Turkey, ground, 85% lean, 15% fat, patties, broiled
Whole food · Poultry Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Broiled ground turkey patties are lean, savory discs of 85% lean turkey, offering a satisfying, slightly springy texture and a mild, savory flavor that readily absorbs seasonings. With 25.88 grams of high-quality protein per 100g and virtually no carbohydrates, they are a powerhouse for muscle maintenance and a staple in low-carb and high-protein diets.
Calorie split: 42% protein · 0% carbs · 58% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it as a versatile, lighter alternative to beef that soaks up marinades and spices beautifully, making it a canvas for global flavors. It's a quick-cooking, familiar comfort food that fits seamlessly into everything from classic burgers to lettuce wraps.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Because it's very lean, it can easily dry out if overcooked, leading to a chalky texture. To counter this, avoid pressing the patties while cooking, use a meat thermometer (aim for 165°F/74°C), and consider adding moisture with diced onions or a pan sauce. Those monitoring sodium intake should be aware that pre-formed patties can be high in salt; choose low-sodium versions or make your own from ground turkey.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of lean protein for muscle repair and satiety.
- Very low in carbohydrates, suitable for ketogenic and diabetic-friendly diets.
- Contains B vitamins like niacin and B6, essential for energy metabolism.
- Provides minerals such as selenium and phosphorus for immune and bone health.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The USDA classifies ground turkey as a mixture that can include both dark and light meat from the thigh and breast, meaning a 'lean' patty isn't necessarily 100% breast meat.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 58.3 g |
| Energy | 249 kcal |
| Energy | 1043 kj |
| Protein | 25.9 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 16.2 g |
| Ash | 1.2 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 48.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.0 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 25.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 235 mg |
| Potassium, K | 242 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 81.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.3 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.26 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 35.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.23 mg |
| Niacin | 6.6 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.38 mg |
| Folate, total | 7.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 7.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 7.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 79.1 mg |
| Betaine | 9.8 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.4 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 29.0 ug |
| Retinol | 29.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 97.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.07 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 0.07 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0.01 mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha | 0.03 mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 0.06 mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 8.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.1 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.15 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.7 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.1 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.5 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.44 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.43 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 4.9 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 4.7 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.02 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 4.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 3.7 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 3.6 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.20 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.19 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3i | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.13 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.22 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.17 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.01 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.16 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.05 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.05 g |
| Cholesterol | 105 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.30 g |
| Threonine | 1.2 g |
| Isoleucine | 1.2 g |
| Leucine | 2.1 g |
| Lysine | 2.3 g |
| Methionine | 0.76 g |
| Cystine | 0.28 g |
| Phenylalanine | 1.0 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.92 g |
| Valine | 1.2 g |
| Arginine | 1.9 g |
| Histidine | 0.77 g |
| Alanine | 1.6 g |
| Aspartic acid | 2.5 g |
| Glutamic acid | 4.2 g |
| Glycine | 1.4 g |
| Proline | 1.1 g |
| Serine | 1.1 g |
| Hydroxyproline | 0.22 g |
FAQ
Is ground turkey healthier than ground beef?
Generally, yes. 85% lean ground turkey is typically lower in saturated fat and calories than 85% lean ground beef, while providing comparable protein. However, the exact nutritional profile depends on the specific cut of meat used.
How do I prevent turkey patties from falling apart?
Turkey is lean and lacks the binding fat of beef. Ensure the mixture isn't overworked, and consider adding a small amount of binder like an egg, breadcrumbs, or oats. Chilling the formed patties for 20-30 minutes before cooking also helps them hold their shape.
Can I eat this on a low-sodium diet?
Unseasoned ground turkey is naturally low in sodium. The concern is with pre-made patties or added seasonings. To control sodium, make your own patties from plain ground turkey and use herbs, spices, and salt-free seasonings for flavor.
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 2.49 kcal/g · 42% 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: 0.33 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.