Moose
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Moose is a lean, dark red game meat with a dense, fine-grained texture and a rich, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of beef but cleaner and less fatty. Nutritionally, it is a protein powerhouse, delivering nearly 30 grams of high-quality protein per 100 grams with virtually no fat or carbohydrates. Its deep color comes from high myoglobin content, indicating its origin from active, free-ranging animals.
Calorie split: 93% protein · 0% carbs · 7% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
Moose is prized for its robust, clean flavor that absorbs marinades and spices beautifully, making it a versatile canvas for grilling, stewing, or smoking. It holds deep cultural significance in Northern and Indigenous cuisines, where it represents a connection to the land and traditional hunting practices.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Due to its extreme leanness, moose can become tough and dry if overcooked, requiring careful preparation like slow braising or precise internal temperature control. Individuals on low-iron diets should be mindful of its high heme iron content, and those with gout may need to moderate intake due to purines. To counteract dryness, always use a meat thermometer, cook to medium-rare or use moist-heat methods, and consider marinating or basting.
Key benefits
- Exceptionally high in complete protein for muscle maintenance.
- Very low in total fat and saturated fat.
- Naturally zero in carbohydrates and sugars.
- A good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins like B12.
- Sustainably sourced from wild populations in many regions.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
A single adult moose can yield over 300 pounds of boneless meat, making it one of the largest and most substantial game animals harvested for food in the Northern Hemisphere.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 67.3 g |
| Energy | 133 kcal |
| Protein | 29.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.96 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 6.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 4.2 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 24.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 175 mg |
| Potassium, K | 331 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 376 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.6 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.08 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 12.7 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 5.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.34 mg |
| Niacin | 5.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.37 mg |
| Folate, total | 4.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 4.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 115 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 6.3 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.20 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 1.2 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.29 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.12 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.17 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.20 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.18 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.31 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.19 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.09 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 77.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Game meat, moose, raw — USDA does not publish this profile for Moose.
| Threonine | 1.0 g |
| Isoleucine | 1.1 g |
| Leucine | 2.0 g |
| Lysine | 2.0 g |
| Methionine | 0.57 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.96 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.82 g |
| Valine | 1.2 g |
| Arginine | 1.4 g |
| Histidine | 0.75 g |
| Alanine | 1.3 g |
| Aspartic acid | 2.1 g |
| Glutamic acid | 3.6 g |
| Glycine | 0.97 g |
| Proline | 0.90 g |
| Serine | 0.80 g |
FAQ
How does moose meat taste compared to beef?
Moose has a richer, slightly sweeter and more complex flavor than beef, with a cleaner, less fatty taste. Its texture is denser and finer-grained.
What is the best way to cook moose to avoid it being tough?
Because it is very lean, avoid high-heat dry cooking for long periods. Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking, opt for slow braising, stews, or quick searing to medium-rare.
Is moose meat healthy?
Yes, it is an exceptionally lean source of high-quality protein, low in fat, and free of carbs. It is also rich in essential minerals like iron and zinc.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.33 kcal/g · 87% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.14 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.