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

Shrimp 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?

Ground Beef is generally healthier

Ground Beef comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 2 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has more protein (26g vs 24g), less sodium (75mg vs 148mg)making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Shrimp

99 kcal

More Protein

Ground Beef

26g

More Fiber

Shrimp

0g

Less Sugar

Shrimp

0g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Shrimp
99
Ground Beef
250
Proteinper 100g
Shrimp
24g
Ground Beef
26g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Shrimp
0.2g
Ground Beef
0g
Fatper 100g
Shrimp
0.3g
Ground Beef
17g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientShrimpGround BeefDifference
Calories99kcal250kcal-151.0kcal
Protein24g26g-2.0g
Carbohydrates0.2g0g+0.2g
Fat0.3g17g-16.7g
Fiber0g0g0.0g
Sugar0g0g0.0g
Sodium148mg75mg+73.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

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

Shrimp

Per 100g:99 calories
Per cup (150g):149 calories
Per serving (85g):84 calories

Ground Beef

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

Diet Compatibility

Shrimp

Low-CarbHigh-ProteinLow-CaloriePaleoLow-Sodium

Ground Beef

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

When to Choose Shrimp

  • Lower in calories (99 vs 250)
  • More fiber (0g vs 0g)
  • Less sugar (0g vs 0g)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Shrimp nutrition →

When to Choose Ground Beef

  • Higher in protein (26g vs 24g)
  • Lower in carbs (0g vs 0.2g)
  • Lower sodium (75mg vs 148mg)

Common Uses

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

Shrimp vs Ground Beef: Nutritional Analysis

Ground Beef is more calorie-dense at 250 calories per 100g compared to 99 for Shrimp, a difference of 151 calories. On the protein front, Ground Beef delivers more with 26g per 100g versus 24g, 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 Shrimp and Ground Beef tell different nutritional stories. Shrimp provides 0.2g of carbohydrates, 0.3g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Ground Beef contains 0g carbs, 17g fat, and 0g fiber.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Shrimp is the lower-calorie choice at 99 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: Shrimp 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, Shrimp or Ground Beef?

Ground Beef has more calories with 250 kcal per 100g, compared to Shrimp with 99 kcal. That's a difference of 151 calories per 100g serving.

Is Shrimp healthier than Ground Beef?

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 Shrimp and Ground Beef?

Ground Beef has more protein with 26g per 100g, compared to Shrimp with 24g. Ground Beef provides 2.0g more protein per 100g serving.

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

For weight loss, Shrimp is the better choice with only 99 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 Shrimp or Ground Beef have fewer carbs?

Ground Beef has fewer carbs with 0g per 100g, compared to Shrimp with 0.2g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Ground Beef is the better option with 0.2g 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.