Ground Beef 80/20 vs. 90/10: Which One Is Better?

What Does Ground Beef 80/20 and 90/10 Mean?

80/20 or 90/10 that you see on the labels of ground beef refer to the ratio of lean meat to fat, known as the lean point. This labeling helps consumers understand the fat content and leanness of the ground beef they buy. Here are 2 common ground beef percentages:

• 80/20 Ground Beef (Ground Chuck): Contains 80% lean meat and 20% fat.
• 90/10 Ground Beef (Ground Sirloin): Contains 90% lean meat and 10% fat.

Comparing ground beef 80/20 vs. 90/10, we see that 80/20 has more fat and less lean meat than 90/10, which leads to many differences in the meat you eat.

Learn More: Ground Beef Diet: Meal Plan, Benefits, and Side Effects

Differences Between Ground Beef 80/20 vs. 90/10

Ground meat is one of the most commonly used ingredients in many recipes, so it’s important to know the difference between different types to choose the best type for your meals and diet.

Comparing ground beef 80/20 vs. 90/10, we can find many differences between them, especially in their:

• Fat Content,
• Texture,
• Taste,
• Cost and Availability, and
• Nutrients.

Fat Content

• 80/20 Ground Beef (Ground Chuck): It contains 20% fat, which makes it juicier and richer than leaner cuts like ground sirloin. 80/20 ground beef is often better for grilling, frying, and using for burgers, meatballs, and meatloaf. However, the increased fat content also means more calories, so you should monitor your calorie intake.
• 90/10 Ground Beef (Ground Sirloin): This ground beef contains 10% fat which makes it a better choice for dishes like tacos, spaghetti sauce, and casseroles. The lower fat content means a firmer texture that can dry out easily if overcooked.

Learn More: Ground Beef 80/20 vs. 85/15: Which One Is Better?

Texture

• 80/20 Ground Beef (Ground Chuck): The higher fat content in ground chuck leads to a softer and more tender texture than ground sirloin. It also provides a moist and juicy texture.
• 90/10 Ground Beef (Ground Sirloin): The lower fat content in 90/10 ground beef results in a firmer and leaner texture than 80/20 ground beef.

Taste

• 80/20 Ground Beef (Ground Chuck): Ground beef has a rich, savory, and juicy flavor, so it’s a better choice for those who enjoy a greasier and meatier taste.
• 90/10 Ground Beef (Ground Sirloin): 90/10 ground beef has a milder flavor than 80/20. It’s less savory and juicy than ground sirloin so you can add seasoning if needed.

Lear More: Ground Beef 80/20 vs. 93/7: Which One Is Best for Cooking?

Cost and Availability

• 80/20 Ground Beef (Ground Chuck): 80/20 ground beef is generally more affordable and budget-friendly than 90/10. It’s also widely available in most grocery stores.
• 90/10 Ground Beef (Ground Sirloin): 90/10 ground beef is generally more expensive due to its lower fat content and the higher cost of producing leaner meat. It’s available in many grocery stores but less than 80/20 because of higher prices and lower demand.

Nutrients

Ground chuck is higher in fat and calories than ground sirloin but has lower protein. In 100 grams of 80/20 Ground Beef (Ground Chuck), there are about [1]:

• Calories: 254 kcal,
• Fat: 20 g,
• Protein: 17.2 g, and
• Carbohydrates: 0 g.

While 100 grams of 90/10 Ground Beef (Ground Sirloin) provides about [2]:

• Calories: 176 kcal,
• Fat: 10 g,
• Protein: 20 g, and
• Carbohydrates: 0 g.

To easily compare the ground beef 80/20 and 90/10, you can take a look at the following table and check their features.

These differences mean each type of ground beef works best in different recipes, so if you know the nutritional value and usage of the ingredients, you can make more nutritious dishes according to your body’s needs.

Learn More: Ground Beef vs. Ground Chuck: What Are the Differences?

When Can You Use Ground Beef 80/20 and 90/10?

Ground beef 80/20 and 90/10 have different culinary uses as they have different tastes and textures. If you love juicy burgers, 80/20 ground beef is the better option because its higher fat content makes the meat more tender and flavorful.

Due to its rich and moist texture, you can also use it in meatballs and meatloaf without worrying about drying out.

90/10 ground beef is a better ingredient than 80/20 for leaner recipes like tacos, soups, and stir-fries, especially when you want to reduce your caloric intake.

It works well in tacos and burritos since it blends nicely with other ingredients and seasonings. It’s also perfect for soups, stews, and spaghetti sauces because its lean texture holds up well during cooking.

So, based on these comparisons, which ground meat is best for you if your goal is to lose weight?

Learn More: 15 Simple Carnivore Soup Recipes with Chicken, Beef and Pork

Which Ground Beef Is Better for Weight Loss?

When comparing ground beef 80/20 vs. 90/10 for weight loss, we see that 90/10 ground beef is generally a better option due to its lower calorie content. Specifically, 100 grams of 90/10 ground beef contains about 176 calories, while the same amount of 80/20 ground beef has 254 calories.

However, one of the most effective ways to lose weight is to follow low-carb diets like Keto and Carnivore, which focus on reducing carbohydrates and increasing fat and protein.

So you can use ground meat in these diets because it is high in fat and protein and has no carbohydrates, but which type of ground meat is the best for these low-carb diets?

Learn More: All Meat Diet: Is It Healthy? Benefits and Result [Meal Plan]

Which Ground Beef Is Better for the Keto and Carnivore Diets?

For high-fat and low-carb diets like Keto and Carnivore, 80/20 ground beef is generally a better option due to its higher fat content.

These diets focus on increasing fat intake while keeping carbohydrates low to induce a state of ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy, which can lead to improved energy levels and weight loss.

80/20 ground beef, with its 20% fat content, can provide the amount of fat you need to induce and maintain ketosis, which leads to fat melt and weight loss.

However, you can still use 90/10 ground beef in your diet since it has zero carbohydrates. Just be mindful of your overall nutrient balance, especially your protein intake.

To have better control over your nutrition intake and know how much protein you need, you can check this free Carnivore Diet Macro Calculator, which helps you find the perfect balance of protein, fat, and calories based on your weight, height, age, and gender.

Learn More: The Carnivore Diet: Is It Healthy? Benefits and Side Effects

Conclusion

Choosing between ground beef 80/20 and 90/10 depends on your specific needs, as both options are zero-carb and rich in healthy fats and protein.

If you prefer a leaner option for your recipes and meal plan, 90/10 can be a better choice. However, for dishes that need greasier meat with higher fat content and a juicier texture, you can try 80/20 ground beef.