Bison Burger Calories Calculator
Calculate bison burger calories for a standard patty with bun. Bison meat nutrition, how it compares to beef, and tips for a leaner Canadian burger.
Bison Burger Nutrition Tips
The bison burger is increasingly popular across Canada as a leaner, higher-iron alternative to traditional beef burgers. Bison (also called buffalo) is a native animal of the North American prairies and has been a food source for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Today, bison are raised commercially across Canada — particularly in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba — and bison meat is wi...
How to use this calculator
Enter your portion size in grams. CalorieMetrica will estimate calories, protein, carbs and fats for Bison Burger. Actual nutrition values vary depending on preparation method, recipe, and serving size.
Best for fitness goals
Bison burgers are one of the best burger options for weight-conscious eating because of their high protein-to-calorie ratio and lower fat content compared to beef. A plain bison patty with a whole grain bun, lettuce, tomato, and mustard (no mayo or cheese) creates a satisfying meal around 400 calori...
Bison Burger Calories — Complete Guide
Calories By Portion Size
| Portion / Serving | Estimated Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bison patty only (120g) | ~252 kcal | Patty without bun |
| Bison burger with bun (220g) | ~462 kcal | Standard serving |
| Loaded bison burger (300g) | ~630 kcal | With toppings |
| Bison mini slider (80g) | ~168 kcal | Small size |
Calories By Preparation Method
| Preparation Method | Calories / 100g | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled bison patty + bun | ~210 kcal/100g | Classic preparation |
| Pan-fried bison burger | ~225 kcal/100g | Slightly higher |
| Bison burger with cheese | ~245 kcal/100g | Cheddar adds calories |
| Bison burger lettuce wrap (no bun) | ~170 kcal/100g | Lower carb option |
Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal | Per 100g |
| Protein | 22 g | Higher protein than beef |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g | From bun |
| Fat | 8 g | Much lower than beef burger |
| Fibre | 1 g | From bun |
| Iron | ~3.2 mg | Excellent iron source — higher than beef |
| Omega-3 | ~0.08 g | Slightly higher than grain-fed beef |
What Is Bison Burger?
The bison burger is increasingly popular across Canada as a leaner, higher-iron alternative to traditional beef burgers. Bison (also called buffalo) is a native animal of the North American prairies and has been a food source for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Today, bison are raised commercially across Canada — particularly in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba — and bison meat is widely available at grocery stores, specialty butchers, and restaurants. Bison meat is naturally leaner than beef because bison are typically raised on grass rather than grain-finished, and have less intramuscular fat. A bison patty is higher in protein and iron than an equivalent beef patty while being significantly lower in total fat. Bison burgers are a popular menu item at Canadian casual dining restaurants and gourmet burger joints nationwide.
Bison Burger Calories Guide
A 120g bison patty contains approximately 252 calories — roughly 30–40% fewer calories than an equivalent beef patty (~320–380 kcal), with more protein and iron. Adding a standard bun brings a complete bison burger to approximately 460 calories — on par with a lean beef burger.
Bison Burger for Weight Loss
Bison burgers are one of the best burger options for weight-conscious eating because of their high protein-to-calorie ratio and lower fat content compared to beef. A plain bison patty with a whole grain bun, lettuce, tomato, and mustard (no mayo or cheese) creates a satisfying meal around 400 calories with 35–40g of protein. Replacing cheese with extra tomatoes and pickles keeps the flavour without the additional 80–100 kcal.
Bison Burger for Muscle Gain
Bison is an excellent muscle-building protein — higher in protein per 100g than beef, with a superior amino acid profile for muscle synthesis. The additional iron supports oxygen delivery during training. A bison burger with a whole grain bun post-workout provides both protein and complex carbohydrates for muscle recovery. Add an egg or extra patty for higher protein needs.
Smart Comparison
Bison Burger vs Beef Burger: An 80/20 ground beef burger patty (~120g) contains approximately 340 kcal with 25g protein. A bison burger patty (120g) is approximately 252 kcal with 27g protein — fewer calories and more protein. Bison Burger vs Chicken Burger: A grilled chicken breast burger has similar calories but less iron than a bison burger. Bison wins on iron content.
Portion Control Advice
Build your bison burger with nutrient-dense toppings — arugula, roasted red peppers, caramelised onions — rather than calorie-dense extras like bacon, fried eggs, or extra cheese. Choose a whole grain or brioche bun (not an oversized restaurant bun that can add 300+ kcal). Bison patties are drier than beef when overcooked — cook to medium (145°F/63°C internal) for best texture.
Common Mistakes
Overcooking bison because of nervousness about wild game — bison is leaner and dries out faster than beef. Adding the same toppings as a regular fast-food burger (double cheese, bacon, creamy sauces) which negates the lean advantage. Choosing bison but then using a very large bun that adds 300+ kcal.
Burn This Food — Activity Equivalents
| Activity | Duration to Burn |
|---|---|
| Brisk walking | ~115 min for 1 standard burger with bun |
| Jogging | ~56 min |
| Cycling | ~65 min |
| Swimming | ~60 min |
Healthy Alternative Tips
Bison burger in lettuce wrap (no bun) — ~252 kcal
Bison patty with extra greens and no sauce — ~280 kcal
Bison burger with mustard instead of mayo — saves ~100 kcal
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FAQs
How many calories in a bison burger?
A bison patty alone (120g) contains approximately 250–255 calories. A complete bison burger with bun, lettuce, and tomato is around 440–470 calories. A loaded version with cheese and sauce can reach 600+ calories.
Is bison healthier than beef?
Bison is generally leaner than beef — it has about 25–40% fewer calories and less saturated fat per equivalent serving, while offering more protein and iron. Bison raised on grass is also typically higher in omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef.
What does bison burger taste like?
Bison has a rich, slightly sweeter flavour than beef — often described as beefier than beef, with a cleaner taste and less of the fatty aftertaste associated with high-fat beef cuts. It is not gamey like venison.
Where can I buy bison in Canada?
Bison is widely available across Canada at grocery stores (especially in Western Canada), specialty butchers, farmers' markets, and online from Canadian bison farms. Alberta and Saskatchewan are the major bison-producing provinces.
Is bison a Canadian food?
Bison are native to the Canadian prairies and have been a critical food source for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Today, Canada has a significant commercial bison farming industry and is one of the world's leading producers of bison meat.
📊 Data source note: Nutrition values are estimates based on Canadian food composition databases, Health Canada nutrient data, and standard recipe analysis. Actual values vary by cooking method, recipe, brand, and serving size. See our Data Sources and Methodology pages.