If you’ve ever stood in the meat aisle staring at those numbers on a ground beef label (75/25, 80/20, 85/15, 90/10), you might have wondered: What’s the deal with fat in ground beef? Does more fat mean more flavor? Is it unhealthy? And what’s the difference between all these ratios anyway?

At Schweid & Sons, we are experts on the role of fat in ground beef—how it impacts taste, texture, and nutrition—so you can make the right choice for making The Very Best Burger.

First Things First: What Do Those Ratios Mean?

When you see “75/25 ground beef” or “80/20 ground beef” on a package, the numbers represent the lean-to-fat ratio:

• 75/25 means 75% lean meat and 25% fat.
• 80/20 means 80% lean meat and 20% fat.
• 85/15 means 85% lean meat and 15% fat.
• 90/10 means 90% lean meat and 10% fat.

The lean portion contains the muscle and protein. The fat portion is, well…fat. But don’t get scared away, it plays a huge role in how your Burger cooks, tastes, and feels.

Why Fat Equals Flavor

Here’s the truth: fat is a flavor carrier. When your Burger cooks, the fat melts and bastes the meat from the inside, keeping it juicy and tender. Without enough fat, the meat can taste dry, crumbly, and less satisfying. That’s why many Burger purists (like ourselves) only reach for 80/20 or 75/25. The slightly higher fat content gives you that crave-worthy, juicy bite every single time.

By comparison, 85/15 and 90/10 ground beef are leaner and healthier on paper, but they tend to lose more moisture as they cook. If you’re going for a well-done Burger with a lean blend, you’ll have to work way harder to keep it juicy.

A Quick Word on Saturated Fat

It’s important to be concerned about your health and it’s normal to take a pause when you hear “saturated fat”. But here’s some important context:

• Saturated fat is naturally present in beef. It’s not added, it’s part of the cow.
• Like most things, balance matters. You don’t need to avoid saturated fat entirely. Your body actually uses it for hormone production, cell structure, and energy.
• Not all fat is created equal. Grass-fed beef, like in our Grass-Fed Blend, is higher in omega-3 fatty acids (the same heart-healthy fats found in salmon) and richer in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). These beneficial fats have been linked to supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, and promoting a balanced diet, maybe not what you’d expect from a Burger!
• A 5.3-ounce Schweid & Sons Burger made with an 80/20 blend contains both healthy protein (about 26 grams!) and fat, with no fillers, no additives, and nothing fake.

It’s about looking at the whole nutritional picture, not just one number.

How Fat Impacts Cooking

Choosing the right fat content isn’t just about flavor, it’s also about cooking method.

• 80/20 ground beef: The all-around winner for Burgers! Ideal for grilling or searing. Enough fat to stay juicy, even if you like your Burger well-done. Also, great for recipes where the beef is mixed with other ingredients.
  • Check out The Butcher’s Blend Burgers
• 75/25 ground beef: The juiciest option, great for indulgent, extra-juicy Burgers. And perfect for Smashburgers or high-heat cooking where you want maximum browning and flavor!
  • Check out The Signature Blend Burgers or The Signature Blend Sliders

Remember: higher fat content means a little more shrinkage during cooking, so plan your patty size accordingly. And don’t forget to put a dimple in the center!

Fat & Juiciness: The Maillard Connection

If you read our Burger lingo post, you might remember the Maillard reaction—the magical browning that happens when meat hits high heat. Fat plays a supporting role here, helping create a crispy, flavorful crust on the outside of the Burger while keeping the inside moist.

Without enough fat, you can still get browning, but you might end up with a dry interior. That’s why an 80/20 Burger hits the sweet spot: rich crust, juicy bite, balanced flavor.

Ground Beef Nutrition: A Reality Check

First, remember that fat is an essential nutrient in a balanced diet. Without it, your body can’t absorb nutrients efficiently! Second, let’s talk numbers. A 5.3-ounce cooked Schweid & Sons Burger made with 80/20 ground beef contains:

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: ~26g
• Fat: ~30g (including saturated fat)
• Carbs: 0g
• Additives: None

That’s it, real beef, real protein, real flavor. When you choose higher-fat beef, you’re getting a richer eating experience with a naturally higher calorie count. If you’re balancing it out with plenty of veggies (like with our veggie smothered Burgers recipe), whole grains, and a healthy lifestyle overall, there’s no need to fear the fat. 

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