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Beef Head Calories
Rich in protein, iron, B vitamins; contains collagen and gelatin.
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 piece (medium) of Beef Head (250 g) has 525 calories. That works out to 210 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 46.3 g of protein, 38 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 5.3 µg of B12 covers 219% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Beef Head Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 piece (medium) · 250 g
525
KCAL / 250G
Carbs
0g
· 0% DV
Protein
46.3g
· 93% DV
Fat
38g
· 49% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 35% · Fat 65%
Beef Head nutrition facts table · 1 piece (medium) (250 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 525 kcal | |
| Total fat | 38 g | 49% |
| Saturated fat | 15.5 g | 78% |
| Trans fat | 0.22 g | |
| Sodium | 163 mg | 7% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 46.3 g | 93% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Medium Beef Head?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 piece (medium) | 250 g | 525 kcal |
| 1 slice (thin) | 80 g | 168 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 210 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 150 g | 315 kcal |
| 1 slice (thick) | 150 g | 315 kcal |
| 1 cup (chopped) | 180 g | 378 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 200 g | 420 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 300 g | 630 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 400 g | 840 kcal |
| 1 piece (extra large) | 500 g | 1050 kcal |
Calculated from 210 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Head
What is beef head meat used for?
Beef head is meat and other edible parts from a cow’s head, used in dishes such as soups, sliced meat preparations, and cabeza tacos. It is often sold cleaned or broken down into pieces rather than as a whole head.
Which parts of a beef head can you eat?
Edible parts of a beef head can include the cheeks, tongue, and, when sold with the head, the brain. What is included varies by butcher and preparation, so ask which parts are in the product you are buying.
How do you clean beef head before cooking?
Remove any hair or visible debris, then rinse the beef head thoroughly under cold running water. If you are buying a whole, uncleaned head, having a butcher prepare it is usually the simplest option for home cooking.
How do you cook beef head?
Beef head is commonly simmered in water until the meat is tender enough to separate from the bones. A pressure cooker can shorten the cooking process; once cooked, pull the meat apart for tacos, soup, or sliced preparations.
How is beef head used in cabeza tacos?
Beef head is slow-cooked until tender, then the meat is chopped and served in tortillas as cabeza tacos. Toppings commonly include onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime; the exact cuts used can vary by taqueria.
Is beef head the same as beef cheek?
No. Beef cheek is one specific cut from the cheek muscles, while beef head refers to a broader set of parts from the head. A product labeled beef head may include cheek meat, but it is not necessarily cheek alone.
How can you tell if beef head is fresh?
Fresh beef head should smell clean and meaty, not sour or unpleasant, and should have been kept cold. Buy it from a reliable butcher and ask when it was prepared and which parts the package contains.
Can you freeze beef head?
Yes, beef head can be frozen raw or after cooking. Wrap it tightly or use an airtight container to limit freezer exposure; thaw it in the refrigerator rather than leaving it out at room temperature.
How long does cooked beef head last in the refrigerator?
Cooked beef head keeps for about three to four days in a covered container in the refrigerator. Refrigerate it promptly after cooking, and reheat it thoroughly before serving.
What does beef head taste like?
Beef head has a rich, distinctly beefy flavor, but its texture varies by part: cheek meat becomes tender and gelatinous when slow-cooked, while tongue is firmer and more uniform. Seasoning and cooking method also shape the final taste.
Beef Head Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
5.25µg · 219% DV
B3
9mg · 56% DV
B5
2.13mg · 43% DV
B2
0.55mg · 42% DV
Minerals
Zinc
10mg · 91% DV
Phosphorus
363mg · 52% DV
Selenium
28µg · 51% DV
Iron
7mg · 39% DV
Potassium ⭐
550mg · 16% DV
Sodium
163mg · 7% DV
Beef Head Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Beef Head
To burn the 525 calories in 1 piece (medium) (250 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Beef Head?
Beef Head refers to meat and other edible parts from a cow’s head, especially the cheeks and tongue. These cuts are usually cooked slowly until tender, then served on their own or used in soups and regional dishes. Across parts of Latin America, head meat is also cooked for tacos; elsewhere, preparations vary with local traditions. The texture ranges from tender, gelatin-rich cheek to firmer tongue, and it is often paired with sharp sauces, herbs or citrus.
It provides substantial protein and iron, while also being relatively rich in fat: a 100 g portion has 18.5 g of protein. Serve it with fresh vegetables or a bright salsa to balance its richness.
How Nutritious Is Beef Head?
Nutrient density
High
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Beef Head Processed?
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Beef Head Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Beef Head Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Beef Head Fat Profile
SATURATED
15.5g
MONOUNSATURATED
17g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.5g
Omega 6:3 ratio 3:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.