Navigating Chicken Brands: What to Buy and What to Look For
When it comes to buying frozen or fresh chicken, whether at your local supermarket or online, the choices can be overwhelming. From mass-market brands to premium options, it’s important to know what each offers and what to look for to ensure you're getting the best quality. Here’s a guide to some major chicken brands and tips on making the right choice for your needs.
Mass-Market Chicken Brands
Tyson Foods
As one of the largest chicken producers globally, Tyson Foods is a staple in grocery stores nationwide and is a major player in our industrial food complex. They offer everything from fresh chicken to pre-cooked options. However, most of Tyson’s products are conventionally raised, which may include the use of antibiotics and GMOs in their feed.
Foster Farms
Foster Farms is a widely recognized brand known as the Tyson of the West Coast. Known for its broad range of products, including fresh and frozen chicken, Foster Farms is a go-to for many consumers.
Perdue Farms
Perdue Farms is another major player, offering a mix of conventional and higher-quality options. Their Harvestland line focuses on organic, antibiotic-free, and non-GMO chickens, making it a good choice for those looking for more natural products within a mass-market brand.
Premium Chicken Brands
Bell & Evans
Bell & Evans is a premium brand known for its commitment to quality and animal welfare. Their chickens are raised without antibiotics, fed a vegetarian diet free from GMOs, and are air-chilled for better flavor and texture. This brand is ideal for those who prioritize high-quality meat and sustainable farming practices.
Jidori Chicken®
Often referred to as the “Kobe beef of chicken,” Jidori Chicken® is known for its exceptional freshness and flavor. Originally developed for the Los Angeles culinary scene where Nobu Matsuhisa and Wolfgang Puck were early adopters. Often delivered the same day it’s processed, Jidori Chicken® is raised humanely without antibiotics or GMOs and also has a popular Organic line, making it a popular choice in high-end restaurants and among discerning home cooks.
What to Look For When Buying Chicken
Organic vs. Conventional:
Organic chicken is raised without synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, or GMOs. If you’re concerned about these factors, look for USDA-certified organic labels.
Fresh vs. Frozen:
Fresh chicken is often preferred, but frozen chicken can be just as nutritious and more convenient. Look for brands that use flash freezing to preserve quality.
Air-Chilled vs. Water-Chilled:
Air-chilled chicken, like that from Bell & Evans, is cooled using cold air and users say preserve the chicken's flavor and texture better than water-chilled varieties. But critics say air chilling undercuts shelf life and must use harsh chemicals in their process.
GMO vs. Non-GMO:
If avoiding GMOs is important, look for non-GMO labels. Higher-end brands like Bell & Evans and Jidori Chicken® provide non-GMO options.
Animal Welfare Certifications:
Labels like American Humane Certified, Certified Humane, or Global Animal Partnership indicate chickens were raised according to welfare standards. These certifications are important for those who prioritize animal welfare.
Final Buying Tips for Grocery Store Chicken
Whether you’re opting for a mass-market brand like Foster Farms or a premium option like Jidori Chicken®, understanding what to look for can help you make the best choice. By paying attention to labels and knowing the key differences between brands, you can ensure you're getting the quality, flavor, and ethical standards that matter to you.