Ground Beef vs Steak: 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?
Ground Beef is generally healthier
Ground Beef comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 2 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (250 vs 271), more protein (26g vs 25g), more fiber (0g vs 0g), less sugar (0g vs 0g), making it the better choice for most health goals.
Quick Summary
Fewer Calories
Ground Beef
250 kcal
More Protein
Ground Beef
26g
More Fiber
Ground Beef
0g
Less Sugar
Ground Beef
0g
Visual Comparison
Side-by-Side Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Ground Beef | Steak | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250kcal✓ | 271kcal | -21.0kcal |
| Protein | 26g✓ | 25g | +1.0g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0g | 0.0g |
| Fat | 17g✓ | 19g | -2.0g |
| Fiber | 0g | 0g | 0.0g |
| Sugar | 0g | 0g | 0.0g |
| Sodium | 75mg | 54mg✓ | +21.0mg |
Serving Size Comparison
All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:
Ground Beef
Steak
Diet Compatibility
Ground Beef
Steak
When to Choose Ground Beef
- ✓Lower in calories (250 vs 271)
- ✓Higher in protein (26g vs 25g)
- ✓More fiber (0g vs 0g)
- ✓Lower in carbs (0g vs 0g)
- ✓Less sugar (0g vs 0g)
Common Uses
When to Choose Steak
- ✓Lower sodium (54mg vs 75mg)
Common Uses
Ground Beef vs Steak: Nutritional Analysis
Steak is more calorie-dense at 271 calories per 100g compared to 250 for Ground Beef, a difference of 21 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 Steak tell different nutritional stories. Ground Beef provides 0g of carbohydrates, 17g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Steak contains 0g carbs, 19g fat, and 0g fiber.
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: 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 Steak?
Steak has more calories with 271 kcal per 100g, compared to Ground Beef with 250 kcal. That's a difference of 21 calories per 100g serving.
Is Ground Beef healthier than Steak?
Based on our nutritional analysis, Ground Beef is generally the healthier choice, winning in 2 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Ground Beef has 250 calories, 26g 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 Steak?
Ground Beef has more protein with 26g per 100g, compared to Steak with 25g. Ground Beef provides 1.0g more protein per 100g serving.
Which is better for weight loss, Ground Beef or Steak?
For weight loss, Ground Beef is the better choice with only 250 calories per 100g compared to 271 calories in Steak. Steak also offers 0g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.
Does Ground Beef or Steak have fewer carbs?
Ground Beef and Steak 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.