Affiliate links on this page — disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases.
Beef Mince vs Chicken Breast: Calories Compared
Chicken Breast is lower in calories (165 vs 254 per 100g). Beef Mince has 17.2g protein per 100g versus 31g in Chicken Breast.
Per typical serving, Beef Mince provides 254 kcal (based on a 100g portion) versus Chicken Breast at 231 kcal (140g). The average adult needs around 2,000 calories per day, so beef mince contributes 12.7% and chicken breast contributes 11.6% of that daily target per serving. Getting these numbers right for your own portions starts with a digital kitchen scale.
Full nutrition comparison (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Beef Mince | Chicken Breast |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 254 kcal | 165 kcal |
| Protein | 17.2g | 31g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0g |
| of which Sugars | 0g | 0g |
| Fat | 20g | 3.6g |
| of which Saturates | 7.6g | 1g |
| Fibre | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 66mg | 74mg |
| Potassium | 270mg | 256mg |
| Calcium | 18mg | 15mg |
| Iron | 1.9mg | 1mg |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0mg |
| Vitamin A | 4µg | 6µg |
| Selenium | 15µg | 28µg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2mg | 0.1mg |
Nutrient-by-nutrient breakdown
- Calories: Beef Mince has more (254kcal vs 165kcal per 100g) — a difference of 89kcal. Chicken Breast is the lower-calories option if that is your priority.
- Protein: Chicken Breast has more (31g vs 17.2g per 100g) — a difference of 13.8g. Chicken Breast is the stronger source of protein here.
- Carbohydrates: both foods contain the same amount (0g per 100g).
- Sugars: both foods contain the same amount (0g per 100g).
- Fat: Beef Mince has more (20g vs 3.6g per 100g) — a difference of 16.4g. Chicken Breast is the lower-fat option if that is your priority.
- Saturated fat: Beef Mince has more (7.6g vs 1g per 100g) — a difference of 6.6g. Chicken Breast is the lower-saturated fat option if that is your priority.
- Fibre: both foods contain the same amount (0g per 100g).
- Sodium: Chicken Breast has more (74mg vs 66mg per 100g) — a difference of 8mg. Beef Mince is the lower-sodium option if that is your priority.
- Potassium: Beef Mince has more (270mg vs 256mg per 100g) — a difference of 14mg. Beef Mince is the stronger source of potassium here.
- Calcium: Beef Mince has more (18mg vs 15mg per 100g) — a difference of 3mg. Beef Mince is the stronger source of calcium here.
- Iron: Beef Mince has more (2mg vs 1mg per 100g) — a difference of 1mg. Beef Mince is the stronger source of iron here.
- Vitamin c: both foods contain the same amount (0mg per 100g).
- Vitamin a: Chicken Breast has more (6µg vs 4µg per 100g) — a difference of 2µg. Chicken Breast is the stronger source of vitamin A here.
- Selenium: Chicken Breast has more (28µg vs 15µg per 100g) — a difference of 13µg. Chicken Breast is the stronger source of selenium here.
- Riboflavin (b2): Beef Mince has more (0mg vs 0mg per 100g) — a difference of 0mg. Beef Mince is the stronger source of riboflavin (B2) here.
Live serving-size calculator
Enter any amount for each food — every figure below recalculates instantly, with % of daily value shown for each nutrient (based on a standard 2,000-calorie reference diet).
| Nutrient | Beef Mince | % DV | Chicken Breast | % DV |
|---|
* % Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet, the same basis used on nutrition labels in the US and UK. Figures update live as you change the amounts above — no page reload.
Substituting one for the other
When substituting one protein source for another, cooking time and method may need adjusting — leaner cuts cook faster and can dry out more easily than fattier ones.
Useful for comparing these foods
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner we earn from qualifying purchases and other referrals. Disclosure ›
Which should you choose?
If your priority is fewer calories, Chicken Breast is the lower-calorie option at 165 kcal per 100g. If you need more protein, Chicken Breast provides more at 31g per 100g. For lower carbohydrates, Beef Mince has fewer carbs at 0g per 100g.
Both beef mince and chicken breast can form part of a healthy, balanced diet. The best choice depends on your individual goals — whether that is weight management, muscle building, or simply hitting your daily nutritional targets. A meal prep container set makes it easy to portion whichever you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more calories, Beef Mince or Chicken Breast?
Beef Mince has 254 calories per 100g while Chicken Breast has 165 calories per 100g. Beef Mince is higher in calories by 89 kcal per 100g.
Which has more protein, Beef Mince or Chicken Breast?
Beef Mince contains 17.2g of protein per 100g. Chicken Breast contains 31g of protein per 100g. Chicken Breast has more protein.
Is Beef Mince healthier than Chicken Breast?
Beef Mince has 254 kcal, 17.2g protein, 0g carbs and 20g fat per 100g. Chicken Breast has 165 kcal, 31g protein, 0g carbs and 3.6g fat per 100g. Which is healthier depends on your goals — higher protein, lower calorie and lower fat foods are generally preferred for weight management.
Which has more fibre, Beef Mince or Chicken Breast?
Beef Mince contains 0g of fibre per 100g, and Chicken Breast contains 0g per 100g. Beef Mince has more fibre. Fibre supports digestion and helps with feeling fuller for longer.
How many calories per serving — Beef Mince vs Chicken Breast?
A typical 100g serving of beef mince (100g) is around 254 calories. A typical 1 breast of chicken breast (140g) is around 231 calories — a difference of 23 kcal per serving in favour of chicken breast.
Can I substitute Beef Mince for Chicken Breast in recipes?
When substituting one protein source for another, cooking time and method may need adjusting — leaner cuts cook faster and can dry out more easily than fattier ones.
Track both accurately
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner we earn from qualifying purchases and other referrals. Disclosure ›
Calorie Tracking Journal
Write down what you actually eat — it doubles the chance of hitting your goal.
Check Price →Last updated:
Figures per 100g from the USDA FoodData Central database (CC0 1.0).