Is 85 or 93 ground turkey better? A complete guide for a nutritional diet

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

In a 4-ounce raw serving, 93% lean ground turkey has about 80 fewer calories and 9 grams less fat than its 85% lean counterpart. For those mindful of macros and calories, understanding this difference is crucial. When building a nutritional diet, figuring out is 85 or 93 ground turkey better depends on your specific goals and culinary needs.

Quick Summary

This guide compares the nutritional content, culinary applications, flavor profiles, and cost-effectiveness of 85% and 93% lean ground turkey to determine which blend best suits your health objectives and recipes.

Key Points

Nutritional Difference: 93% ground turkey has significantly fewer calories and less fat per serving than 85% lean.
Flavor vs. Leanness: The extra fat in 85% ground turkey provides richer flavor and more moisture, while 93% is leaner and more subtle.
Cooking Considerations: 93% can become dry if overcooked, making it ideal for moist dishes like chili, whereas 85% is more forgiving and better for burgers.
Macro-Friendly: Those on a weight loss or low-fat diet will benefit most from the lower fat and calorie count of 93% ground turkey.
Cost Factor: 85% lean ground turkey is generally more budget-friendly than the leaner 93% option.
Best for Dishes: Use 85% for juicy items like burgers and meatballs, and 93% for sauces and casseroles.

Ground turkey has emerged as a popular, lean alternative to ground beef, but the percentage breakdown—such as 85/15 or 93/7—leaves many shoppers wondering which option is the superior choice. The numbers signify the ratio of lean meat to fat, so an 85% lean product contains 15% fat, while a 93% lean product contains 7% fat. This difference in fat content is the main factor influencing the nutritional profile, flavor, texture, and cooking behavior of the meat. Your ultimate decision will depend on your health goals, budget, and the specific dish you are preparing.

85% Lean Ground Turkey: The Best for Flavor and Texture

For many, the higher fat content of 85% lean ground turkey makes it the preferred choice for cooking due to its enhanced flavor and juicier texture. This blend, which typically contains a mix of dark and white turkey meat, is more forgiving during cooking. The higher fat percentage prevents the meat from drying out, making it an excellent option for dishes where moisture is key.

Why choose 85/15?

Superior Moisture: The higher fat content renders during cooking, keeping dishes juicy and flavorful. This is especially beneficial for recipes with longer cooking times or high-heat methods, like grilling burgers.
Richer Flavor: Fat is a primary carrier of flavor, so the extra 8% of fat in the 85/15 blend results in a richer, more robust taste that many people prefer.
Cost-Effectiveness: Generally, 85/15 ground turkey is more affordable than its leaner counterpart. This makes it a great option for those on a budget who still want a healthy, protein-rich meat.

93% Lean Ground Turkey: The Best for Macro-Counting

If your primary goal is to reduce overall fat and calorie intake, 93% lean ground turkey is the clear winner. Made with a higher proportion of lean white breast meat, this blend is a favorite among those focused on weight management and precise macronutrient tracking. While it requires more careful cooking to avoid dryness, its lower calorie and fat density make it a powerful tool for a healthy diet.

Why choose 93/7?

Lower Calories and Fat: Per serving, 93/7 has a much lower calorie count and significantly less saturated fat, which is better for heart health.
High Protein Density: With a lower fat-to-protein ratio, 93% lean is a more protein-dense option, which helps promote a feeling of fullness and supports muscle maintenance or growth.
Adaptable for Saucy Dishes: While it can dry out, 93% lean is excellent in recipes that provide their own moisture, such as chilis, meat sauces, or casseroles.

Nutritional Breakdown: 85 vs. 93 Ground Turkey

To better understand the differences, here's a side-by-side comparison of the nutritional information for a standard 4-ounce (112g) raw serving, based on data from various sources.


Feature	85% Lean / 15% Fat	93% Lean / 7% Fat
Calories	$\approx$240 kcal	$\approx$160 kcal
Protein	$\approx$21g	$\approx$22g
Total Fat	$\approx$17g	$\approx$8g
Saturated Fat	$\approx$5g	$\approx$2.5g
Flavor	Richer, more robust	Milder, more subtle
Moisture	High	Lower; can be dry
Best Uses	Burgers, meatballs, meatloaf	Chili, sauces, tacos
Cost	Less expensive	More expensive

The Verdict: Which is right for you?

Your choice between 85% and 93% ground turkey should be dictated by your culinary needs and dietary goals. For those seeking maximum flavor and a forgiving cooking experience, especially for grilled burgers or meatballs, the 85% blend is a fantastic choice. The added fat can be managed within a balanced diet, and the richer taste is often worth the extra calories.

On the other hand, if you are closely monitoring your caloric intake, aiming for weight loss, or simply prefer a leaner protein source, the 93% lean option is the better fit. It excels in saucy dishes where the added moisture prevents it from drying out. You can also counteract the lower fat content with healthy fats from other ingredients, like avocado or olive oil, if needed.

Ultimately, neither option is inherently "better" in all situations. Both provide an excellent source of protein, and both can fit into a healthy diet. Making an informed decision based on your personal needs is the key to incorporating ground turkey successfully into your meals.

For more information on turkey nutrition and preparation, consider resources from the National Turkey Federation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use 93% ground turkey for burgers, but you may need to add moisture. Incorporating finely minced mushrooms, shredded zucchini, or a small amount of an egg and breadcrumbs can help keep the patties moist and flavorful.

For weight loss, 93% lean ground turkey is generally better due to its lower calorie and fat content. It allows you to consume a protein-rich meal with fewer calories, which is helpful for creating a calorie deficit.

Yes, 85% ground turkey typically has a richer, more robust flavor. The higher fat content is what carries the flavor, so it results in a juicier and more satisfying taste for many people.

To prevent 93% ground turkey from drying out, cook it with moisture. This can be achieved by using it in dishes with sauces, such as pasta sauce or chili. Additionally, be careful not to overcook it, and use a digital meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.

Yes, 93% lean ground turkey is usually more expensive per pound than the 85% blend. The leaner meat requires more processing and often uses higher-quality cuts, which increases the cost.

The protein content is very similar between the two blends. A 4-ounce serving of 85% lean ground turkey contains around 21 grams of protein, while the 93% lean version offers approximately 22 grams of protein.

You can, but be mindful of the extra fat. When using 85% in place of 93%, you may need to drain off some of the rendered fat during cooking, especially in dishes like tacos or sloppy joes, to prevent the final dish from being greasy.