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With less saturated fat, it may be a better red meat option for managing cholesterol levels and as part of a balanced diet. This article looks at the nutritional profile of bison meat and how it differs from beef. It discusses differences in farming methods, flavor, and preparation. In addition, we share tips for meal ideas using bison meat. Bison vs beef meat Share on PinterestPaul Souders/Getty ImagesBison are large bovine animals similar to cattle. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes that the bison bull is the largest animal indigenous to North America, standing taller than 6 feet at the hump and weighing more than a ton. Some people refer to bison as American buffalo or buffalo. Farmers rear bison as livestock, and people prepare and eat the meat in a similar way to beef. Although bison and beef taste similar, they have differences in their nutritional profile. Is bison lower in cholesterol than beef Bison is lower in cholesterol than beef. The following table compares the two.BisonBeefCholesterol per 100 grams (g)82 milligrams (mg)87 mgSaturated fat per 100 g0.9 grams (g)5.58 gCalories per 100 g142235 The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that people limit their consumption of saturated fat to avoid raising low-density lipoprotein (LDL). High LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. For individuals wanting to lower their cholesterol, the AHA advises they should reduce saturated fat to less than 6% of their daily calories. For someone eating 2,000 calories per day, that’s around 11–13 g of saturated fat. Because bison contains less calories, cholesterol, and saturated fat, 2013 research suggests it may be a healthier alternative to beef. The nutritional profile of bison Bison is a good source of protein and some vitamins and minerals. The nutritional profile of both bison and beef is as follows:Amount per 100 g cooked bisonAmount per 100 g cooked beefCalories142235Protein28.3 g27.1 gFat2.41 g13.4 gCarbohydrate0 g0 gFiber0 g0 gSaturated fat0.9 g5.58 gCholesterol82 mg87 mgZinc3.66 mg5.21 mgIron3.41 mg2.26 mgSelenium35.4 micrograms (mcg) 29.8 mcg Other low cholesterol foods Experts advise that people limit their red and processed meat consumption to avoid high cholesterol, heart disease, and other health conditions. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) advises people to eat no more than three portions of red meat per week — equivalent to 350–500 g (about 12–18 oz) cooked weight. Additionally, the American Heart Association (AHA) notes that eating more plant protein instead of red meat may improve heart health. Foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat include:vegetablesfruitswhole grains, such as oats, barley, brown rice, and buckwheatbeans and legumes, such as chickpeas, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and lentilssoy, tofu, and tempehoily fish, such as sardines, tuna, salmon, and mackerelwhite fish, such as cod, haddock, and basspoultry, such as turkey and chicken without skin seitannuts and seedsavocadoslow fat dairy products, such as skim milk and cottage cheese Including these foods as part of a balanced diet and limiting saturated fats from red and processed meats can help individuals lower their cholesterol and reduce their risk of stroke and heart disease. In addition, it may reduce someone’s risk of cancer, obesity, and other chronic health conditions. Other differences between bison and beef In addition to their cholesterol profile, bison and beef have several other differences. Rearing and farming methods Bison is game meat and producers raise the animals on ranches or farms. The animals may be allowed to roam freely or kept in more confined conditions. Wild game is usually lower in saturated fat because the animal gets more exercise. In comparison, most beef is mass-produced on farms, where animals may not be active. The USDA notes that farmers slaughter 20,000 bison each year compared to approximately 125,000 cattle per day. In addition, producers do not give antibiotics or hormones to bison. Beefalo The USDA explains that beefalo are 3/8 bison and 5/8 domestic cattle. Farmers feed beefalo inexpensive, high-roughage feed to gain weight easily. Therefore, the nutrition profile of beefalo may be more similar to beef than bison. Omega-3 fatty acid profile Game meats, particularly meat from grass-fed animals, may contain more omega-3 fatty acids than beef. Most commercially produced beef is grain-fed, resulting in a higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and may improve cardiovascular and brain health. Flavor and appearance In its raw state, bison is a deeper shade of red than beef. Unlike beef, there is no marbling of the fat in the meat. Some people say that bison has a sweeter, richer flavor than beef. Preparation and cooking People should handle bison like any other meat by storing it at the correct temperature and avoiding cross-contamination. Due to its lower fat content, it may be easy to overcook bison. The USDA advises that individuals can cook bison for longer at a lower heat of 325°F. People must ensure they cook raw ground bison to an internal temperature of 160°F by measuring with a food thermometer. Raw bison steaks and roasts must reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. People can braise less tender cuts of bison by simmering with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan. Alternatively, they can stew them with other ingredients. Bison meal ideas People can use bison as they would beef. For example, individuals could grill or pan-fry a bison steak or roast it and serve it with vegetables. Ground bison is adaptable in many recipes and meal ideas. Here are a few examples:bison meatballsbison burgerbison in a tomato sauce to serve with pastabison black bean chilibison filling for enchiladas or tacosbison Cajun ricebison and bean stew Summary Bison contains less cholesterol, calories, and saturated fat than beef. Farmers rear bison differently from cows, giving the meat a more beneficial nutritional profile. People can include it in many everyday meals but take care not to overcook it. People should be mindful of how much red meat they consume and opt for other low cholesterol protein sources such as fish, legumes, or soy. Last medically reviewed on June 30, 2022Nutrition / Diet 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Beef, NS as to cut, cooked, lean, and fat eaten (2020).https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1098160/nutrientsBison, cooked (2020).https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1098407/nutrientsBison from farm to table (n.d.).https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/bison-farm-tableEating more plant protein and dairy instead of red meat may improve heart health (2020).https://newsroom.heart.org/news/eating-more-plant-protein-and-dairy-instead-of-red-meat-may-improve-heart-healthLimit red and processed meat (n.d.).https://www.wcrf.org/diet-activity-and-cancer/cancer-prevention-recommendations/limit-red-and-processed-meat/McDaniel, J., et al. (2013). Bison meat has a lower atherogenic risk than beef in healthy men.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5858688/Tamburrano, A., et al. (2019). Biochemical and nutritional characteristics of buffalo meat and potential implications on human health for a personalized nutrition.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784592/The skinny on fats (n.d.).https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/the-skinny-on-fatsFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN, Nutrition — By Louisa Richards on June 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related Coverage15 foods that lower cholesterolMedically reviewed by Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, CPT A person's diet can play a key role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. 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