Is Turkey Poultry or Meat? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether turkey is poultry or meat has been a subject of debate for some time. While both terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of poultry and meat, exploring the characteristics of each and determining where turkey falls within this culinary spectrum.

Defining Poultry and Meat

Poultry refers to the flesh of domesticated birds, primarily chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese These birds are raised for their meat and eggs, and their flesh is generally considered to be white meat due to its lower myoglobin content compared to red meat. Poultry is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in various ways, including roasting, grilling, frying, and baking

Meat, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses the flesh of mammals, such as beef, pork, and lamb Red meat is characterized by its higher myoglobin content, which gives it a darker color. Meat is also a staple in many cuisines worldwide and can be prepared in numerous ways.

Turkey: A Culinary Enigma

Now, let’s address the question at hand: is turkey poultry or meat? The answer is both. Turkey is classified as poultry because it is the flesh of a domesticated bird. However, it also shares some characteristics with red meat, such as its darker color and higher myoglobin content. This is why turkey is sometimes referred to as “dark meat poultry.”

Nutritional Differences Between Turkey and Other Poultry

While turkey is considered poultry, it has some nutritional differences compared to other poultry like chicken. Turkey is generally lower in fat and calories than chicken, making it a healthier option. It is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

The Verdict: Turkey is Both Poultry and Meat

In conclusion turkey is both poultry and meat. It is classified as poultry because it is the flesh of a domesticated bird, but it also shares some characteristics with red meat. Turkey is a versatile and nutritious food that can be enjoyed in various ways.

Additional Information

Turkey is a popular choice for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in many countries.
Ground turkey is often used as a healthier alternative to ground beef in burgers and other dishes.
Turkey can also be smoked, cured, or canned.

Turkey vs. Chicken Cost

The price difference and availability influence why people choose chicken over turkey. While chicken is always available in grocery stores, turkey is more seasonal and only available in November and December. Â.

Boneless chicken breast costs about $4. 18 per pound9, whereas boneless turkey breast is around $6. 49 per pound10. Boneless turkey breast is harder to find unless you buy a whole turkey or use a butcher shop.

Buying a whole turkey is more affordable. However, you now have fifteen to thirty pounds of turkey to consume! Chickens are smaller birds that yield roughly five pounds of meat. It is more practical for most people to purchase chickens due to their size and availability. Their cost is a less critical factor. Â.

Which is Better: Turkey or Chicken Broth?

One cup of commercial turkey broth provides:11

19 calories
5 g of protein
2% DV of ironÂ
4% DV of sodium

One cup of commercial chicken broth provides the following:12Â

10 calories
1 g of protein
2% DV of ironÂ
24% DV of sodium

Chicken broth is slightly lower in calories and contains more sodium, whereas turkey broth is higher in protein.Â

Since the nutritional components are similar, flavor preference is the main deciding factor between chicken or turkey broths.Â

If you were trying to increase protein intake, turkey broth would be a better choice. Turkey broth or a reduced-sodium version of chicken broth are better options because of the higher sodium content of chicken broth. Â.

Limited research exists on broth and humans. According to preliminary research, certain components of bone broth can improve immune function, lessen cell damage, and provide tiny amounts of nutrients that are easily absorbed. 13,14,15.

Hot drinks and soups relieve nasal congestion and reduce mucous production. 16 These unpleasant side effects of illness can be alleviated by drinking broths. Â.

A nutritious broth alone or with noodles, chicken, and vegetables can help you feel better sooner.Â

This next section will dive a little deeper to compare the nutritional content of turkey and chicken. We will also look at their vitamins and minerals. Â.

Both turkey and chicken provide the same amount of protein per serving and offer a rich protein source. Turkey has fewer calories due to the low-fat content. Â.

This makes turkey a good option for people monitoring their calorie and fat intake closely.Â

Upon examining the fat composition of each meat source, it is evident that they are comparable in terms of mono- and polyunsaturated fat content and low in saturated and trans fats. All are optimal levels beneficial to health. Â.

Like most meat, turkey and chicken are not a source of carbs, fiber, or sugar.Â

Compared to turkey, chicken has a slightly higher amount of cholesterol and sodium. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake should keep in mind chicken contains sodium.

Turkey breast (white meat, no skin)6	Chicken breast (white meat, no skin)7
Calories	147 calories	161 calories
Protein	30 g	30 g
Total Fat	2.1 g	3.5 g
Saturated Fat	0.6 g	0.75 g
Trans Fat	0.02 g	0.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	0.63 g	0.93 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.53 g	0.57 g
Cholesterol	80 mg (27%)	98 mg (33% DV)
Sodium	99 mg (4% DV)	360 mg (26% DV)
Total Carbohydrates	0 g	0 g
Fiber	0 g	0 g
Sugar	0 g	0 g

Turkey and chicken have a high protein content and no carbohydrates, making them low-glycemic index foods (glycemic index of 0). All un-breaded meats have a glycemic index of 0. Â.

Protein sources are essential to meals to help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you full longer. Adequate intake of protein at meals and snacks can help with weight loss.

is turkey poultry or meat

Since both types of meat are from birds, they have similar vitamins. Both turkey and chicken provide equal amounts of vitamin B6 and riboflavin. Â.

When looking closer, chicken meat is the richest in pantothenic acid. On the other hand, turkey meat contains more niacin and vitamin B12. Â.

Turkey breast (white meat, no skin)6	Chicken breast (white meat, no skin)7
Niacin	11.8 mg (74% DV)	10.3 mg (63% DV)
Vitamin B6	0.8 mg (62% DV)	0.87 mg (67% DV)
Riboflavin	0.21 mg (16% DV)	0.21 mg (16% DV)
Pantothenic acid	0.9 mg (18% DV)	1.58 mg (32% DV
Thiamin	0.04 mg (3% DV)	0.09 mg (7% DV)
Vitamin B12	0.39 mcg (16% DV)	0.18 mcg (7% DV)

There are only two significant differences in minerals between turkey and chicken. Turkey is richer in zinc and iron, whereas chicken is higher in sodium. Â.

Apart from that, there are no differences in the two meats’ content of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, or copper; they are both incredibly high in selenium.

Turkey breast (white meat, no skin)6	Chicken breast (white meat, no skin)7
Iron	0.7 mg (4% DV)	0.45 mg (2% DV)
Sodium	99 mg (4% DV)	360 mg (26% DV)
Zinc	1.7 mg (16% DV)	0.9 mg (8% DV)
Magnesium	32 mg (8% DV)	28 mg (7% DV)
Phosphorus	230 mg (18% DV)	229 mg (18% DV)
Potassium	249 mg (10% DV)	359 mg (14% DV)
Copper	0.063 mg (7% DV)	0.047 mg (5% DV)
Selenium	30.2 mcg (55% DV)	30.6 mcg (55% DV)

Discover how your body responds to what you eat, and make small changes to hit your health goals

The Nutrition Source. (n.d.). Protein. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/
Miller, M. , Gerval, A. , Hansen, J. , and Grossen, G. (2022, August 1). As demand increases, poultry is predicted to continue leading the world in meat imports. US Department of Agriculture. https://www. ers. usda. gov/amber-waves/2022/august/poultry-expected-to-continue-leading-global-meat-imports-as-demand-rises/.
National Chicken Council. (n.d.). Nutrition & health. https://www.nationalchickencouncil.org/policy/nutrition-health/
National Turkey Federation. (n.d.). Turkey by the numbers. https://www.eatturkey.org/turkeystats/
U. S. Department of Agriculture. (2023, March 23). Are duck and good âredâ or âwhiteâ meat? https://ask. usda. gov/s/article/Are-duck-and-goose-red-or-white-meat#:~:text=One of the proteins in,as dark as leg meat.
U. S. Department of Agriculture. (2019, April 1). Turkey, whole, breast, meat only, cooked, roasted. https://fdc. nal. usda. gov/fdc-app. html#/food-details/171496/nutrients.
U. S. Department of Agriculture. (2022, October 28). Baked, grilled, or broiled chicken breast, without the skin, from raw https://fdc. nal. usda. gov/fdc-app. html#/food-details/2341362/nutrients.
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FRED Economic Data. (2023, October 12). Average price: Chicken breast, boneless (cost per pound/453. 6 grams) in U. S. city average. https://fred. stlouisfed. org/series/APU0000FF1101.
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If you still have questions, please continue reading! We address the following commonly asked questions about the nutritional intake and degree of healthiness of chicken and beef:

Here’s Where Turkeys are Better than Chickens

FAQ

Is a turkey considered poultry?

Chickens and turkeys are the most common kinds of poultry sold today. Americans consume more chicken than anyone else in the world, and turkey consumption has nearly doubled over the past 30 years.

Is turkey considered a meat?

Generally, meat from mammals such as cows and calves, sheep, lamb and pigs is considered red meat, while rabbit, chicken, and turkey meat is considered white meat. It’s all about the level of myoglobin – the iron-containing protein in muscle – giving meat its red colour.

Is chicken or turkey better for you?

Both chicken and turkey provide healthy protein. Generally, chicken tends to be higher in vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid, and turkey tends to be lower in calories, fat, and sodium while having more zinc, niacin, and vitamin B12.

What is the meat of turkey called?

Animals	Meat Name
Water Buffalo	Carabeef
Goat	Chevon
Chicken	Chicken
Turkey	Turkey