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

Oatmeal 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. Oatmeal has 389 calories while Ground Beef has 250 calories per 100g.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Ground Beef

250 kcal

More Protein

Ground Beef

26g

More Fiber

Oatmeal

11g

Less Sugar

Oatmeal

0g

Visual Comparison

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

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientOatmealGround BeefDifference
Calories389kcal250kcal+139.0kcal
Protein17g26g-9.0g
Carbohydrates66g0g+66.0g
Fat7g17g-10.0g
Fiber11g0g+11.0g
Sugar0g0g0.0g
Sodium2mg75mg-73.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

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

Oatmeal

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

Ground Beef

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

Diet Compatibility

Oatmeal

High-ProteinVeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

Ground Beef

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

When to Choose Oatmeal

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

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Oatmeal nutrition →

When to Choose Ground Beef

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

Common Uses

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

Oatmeal vs Ground Beef: 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 Oatmeal and Ground Beef tell different nutritional stories. Oatmeal provides 66g of carbohydrates, 7g of fat, and 11g of fiber per 100g, while Ground Beef contains 0g carbs, 17g fat, and 0g 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, Oatmeal or Ground Beef?

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 Oatmeal healthier than Ground Beef?

Oatmeal 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 Oatmeal and Ground Beef?

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, Oatmeal or Ground Beef?

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 Oatmeal or Ground Beef 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.