Is Ground Bison Healthier Than Ground Meat?

December 16, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the USDA, a 3.5-ounce serving of cooked ground bison can have nearly 25% fewer calories and significantly less fat than a comparable cut of conventional ground beef. This has led many to question: is ground bison healthier than ground meat, and what are the true nutritional differences?

Quick Summary

This comprehensive guide compares the nutritional profiles, health benefits, and considerations of ground bison versus conventional ground meat, helping you make an informed choice. It covers aspects like fat content, calories, micronutrients, sustainability, and taste.

Key Points

Leanness and Calories: Ground bison is typically leaner and lower in calories and fat, particularly saturated fat, compared to conventional ground beef.
Rich in Nutrients: Both meats are rich in protein, iron, and zinc, but bison often contains higher concentrations of essential vitamins like B12.
Favorable Fatty Acids: Grass-fed bison often has higher levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and CLA than grain-fed beef.
Cooking Considerations: Due to its low fat content, ground bison cooks faster and can dry out if overcooked, requiring more careful preparation.
Cost and Availability: Bison is generally more expensive and less widely available than beef due to its farming methods and lower supply.
Health Benefits: The nutritional profile of bison can be beneficial for heart health, weight management, and reducing inflammation.
Ethical Sourcing: Most bison are pasture-raised, which is often considered more sustainable and ethical than conventional cattle farming.

Ground Bison vs. Ground Beef: The Nutritional Breakdown

When evaluating if ground bison is healthier than ground meat, the most common comparison is with ground beef, its culinary cousin. While both are excellent sources of high-quality protein, they differ notably in their fat content and nutritional composition, especially when comparing standard, grain-fed beef to grass-fed bison.

Calorie and Fat Content

Bison meat is typically leaner than ground beef, resulting in fewer calories and less fat, including saturated fat. This leanness also means less shrinkage during cooking.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Both bison and beef are rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and Vitamin B12. However, bison often contains higher concentrations of these essentials and, particularly when grass-fed, offers a better fatty acid profile with more omega-3s and CLA.

Flavor and Cooking Differences

Due to its lower fat content, bison has a richer, slightly sweet flavor. It cooks faster and can dry out easily, so it's best cooked to medium-rare or medium. Beef's higher fat content makes it more forgiving to cook and gives it a familiar, buttery flavor.

The Role of Farming Practices

Bison are typically raised on pastures and are grass-fed, contributing to a healthier fatty acid profile. Conventional beef is often grain-finished, which increases its fat content.

Is Ground Bison Healthier? A Comparison Table

Here is a comparison of a 4-ounce (113g) cooked portion of ground bison and 85% lean ground beef:


Nutrient	Ground Bison	85% Lean Ground Beef	Winner
Calories	~178 kcal	~215 kcal	Bison
Total Fat	~8.5 g	~15 g	Bison
Saturated Fat	~3.0 g	~7.0 g	Bison
Protein	~20 g	~18 g	Bison
Iron	Higher	Lower	Bison
Zinc	Higher	Similar	Bison
Omega-3s	Higher	Lower	Bison

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Points to consider about ground bison include:

Higher Cost: Generally more expensive due to farming methods and lower supply.
Limited Availability: Not as widely available as ground beef.
Risk of Overcooking: Lean nature requires careful cooking to avoid dryness.
Taste Preference: Some may prefer the taste of beef.

While bison offers a leaner, nutrient-rich option, lean grass-fed beef is also a healthy choice. For more on bison, visit the National Bison Association.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for You

Generally, ground bison is healthier than conventional ground beef due to its lower fat and calorie content and superior fatty acid profile. It's a great option for heart health and weight management. Beef is more widely available and affordable; choosing leaner cuts like 90% or 93% lean can still be healthy. For optimal nutritional benefits and sustainability, ground bison is a strong contender. Your choice depends on your health goals, budget, and taste. National Bison Association

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, bison meat has a slightly different flavor profile than beef. It is often described as having a richer, slightly sweeter, and cleaner taste, without the heavy or greasy mouthfeel of fatty beef.

Yes, ground bison is an excellent option for weight loss due to its lean nature and high protein content. It is lower in fat and calories than conventional beef, and its protein helps increase satiety, keeping you full for longer.

To prevent ground bison from drying out, cook it for a shorter time and at a slightly lower temperature than you would ground beef. It is best to cook it to medium-rare or medium, and you can also add moisture by mixing in a little olive oil or broth.

Bison meat is more expensive due to supply and demand factors. Bison are raised in a less industrialized manner on larger, open pastures, which leads to higher production costs compared to conventionally farmed cattle.

Yes, you can substitute ground bison for ground beef in most recipes, such as burgers, tacos, or chili. Just be mindful of the shorter cooking time and lower fat content to avoid overcooking and dryness.

While generally very healthy, it's crucial to cook bison thoroughly, especially ground bison, to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illnesses like E. coli. Proper handling and safe cooking practices are essential, as with any meat.

Grass-fed beef shares many nutritional advantages with bison, such as a better fatty acid profile compared to conventional beef. However, bison is inherently leaner and often boasts a more consistent pasture-raised standard than beef.