Super source
Protein
23.2 g · 46% DV target
A lean, mild-flavored white meat with a dense yet tender texture, turkey breast serves as a versatile culinary staple and a highly efficient source of complete animal protein.
Turkey breast is a primary source of lean animal protein, providing a high concentration of essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein that the body cannot produce on its own) while contributing significantly less to total animal protein intake in the U.S. compared to chicken .8
Because it is a white meat, turkey breast is categorized by major health institutions as a lower-saturated fat alternative to red meat in dietary patterns designed to reduce cardiovascular disease risk .25
Turkey breast contains a notable profile of non-essential amino acids, including glutamic acid (involved in brain function and metabolism) and aspartic acid (which aids in hormone production and the urea cycle).
One large cohort study involving over 188,000 participants found that substituting poultry, such as turkey breast, for red meat is associated with a lower risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure) .5
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
23.2 g · 46% DV target
0.15 g · Top 20% of meat & poultry
0.57 g · Top 22% of meat & poultry
9.49 mg · 59% DV target
0.56 mg · 33% DV target
1.19 μg · 50% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Store in original packaging or airtight container
Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn
Poultry generally has a lower carbon footprint than red meat but higher than plant-based proteins.
The amino acid tryptophan found in turkey breast is often blamed for post-meal drowsiness, though it actually contains less of this compound than many other common meats and cheeses.