Is 93% lean ground beef good for weight loss?

Yes, 93% lean ground beef can be beneficial for weight loss due to its high protein content (25.9g per serving), which helps with satiety and muscle maintenance. It is also relatively low in calories and saturated fat.

Is 93% lean ground beef good for building muscle?

Absolutely. With 25.9g of protein per 3 oz serving, 93% lean ground beef is an excellent food for muscle building and repair. It also provides key micronutrients like iron and zinc that support athletic performance.

Is 93% lean ground beef ultra-processed?

No, 93% lean ground beef is a whole, unprocessed food, categorized as NOVA Class 1. It contains no added sugars, artificial ingredients, or excessive sodium, making it a natural choice.

Is 93% lean ground beef suitable for a low-sodium diet?

Yes, with only 74mg of sodium per 3 oz serving, 93% lean ground beef is naturally low in sodium. This makes it a suitable option for individuals monitoring their sodium intake.

meat · Serving 3 oz

Ground beef (93% lean, cooked)

Ground beef (93% lean, cooked) scores a very good 78/100. It is an excellent source of protein and essential micronutrients, with no added sugar or fiber.

Very good

FoodScore / 100

Score breakdown

What it has going for it

Bonuses

Protein (25.9g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc, Vitamin B12)+8
Whole food (NOVA 1)+10

What brings the score down

Penalties

Nothing significantly penalised. Well done.

Based on our published methodology (USDA Dietary Guidelines 2020-2025 + NIH DRI).

Nutrition facts

Nutrient	Per 100g	% DV
Calories	182 kcal	—
Total fat	8.5 g	11%
Saturated fat	3.4 g	17%
Trans fat	0 g	—
Fiber	0 g	0%
Protein	25.9 g	52%
Added sugar	0 g	0%
Sodium	74 mg	3%
Potassium	318 mg	7%
Calcium	0 mg	0%
Iron	2.7 mg	15%
Magnesium	22 mg	5%
Phosphorus	224 mg	18%
Zinc	5.6 mg	51%
Vitamin A	0 %	0%
Vitamin C	0 %	0%
Vitamin D	0 %	0%
Vitamin E	0 %	0%
Vitamin K	0 %	0%
Vitamin B12	85 %	85%
Folate	0 %	0%
Riboflavin	0 %	0%
Omega-3	0 g	—

Eat this instead

Higher-scoring foods in the same category.

Chicken thigh (skinless, cooked)

meat

85Very good

Eggs (whole)

meat

85Very good

Frequently asked questions

Is 93% lean ground beef good for weight loss?: Yes, 93% lean ground beef can be beneficial for weight loss due to its high protein content (25.9g per serving), which helps with satiety and muscle maintenance. It is also relatively low in calories and saturated fat.
Is 93% lean ground beef good for building muscle?: Absolutely. With 25.9g of protein per 3 oz serving, 93% lean ground beef is an excellent food for muscle building and repair. It also provides key micronutrients like iron and zinc that support athletic performance.
Is 93% lean ground beef ultra-processed?: No, 93% lean ground beef is a whole, unprocessed food, categorized as NOVA Class 1. It contains no added sugars, artificial ingredients, or excessive sodium, making it a natural choice.
Is 93% lean ground beef suitable for a low-sodium diet?: Yes, with only 74mg of sodium per 3 oz serving, 93% lean ground beef is naturally low in sodium. This makes it a suitable option for individuals monitoring their sodium intake.

Sources: USDA FoodData Central · FDA Nutrition Facts label

Updated 4/19/2026.