Ground Beef vs Tempeh
Side-by-side macro comparison. Ground Beef vs Tempeh per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Ground Beef | Tempeh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 254 cal | 195 cal | +30% Ground |
| Protein | 26g | 20g | +30% Ground |
| Carbs | 0g | 8g | -100% Ground |
| Fat | 17g | 11g | +55% 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. Tempeh delivers 195 calories with 20g protein, 8g carbs, and 11g fat. The most meaningful difference: Tempeh saves 59 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Tempeh wins at 41% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Tempeh gives you 59 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), Tempeh 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 Tempeh are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Ground Beef or Tempeh?
Ground Beef has more protein: 26g vs 20g per serving. That's a difference of 6g.
Which has fewer calories, Ground Beef or Tempeh?
Tempeh has 195 calories per serving vs 254 calories in Ground Beef — a difference of 59 calories.
Is Ground Beef or Tempeh better for keto?
Ground Beef is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 8g carbs in Tempeh.
Is Ground Beef or Tempeh better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Tempeh gives you more calorie flexibility (59 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Tempeh delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Tempeh.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Tempeh
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:
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Other ways Ground Beef and Tempeh stack up:
Full Ground Beef guide • Full Tempeh guide • All comparisons