Real Cost of Food

an itemized look at what your groceries actually buy you

protein

Ground Beef cost $8.65/lb

priced and measured per 100g

Current price (per lb) $8.65

as of 2026-06 · U.S. city average · source: BLS

What that price actually buys you

Protein per dollar 11.23 g
Calories per dollar 72
Iron per dollar 1.25 mg
Zinc per dollar 2.67 mg
Vitamin B12 per dollar 1.17 µg
Folate per dollar 2.62 µg

Nutrition per 100g

Calories 137 kcal
Protein 21.41 g
Carbs 0 g
Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Iron 2.38 mg
Zinc 5.09 mg
Vitamin B12 2.24 µg
Folate 5 µg

nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #171790)

Beyond the price tag

Water use high
Storage life short

Cattle-producing states (TX, NE, KS, OK); lower fat content than regular ground beef

source: