Photo: Lauri Patterson/Getty Images From game day wings to Thanksgiving turkey , poultry is one of the most versatile (and delicious!) types of meat. It’s also an excellent source of protein , making it a staple in many recipes and cuisines. However, if you’re buying individual cuts or cutting into a whole bird, you might wonder about the difference between white meat and dark meat—and if one is healthier than the other. To find out, we tapped dietitians for the lowdown on white meat vs. dark meat, plus how to choose the best one for you (whether you’re eating turkey or chicken). Lauri Wright , PhD, RDN, LD/N, FADA, registered dietitian nutritionist, associate professor, and director of nutrition programs at University of South Florida.
Maddie Pasquariello , MS, RDN, registered dietitian and founder of Nutrition With Maddie
Which Parts Are White Meat?
In both turkey and chicken, “white meat primarily comes from the breast and wings,” says Lauri Wright, PhD, RDN, LD/N, FADA. “White meat is mostly made of white muscle fibers, which the bird uses for quick motions,” adds Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RDN. Which Parts Are Dark Meat?
Dark meat refers to the legs, which includes the thighs and drumsticks, notes Pasquariello. “It contains up to 50 percent red fibers, which are used for movements like standing,” she adds.
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Since white meat and dark meat come from different parts of the bird, they boast different characteristics. Here’s how they compare: Color
The color difference between white meat vs. dark meat is due to myoglobin, an iron-containing protein that gives meat a purple-red hue, per the experts at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). White meat contains low amounts of myoglobin, resulting in a light color. Dark meat, on the other hand, has higher levels of myoglobin, resulting in a brown-pinkish hue. Flavor
White meat has a mild, barely-there flavor. In contrast, “dark meat tends to have a richer, more intense flavor,” shares […]
White Meat vs. Dark Meat: Is One Really Healthier Than the Other?
