How Many Calories in Bison? Nutrition Facts & Macros
A bison patty (113 g) has 202 calories
Protein 28.8g · Carbs 0g · Fat 9.7g
Bison is an ultra-lean red meat that's rapidly gaining popularity among fitness and health-conscious communities. Grass-fed ground bison has just 179 kcal per 100 g — 34% fewer calories than 80/20 ground beef (272 kcal) with similar protein content. Zero carbs and a strong 25.45 g protein make it one of the best red meat choices for macro tracking. It's also rich in B12 and iron. Cooked ground bison is about 65% water by weight.
749 kJ · per 100g · Water: 65.1 g
Calorie Calculator: Bison (Ground, Cooked)
113 g Bison (Ground, Cooked) contains 202 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 patty (113 g, 4 oz) | 202 kcal | 28.8g | 0g | 9.7g |
| 1/2 patty (57 g) | 102 kcal | 14.5g | 0g | 4.9g |
| 100 grams | 179 kcal | 25.5g | 0g | 8.6g |
Bison (Ground, Cooked) — Nutrition Facts
| Bison (Ground, Cooked) | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 179 kcal |
| Protein | 25.45 g |
| Fat | 8.62 g |
| Carbs | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 76 mg |
| Potassium | 353 mg |
| Magnesium | 23 mg |
| Phosphorus | 213 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.401 mg |
| Folate | 16 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.01 mg |
| Water | 65.1 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 173847) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Ground, grass-fed (cooked)
179 kcal per 100 g — the standard ground bison, grass-fed and cooked. Ultra-lean with only 8.62 g fat and 25.45 g protein. 34% fewer calories than 80/20 ground beef. Slightly sweeter and richer flavor than beef.
Roast (roasted)
~143 kcal per 100 g — bison roast is even leaner than ground. Low fat content makes it very dry if overcooked — best served medium-rare to medium. Excellent for meal prep and slicing thin for sandwiches.
Steak (grilled)
~179 kcal per 100 g (estimate) — bison steak has similar calories to ground but a more premium cut and texture. Best cooked to medium-rare due to low fat content. Rich, slightly sweet flavor. A 6 oz steak (170 g) provides about 43 g protein at ~304 kcal.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Outstanding for weight loss — 179 kcal per 100 g with 25.45 g protein and only 8.62 g fat. A patty (113 g) has just 202 kcal with 28.8 g protein. Compare to 80/20 ground beef at 272 kcal — bison saves 34% calories with similar protein. Zero carbs, low sodium (76 mg). One of the best red meats for weight loss. The grass-fed profile also means more omega-3 and CLA than grain-fed beef.
For Athletic Performance
Excellent lean protein at 25.45 g per 100 g with good B6 (0.401 mg) for energy metabolism. Good potassium (353 mg) and phosphorus (213 mg) for muscle function. A patty provides 28.8 g protein for muscle building at only 202 kcal — a better protein-to-calorie ratio than most beef cuts. Zero carbs means you need carb sources for glycogen replenishment. Popular among fitness-focused athletes as a premium protein source.
For Keto
Perfect for keto — zero carbs with good fat (8.62 g) and high protein (25.45 g per 100 g). Leaner than 80/20 ground beef, so you may want to add butter or cheese for extra keto fat. A patty (113 g) = 202 kcal, 28.8 g protein, 9.7 g fat, 0 g carbs. Works perfectly in bunless burgers, meatballs, and taco bowls. Top with avocado and a fried egg for a complete keto meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in bison?
A cooked bison patty (113 g) has approximately 202 calories. Per 100 g, ground grass-fed bison contains 179 calories — 34% fewer than 80/20 ground beef (272 kcal). All calories come from protein (25.45 g) and fat (8.62 g), with zero carbs. The lean profile makes bison one of the most calorie-efficient red meats available.
How much protein is in bison?
Cooked ground bison has 25.45 g of protein per 100 g. A 4 oz patty (113 g) provides about 28.8 g of protein — excellent for muscle building at only 202 calories. The protein is complete with all essential amino acids and high bioavailability. Bison is also a good source of B6 (0.401 mg) and B12 for energy metabolism.
Is bison healthier than beef?
Bison is leaner than most beef cuts. Ground bison (179 kcal, 8.62 g fat) vs 80/20 ground beef (272 kcal, 17.71 g fat) — bison has 34% fewer calories and 51% less fat with comparable protein. Grass-fed bison also has a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and more CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) than grain-fed beef. Lower in saturated fat too (3.49 g vs 6.82 g).
Bison vs ground beef — what's the difference?
Bison: 179 kcal, 25.45 g protein, 8.62 g fat per 100 g. Ground beef 80/20: 272 kcal, 26.94 g protein, 17.71 g fat per 100 g. Bison is significantly leaner with about half the fat. The taste is slightly sweeter and richer than beef. Bison is almost always grass-fed, while beef varies. Price is typically 2-3x higher than conventional ground beef.
Is bison good for weight loss?
Outstanding for weight loss. At 179 kcal per 100 g with 25.45 g protein, bison offers one of the best protein-to-calorie ratios among red meats. A patty (113 g) has only 202 kcal with 28.8 g protein. Compare to 80/20 ground beef at 307 kcal per patty — bison saves over 100 calories. Zero carbs, low sodium (76 mg), and the grass-fed profile with more omega-3 and CLA make it a premium weight loss protein.
Is bison keto-friendly?
Bison is excellent for keto — zero carbs with good fat (8.62 g) and high protein (25.45 g per 100 g). It's leaner than 80/20 ground beef, so you may want to cook it in butter or top with cheese and avocado for extra keto-friendly fat. A patty (113 g) gives you 28.8 g protein and 9.7 g fat at zero carbs. Works perfectly in bunless burgers, meatballs, and taco bowls.
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bison (Ground, Cooked) | 179 | 25.45g | 0g | 8.62g |
| Ground Beef (80/20) | 272 | 26.94g | 0g | 17.71g |
| Ground Turkey (Cooked) | 203 | 27.37g | 0g | 10.4g |
| Steak (Beef Sirloin) | 214 | 19.92g | 0g | 14.28g |
| Pork Tenderloin | 143 | 26.17g | 0g | 3.51g |
per 100g
Per 100 g, bison (179 kcal) is significantly leaner than ground beef 80/20 (272 kcal) and ground turkey (203 kcal), with comparable protein. It's one of the leanest red meats available — similar in calories to pork tenderloin (143 kcal) but with a richer flavor profile.