Veal, leg (top round), separable lean and fat, raw
FDC 175268oz (113 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 71 · -1 vs Lamb, veal & game medianRaw veal leg (top round), separable lean and fat, scores 71 of 100, landing in the Good band at rank 32 of 60 in Lamb, veal & game. Its single standout is protein, at 42% DV, reflecting a lean cut with little else to shout about nutritionally.
This top-round cut is typically pan-seared or braised into cutlets and scaloppine, with a raw serving of about 113 g (4 oz). At just 117 calories and 3.08 g of fat per 100 g it is notably lean, though its score falls just under the category median, so those wanting a slightly higher-scoring option could consider veal, composite of trimmed retail cuts, separable lean only, raw.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around veal, leg (top round), 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 | 117 kcal | 6% |
| Total fat | 3.1 g | 4% |
| Saturated fat | 1.2 g | 6% |
| Cholesterol | 78 mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 63 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 21 g | 42% |
| Potassium | 367 mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 5 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.79 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 26 mg | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.3 mg | 2% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 132 kcal | 7% |
| Total fat | 3.5 g | 4% |
| Saturated fat | 1.3 g | 7% |
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 71 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 24 g | 47% |
| Potassium | 415 mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 5.6 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.89 mg | 5% |
| Magnesium | 29 mg | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.34 mg | 2% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 175268Original 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, bear, cooked, simmeredDensity 71 vs 71Veal, composite of trimmed retail cuts, separable lean only, rawDensity 72 vs 71Lamb, variety meats and by-products, heart, rawDensity 73 vs 71Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Top round from the veal leg is a lean, fine-grained cut often sliced thin for scaloppine, breaded for cutlets, or pounded flat for dishes like veal parmesan and saltimbocca. Its mild flavor and tender texture, a result of the animal's young age, make it well suited to quick, high-heat cooking methods such as pan-searing or light breading and frying, rather than the long braises needed for tougher cuts. It also works cut into cubes for light stews or skewers, since it cooks through quickly and stays tender without much fat to render.
Because top round is lean, it dries out if overcooked, so keeping cook times short and finishing with a pan sauce or a squeeze of lemon helps preserve its texture. Raw veal should be kept refrigerated and used within a couple of days, or frozen for longer storage. A 113 g serving has 117 calories and 21 grams of protein, reaching 42 percent of the daily value for protein, while sodium sits at a moderate 63 milligrams and fat at just 3.08 grams, making it a lean protein to build a quick weeknight cutlet or stir-fry around.
Frequently asked questions about veal, leg (top round)
How many calories are in raw veal top round?
A 113 g serving has 117 calories and 21 grams of protein, reaching 42 percent of the daily value for protein.
How do you cook veal top round?
It is commonly sliced thin for scaloppine or cutlets and cooked quickly over high heat, since the lean meat can dry out if overcooked.
Is veal top round a lean cut?
Yes, this serving has only 3.08 grams of fat, making it one of the leaner cuts from the veal leg.