Beef, ground, 97% lean meat / 3% fat, raw vs Turkey, Ground, raw
Original comparison by NutriVerdict
Bottom line: Beef, ground, 97% lean meat / 3% fat, raw is the more nutrient-dense of the two, scoring 75 of 100 to 61 for Turkey, Ground, raw.
Beef, ground 97% lean, scores higher at 75 of 100 versus ground turkey's 61 of 100. Per 100g raw, beef has more protein (22g vs 19.7g) and fewer calories (121 vs 148), plus less than half the fat (3g vs 7.66g). Sodium is fairly close, with beef slightly higher (66mg vs 58mg).
Choose the 97% lean beef when you want maximum protein with minimal fat and calories. Choose ground turkey when you prefer poultry or want a different fat profile, accepting the calorie and fat trade-off. One honest note: this specific beef cut is unusually lean; fattier ground beef blends would score very differently on both calories and fat.
Head to head, per 100 g
| Metric | Beef, ground | Turkey, Ground |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Density Score | 75 | 61 |
| Calories | 121 kcal | 148 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g | 20 g |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0 g |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g | 0 g |
| Total fat | 3 g | 7.7 g |
| Saturated fat | 1.5 g | 2 g |
| Sodium | 66 mg | 58 mg |
| Potassium | 357 mg | 237 mg |
| Calcium | 8 mg | 19 mg |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 1.1 mg |
| Magnesium | 22 mg | 23 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 4 ug | 20 ug |
| Vitamin E | 0.2 mg | 0.1 mg |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg | 69 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Frequently asked questions
Is Beef, ground, 97% lean meat / 3% fat, raw healthier than Turkey, Ground, raw?
On our Nutrient Density Score, which measures beneficial nutrients per calorie, Beef, ground, 97% lean meat / 3% fat, raw scores higher, 75 of 100 to 61. Both can fit a balanced diet; the score reflects nutrients per calorie, not a whole-diet judgement.
Which has more protein, Beef, ground, 97% lean meat / 3% fat, raw or Turkey, Ground, raw?
Beef, ground, 97% lean meat / 3% fat, raw has more protein, 22 g per 100 g to 19.7 g.
Which has fewer calories?
Beef, ground, 97% lean meat / 3% fat, raw is lower in calories, 121 kcal per 100 g to 148 kcal.