Why Ground Beef Changes Color: A Simple Guide for Customers

Has a customer ever opened a package of ground beef and wondered why it looks brown or purple instead of bright red? This guide helps you explain what’s normal, and what’s not.

Ground beef color changes naturally over time, but those shifts can confuse customers and lead to unnecessary product waste. This easy-to-follow guide from Kansas State University helps processors and retailers explain why color changes happen and how to tell when beef is still fresh.

This is a great handout or QR-link resource to share with your customers, helping them understand that color doesn’t always equal freshness. It can reduce returns, boost consumer confidence, and support your team when answering questions at the counter or in-store.