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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add beef to packaged foods primarily as a source of protein, for its …
What it is
Beef is the common name for meat from cattle. It is obtained by processing the muscle tissue of cattle after slaughter. Beef is a widely consumed food product globally.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add beef to packaged foods primarily as a source of protein, for its distinct flavor, and for its texture. It is a key ingredient in many processed meat products like sausages, hot dogs, pepperoni, and various frozen meals.
Health notes
Beef is considered a whole food and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when consumed as part of a typical diet. It is a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. However, some cuts of beef can be high in saturated fat, and the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified the consumption of red meat as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A), based on limited evidence that it causes cancer in humans and strong mechanistic evidence.
Allergen info
Beef is not considered one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.