Emu, ground, raw
FDC 172832patty (117 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 78 · +1 vs Poultry medianRaw ground emu comes in at 78 of 100, a Strong score that ranks 23rd of 60 in the Poultry category, close to the group's median of 77. Despite emu being classified alongside poultry, its nutrient profile reads like red meat, with protein at 46% DV and iron at 22% DV standing out at 134 calories per 100 g.
It's typically shaped into patties or used in place of ground beef in burgers, meatballs, and chili, since its flavour and texture sit closer to lean beef than to chicken. A single patty (117 g) has no flagged nutrients to limit, though as with any raw ground meat it should be cooked through fully before eating.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around emu, 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 | 134 kcal | 7% |
| Total fat | 4 g | 5% |
| Saturated fat | 1 g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 69 mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 56 mg | 2% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 23 g | 46% |
| Potassium | 320 mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 7 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 4 mg | 22% |
| Magnesium | 24 mg | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.24 mg | 2% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 157 kcal | 8% |
| Total fat | 4.7 g | 6% |
| Saturated fat | 1.2 g | 6% |
| Cholesterol | 81 mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 66 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 27 g | 53% |
| Potassium | 374 mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 8.2 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% |
| Magnesium | 28 mg | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.28 mg | 2% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 172832Original 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 poultry median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Ostrich, outside leg, rawDensity 79 vs 78Ostrich, tip trimmed, rawDensity 79 vs 78Ostrich, inside leg, rawDensity 79 vs 78Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Ground emu looks and cooks much like lean ground beef, deep red before cooking and browning in a similar way as it hits the pan, and it works in the same dishes: patties for burgers, meatballs, chili, tacos, shepherd's pie, and pasta sauces where ground beef would normally go. Because it carries very little fat, it benefits from a bit of added oil, butter, grated onion, or a fattier mix-in like bacon to keep patties from drying out and to help them hold together on the grill, and it cooks through quickly once the pan or grill is hot. Many cooks season it simply, since its flavor is milder and slightly sweeter than beef and does not need heavy spicing to come through.
Keep raw ground emu well chilled and use it within a day or two, or freeze it in flat portions for longer storage, and always cook it through to a safe internal temperature since it is ground meat, just as with ground beef or turkey. A 117 g raw patty carries 134 calories and 4.03 g of fat, while providing 22.8 g of protein, 46% of the Daily Value, and 22% DV iron, making it a lean substitute anywhere a recipe calls for ground beef or ground turkey and a way to vary a weekly protein rotation without the extra saturated fat found in fattier ground beef blends.
Frequently asked questions about emu, ground
How many calories are in a raw emu patty?
A 117 g raw ground emu patty has 134 calories.
Is emu a good source of protein?
Yes, a serving provides 22.8 g of protein, 46% of the Daily Value, similar to other lean ground meats.
How do you cook ground emu?
It cooks like lean ground beef, but because it has so little fat, adding a little oil or a fattier mix-in helps keep patties from drying out.