Is There 98 2 Ground Beef? The Ultra-Lean Option Explained

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite the common belief that the leanest ground beef is 93/7 or 96/4, packages labeled 98/2 ground beef are indeed available, particularly from specialty retailers and grass-fed producers. This ultra-lean option offers a significant nutritional advantage for those meticulously managing their fat intake.

Quick Summary

Learn about 98/2 ground beef, an extra-lean variety prized for its low fat and high protein content. This guide covers its benefits, sourcing, and cooking methods ideal for health-conscious individuals.

Key Points

98/2 Ground Beef is Real: This extremely lean variety exists but is typically sold by specialty butchers or grass-fed producers, not common grocery stores.
Extremely Low Fat Content: A 98/2 ratio means the product is 98% lean meat and only 2% fat, significantly leaner than standard "extra lean" options.
High Protein, Low Calorie: It offers all the protein and essential nutrients of beef with minimal saturated fat and fewer calories, supporting weight management and heart health.
Requires Different Cooking Methods: To avoid dryness, it should be cooked quickly, in a liquid base, or with binders; it is not ideal for grilling burgers.
Best for Sauces and Liquid-Based Dishes: The low fat content makes it perfect for chilis, tacos, and bolognese sauces where other ingredients provide moisture and flavor.
Nutrient-Dense Option: Despite its low fat, it remains a rich source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, making it a valuable part of a healthy diet.

Is 98/2 Ground Beef Real? The Ultra-Lean Option Confirmed

For dedicated health enthusiasts and dieters, the quest for the leanest possible protein source is a constant priority. While many are familiar with common ratios like 93/7 or 96/4, a very specific product exists on the market: 98/2 ground beef. Yes, it is real, although it is not as widely available as other varieties. This ultra-lean option is typically sold by specialty butcher shops, grass-fed beef producers, and, in some cases, through grocery delivery services that source from specific farms. It's created by grinding down the leanest cuts, with much of the fat carefully trimmed away to achieve the highest possible lean-to-fat ratio. Its rarity is a reflection of the intensive process required to separate virtually all fat from the lean muscle.

What the "98/2" Ratio Means

The ratio associated with ground beef simply refers to the percentage of lean meat versus fat by weight. In the case of 98/2, this means the package contains 98% lean beef and only 2% fat. This is an extremely low fat content, pushing well beyond the American Heart Association's standard for "extra lean" ground beef, which is typically 96% lean. Understanding this ratio is crucial for both cooking and nutrition, as the low fat content significantly impacts moisture, flavor, and texture.

The Nutritional Benefits of Ultra-Lean Beef

Choosing a 98/2 ratio provides significant nutritional advantages, especially for those focused on high protein intake with minimal fat. This makes it a popular choice among bodybuilders, dieters, and anyone aiming to reduce their saturated fat consumption for heart health.

High-Quality Protein: A serving of ultra-lean ground beef is packed with high-quality, complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Even at its leanest, ground beef is a nutrient-dense food. It remains an excellent source of essential nutrients like iron (especially the highly-absorbable heme-iron), zinc, and a full spectrum of B-vitamins, including B12.
Reduced Calories: The reduced fat content means significantly fewer calories per serving. For comparison, 95/5 ground beef has 137 calories per 100g, while 80/20 has 288 calories. The 98/2 ratio offers even fewer calories than 95/5.

How to Cook 98/2 Ground Beef Without It Drying Out

With such a low fat content, 98/2 ground beef requires a different cooking approach to prevent it from becoming dry and crumbly. The fat in traditional ground beef is what keeps it moist, so with 98/2, you must compensate for the lack of it.

Here are some essential cooking tips:

Add Moisture: Introduce moisture during the cooking process. Sautéing with a bit of oil or cooking in a liquid base, like a sauce or stock, can prevent the meat from drying out.
Don't Overcook: Keep a close eye on the meat and remove it from the heat as soon as it's cooked through. Overcooking can quickly turn ultra-lean beef into a tough, dry texture.
Consider Binders: For applications like meatloaf or meatballs, adding binders such as eggs, breadcrumbs, or finely chopped mushrooms can help retain moisture.
Boil for Crumbles: Boiling is a highly effective, mess-free method for cooking very lean beef into perfect, separated crumbles, ideal for sauces and tacos.

Best Uses for Ultra-Lean Ground Beef

Due to its minimal fat content, 98/2 ground beef shines in recipes where its leanness is an advantage and other ingredients contribute moisture and flavor. It is not recommended for traditional burgers, which rely on fat for juiciness.

Ideal recipes include:

Sauces: Think classic bolognese, chili, or taco meat. The beef crumbles add substance while the surrounding sauce prevents dryness.
Stuffed Vegetables: Stuffed peppers or zucchini boats are perfect for ultra-lean beef, which won't leave a greasy residue.
Soups and Stews: Brown the meat and add it to soups, where it will absorb moisture and flavor from the broth. It works well in everything from a simple beef and vegetable soup to a hearty chili.
Meatloaf and Meatballs: When properly mixed with moist binders, this lean beef makes for a healthier version of these comfort food classics.

Comparison of Ground Beef Fat Percentages


Fat Ratio	Flavor Profile	Moisture Level	Best Culinary Uses
98/2 (Ultra-Lean)	Milder, requires seasoning	Very Low	Sauces, Chili, Stuffed Vegetables
93/7 (Extra-Lean)	Lean, but with more beef flavor	Low	Tacos, Meatloaf, Casseroles
85/15 (Lean)	Versatile, good balance of flavor	Medium	Tacos, Burgers, Spaghetti Sauce
80/20 (Ground Chuck)	Rich, robust beef flavor	High	Grilling Burgers, Meatballs, Meatloaf

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

In conclusion, 98/2 ground beef is a very real, albeit specialized, option for those seeking the leanest possible ground beef. While its minimal fat content requires careful cooking to prevent dryness, it is an excellent choice for a variety of health-conscious dishes where high protein and low fat are the primary goals. From hearty chilis to savory sauces, its unique nutritional profile can be a powerful tool for weight management and heart health. By understanding its properties and cooking it appropriately, you can unlock the full potential of this ultra-lean meat. When shopping, be prepared to look at specialty suppliers or grass-fed farms, as this option is not typically found on mainstream grocery shelves. For more information on different types of ground beef, check out this guide from WebstaurantStore.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find 98/2 ground beef from specialized sources such as grass-fed beef farms and online butcher shops. Some brands, like Springhill Ranch, are also available through grocery delivery services like Instacart.

The main difference is the fat content. 98/2 has only 2% fat, making it significantly leaner than 93/7, which has 7% fat. This affects both the flavor and how you cook the meat, with 98/2 being drier and milder.

No, 98/2 ground beef is not recommended for traditional burgers. The lack of fat results in a dry, dense patty that lacks the juiciness and flavor expected from a typical burger. Fattier ratios like 80/20 or 85/15 are better for burgers.

This ultra-lean meat works best in recipes where other liquids or ingredients can provide moisture. Excellent choices include chili, spaghetti sauce, taco meat, and stuffed peppers.

To prevent dryness, cook it quickly, add moisture during cooking (like oil or sauce), and avoid overcooking. Boiling it for crumbles is an effective method for sauces and tacos.

Yes, extra-lean beef is considered heart-healthy due to its low saturated fat content. The American Heart Association has even certified some 96/4 ground beef products with its Heart-Check mark.

No. While draining cooked ground beef removes some fat, the fat that has permeated the meat remains. The finished product will still be fattier than a true 98/2 ground beef, and the texture and flavor will be different.