Both foods have similar nutritional profiles with each winning in different categories. Your choice should depend on your specific dietary goals and preferences. Ground Beef has 250 calories while Oatmeal has 389 calories per 100g.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Ground Beef

250 kcal

More Protein

Ground Beef

26g

More Fiber

Oatmeal

11g

Less Sugar

Ground Beef

0g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Ground Beef
250
Oatmeal
389
Proteinper 100g
Ground Beef
26g
Oatmeal
17g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Ground Beef
0g
Oatmeal
66g
Fatper 100g
Ground Beef
17g
Oatmeal
7g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientGround BeefOatmealDifference
Calories250kcal389kcal-139.0kcal
Protein26g17g+9.0g
Carbohydrates0g66g-66.0g
Fat17g7g+10.0g
Fiber0g11g-11.0g
Sugar0g0g0.0g
Sodium75mg2mg+73.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

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

Ground Beef

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

Oatmeal

Per 100g:389 calories
Per cup (150g):584 calories
Per serving (85g):331 calories

Diet Compatibility

Ground Beef

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

Oatmeal

High-ProteinVeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

When to Choose Ground Beef

  • Lower in calories (250 vs 389)
  • Higher in protein (26g vs 17g)
  • Lower in carbs (0g vs 66g)
  • Less sugar (0g vs 0g)

Common Uses

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

When to Choose Oatmeal

  • More fiber (11g vs 0g)
  • Lower sodium (2mg vs 75mg)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Oatmeal nutrition →

Ground Beef vs Oatmeal: Nutritional Analysis

Oatmeal is more calorie-dense at 389 calories per 100g compared to 250 for Ground Beef, a difference of 139 calories. On the protein front, Ground Beef delivers more with 26g per 100g versus 17g, 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 Oatmeal tell different nutritional stories. Ground Beef provides 0g of carbohydrates, 17g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Oatmeal contains 66g carbs, 7g fat, and 11g fiber. The higher fiber content in Oatmeal supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Ground Beef is the lower-calorie choice at 250 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: Oatmeal offers more fiber (11g/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 Oatmeal?

Oatmeal has more calories with 389 kcal per 100g, compared to Ground Beef with 250 kcal. That's a difference of 139 calories per 100g serving.

Is Ground Beef healthier than Oatmeal?

Ground Beef and Oatmeal have similar nutritional profiles, with each food winning in different categories. The healthier choice depends on your specific dietary goals and nutritional needs.

What is the protein difference between Ground Beef and Oatmeal?

Ground Beef has more protein with 26g per 100g, compared to Oatmeal with 17g. Ground Beef provides 9.0g more protein per 100g serving.

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

For weight loss, Ground Beef is the better choice with only 250 calories per 100g compared to 389 calories in Oatmeal. Oatmeal also offers 11g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Ground Beef or Oatmeal have fewer carbs?

Ground Beef has fewer carbs with 0g per 100g, compared to Oatmeal with 66g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Ground Beef is the better option with 66.0g 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.