Beef vs Veal - what is the difference? (2024)

What is the difference between beef and veal?

The difference between beef and veal is that beef is from older cattle whereas veal is the meat of younger cattle.‘English Rose’ veal or high welfare veal has a distinct light pink colour, beef being a darker red. But how does the meat taste different? Well, veal is slightly more tender than beef, due to the muscles not being worked for as long as the muscles of beef and it has a much more delicate flavour. Veal is actually easier for our bodies to digest than beef is because of how much more tender the meat is. The nutritional content of beef and veal is not actually too different from one another, and here are some examples…

In just under 100g of veal 179 calories were found and the same size cut of beef had 170 calories. Red meat is a good source of vitamin B which is essential for energy levels and for our metabolism to function properly. There were 0.99 micrograms of vitamin B-12 found in veal compared to 2.28 micrograms in beef. Both veal and beef have similar amounts of vitamin B-6, 0.306 milligrams were found in veal and 0.238 milligrams in beef. Beef and veal are both an excellent source of zinc. There are 3.37 milligrams of zinc in veal and 3.83 milligrams in beef, which is a quarter of zinc needed in our daily diet. Beef was found to be slightly higher in minerals and veal to be higher in vitamins. However, the protein, fat and calorie content of both meats were very similar and both meats are a healthy part of a balanced diet. Our advice? Go with the one you find tastiest!

Beef vs Veal - what is the difference? (2024)

FAQs

Beef vs Veal - what is the difference? ›

What is the difference between beef and veal? The difference between beef and veal is that beef is from older cattle whereas veal is the meat of younger cattle. 'English Rose' veal or high welfare veal has a distinct light pink colour, beef being a darker red. But how does the meat taste different?

Which is better, veal or beef? ›

When it comes to nutritional value, veal is quite a bit leaner than beef. In a 3-ounce serving of veal, there are 166 calories and just under 6 grams of fat. Beef, on the other hand, boasts 227 calories and 15 grams of fat, of which 6 grams are saturated fat (also known as unhealthy fat).

Why don't we eat veal? ›

Veal production is synonymous with abuse of baby cattle. Newborn calves endure separation from their mothers and their natural source of food (cow's milk), and live for just a brief portion of their typical lifespans. To create tender meat for veal, these calves also suffer in a severely restricted environment.

What is more expensive, veal or beef? ›

Veal is more costly per pound due to the processing methods and limited producers of baby cow meat. Some people feel uncomfortable about eating meat from any living animal, especially one processed into veal as a baby.

Why is beef called veal? ›

The word “veal” describes meat that comes from calves that are usually aged between 6 and 8 months old at slaughter, but sometimes far younger. Veal calves are typically the Holstein-Friesian breed and male.

What are the disadvantages of veal? ›

Potential Drawbacks of Veal

Excess consumption of veal leads to cholesterol and heart disease. However, not all veal is equal. The veal in greasy burgers, highly processed lunch meats and packaged gravy are not the same as grilled lean veal or a simple veal stew with vegetables.

Is veal a cheap meat? ›

Generally, veal is more expensive by weight than beef from older cattle. Veal production is a way to add value to dairy bull calves and to utilize whey solids, a byproduct from the manufacturing of cheese.

What is the most unhealthy meat to eat? ›

try to limit processed meat products such as sausages, salami, pâté and beefburgers, because these are generally high in fat – they are often high in salt, too. try to limit meat products in pastry, such as pies and sausage rolls, because they are often high in fat and salt.

Why do veal and beef taste different? ›

But how does the meat taste different? Well, veal is slightly more tender than beef, due to the muscles not being worked for as long as the muscles of beef and it has a much more delicate flavour.

Why do people prefer veal? ›

In general, veal meat has a lot of benefits and nutritional facts. Low fat: Veal meat is lean or extra lean and has a lot less fat than beef meat. Selenium: This meat also contains elements like selenium. Selenium helps protect the system against free radicals, which provokes cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

What is horse meat called? ›

Horse meat is called “sakura niku” or cherry blossom meat, thus horse meat hot pot is referred to as sakura nabe. There are multiple theories as to the origin of the expression. Some claim it derives from the pink color of the meat which is similar to the beautiful cherry blossoms.

What age is veal slaughtered? ›

They are slaughtered at 18 to 20 weeks of age. Calves can be so crippled from confinement that they have to be helped into the truck or trailer on the way to the slaughter plant. "Red" veal calves are fed milk replacer plus grain and hay. They are allowed to move about in large pens.

What is baby goat meat called? ›

The common name for goat meat is simply "goat meat", while meat from young goats can be called "kid meat", capretto (Italian), and cabrito (Spanish and Portuguese).

Is veal the healthiest meat? ›

In general, veal meat has a lot of benefits and nutritional facts. Low fat: Veal meat is lean or extra lean and has a lot less fat than beef meat. Selenium: This meat also contains elements like selenium. Selenium helps protect the system against free radicals, which provokes cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

Which is the healthiest type of meat? ›

Healthiest: Skinless Turkey Meat

An excellent source of niacin and vitamin B6, skinless turkey, is one of the best lean proteins to add to your meals. The nutrients found in skinless turkey meat can help support heart health, energy levels, brain function, digestion, and other bodily processes.

Is veal taste good? ›

Veal is a prized delicacy that boasts a delicate flavour, tender texture and high nutritional value. Being so tender makes it easier for our bodies to digest than beef. It is also very low in fat and cholesterol, and rich in minerals and vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin D, zinc and iron.

How bad is veal for cholesterol? ›

In a 3-ounce piece of braised veal top round there are 5.38 grams of fat and only 2.15 grams of saturated fat. Saturated fat should be limited in the diet. Veal has 114 milligrams of cholesterol, which is 38 percent of the Daily Value.

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