Bison, also known as buffalo, has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional beef in recent years. With its rich, sweet flavor and lean nutritional profile, it’s easy to see why more people are making the switch from beef to bison. Here are 7 key reasons why bison is the better choice over beef:

1. Bison is Much Lower in Fat and Calories

One of the main differences between bison and beef is that bison is a much leaner meat. A 4-ounce serving of bison contains around 124 calories and 6 grams of fat. In comparison a 4-ounce serving of beef contains 224 calories and 14 grams of fat. That’s a huge difference!

The lower fat content means bison burgers and steaks are lower in saturated fat. For people watching their weight or trying to improve their cholesterol, bison provides a healthier red meat option that’s lower in calories and fat.

2. Bison is Rich in Protein

Both bison and beef are excellent sources of protein. Protein plays a key role in building and repairing muscles and tissues.

A 4-ounce serving of bison provides around 17 grams of protein. Beef contains slightly more at 21 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving. But when you factor in the lower fat and calorie content, bison has an outstanding protein-to-calorie ratio.

Bison is one of the most protein-dense meats you can buy, offering an excellent source of protein while being lower in fat and calories than beef.

3. Bison is Higher in Iron

Iron is an essential mineral that plays many important roles in the body. It helps transport oxygen, supports a healthy immune system, and promotes cell growth and development.

Bison contains more iron than beef – 13% of the daily value per serving compared to 12.5% in beef. The higher iron content gives bison an advantage, especially for those at risk of anemia or low iron levels.

4. Bison Meat Comes From Healthier Animals

One of the biggest differences between bison and beef is how the animals themselves are raised and fed. Beef cattle are largely grain-fed in factory farm conditions, while bison are grass-fed and graze freely on open plains and prairies.

The natural diet and lifestyle of bison results in healthier animals. Grass-fed bison roam pastures and eat a diverse natural diet. Beef cattle may be confined to feedlots, fed unnatural grain diets, and treated with antibiotics or hormones.

So when choosing bison you can feel good knowing the meat comes from healthier, more humanely raised animals.

5. Bison May be More Environmentally Friendly

With sustainability and farming practices becoming an increasing concern for consumers, bison also gets the edge for being a potentially more eco-friendly choice.

The grass-fed model of bison ranching is considered more environmentally sustainable than the intensive feedlot system used in beef production. Bison don’t require vast grain resources and their grazing can support biodiversity.

Research also suggests bison generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions than beef cattle. So replacing some beef with bison could lower your carbon food footprint.

6. Bison has a Richer, Sweeter Flavor

While the taste of bison is often described as similar to beef, most people find it to be richer, sweeter and more flavorful. The grass-fed diet likely contributes to bison’s rich flavor and aroma.

Some find bison to be mildly sweeter than beef. The extra flavor means a little bison can go a long way, with many finding they are satisfied with a smaller serving.

7. Bison can be Versatile Like Beef

For those worried that bison won’t be as versatile as beef, there’s no need to fret. Bison can be used in any recipe that calls for beef. Burgers, meatballs, chili, stews, and bison steak cook up with a similar texture to lean beef.

With its superior leanness and rich flavor, bison makes an excellent replacement for ground beef in just about any dish you can imagine. It brings great taste and more nutrition to classics like burgers, tacos, meatloaf and lasagna.

How to Choose and Cook Bison

If you’re sold on the benefits of bison over beef, here are some tips for choosing and cooking this healthy red meat:

Selecting Bison Meat

• Look for bison meat that is a rich, deep red color with little marbling. White fat streaks indicate it’s a lower quality grade.

• Choose fresh cuts over frozen whenever possible. Or opt for bison that was flash-frozen at the peak of freshness.

• For maximum freshness, try to use bison within 4-5 days of purchasing.

Safely Handling Bison

• Store bison in the coldest part of the refrigerator, set to 40°F or below.

• Place the meat in sealable plastic bags to prevent any leakage that could cross-contaminate foods.

• Never thaw bison meat at room temperature. Thaw overnight in the fridge or under cold running water.

• Wash hands, prep tools and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw bison.

Cooking Bison Meat

• Cook bison burgers and steaks medium-rare, around 135°F internal temperature. Bison should not be cooked past medium doneness.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Bison cooks faster than beef so watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

• Brown bison meat over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat and finish cooking more slowly.

• Add a touch of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil to keep lean bison moist during cooking.

Bison Nutrition

Here is a closer look at the nutrition facts of bison meat compared to beef:

Health Benefits of Bison Meat

Replacing some of the beef in your diet with bison meat offers several potential health advantages:

• Lower in calories and fat, especially saturated fat
• Rich source of protein and iron
• Contains more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than beef
• CLA may provide cardiovascular and anti-cancer benefits
• More likely to be humanely raised without hormones or antibiotics
• Potentially more sustainable farming practices than beef

Overall, bison emerges as a healthier and more eco-conscious choice over conventionally raised beef. With its beautifully rich flavor and versatility, there are so many great reasons to give bison a try. This lean and protein-packed meat offers a fresh new take on your favorite beef dishes.