{"id":510341,"date":"2026-03-08T02:21:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T02:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/510341\/"},"modified":"2026-03-08T02:21:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T02:21:20","slug":"7-healthiest-meats-ranked-by-highest-in-protein-and-lowest-in-fat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/510341\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Healthiest Meats Ranked by Highest in Protein and Lowest in Fat"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Choosing the healthiest meats can help you strike a balance when increasing protein intake without significantly raising fat intake. Lean cuts provide high-quality protein to support muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall health while keeping saturated fat in check.\n<\/p>\n<p>  1. Skinless Turkey Breast  <\/p>\n<p>vikif\u00a0\/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/turkey-breast-vs-chicken-breast-11854472\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Turkey breast<\/a> doesn\u2019t have to be reserved for Thanksgiving. With just 136 calories, 29.5 grams of protein, and less than 2 grams of fat per 3.5-ounce serving, skinless turkey breast tops the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/highest-protein-meat-11880535\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">list of healthiest meats<\/a>. Keep calories and fat low with a dry rub to flavor the turkey breast. Experiment with different seasonings to minimize boredom and flavor fatigue.\n<\/p>\n<p>  2. Venison  <\/p>\n<p>Venison\u00a0\/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Venison is a lean meat derived from deer. It is a solid choice for a <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/high-protein-foods-7496700\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">high-protein, low-fat meat<\/a>, with each 3.5-ounce serving delivering 150 calories, 30 grams of protein, and less than 2.5 grams of fat. Each serving of venison also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/foods-with-more-iron-than-steak-11870157\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">packs 4 milligrams of iron<\/a>, half the recommended daily amount for males and 22% of the daily value for females. Iron helps transport oxygen throughout the body, supporting energy levels.<\/p>\n<p>  3. Bison  <\/p>\n<p>4kodiak\u00a0\/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Bison, often called buffalo, are among the largest mammals in North America. Bison meat has a slightly sweeter, richer, and more tender flavor than beef. Each 3.5-ounce serving packs 143 calories, 28 grams of protein, and nearly 2.5 grams of fat, making it a leaner, protein-rich option than beef. Bison is a significant <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/foods-high-in-vitamin-b12-11869428\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">source of vitamin B12<\/a>, providing nearly 3 micrograms per serving, more than the recommended intake of 2.4 micrograms. Vitamin B12 is essential for nervous system function, red blood cell formation, and energy production.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p>  4. Skinless Chicken Breast  <\/p>\n<p>tycoon751\u00a0\/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Skinless <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/chicken-breast-vs-thigh-11787384\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">chicken breast<\/a> is widely available and highly versatile, making it a frequent choice among individuals focused on weight management or muscle maintenance. With 165 calories, 31 grams of protein, and 3.5 grams of fat per 3.5-ounce serving, skinless chicken breast delivers a hefty dose of protein while keeping calories in check. Try baking, grilling, or poaching chicken breast to keep fat content low and prevent boredom.\n<\/p>\n<p>  5. Pork Tenderloin  <\/p>\n<p>Sorin Amanar \/ 500px\u00a0\/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Pork tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of pork and is comparable to skinless chicken breast in fat content. One 3.5-ounce serving provides 143 calories, 26 grams of protein, and 3.5 grams of fat. Each serving provides 80-86% of the daily value of <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/b-vitamins-11782574\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">vitamin B1 (thiamin)<\/a>, an essential nutrient vital for energy metabolism. Despite its mild flavor, pork tenderloin adapts well to a variety of seasonings and cooking styles.\n<\/p>\n<p>  6. Lean Beef  <\/p>\n<p>Dragos Negoita \/ 500px\u00a0\/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Lean cuts of beef offer high-quality protein while containing less fat than more marbled cuts. A 3.5-ounce serving of 97% lean, ground beef crumbles offers 175 calories, 29.5 grams of protein, and 5.5 grams of fat. The fat content of lean beef varies, so you can choose the option that best suits your health goals, preferences, and cooking style. Selecting beef labeled as \u201cloin\u201d or \u201cround\u201d ensures a leaner cut and helps limit saturated fat intake.\n<\/p>\n<p>  7. Pork Loin Chop  <\/p>\n<p>Claudia Totir\u00a0\/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> With 173 calories, 27 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fat per 3.5-ounce serving, pork loin chop is the fattiest meat on this list. But that doesn\u2019t mean it can\u2019t fit on your plate. Removing any visible fat before cooking alters the nutrition profile and helps reduce saturated fat intake. Pairing with vegetables and whole grains creates a balanced plate that contains fiber to help you feel full and satisfied.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p>Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our <a href=\"http:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">editorial process<\/a> to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. Department of Agriculture. <a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/food-details\/174516\/nutrients\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Turkey, retail parts, breast, meat only, cooked, roasted<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. Department of Agriculture. <a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/food-details\/172604\/nutrients\" class=\"pseudoStyle\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Game meat, deer, loin, separable lean only, 1\u201d steak, cooked, broiled<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. <a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/Iron-HealthProfessional\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Iron<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. Department of Agriculture. <a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/food-details\/173852\/nutrients\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Game meat, bison, separable lean only, cooked, roasted<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. <a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vitamin B12<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. Department of Agriculture. <a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/food-details\/171477\/nutrients\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chicken, broilers or fryers, breast, meat only, cooked roasted<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. <a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/Thiamin-HealthProfessional\/\" class=\"pseudoStyle\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Thiamin<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. Department of Agriculture. <a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/food-details\/168250\/nutrients\" class=\"pseudoStyle\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pork, fresh, loin, tenderloin, separable lean only, cooked, roasted<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. Department of Agriculture. <a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/food-details\/174756\/nutrients\" class=\"pseudoStyle\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Beef, ground, 97% lean meat \/ 3% fat, crumbles, cooked, pan-browned<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. Department of Agriculture. <a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/food-details\/168254\/nutrients\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pork, fresh, loin, top loin (roasts), boneless, separable lean only, cooked, roasted<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/AmyBrownsteinMSRDN-db78b6b8ad074434b19ec5f9ca0a4313.jpg\" width=\"144\" height=\"144\" alt=\"Headshot of Amy Brownstein, RDN\" class=\"lazyload author-bio__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" data-expand=\"300\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"author-bio__bio-text\">\nBy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/amy-brownstein-7975949\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN<\/a><br \/>\n<br \/>Amy\u00a0Brownstein, MS, RDN, is a private practice dietitian and nutrition consultant based on the West Coast. She is passionate about translating nutrition science into digestible and actionable educational information and recommendations.\n<\/p>\n<p>Thanks for your feedback!<\/p>\n<p>What is your feedback?<\/p>\n<p> Helpful<\/p>\n<p> Report an Error<\/p>\n<p> Other<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Choosing the healthiest meats can help you strike a balance when increasing protein intake without significantly raising fat&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":510342,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[61],"tags":[97,269],"class_list":["post-510341","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nutrition","tag-health","tag-nutrition"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/510341","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=510341"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/510341\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/510342"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=510341"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=510341"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=510341"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}