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

Ground Beef vs Salmon: 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 Salmon has 208 calories per 100g.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Salmon

208 kcal

More Protein

Ground Beef

26g

More Fiber

Ground Beef

0g

Less Sugar

Ground Beef

0g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Ground Beef
250
Salmon
208
Proteinper 100g
Ground Beef
26g
Salmon
25g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Ground Beef
0g
Salmon
0g
Fatper 100g
Ground Beef
17g
Salmon
13g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientGround BeefSalmonDifference
Calories250kcal208kcal+42.0kcal
Protein26g25g+1.0g
Carbohydrates0g0g0.0g
Fat17g13g+4.0g
Fiber0g0g0.0g
Sugar0g0g0.0g
Sodium75mg75mg0.0mg

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

Salmon

Per 100g:208 calories
Per cup (150g):312 calories
Per serving (85g):177 calories

Diet Compatibility

Ground Beef

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

Salmon

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

When to Choose Ground Beef

  • Higher in protein (26g vs 25g)
  • More fiber (0g vs 0g)
  • Lower in carbs (0g vs 0g)
  • Less sugar (0g vs 0g)
  • Lower sodium (75mg vs 75mg)

Common Uses

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

When to Choose Salmon

  • Lower in calories (208 vs 250)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Salmon nutrition →

Ground Beef vs Salmon: Nutritional Analysis

Ground Beef is more calorie-dense at 250 calories per 100g compared to 208 for Salmon, a difference of 42 calories. On the protein front, Ground Beef delivers more with 26g per 100g versus 25g, 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 Salmon tell different nutritional stories. Ground Beef provides 0g of carbohydrates, 17g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Salmon contains 0g carbs, 13g fat, and 0g fiber.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Salmon is the lower-calorie choice at 208 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: 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 Salmon?

Ground Beef has more calories with 250 kcal per 100g, compared to Salmon with 208 kcal. That's a difference of 42 calories per 100g serving.

Is Ground Beef healthier than Salmon?

Ground Beef and Salmon 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 Salmon?

Ground Beef has more protein with 26g per 100g, compared to Salmon with 25g. Ground Beef provides 1.0g more protein per 100g serving.

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

For weight loss, Salmon is the better choice with only 208 calories per 100g compared to 250 calories in Ground Beef. Salmon also offers 0g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Ground Beef or Salmon have fewer carbs?

Ground Beef and Salmon 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.