Beef

Beef, ground, 70% lean meat / 30% fat, raw

FDC 168652oz (113 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 28 · -26 vs Beef median

70/30 ground beef's fat content pulls its Nutrient Density Score down to 28 of 100, a Low band ranking it 48th of 60 in Beef, below the category's median score of 54. Protein still registers an excellent 29% DV, but the higher fat ratio caps how much nutrient density it can pack into its 332 calories per 100 g.

This is standard grocery ground beef, browned for burgers, tacos or bolognese, with a 113 g serving used as the reference here. The honest caveat: it's high in saturated fat at 11.8 g per 100 g, and 75% lean ground beef scores higher in this category if a leaner option is the goal.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around beef, ground, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 14.4 g · 18%Carb 0 g · 0%Fat 30 g · 82%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories332 kcal17%
Total fat30 g38%
Saturated fat12 g59%
Cholesterol78 mg26%
Sodium66 mg3%
Carbohydrate0 g0%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars0 g
Protein14 g29%
Potassium218 mg5%
Calcium24 mg2%
Iron1.6 mg9%
Magnesium14 mg3%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A4 µg0%
Vitamin E0.17 mg1%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 168652

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein29% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the beef median

Nutrient density28 vs 54 median
Protein / 100 g14 vs 19 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g66 vs 66 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Beef, carcass, separable lean and fat, choice, rawDensity 31 vs 28Beef, cured, corned beef, brisket, rawDensity 31 vs 28Beef, ground, 75% lean meat / 25% fat, rawDensity 31 vs 28

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

70/30 ground beef is the fattiest common grind sold at the meat counter, prized for burgers, meatballs and meatloaf where the extra fat bastes the meat from within and keeps it juicy through high-heat cooking like grilling or pan-searing. Because so much fat renders out during cooking, cooks often drain or blot it after browning for dishes like tacos, chili or a bolognese sauce, and it is generally not the grind of choice for lean preparations like stuffed peppers where the fat cannot easily drain away.

Buy it as close to your cooking day as possible and keep it refrigerated, using or freezing it within a day or two since raw ground meat spoils faster than whole cuts. Raw, a 113 g (about 4 oz) portion has 332 calories, 30 g of fat and 14.4 g of protein, 29% DV, so it delivers a solid amount of protein per serving but with considerably more fat and calories than a leaner grind, which is worth factoring in when planning a meal around it.

Frequently asked questions about beef, ground

How many calories are in 70/30 ground beef?

A raw 113 g (about 4 oz) portion has 332 calories.

What is 70/30 ground beef best used for?

Its higher fat content suits burgers, meatballs and meatloaf, where the fat bastes the meat and keeps it juicy during cooking.

Is 70/30 ground beef a good source of protein?

Yes, it provides 14.4 g of protein per 113 g raw serving, 29% of the Daily Value, alongside a higher fat content than leaner grinds.

View the USDA source record