My clients ask me all the time, what do all of the labels mean on chicken packages? 
We all want to keep our families healthy and strong, but serving lean protein and choosing the healthiest options for dinner can be so confusing! At the grocery store we all ask ourselves, “do I buy all-natural, organic, free-range, air-chilled?” I’m here to help you decode chicken labels.
Pastured- This means the chicken was raised on a pasture instead of indoor confinement. They feed on grass and bugs, as well as soy and corn.
Heritage- A heritage chicken must be bred whose genetic line can be traced back multiple generations. These chickens have a moderate to slow rate of growth reaching appropriate market weight in no less than 16 weeks.
Pastured Heritage Chickens- These are the best. They’re raised the old fashion way, on grandma’s farm. Where to find these chickens: Goffle Chicken Farm in Wyckoff, NJ.
Air-Chilled- These chickens are chilled while hanging in the air as opposed to a cold water bath, which dilutes flavor and adds water weight that can add to the cost.
Organic- This label is regulated by USDA and indicates that the chickens were fed that is certified USDA organic. Also, these birds have been given no drugs, antibiotics or hormones.
What to Avoid:
Natural- No artificial ingredients have been added to the poultry meat, which is standard for all plain chicken. This label indicates nothing about where it came from, what it ate or how it was raised.
Enhanced or 15% Natural Broth- Some chicken producers add broth to its meat to plump it up and increase its weight. These chickens also have a higher salt content.
Hormones-Free- Not the same as “Raised Without Hormones” where chickens are given no hormones during their life. The USDA prohibits giving chickens hormones.
Cage-Free- Cage-Free doesn't mean that the chickens have adequate space to move or have access to the outdoors.
When it comes to buying a chicken we should all buy Pastured Heritage Chickens! Comparable to actual organic, like 5 years ago organic, when it was so hard to find and cost so much more. Now you can find organic produce at your local market. Like all supply and demand, the price of Pastured Heritage Chickens is a little bit steeper today, but not by much. The benefits of feeding your family healthier poultry and leaner protein will outweigh the few extra dollars this chicken costs.
Happiness,
Michelle G xxo
ABOUT ME
I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I learned about more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. Drawing on this knowledge, I will help you create a completely personalized “road map to health” that suits your unique body, lifestyle, preferences and goals.