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October 18, 2025
Beef Nutrient Data � Sorting out "Facts" from Fiction
The Beef Information Centre’s (BIC) website provides an abundance of information about Canadian beef’s nutrient composition, how this data was determined and beef’s contribution to a balanced diet. The Virtual Beef Nutrition Counter is an easy to use tool that profiles beef’s nutrient composition and reflects data from the most recent Canadian Nutrient File 2007b (CNF). To determine this nutrient data, an independent, fully accredited laboratory conducted an extensive nutrient analysis. The study sample was designed to represent the Canadian beef supply. Analyses were conducted over a 5-year period with samples from all four seasons. Comprehensive nutrient analyses were conducted on a total of 26 different beef cuts. At least 12 samples per grade were analyzed for each cut. Nutrient data were compiled for both raw and cooked samples from different grade and fat trim levels.
The nutrient data reported in the Virtual Beef Nutrition Counter is based on beef cuts that have been trimmed of visible fat, also called "lean only". There continues to be confusion about whether the term ”lean only” reflects how the consumer eats their meat. Based on research conducted by BIC in 2005 and 2010, almost 80% of Canadians trim visible fat from their beef either before and/or after cooking. As defined in the CNF and the Virtual Beef Nutrition Counter, "lean only" consists of trimming external fat as well seam fat, but not the marbling. This closely reflects how consumers actually trim and eat their meat. In the ground beef category, data is presented for regular, medium, lean and extra lean grinds. Lean and extra lean represent 70% of the ground beef sold in grocery retail stores in Canada.¹
Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide recommends one to three servings of Meat and Alternatives a day, 75 grams per serving (based on age and gender), including beef. Eight cuts of well-trimmed Canadian beef and lean and extra lean ground beef meet today's Health Check™ program criteria. Lean Canadian beef is a nutrient rich choice, providing 14 essential nutrients including protein, iron, zinc, B-vitamins, selenium and vitamin D, among others. Beef is also naturally low in sodium, containing only 64mg in a 100 gram serving.
For Your Practice
Canadian beef is a naturally nutrient rich food that is a lean choice when trimmed of fat. BIC’s Virtual Beef Nutrition Counter is a valuable tool for both Health Professionals and the consumer that provides a closer look at beef by cut and how beef compares to other proteins. Visit www.beefinfo.org for an abundance of information for you and your clients about beef’s contribution to a healthy diet.
Want to Learn More?
Visit the Virtual Beef Nutrition Counter for a closer look at the nutrient content of lean Canadian beef by cut as well as to see how beef compares to other protein choices.
Learn more about Health Check™ Qualified Beef and the latest Health Check™ nutrition criteria.
¹Source: Nielsen Market Track, July 2010
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