Is Honeysuckle White Turkey All White Meat?

For many people turkey is a staple part of holiday meals and a lean healthy protein to enjoy year-round. When shopping for turkey, two popular brands are Honeysuckle White and Butterball. But an important question for those seeking white meat is – is Honeysuckle White turkey all white meat?

In this 1899 word guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about Honeysuckle White turkey, including whether it’s 100% white meat, the health benefits of white meat, and how it compares to other turkey brands.

About Honeysuckle White Turkey

Honeysuckle White is a brand of Cargill that specializes in premium turkey products They offer whole turkeys as well as turkey parts, ground turkey, turkey sausages, turkey patties, and more

Honeysuckle White turkeys are:

• Raised by independent family farmers in the Midwest region of the United States.

• Fed a vegetarian diet of corn, soybean meal, vitamins, and minerals.

• Raised without growth-promoting antibiotics, added hormones, or steroids.

• Raised cage-free in barns with room to roam.

• Fed no animal by-products.

The brand states its turkeys are “raised humanely” under strict animal welfare standards. They also tout their traceability program, where each turkey is tagged and tracked from the farm to the store so it can be traced back.

Is Honeysuckle White Turkey All White Meat?

The simple answer is no – Honeysuckle White turkey is not 100% white meat. However, they do offer white meat turkey products.

Whole Honeysuckle White turkeys contain both white and dark meat. White meat comes from the breast of the turkey while dark meat comes from the legs and thighs.

When you buy a whole turkey or bone-in turkey breast from Honeysuckle, you will get a mix of Both white and dark meat.

However, Honeysuckle White does sell turkey products that are 100% white meat, including:

• Boneless turkey breast cuts

• Sliced turkey breast lunchmeat

• Ground white turkey

• Turkey tenderloins

So while whole Honeysuckle turkeys contain both light and dark meat, you can purchase just the white meat portions if desired.

Benefits of White Turkey Meat

White turkey meat offers several health and nutritional benefits:

• Very lean – Turkey breast is one of the leanest cuts of meat, with minimal fat and calories. A 3 oz. serving has around 120 calories and 1g fat.

• High in protein – White meat is an excellent source of protein needed to build muscle, repair cells, and fuel the body. A serving has 26g protein.

• Rich in nutrients – It provides niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, and zinc.

• Lower in saturated fat – Compared to dark meat and red meat, white meat is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol.

• Versatile – White turkey meat is tender, juicy, and versatile for grilling, baking, sandwiches, salads, and more.

So for those watching fat, calories, and cholesterol, all-white-meat turkey can be an excellent nutritious protein source.

How Honeysuckle Compares to Butterball Turkey

Butterball is another top turkey brand that competes with Honeysuckle White. Here’s how the two brands compare:

• Availability – Butterball may have a slight edge in availability and can be easier to find year-round. Honeysuckle is more limited outside holiday seasons.

• Pricing – Honeysuckle turkeys tend to be priced a little higher than commodity Butterball turkeys. However, prices vary by retailer.

• Flavor – Honeysuckle is known for a gentle, delicate flavor while Butterball is prized for tenderness and juiciness.

• White meat – Both offer whole turkeys with light and dark meat, as well as 100% white meat products.

• No hormones or steroids – Neither brand uses artificial hormones or steroids, but both state they use antibiotics responsibly.

• Certifications – Honeysuckle White is USDA Process Verified, while Butterball relies more on in-house food safety standards.

Overall both brands offer high-quality turkey, but Honeysuckle emphasizes its humanely raised, independent farmer-sourced turkeys. For shoppers seeking premium white meat, both deliver solid options.

Purchasing Honeysuckle White White Meat Turkey

When buying white meat turkey products from Honeysuckle White, here are some tips:

• Look for “boneless turkey breast” or “ground white turkey” on labels.

• Check the ingredients list to ensure it’s 100% turkey breast meat.

• Inspect the use-by date and pick the freshest option.

• Opt for turkey breast with no added salt or broth for purest flavor.

• Calculate 1/4 to 1/3 pound per person when estimating meat needs.

• For whole birds, estimate 1 pound per person if also using bone-in thighs/legs.

• Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking.

Buying the right amount of fresh white meat turkey ensures you get the most out of this nutritious lean protein.

Cooking White Meat Turkey Perfectly

The trick to keeping white meat turkey tender and juicy is to not overcook it. Follow these tips:

• For breasts, cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Check temperature with a meat thermometer, not by color.

• Let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

• For whole birds, cook approximately 15 minutes per pound at 325°F.

• Baste occasionally with broth or pan drippings as it cooks.

• Tent with foil to prevent over-browning.

With proper thermometer use, you can ensure your lean white meat stays succulent.

Delicious Ways to Use White Turkey Meat

Beyond holiday meals, white turkey can be used in all sorts of nutritious recipes:

• Turkey lettuce wraps with hoisin sauce

• Greek turkey burger wraps with tzatziki

• Turkey taco salad with peppers and beans

• Turkey chili with white beans and veggies

• Cobb salad with turkey, bacon, egg, and avocado

• Turkey pho noodle soup with basil and sprouts

• Turkey penne pasta bake with spinach and mozzarella

• Turkey meatballs with whole wheat spaghetti

• Curried turkey salad sandwiches on croissants

The possibilities are endless for incorporating white turkey meat into healthy everyday cooking!

Is White Meat Healthier Than Dark Meat?

While white turkey meat is very lean, dark meat also provides nutritional perks. The difference lies in their fat and calorie content:

• White meat is lower in fat and calories, with around 3g fat per 4 oz. serving.

• Dark meat contains more fat and calories, around 9g of fat per 4 oz. serving.

• Dark meat contains slightly more B vitamins like B6, B12, and niacin.

• Dark meat provides more zinc and iron than white meat.

• Both contain quality complete protein.

So while white meat may fit better into some diet plans, dark turkey meat also delivers ample nutrition. It comes down to personal nutritional needs and preferences.

Should You Buy Honeysuckle White Turkey?

When it comes to quality turkey, Honeysuckle White is an excellent choice. For shoppers who want:

• Premium white turkey meat

• Humanely raised, antibiotic-free meat

• Full traceability from farm to store

• Delicate, subtle turkey flavor

Honeysuckle White turkey is a great option. While not 100% white meat overall, the brand does offer high-quality white meat products. When you want nutritious, delicious turkey for the holidays or everyday meals, Honeysuckle White turkey delivers.