Lamb, ground, raw
FDC 174370oz (28 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 30 · -42 vs Lamb, veal & game medianRaw ground lamb scores 30 of 100, a Low band and rank 54 of 60 within Lamb, veal & game, its main strength being an excellent 33% DV of protein per serving.
It is the base for kofta, burgers, and Mediterranean-style meatballs once cooked, and a 28g ounce portion comes from a base food running 282 calories per 100g raw with fat as the leading macro. Saturated fat runs to 10.2 g per 100 g, and since the score sits well below the category median of 72, lamb, ground, cooked, broiled, is a same-category option that scores higher.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around lamb, 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 | 282 kcal | 14% |
| Total fat | 23 g | 30% |
| Saturated fat | 10 g | 51% |
| Cholesterol | 73 mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 59 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 17 g | 33% |
| Potassium | 222 mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 16 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% |
| Magnesium | 21 mg | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.2 mg | 1% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 79 kcal | 4% |
| Total fat | 6.6 g | 8% |
| Saturated fat | 2.9 g | 14% |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 17 mg | 1% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 4.6 g | 9% |
| Potassium | 62 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 4.5 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.43 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 5.9 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.06 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 174370Original 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.
Lamb, ground, cooked, broiledDensity 41 vs 30Game meat, bison, ground, rawDensity 43 vs 30Veal, ground, rawDensity 46 vs 30Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Ground lamb has a richer, slightly gamey flavor than ground beef and a higher fat content that keeps it juicy through cooking, making it well suited to burgers, meatballs, kofta, and shepherd's pie, or browned with onion, garlic, cumin, and cinnamon for a Middle Eastern or North African-style filling in flatbreads and stuffed vegetables. It also forms the base of many curries and ragus, where its fat renders out to flavor the sauce as it simmers.
Buy it from a butcher case with a bright pink-red color and store it refrigerated for use within a day or two, or freeze it promptly if it will not be cooked soon, since ground meat spoils faster than whole cuts due to its greater surface area. Raw, a one-ounce, 28 gram portion is part of a food that runs 282 calories per 100 grams, with 16.6 grams of protein per 100 grams, 33 percent DV, and a comparatively low 59 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams before any seasoning is added, making it a good base for building a meal around when the seasoning and salt are added under the cook's own control.
Frequently asked questions about lamb, ground
How many calories are in raw ground lamb?
Raw ground lamb has 282 calories per 100 grams.
Is ground lamb a good source of protein?
Yes, it provides 16.6 grams of protein per 100 grams, which is 33 percent DV.
What is ground lamb used for?
It is used in burgers, meatballs, kofta, shepherd's pie, and spiced fillings for flatbreads and stuffed vegetables.