Battle of The Meats: Chicken vs. Beef! - Taste Inc (2024)

Chicken and beef are both important to the human diet, as they’re key sources of protein, but which meat would win the battle to claim the title of healthiest meat? Here they’re going head to head, so let’s take a look at which meat comes out on top.

Battle of The Meats: Chicken vs. Beef! - Taste Inc (1)

Protein

Chicken is the go-to protein source for athletes and bodybuilders. But beef also contains a high level of protein and a significant amount of creatine, which helps produce lean muscle much more quickly. The level of protein found in both protein and beef varies, but the differences are minor. However, your body can only absorb 74% of a slab of beef, where as your body can take in 80% of protein in chicken.

Chicken 5/5

Beef 4/5

Fat

For those on a restricted calorie intake, chicken is the way to go. A serving of chicken provides less calories, as well as less cholesterol and saturated fat than beef. With chicken’s lower calorie content, beef packs a hefty punch due to its higher fat content!

Chicken 2/4

Beef 3/4

Versatility

Chicken is the most versatile and adaptable meat. While beef can be used for a variety of occasions also, chicken is normally quicker to prepare and can be baked, barbecued, grilled and roasted. It can be combined with many different foods and is a great base for all kinds of recipes.

Chicken 4/5

Beef 3/5

Nutrients

Beef has a few nutritious advantages over chicken, as it contains more iron and zinc. These substances are essential for our immune systems and brain development. However, chicken is much better for your cardiovascular health, because it has less cholesterol and saturated fat than beef. Studies have also shown that red meat can increase the risk of heart disease.

Chicken 4/5

Beef 3/5

Energy

All meats are great for energy. For short bursts of energy, chicken comes out on top, because white meat is made up of “fast twitch” muscle fibres. On the other hand, red meat is known as “slow twitch”, so it’s ideal for endurance activities. Both chicken and beef enhance energy efficiency in different ways.

Chicken 4/4

Beef 4/4

Winner: Chicken

If you had to pick one, choose chicken! In the end, it lands the killer blow to beef for its superior muscle-building, versatility and key nutrients for cardiovascular health.

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Battle of The Meats: Chicken vs. Beef! - Taste Inc (2024)

FAQs

How does beef taste compared to chicken? ›

Flavor and Texture: Beef is often considered to have a richer and more robust flavor compared to chicken. 2. Nutritional Value: Beef is typically higher in certain nutrients, such as iron and zinc, which are essential for the body.

Why do bodybuilders eat chicken instead of beef? ›

Chicken is a staple in many bodybuilders' diets for good reason. It's a lean source of protein that's low in fat and calories. This means you can devour those chicken breasts without worrying too much about unwanted fat gain. Chicken is also rich in essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle growth.

Which is better, beef or chicken? ›

Compared to beef, chicken is a better source of protein. As a result of its high-fat content, beef is a higher fat and higher calorie meat. Chicken has more vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B1, B3, and B5. However, beef is significantly higher in folate and vitamin B12.

How chicken became the only meat everyone agrees on? ›

As inflation puts beef and pork out of reach for many, poultry's lower cost is making it the world's No. 1 protein source. For centuries, a delectable steak or pork loin has been the preferred top of the food chain for diners as societies grew more affluent and improved their diets. No longer.

Which meat is no. 1 in the world? ›

Pork, for example, is the most consumed meat globally, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, making up 36% of the world's meat intake. The popularity of pork is closely followed by poultry, which is a staple in many countries due to its versatility and affordability.

What's the healthiest meat to eat? ›

While meat can be a part of a healthy diet, not all sources are created equal. The leanest and healthiest meats to eat include poultry, pork, fish, and seafood. Eating a balanced diet is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle, which means choosing various foods from different food groups, like proteins.

What meat has the highest protein? ›

Animal protein sources
FoodProtein per 100 gCalories per 100g
1. Chicken32.8 g148 cal
2. Beef26.4 g163 cal
3. Pork (loin)22.2 g131 cal
4. Duck19.3 g133 cal
15 more rows
Mar 11, 2024

What meat is best for muscle growth? ›

Most nutritionists and bodybuilders agree: that chicken breast is one of the best foods for growing muscle. The key to chicken's effectiveness is that it contains only low quantities of fat, despite being very protein-rich. 100 grams of GSN Steam-cooked Chicken Breast Fillets contains an amazing 29 grams of protein.

Why do gym people eat chicken breasts? ›

Nutrients from chicken breast for the body

This is a food that does not contain starch and fat. Therefore, the remaining nutrient density is water. With the main ingredients being protein and water, diet chicken breast will support muscle gain and limit the accumulation of excess fat.

Can I eat chicken every day? ›

Chicken is a healthy food (as long as it's poached, baked or grilled), but that doesn't mean you should eat it every single day. As both dietitians have explained, eating a wide variety of foods is the best way to give your body the nutrients it needs.

Can I eat chicken if I have high cholesterol? ›

If you have high cholesterol, you should talk with your doctor about what you eat, including meat. There are good, lean choices. For example, you can consider chicken or turkey breasts without skin; pork tenderloin; or beef round, sirloin, or tenderloin. Avoid highly processed meats (bacon, ham, lunchmeat, etc.).

Is eating fish healthier than meat? ›

Fish and seafood are excellent lean protein sources without any of the saturated fats of meat. Introducing more seafood into your diet may yield numerous health and nutrition benefits. Seafood is also better than meat as it lowers the risks of heart disease, stroke, and several cancers associated with consuming meat.

Do we only eat male chickens? ›

Do We Eat Male or Female Chickens? Chickens raised in the meat industry have been bred to grow very fast with large breast and leg muscles, since egg production is not a factor in the meat industry, we can eat both males and females. This is, obviously, different for males in the egg-laying industry.

Why are male chickens not used for meat? ›

Due to modern selective breeding, laying hen strains differ from meat production strains (broilers). In the United States, males are culled in egg production because males "don't lay eggs or grow large enough to become broilers."

Why can you eat beef rare but not chicken? ›

For example, red meats are usually only susceptible to pathogens on the surface of the cut, while chicken can be contaminated all the way through the muscle. This is why you should never eat raw chicken, but a juicy rare steak is perfectly fine.

What meat tastes the most like chicken? ›

Likewise, unique meats such as frogs and alligators are also considered white meat. They boast a leaner meat profile, a palatable flavor, and a chicken-like texture. “[By having comparable muscle profiles], it is most likely going to contribute a similar meat flavor component,” said Gonzalez.

What does beef taste similar to? ›

Dry-aged beef has been described as beefy or nutty, while beef that has been wet aged can be described as slightly metallic or sour. This is one of the main reasons why many people who are used to dry-aged beef from a local butcher balk at the flavor of meat purchased from a grocery store.

Why is beef the best tasting meat? ›

Lipids, carbohydrates and proteins that make up beef have the greatest influence on flavor. Lipids, or fats, are specie-specific, differing in both amount and fatty acid composition. That's why beef doesn't taste like pork or poultry.

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