FAQs

What are the nutrition benefits of eating Australian red meat?

Australian red meat is packed with 12 essential nutrients.

  • An excellent source of iron and zinc, more readily absorbed by the body than plant-based sources.
  • A great source of high quality protein and vitamin B12.
  • Predominantly grass-fed, Australian red meat is a source of long chain omega-3.
  • When trimmed of separable fat with a sharp knife, Australian red meat provides a variety of lean protein food choices.
  • Other essential nutrients include B vitamins (B2, B3, B5, B6) and minerals (selenium, magnesium, and phosphorus).

 

These 12 essential nutrients are important for wellbeing, immune health, muscle health, nerve and brain function, heart health and electrolyte balance and energy metabolism.

Learn more about the nutrition benefits of Australian red meat

How much red meat is recommended for health and wellbeing?

The scientific evidence suggests eating red meat in a balanced diet is key to health and wellbeing. Eating red meat with a variety of other nutritious foods in recommended amounts provides the body with essential nutrients the body needs to function well and to maintain a healthy weight.

 

  • Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend eating 455g per week of lean and cooked red meat to get enough iron, zinc, protein, omega-3 and vitamin B12 recommended for good health. This amount is equivalent to eating red meat in three to four balanced meals per week.
  • Adding 3 or more different vegetables to red meat meals provides other key nutrients, including antioxidants and dietary fibre.
  • Adding legumes as a carbohydrate food to a balanced meal made with red meat and 3+ different vegetables is also a great way to boost intake of a variety of dietary fibres, important for gut health.

Learn more about why we have developed our ‘Make Every Bite Count’ resources

How can I eat red meat in a sustainable diet?

Australian evidence suggests eating nutritious foods in amounts recommended in the Australian Dietary Guidelines reduces the impact of food waste on the environment and the food budget.

  • Smart shopping provides amounts of red meat recommended for key nutrients to serve three to four balanced meals per week, including leftovers.
  • Freezing leftover ingredients and meals provides quick, easy meals.
  • Turning leftover vegetables into handy ingredients for quick, easy meals. This is a great way to boost intake in line with Australian Dietary Guidelines. For example, roasting or barbequing excess vegetables such as pumpkin and cauliflower for salads or sandwiches.
  • Check out our ‘No Food Waste’ fact sheet for more tips 

Learn more about why we have developed our ‘Make Every Bite Count’ resources