Tag: Lean vs extra lean

According to USDA standards, ground beef labeled "lean" must contain less than 10% fat, making it clear that the popular 80/20 ground beef is actually neither "lean" nor "extra lean". This popular blend offers a superb balance of flavor and juiciness, making it a favorite for many cooks, but understanding its true fat content is key for both culinary success and nutritional awareness.

According to USDA guidelines, extra lean beef contains less than 5 grams of total fat and less than 2 grams of saturated fat per 100-gram serving. But does this mean extra lean is always the healthiest option, or is there more to the story for a balanced diet?

According to USDA guidelines, beef with up to 17.5% fat can be labeled as 'lean'. This means that ground beef labeled 85% lean, which contains 15% fat, falls comfortably within the official definition of lean meat.