What Meats Are Zero Points on WeightWatchers in 2025?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to recent updates for the WeightWatchers 2025 plan, the list of zero-point foods has expanded to include a much wider variety of lean meats. Find out what meats are zero points on WeightWatchers to help you create satisfying, high-protein meals without using up your daily points budget.

Quick Summary

Many lean meats, including skinless chicken and turkey, specific lean cuts of beef and pork, and most fish and shellfish, are now zero points on the latest WeightWatchers program. Achieving zero-point status depends on proper preparation and meeting specific fat percentage requirements for ground meats.

Key Points

Poultry: Skinless breast and dark meat chicken and turkey are zero points, along with at least 90% lean ground versions.
Red Meats: Trimmed lean cuts of beef (flank, NY strip) and pork (tenderloin, chops), plus 90%+ lean ground beef and pork, are zero points.
Seafood: The vast majority of fish and shellfish, including salmon, cod, shrimp, and crab, are zero points.
Preparation Matters: To remain zero points, all meat must be cooked without added fats or oils; use cooking spray and zero-point seasonings instead.
Fat Content is Crucial: For ground meats, a minimum of 90% leanness is required; check labels carefully to avoid point values.
Eggs: As a protein source, eggs are included on the general zero-point list.
Mindful Eating: Portion sizes still matter. Eat zero-point foods until satisfied, not overstuffed, to avoid overconsuming calories.

Understanding Zero-Point Foods on the WW 2025 Plan

WeightWatchers, now known as WW, has consistently evolved its program to help members build healthier eating patterns without feeling overly restricted. The newest version of the program, launched in 2025, represents a significant update to the ZeroPoint® foods list. This list includes nutrient-dense, filling foods that members can enjoy without tracking them, and it has been expanded to include more meats than ever before. This change is designed to give members more flexibility and make healthy eating more sustainable.

For a meat to be considered zero points, it must be prepared without added fats or sugary sauces, which would incur a point value. The inclusion of a greater variety of lean meats reflects a modern understanding of nutrition, recognizing that protein-rich foods are crucial for satiety and muscle health. By focusing on foods that naturally keep you full, WW encourages a balanced diet where points can be spent on other, more indulgent items mindfully.

Zero-Point Poultry: Chicken and Turkey

Chicken and turkey have long been WeightWatchers staples, and the 2025 update makes them even more versatile for zero-point meal prep.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Fresh, frozen, or canned in water, this is a core zero-point food.
Boneless, Skinless Dark Meat Chicken and Turkey: A new addition for 2025, thighs and legs are now included, offering a juicier and more flavorful option.
Ground Chicken and Turkey (90% Lean or Higher): For ground poultry to be zero points, it must be at least 90% lean. This is crucial to check on the label, as lower fat percentages will add points.
Deli-Sliced Chicken or Turkey Breast: Must be extra-lean with no added ingredients that carry points.

Zero-Point Red Meats: Beef, Pork, and More

One of the most exciting updates for the 2025 plan is the inclusion of zero-point options for red meat, providing more variety for meal planning.

Lean Beef: Certain cuts, when trimmed of visible fat, are now zero points. This includes popular choices like flank steak, NY strip, and filet mignon.
Lean Ground Beef (90% Lean or Higher): Similar to ground poultry, you must choose a lean blend for a zero-point value.
Lean Pork: Cuts like pork tenderloin and lean pork chops are included, as long as they are trimmed.
Other Lean Meats: The list has expanded to include bison, lamb, goat, elk, veal, venison, and rabbit, provided the cuts are lean and any ground versions are at least 90% lean.

Fish and Shellfish: The Zero-Point Ocean

The zero-point list for fish and shellfish is extensive and includes a wide range of options. This category is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with lean protein and healthy omega-3 fats.

Fish: Virtually all fish, including salmon, cod, tuna (canned in water), tilapia, and trout, are zero points.
Shellfish: A variety of shellfish, such as shrimp, scallops, lobster, and crab, are also included.
Sashimi: Enjoying sashimi is a zero-point option, as it is raw fish without added sauces or fats.

How Preparation Affects Points

To keep these meats zero points, preparation is key. Here are some guidelines:

Cooking Method: Grill, bake, air fry, boil, or use a slow cooker. Avoid pan-frying in oil or butter, as those will add points. Use zero-point cooking spray for non-stick results.
Seasonings: Use zero-point flavorings like herbs, spices, vinegar, and zero-sugar sauces. Scan premade rubs and marinades to ensure no hidden points.
Trim the Fat: For cuts of beef and pork, ensure you trim all visible fat before cooking.

Zero-Point vs. Point-Valued Meats


Meat Type	Zero-Point Example	Point-Valued Example	Key Difference	Citations
Chicken	Skinless, boneless chicken breast	Skin-on chicken thigh, chicken wings	Skin contains fat and adds points
Turkey	99% lean ground turkey breast	93% lean ground turkey	Lower fat percentage needed for zero points
Beef	Trimmed flank steak	Untrimmed chuck roast, ground beef < 90% lean	Specific cuts and leanness are required
Pork	Pork tenderloin	Pork belly, fatty pork chops	Lean cuts are zero, fattier cuts have points
Fish	Baked salmon	Salmon prepared with a buttery sauce	Added fats in preparation add points

Enjoying Zero-Point Meats Mindfully

While the concept of zero-point foods can feel like a green light for unlimited eating, WW emphasizes a mindful approach. Zero-point meats are meant to be a foundation for building healthy, filling meals, not an excuse for overconsumption. Eating until you are satisfied, rather than stuffed, is still the goal. Listening to your body's hunger cues is a key strategy for success on the WW program, regardless of the point value of your food. You can easily build a balanced plate using zero-point meat alongside other zero-point items like non-starchy vegetables and beans.

Conclusion

The 2025 WeightWatchers program offers more flexibility and variety than ever before when it comes to zero-point meats. With the expanded list now including lean cuts of chicken, turkey, beef, and pork, plus a wide array of fish and shellfish, members have numerous options for satisfying, high-protein meals. By focusing on lean cuts and preparing them without added fats or sugary marinades, you can effectively leverage these zero-point proteins to build a healthy eating pattern while staying within your budget. This empowers members to create delicious, balanced meals and sustain their weight loss journey with greater ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, only ground meats with a leanness of 90% or higher are considered zero points. For example, 90% lean ground beef or 99% lean ground turkey breast qualify, while fattier blends do not.

No, cooking oils have a point value. To keep your meats zero points, you should use non-stick cooking spray instead of oil or butter for cooking.

Extra-lean deli-sliced chicken or turkey breast, without any added sugars or fats, can be zero points. However, many deli meats contain additives or higher fat content, so it's essential to check the label or scan the barcode to verify.

Canned chicken, turkey, or fish can be zero points if they are packed in water and have no added oil or sugar. Always read the ingredients list carefully.

Most fish and shellfish are zero points, but the preparation method is key. If you add high-point ingredients like heavy sauces, oil, or butter during cooking, it will add points to your meal.

Yes, on the 2025 WW plan, boneless and skinless dark meat chicken and turkey, which includes thighs, are now zero points.

You do not need to track zero-point foods, but mindful eating is encouraged. It is best to eat until you are satisfied, not overly full, as excess consumption can still impact your weight loss progress.

The 2025 plan significantly expanded the zero-point meat list to include lean beef, pork, and dark meat poultry, whereas older plans primarily only included skinless breast meat of chicken and turkey.