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

Milk 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?

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. Milk has 61 calories while Ground Beef has 250 calories per 100g.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Milk

61 kcal

More Protein

Ground Beef

26g

More Fiber

Milk

0g

Less Sugar

Ground Beef

0g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Milk
61
Ground Beef
250
Proteinper 100g
Milk
3.2g
Ground Beef
26g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Milk
4.8g
Ground Beef
0g
Fatper 100g
Milk
3.3g
Ground Beef
17g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientMilkGround BeefDifference
Calories61kcal250kcal-189.0kcal
Protein3.2g26g-22.8g
Carbohydrates4.8g0g+4.8g
Fat3.3g17g-13.7g
Fiber0g0g0.0g
Sugar4.8g0g+4.8g
Sodium44mg75mg-31.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

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

Milk

Per 100g:61 calories
Per cup (150g):92 calories
Per serving (85g):52 calories

Ground Beef

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

Diet Compatibility

Milk

Low-CarbLow-CalorieVegetarianLow-Sodium

Ground Beef

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

When to Choose Milk

  • Lower in calories (61 vs 250)
  • More fiber (0g vs 0g)
  • Lower sodium (44mg vs 75mg)

Common Uses

BreakfastSnacksCooking ingredientPost-workout
View full Milk nutrition →

When to Choose Ground Beef

  • Higher in protein (26g vs 3.2g)
  • Lower in carbs (0g vs 4.8g)
  • Less sugar (0g vs 4.8g)

Common Uses

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

Milk vs Ground Beef: Nutritional Analysis

Ground Beef is more calorie-dense at 250 calories per 100g compared to 61 for Milk, a difference of 189 calories. On the protein front, Ground Beef delivers more with 26g per 100g versus 3.2g, 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 Milk and Ground Beef tell different nutritional stories. Milk provides 4.8g of carbohydrates, 3.3g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Ground Beef contains 0g carbs, 17g fat, and 0g fiber. Sugar content also differs: Milk contains 4.8g while Ground Beef has 0g per 100g. Lower sugar options are generally preferable for blood sugar management and dental health.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Milk is the lower-calorie choice at 61 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: Milk 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, Milk or Ground Beef?

Ground Beef has more calories with 250 kcal per 100g, compared to Milk with 61 kcal. That's a difference of 189 calories per 100g serving.

Is Milk healthier than Ground Beef?

Milk and Ground Beef 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 Milk and Ground Beef?

Ground Beef has more protein with 26g per 100g, compared to Milk with 3.2g. Ground Beef provides 22.8g more protein per 100g serving.

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

For weight loss, Milk is the better choice with only 61 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 Milk or Ground Beef have fewer carbs?

Ground Beef has fewer carbs with 0g per 100g, compared to Milk with 4.8g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Ground Beef is the better option with 4.8g 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.