Beef Delivers More Micronutrients Per Calorie Than Chicken

USDA data and nutrient-scoring analyses show beef (especially grass-fed) often has higher density of micronutrients like iron, zinc and B vitamins per calorie than chicken; chicken remains a high-protein staple but typically offers fewer of these micronutrients on a per-calorie basis. The findings feed into the MAHA push and the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines, which emphasize nutrient-dense, minimally processed proteins, while noting costs and access vary by meat type and region.