Ground Beef vs Mushrooms
Side-by-side macro comparison. Ground Beef vs Mushrooms per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Ground Beef | Mushrooms | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 254 cal | 15 cal | +1593% Ground |
| Protein | 26g | 2.2g | +1082% Ground |
| Carbs | 0g | 2.3g | -100% Ground |
| Fat | 17g | 0.2g | +8400% Ground |
Differences shown relative to Ground Beef. Positive = Ground Beef has more.
Quick Take
Ground Beef delivers 254 calories per serving with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 17g fat. Mushrooms delivers 15 calories with 2.2g protein, 2.3g carbs, and 0.2g fat. The most meaningful difference: Mushrooms saves 239 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Mushrooms wins at 59% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Mushrooms gives you 239 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), Mushrooms delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Ground Beef brings 254 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Ground Beef delivers 26g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.
For Keto / Low-Carb
Both Ground Beef and Mushrooms are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Ground Beef or Mushrooms?
Ground Beef has more protein: 26g vs 2.2g per serving. That's a difference of 23.8g.
Which has fewer calories, Ground Beef or Mushrooms?
Mushrooms has 15 calories per serving vs 254 calories in Ground Beef — a difference of 239 calories.
Is Ground Beef or Mushrooms better for keto?
Ground Beef is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 2.3g carbs in Mushrooms.
Is Ground Beef or Mushrooms better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Mushrooms gives you more calorie flexibility (239 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Mushrooms delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Mushrooms.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Mushrooms
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Ground Beef
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Ground Beef
Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.
Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.
Find Your Personal Macros
The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Ground Beef and Mushrooms stack up:
Full Ground Beef guide • Full Mushrooms guide • All comparisons