Ground Turkey vs. Ground Beef: Is One Healthier? (2024)

FAQs

Ground Turkey vs. Ground Beef: Is One Healthier? ›

Ground beef and turkey are both nutritious meats that provide protein, fat, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef. As such, it may be a better choice for heart health. Fat-free turkey is also the lowest calorie option if you're interested in weight loss.

"Ground turkey contains less saturated fat than ground beef, giving it a more beneficial fat profile," says Beaver. "In its place, ground turkey instead contains more polyunsaturated fat, which is a protective, healthier type of fat."

The Bottom Line

If you're eating for a healthy heart, lean ground turkey—which is lower in saturated fat—is the better pick for you. Of course, you can still enjoy ground beef from time to time, but choosing lean ground turkey more often will help your heart in the long run.

The bottom line is yes—it is okay to include ground turkey in your diet regularly, though as with any food, it's crucial to eat it in moderation and variety in your food choices. Eating a diverse range of nutrient sources helps ensure you obtain all of the essential nutrients needed for enhancing overall health.

Comparing the two, beef raised on grass is higher in omega-3 fatty acids than poultry because cows get more of these omega-3s from eating grass so there may be some additional anti-inflammatory benefits there. All meats have a different composition of nutrients so variety is really what's best.

Doyle explains that these natural meats (including chicken and turkey) are still processed, and they're still made with nitrates. “They use natural sources of preservatives,” she says. “Many companies are using celery powder, celery juice or celery salt, which are high in nitrates.

If you're a purist, you may not favor ground turkey itself, even in burgers. But lean ground turkey — which usually contains 7 percent fat, compared with the 20 percent fat content of 80 percent lean ground beef — is a cinch to disguise. The lower the saturated fat, the less detrimental it is to your cholesterol level.

While meat can be a part of a healthy diet, not all sources are created equal. The leanest and healthiest meats to eat include poultry, pork, fish, and seafood. Eating a balanced diet is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle, which means choosing various foods from different food groups, like proteins.

Of course, just like with red meat, you want to stay away from highly processed poultry. Eating skinless, white meat is the healthiest way to go. Many professionals have classified white meat from chicken as the leanest and cleanest meat to eat.

You Might Have an Increased Risk for Cancer

You've probably heard that eating more red and processed meat has been linked to colon cancer, and numerous scientific studies support this correlation. That's bad news for cheeseburger and hot dog lovers.

What meats should I avoid when losing weight? ›

Deli meat, hotdogs, and canned meat such as Spam are high in sodium and trans fat, which you should avoid if you are trying to lose weight. Like red meat, overconsumption of processed meats is linked to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes.

Both turkey and chicken provide the same amount of protein per serving and offer a rich protein source. Turkey has fewer calories due to the low-fat content. This makes turkey a good option for people monitoring their calorie and fat intake closely.

Turkey is rich in protein and an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins. Skinless cuts have fewer calories and less fat than those with the skin on.

The leanest type of ground beef is called ground sirloin, with a lean point of 90% lean and 10% fat (90/10). Some ground beef blends can be as lean as 96% lean with 4% fat (96/4). If you are looking for an alternative to ground beef, some types of game meat like ground bison are also very lean.

Ground beef has 172 calories, 7.9 grams fat and 3.3 grams saturated fat versus ground turkey, which has 170 calories, 9.4 grams fat and 2.5 grams saturated fat. Ground beef has 2.4 grams more protein and has slightly less cholesterol and more iron and zinc than ground turkey.

Butterball All Natural Lean Ground Turkey is a delicious, lean alternative to other ground meats. And because this fresh ground turkey is 93% fat-free, with 22g of protein and 150 calories per serving, using it in your favorite recipes will make them healthier as well as delicious.

With 21g of protein, 17g of fat per serving, and 240 calories, our 85% Lean Ground Turkey puts a healthy spin on your favorite recipes. From lasagna to burgers and tacos, Honeysuckle White® ground turkey is a lean protein addition you can feel good about.

With 28g of protein and 1g of fat per serving, our 99% Fat-Free Ground Turkey Breast puts a healthy spin on your favorite recipes. From lasagna to burgers and tacos, Shady Brook Farms® ground turkey is lean protein you can feel good about.

Ground beef, especially fattier options, is described as flavorful and moist. Its high-fat content contributes to its juicy, savory taste, which intensifies when grilled or browned in a pan. On the other hand, ground turkey is usually considered a lean meat and has a milder, slightly gamey flavor compared to beef.

The turkey meat, skin, and fat is taken off the bone and processed with additives. The final product has specific characteristics that appeal to customers, including a non pink color and non crumbly texture. The composition of ground turkey is driven by market demand, availability, and meat prices.