Meat Group

Key Message: Go lean with protein

The Meat Group contains foods from both plants and animals. Meat Group foods provide protein and iron, as well as B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc and magnesium.

• Protein helps build strong muscles and build and repair body tissue.
• Iron, an important part of red blood cells, carries oxygen to all parts of the body.
• B vitamins helps the body use energy.

Foods in the Meat Group
Foods in the Meat Group include:

• Beef, chicken, turkey, duck, goose, pork and fish
• Dry beans, such as pinto beans, kidney beans, lentils and split peas
• Tofu
• Eggs
• Nuts or seeds, such as peanuts, almonds, walnuts and cashews
• Peanut butter and other nut spreads

Bacon is not in the Meat Group because it primarily provides fat, not protein and iron, the key nutrients for this group.

Learn more about the Meat Group and making lean protein choices.