Is lean mince much lower in calories?

Yes — 5% fat mince is about 170 kcal/100g vs 250 kcal for 20% fat. That's a 32% calorie saving. Both are NOVA 1.

What is the glycemic index of beef mince?

Beef Mince has a glycemic index of 0, which is classified as Low GI. Beef contains zero carbohydrates, so it has no measurable glycemic index.

Glucose: Very LowNOVA 1

How Many Calories for Beef Mince?

100g of cooked beef mince has 209-260 calories depending on fat content. Lean 5% fat mince has about 170 kcal/100g; standard 20% fat mince has about 250 kcal/100g. Plain beef mince is NOVA 1.

Calories by preparation

Method	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	NOVA
Extra lean 5% fat mince (100g cooked)Leanest option — high protein, low fat	170	27g	7g	0g	1
Standard 20% fat mince (100g cooked)47% more calories than lean mince from the extra fat	250	22g	18g	0g	1
Bolognese sauce (250g portion, with mince)The sauce adds carbs and potentially UPF markersHomemade = NOVA 1-2. Shop-bought jar sauce = NOVA 3-4 (modified starch, sugar, flavourings)	350	18g	16g	30g	—

Nutrition per 100g

Nutrient	Per 100g	Per serving
Energy	216.7 kcal / 907 kJ	216.7 kcal
Protein	13.2g	13.2g
Carbohydrates	6.4g	6.4g
of which sugars	0.6g	—
Fat	13.2g	13.2g
of which saturated	6.2g	—
Fibre	0.8g	—
Salt	0.6g	—

Serving size: 100g cooked mince · Source: Tesco product page, October 2025

Glucose impact

Glycemic Index

Very Low

Glucose risk

Beef mince has zero carbohydrates. No blood sugar impact from the meat itself. The sauce and sides (pasta, potato) provide the glucose load.

Processing level

NOVA 1 (unprocessed)

Plain beef mince is just minced beef — NOVA 1. The fat percentage changes the calories significantly but not the processing level. Mince labelled 'seasoned' or pre-mixed with onion/breadcrumb is NOVA 3-4.

Beef Mince at Tesco

Source: Tesco product page, October 2025

Tesco Finest Aberdeen Angus Steak Mince 500G

£6.0*

Tesco Beef Mince 20% Fat 500g

£3.25*

Tesco Finest 5% Aberdeen Angus Steak Mince 500G

£6.5*

Tesco Minced Beef & Onion 392g

£1.81*

Eastmans Minced Beef & Onion Pasty 150G

£0.52*

*Prices were correct at the time of collection and may have since changed. Check Tesco.com for current pricing.

What to watch for when shopping

Plain beef mince is NOVA 1, but the fat percentage makes a huge calorie difference - 5% lean has 170 kcal/100g vs 250 kcal for 20% fat. Pre-made beef products like burgers, meatballs, and bolognese sauces often contain breadcrumbs, flavourings, and preservatives (NOVA 3-4). Check the fat percentage and ingredient list - the fewer ingredients, the better.

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