Beef glycemic index
Beef has no measurable glycemic index: a 120 g serving (1 portion) has only 0 g of available carbohydrate, so its glycemic load is about 0 and it barely raises blood sugar on its own.
Also known as: steak, ground beef, red meat
- Serving120 g
- Available carbs0 g
- Fiber0 g
- Sugars0 g
- Protein31 g
- Calories300 kcal
Serving: 1 portion.
What to know
Beef has no carbohydrate and no GI. Protein and fat in a mixed meal slow the digestion of the other foods on the plate.
Know the glycemic index of any meal from a photo
Tables work for single foods. The app estimates the GI and glycemic load of your whole plate, with real portions.
- Scan your plate or just describe it
- GI, glycemic load, calories and macros
- An AI nutritionist that knows your meals
Frequently asked questions
Does beef have a glycemic index?
Not a measurable one. GI can only be tested in foods with enough carbohydrate: the test needs a 25 or 50 g carbohydrate portion. Beef has 0 g per 100 g, so its direct effect on blood sugar is minimal and its glycemic load is about 0.
Does beef raise blood sugar?
Barely, on its own. What matters more is what you eat it with: bread, rice, potatoes, sauces or sugary drinks. Pairing carbohydrate foods with protein, fat or fiber tends to soften the rise.
How many carbs are in beef?
A 120 g serving has about 0 g of total carbohydrate, including 0 g of fiber, leaving 0 g of available carbohydrate (the part that raises blood sugar). Per 100 g: 0 g of carbohydrate.
Nutrition facts
| per 100 g | Serving (120 g) | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal | 300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g | 0 g |
| Available carbs | 0 g | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g | 0 g |
| Protein | 26 g | 31 g |
| Fat | 15 g | 18 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, Beef, ground, 85% lean meat / 15% fat, patty, cooked, broiled (SR Legacy, FDC 174032). Available carbohydrate = total carbohydrate minus fiber.
Sources: Atkinson FS, Brand-Miller JC, Foster-Powell K, Buyken AE, Goletzke J. International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2021;114(5):1625–1632. USDA FoodData Central. How we calculate each value: Methodology & sources.
Data last reviewed 2026-09-29.