Ground Beef vs Turkey Breast: which is healthier?

Per 100g, Ground Beef has 232 calories, 24g protein, 0g fiber, and 11.2g fat, while Turkey Breast has 147 calories, 30.1g protein, 0g fiber, and 2.1g fat. Turkey Breast wins on both fronts here, with fewer calories and more protein per 100g.

Which has more calories, Ground Beef or Turkey Breast?

Per 100g, Ground Beef has 232 calories and Turkey Breast has 147 calories, a difference of 85 calories. In practical terms, 3 oz cooked (85% lean) (197 calories) of ground beef compares with 100g (147 calories) of turkey breast.

Which has more protein, Ground Beef or Turkey Breast?

Turkey Breast leads on protein with 30.1g per 100g; the gap is 6.1g per 100g (Ground Beef 24g vs Turkey Breast 30.1g). If you are tracking protein targets, that difference compounds quickly across a full day of meals.

Which is better for a low-carb diet, Ground Beef or Turkey Breast?

Ground Beef has 0g of carbs per 100g compared to 0g in Turkey Breast, making Ground Beef the easier fit for low-carb or keto plans. Fiber is 0g vs 0g per 100g, which also affects net carbs.

Can I substitute Ground Beef for Turkey Breast?

Often, yes. Swapping turkey breast for ground beef shifts your meal by about 85 calories and 6.1g of protein per 100g, so adjust portions if you are logging macros. Texture and cooking behavior differ more than nutrition in many recipes, so test the swap in small batches first.

Ground Beef

Turkey Breast

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Ground Beef vs Turkey Breast

Turkey Breast

Wins in 3 of 6 categories

Compare Ground Beef and Turkey Breast calories, protein, and nutrition. See which fits your diet goals.

Verdict (USDA data)

Per 100g (USDA data), Ground Beef has 232 calories vs Turkey Breast's 147. Turkey Breast has more protein (30.1g vs 24g) and less fat (2.1g vs 11.2g). Pick Turkey Breast for more protein.

Sources: Ground Beef (FDC 171793) · Turkey Breast (FDC 171496)

Nutrition Comparison (per 100g)

Nutrient	Ground Beef		Turkey Breast
Calories	232	vs	147
Protein	24g	vs	30.1g
Carbs	0g	vs	0g
Fat	11.2g	vs	2.1g
Fiber	0g	vs	0g
Sodium	76mg	vs	99mg

Winner determined by: fewer calories, more protein, fewer carbs, less fat, more fiber, less sodium

Source: USDA FoodData Central. Ground Beef: FDC 171793 · Turkey Breast: FDC 171496.

When to Choose Each

Choose Ground Beef when:

A typical portion is 3 oz cooked (85% lean) (197 calories)
Ground Beef fits the dishes you already cook

See full Ground Beef nutrition

Choose Turkey Breast when:

You're cutting calories (147 vs 232 per 100g)
You need more protein (30.1g vs 24g per 100g)

See full Turkey Breast nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2026-08-12

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