Understanding Lean Ground Beef Percentages
What do the percentages (such as "90% lean") on ground beef packages mean? How can I use this information?
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Ground beef primarily is made of lean protein and fat. You might see "80% lean," "90% lean," or "93% lean" on ground beef packages. "Extra lean" ground beef is at least 90 percent lean protein by weight.
As shown below, a 3-ounch serving of 90% extra-lean ground beef has less fat, more protein and fewer calories per serving than 80% lean ground beef. The amount of iron and zinc is slightly higher in leaner ground beef.
|
Nutrition Composition of a 3-ounce Serving of Ground Beef* |
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| Type of ground beef* | Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Calories | Iron (mg) | Zinc (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
90% extra lean |
9.1 | 21.4 | 173 | 2.4 | 5.4 |
| 85% lean | 11.9 | 20.9 | 197 | 2.3 | 5.3 |
| 80% lean | 13.6 | 20.4 | 209 | 2.2 | 5.2 |
| * Based on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database for 3-ounce (85-gram) pan-broiled ground beef patties. | |||||
By Julie Garden-Robinson, Food and Nutrition Specialist, NDSU Extension Service
Featured in Food Wise March 2014 newsletter (PDF)
