Calories in Venison: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Venison, or deer meat, is one of the leanest red meats available. A 3.5-ounce serving of cooked venison provides about 158 calories, an impressive 30 grams of protein, and is particularly rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Here is a complete breakdown of venison nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving size:

Venison is an excellent source of heme iron (about 3.4 mg per 3.5-ounce serving, roughly 19% of the daily value), vitamin B12, riboflavin, and niacin. Its low fat content and high protein density make it a favored choice among athletes and those on high-protein diets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does venison compare to beef nutritionally?

Venison is significantly leaner than most cuts of beef. A 3.5-ounce serving of roasted venison has about 158 calories and 3.2 grams of fat, compared to roughly 250 calories and 15 grams of fat for the same amount of cooked ground beef (80/20). Venison also provides more iron per serving than most beef cuts while containing substantially less saturated fat.

Is venison considered a lean meat?

Yes, venison is one of the leanest red meats available. A 3.5-ounce cooked serving contains only about 3.2 grams of total fat and 1.2 grams of saturated fat, which is comparable to skinless chicken breast. This low fat content is because deer are wild, active animals that accumulate far less intramuscular fat than domesticated livestock.

How much iron does venison contain?

Venison is an excellent source of heme iron, providing about 3.4 mg per 3.5-ounce cooked serving, which covers roughly 19% of the daily recommended value. Heme iron from animal sources is absorbed 2-3 times more efficiently than non-heme iron from plant foods, making venison a particularly effective option for preventing or addressing iron deficiency.

How can you reduce the gamey taste of venison?

The gamey flavor of venison can be reduced by soaking the meat in milk or buttermilk for several hours before cooking, which helps draw out some of the blood and strong-flavored compounds. Marinating in acidic mixtures with vinegar, wine, or citrus juice also helps mellow the flavor. Proper field dressing and quick cooling of the deer immediately after harvest has the greatest impact on minimizing gaminess.

What are the best cooking methods for venison?

Because venison is very lean, it benefits from quick, high-heat methods like grilling or pan-searing steaks to medium-rare (130-135 degrees F internal temperature) to prevent drying out. Low-and-slow methods such as braising or stewing work well for tougher cuts like shoulder and shank. Adding fat through bacon wrapping, butter basting, or marinating can help compensate for venison's naturally low fat content and improve tenderness.