Bison, ground, grass-fed, raw
FDC 175293patty (cooked from 4 oz raw) (85 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 64 · -8 vs Lamb, veal & game medianGrass-fed ground bison scores 64 of 100, a Good band that ranks 38th of 60 in Lamb, veal & game. Protein again leads, reaching 40% DV, with iron adding a good 15% DV, similar to venison but with slightly fewer calories at 146 per 100 grams.
Like venison, it is typically shaped into patties or used anywhere ground beef would go, and a cooked patty from 4 ounces raw (85 grams) is the everyday serving, delivering 20.2 grams of protein and 7.21 grams of fat per 100 grams raw. There is no flagged limit here, but since bison falls below the category's 72 point median, trimmed veal, cooked, scores higher within the same lean game lineup.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around bison, ground, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 146 kcal | 7% |
| Total fat | 7.2 g | 9% |
| Saturated fat | 2.9 g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 70 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.05 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 20 g | 40% |
| Potassium | 328 mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 11 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 15% |
| Magnesium | 21 mg | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.19 mg | 1% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 124 kcal | 6% |
| Total fat | 6.1 g | 8% |
| Saturated fat | 2.5 g | 12% |
| Cholesterol | 47 mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 60 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.04 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 17 g | 34% |
| Potassium | 279 mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 9.4 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% |
| Magnesium | 18 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.16 mg | 1% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 175293Original 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.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the lamb, veal & game median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Game meat, deer, ground, rawDensity 64 vs 64Veal, composite of trimmed retail cuts, separable lean only, cookedDensity 66 vs 64Veal, rib, separable lean only, rawDensity 67 vs 64Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Grass-fed ground bison has a slightly sweeter, more mineral flavor than conventional ground beef and a fine, dense texture. It is used much like ground beef, formed into burgers, browned for tacos and chili, or simmered into a Bolognese sauce, though its lower fat content means it cooks a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked. It pairs well with bold seasonings like cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic, and with toppings such as caramelized onions or a fried egg that add moisture and richness to a lean patty without masking its flavor.
Store raw ground bison in the refrigerator and use it within a day or two, or freeze it flat in a sealed bag for longer storage. A typical cooked patty made from 4 ounces of raw meat weighs about 85 g. Per 100 g, raw grass-fed ground bison has 146 calories, 20.2 g of protein, which is 40% of the Daily Value, and 7.21 g of fat, making it a lean, protein-forward substitute anywhere ground beef is called for. It also supplies 15% DV of iron per 100 g and is low in sodium at 70 mg per 100 g, keeping seasoning decisions largely in the cook's hands.
Frequently asked questions about bison, ground
How many calories are in grass-fed ground bison?
Raw ground bison has 146 calories per 100 g, with 20.2 g of protein and 7.21 g of fat.
Is bison a good source of protein?
Yes, it supplies 40% of the Daily Value for protein per 100 g.
How do you cook ground bison without drying it out?
Because it is leaner than regular ground beef, it cooks faster and benefits from slightly lower heat, plus toppings like caramelized onion that add moisture.