How many calories are in 8 oz of ground turkey?

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for 8 oz of ground turkey varies significantly based on its lean-to-fat ratio. For instance, a leaner 99/1 ground turkey breast can contain around 240 calories, while a fattier 93/7 blend might be closer to 320 calories. This difference is crucial for anyone tracking their caloric intake for weight management or muscle building.

Quick Summary

The exact caloric content of 8 oz of ground turkey depends on its fat percentage. Options range from extra-lean varieties with fewer calories and less fat to standard ground turkey with higher calorie and fat counts. A lean-to-fat ratio is the most important factor in determining the nutritional profile.

Key Points

Calories vary by fat content: 8 oz of 99/1 ground turkey breast has approximately 240 calories, while 93/7 has around 320-337 calories (raw) and 85/15 can have significantly more.
Lean-to-fat ratio is key: The percentage on the packaging (e.g., 93/7) directly indicates the calorie count, with lower fat percentages resulting in fewer calories.
Cooking affects final calories: Cooking and draining fat from ground turkey will change its final nutritional density and calorie count per ounce, as some fat is lost.
Leanest options are lowest in fat: A 99/1 blend is the lowest in calories and fat, making it ideal for low-fat diets.
Fat adds flavor and moisture: Higher fat content in blends like 85/15 provides a richer flavor and is excellent for dishes like burgers or meatballs.
Always check the label: Nutritional information can differ between brands, so reviewing the product-specific label is the most accurate way to confirm caloric content.

Understanding the Caloric Range in Ground Turkey

When it comes to understanding how many calories are in 8 oz of ground turkey, the most important factor to consider is the lean-to-fat ratio. This is because fat contains more calories per gram than protein. Brands typically label their products with a percentage, such as 99/1, 93/7, or 85/15, which indicates the percentage of lean meat to fat. This variation means there's no single answer to the question, and the specific number can differ quite a bit.

Ground Turkey Fat Percentages and Their Impact

For health-conscious consumers, knowing the fat content is key. A higher lean percentage (e.g., 99%) means the meat is composed almost entirely of muscle and contains minimal fat. This results in the lowest calorie count. Conversely, a lower lean percentage (e.g., 85%) includes more fat from the turkey's skin and darker meat, which boosts the total calorie and fat content. Understanding this relationship helps in choosing the right type of ground turkey for your specific diet and recipes.

Common Fat Percentages and Their Calories

99% Lean / 1% Fat: The leanest option, typically made from ground turkey breast. It offers the highest protein content for the lowest number of calories, making it a favorite for bodybuilders and those on strict low-fat diets.
93% Lean / 7% Fat: A popular choice that strikes a balance between leanness and flavor. The slightly higher fat content adds moisture and richness, making it versatile for many recipes.
85% Lean / 15% Fat: This blend has a significantly higher fat content, providing more calories and a richer flavor profile. It is a good choice for dishes where fat is desired for flavor and texture, such as burgers or meatballs.

Calorie Comparison: Raw vs. Cooked

It is also important to note whether the caloric information refers to raw or cooked ground turkey. Cooking ground turkey changes its weight and nutritional density. As the meat cooks, it loses moisture and renders some of its fat, which is often drained off. This means that 8 oz of raw ground turkey will yield a smaller amount of cooked meat and have a different final calorie count. For example, 8 oz of raw ground turkey contains around 337 calories, but after cooking and draining the fat, the cooked portion will have a higher caloric density per ounce, although the total calories from the original 8 oz batch will have changed.

Other Nutritional Considerations

Beyond calories, ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety. It also provides important micronutrients. The leaner the cut, the lower the saturated fat and cholesterol, but the specific nutrient profile can vary by the cut. For example, some ground turkey is explicitly stated as coming from the breast, making it exceptionally lean. Other ground turkey is a blend of dark and white meat.

Comparison of Ground Turkey Nutritional Profiles

Here is a comparison of the typical calorie, protein, and fat content for 8 oz (raw) of different ground turkey blends:


Nutritional Aspect	99/1 Lean Ground Turkey	93/7 Lean Ground Turkey	85/15 Ground Turkey
Calories	~240	~320-337	~460 (cooked for comparison)
Protein	~56g	~44-45g	~62g (cooked for comparison)
Total Fat	~2g	~16-17g	~24g (cooked for comparison)

It's important to remember that these values can vary slightly between brands due to processing and sourcing. Always check the specific nutrition label on the package for the most accurate information.

Making the Best Choice for Your Diet

Your choice of ground turkey should align with your dietary goals. For those focused on a very low-fat diet or maximizing protein intake with minimal calories, the 99/1 blend is the clear winner. If you're looking for a more balanced option that provides a bit more flavor and moisture without an excessive amount of fat, the 93/7 blend is a great middle-ground. Finally, for those who prioritize flavor and aren't as concerned about the extra fat, the 85/15 is a solid, flavorful choice, similar to many ground beef options. Regardless of your preference, ground turkey is a highly versatile and nutritious protein source.

For more detailed nutritional breakdowns and data, you can consult reliable sources like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food database, which provides comprehensive information on various food items [See USDA Food Data Central for more].

Conclusion

The number of calories in 8 oz of ground turkey is not a fixed number and is highly dependent on the lean-to-fat ratio. A lean 99/1 blend contains fewer calories (approx. 240) than a richer 93/7 or 85/15 blend (approx. 320-460, depending on cooking method). By understanding these differences, you can select the appropriate ground turkey product that best fits your nutritional requirements, whether you're prioritizing a low-fat intake or seeking a richer flavor profile. Checking the specific product's nutrition label is always the most accurate method to determine the caloric value.

Frequently Asked Questions

For 8 oz of 99% lean / 1% fat ground turkey, you can expect approximately 240 calories.

Eight ounces of 93% lean / 7% fat ground turkey contains roughly 320-337 calories when measured raw, though this can vary slightly by brand.

Yes, cooking ground turkey, especially if you drain the rendered fat, will reduce the total calories from the original raw product. However, the caloric density of the cooked meat will be higher per ounce.

The ground turkey with the highest lean percentage will have the fewest calories. Look for varieties labeled 99% lean or 98% lean, which are often ground turkey breast.

Ground turkey is generally leaner and lower in calories than most varieties of ground beef, especially when comparing similar lean-to-fat ratios. This makes it a popular lower-fat alternative.

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent source of protein, with leaner cuts like 99/1 providing a high amount of protein for a relatively low number of calories.

The most accurate information is always on the nutritional label of the specific product package you purchase. You can also consult reliable food databases for general averages.