Venison vs Beef: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

This comparison examines the nutritional differences between venison and beef.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Venison has 149 calories and 29.9 g of protein, while beef has 188 calories and the same protein amount. Venison is lower in calories and equally high in protein.

Venison and beef are both popular sources of meat, each with distinct nutritional profiles. Understanding their differences can help in making informed dietary choices.

What Is the Difference Between Venison and Beef?

Venison refers to the meat of deer, known for being lean and rich in protein. It is often considered a healthier alternative to other red meats. Beef is the meat from cattle, commonly consumed worldwide. It is known for its rich flavor and is a significant source of protein and essential nutrients.

Venison vs Beef: Nutrition Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the nutritional values of venison and beef.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Venison (cooked) Lean beef (cooked)
Calories 149 kcal 188 kcal
Protein 29.9 g 29.9 g
Carbs 0 g 0 g
Sugar 0 g 0 g
Fat 2.4 g 7.1 g
Fiber 0 g 0 g
Sodium 57 mg 64 mg

Which Is Better, Venison or Beef?

For weight loss: Venison has 149 calories per 100 g, while beef has 188 calories. Choosing venison may be beneficial for those looking to reduce calorie intake.

For muscle and protein: Both venison and beef provide 29.9 g of protein per 100 g. They are excellent choices for those seeking high protein content.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Both venison and beef contain 0 g of carbohydrates and sugar. They are suitable options for low-carb or low-sugar diets.

How to Track Venison and Beef Accurately

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How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use, not medical advice. They are based on verified data for each type of meat. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein, venison or beef?

Both venison and beef contain 29.9 g of protein per 100 g. There is no difference in protein content.

Which has fewer calories, venison or beef?

Venison has 149 calories per 100 g, while beef has 188 calories. Therefore, venison has fewer calories.

What is the fat content in venison?

Venison contains 2.4 g of fat per 100 g. It is lower in fat compared to beef.

What is the sodium content in beef?

Beef contains 64 mg of sodium per 100 g. This is slightly higher than the sodium content in venison.

Is there any sugar in venison?

Venison contains 0 g of sugar per 100 g. It is a sugar-free meat option.

How much fiber is in beef?

Beef contains 0 g of fiber per 100 g. Both meats lack dietary fiber.

Key Takeaways

  • Venison has 149 calories per 100 g.
  • Beef has 188 calories per 100 g.
  • Both meats contain 29.9 g of protein per 100 g.
  • Venison has 2.4 g of fat per 100 g.
  • Beef has 7.1 g of fat per 100 g.
  • Both venison and beef have 0 g of carbohydrates and sugar.

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