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

Salmon 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. Salmon has 208 calories while Ground Beef has 250 calories per 100g.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Salmon

208 kcal

More Protein

Ground Beef

26g

More Fiber

Salmon

0g

Less Sugar

Salmon

0g

Visual Comparison

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

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientSalmonGround BeefDifference
Calories208kcal250kcal-42.0kcal
Protein25g26g-1.0g
Carbohydrates0g0g0.0g
Fat13g17g-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:

Salmon

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

Ground Beef

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

Diet Compatibility

Salmon

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

Ground Beef

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

When to Choose Salmon

  • Lower in calories (208 vs 250)
  • 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 Salmon nutrition →

When to Choose Ground Beef

  • Higher in protein (26g vs 25g)

Common Uses

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

Salmon vs Ground Beef: 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 Salmon and Ground Beef tell different nutritional stories. Salmon provides 0g of carbohydrates, 13g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Ground Beef contains 0g carbs, 17g 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: Salmon 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, Salmon or Ground Beef?

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 Salmon healthier than Ground Beef?

Salmon 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 Salmon and Ground Beef?

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, Salmon or Ground Beef?

For weight loss, Salmon is the better choice with only 208 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 Salmon or Ground Beef have fewer carbs?

Salmon and Ground Beef 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.