Key findings
- 1Plain ground beef is a single ingredient, and the grinding is purely mechanical processing
- 2In our analysis, ground beef averages a Processing Score of 1.7, which is Level 1
- 3Lean finely textured beef (LFTB, "pink slime") is treated with ammonia or citric acid and can be blended in at up to 15% without separate labeling
- 4Pre-formed patties with seasonings, binders, and preservatives are more processed; choose fresh ground over pre-made
Why is Ground Beef Level 1 on average?
Grinding beef is one of the most basic forms of food processing; meat is pushed through a die plate to reduce it to smaller pieces. No additives are required or typically used. The processing concern is LFTB (lean finely textured beef): beef trimmings are heated to separate fat from lean tissue, then the lean portion is treated with ammonium hydroxide gas or citric acid to kill pathogens. This product can be blended into ground beef at up to 15% without separate labeling in the US. LFTB was the subject of the 2012 "pink slime" controversy. Ground beef labeled "ground chuck," "ground round," or "ground sirloin" by definition comes from specific primal cuts and is less likely to contain LFTB. Grass-fed and organic ground beef also typically exclude it.
How 711 ground beef products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Ground Beef brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a ground beef label
- 1
Ground beef should list one ingredient: beef, nothing else is needed
- 2
"Ground chuck," "ground round," or "ground sirloin" indicate specific cuts, reducing LFTB likelihood
- 3
The lean/fat ratio (80/20, 90/10) refers to fat content, not processing level
- 4
Seasoned or flavored ground beef patties add multiple ingredients and are more processed
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Frequently asked questions
Is ground beef ultra-processed?
In our analysis, ground beef averages a Processing Score of 1.7, which is Level 1. Plain ground beef is a single ingredient (beef) that is mechanically ground. No chemicals or additives are involved in standard grinding. The exception is if LFTB (lean finely textured beef) is blended in, which adds chemical treatment.
What is pink slime in ground beef?
LFTB (lean finely textured beef) is made from beef trimmings heated to separate fat, then treated with ammonium hydroxide gas to kill bacteria. It can be added to ground beef at up to 15% without separate labeling. Buying named cuts (ground chuck, ground sirloin) reduces likelihood of LFTB.
Is grass-fed ground beef less processed?
Grass-fed refers to the animal's diet, not processing. However, grass-fed ground beef is typically from single-source operations less likely to include LFTB. The grinding process itself is identical.