Why Our Pasture-Raised Chicken Thighs Are the Healthier Choice: A Competitive Fat Profile Analysis
Discover the hidden health benefits of choosing pasture-raised chicken over conventional options.
Consumers today are more health-conscious than ever, especially when it comes to selecting protein sources. A key consideration when choosing chicken is its fat content, particularly the type of fats found in the meat. This article breaks down the fat profiles of pasture-raised chicken thighs from Wormuth Farm and compares them to the leading brands, Tyson and Perdue. The results may surprise you! Spoiler alert: Choosing pasture-raised chicken can make a significant difference in your health and well-being.
What Goes Into the Chicken's Diet?
The difference between pasture-raised and conventional chickens starts with their diet. At Wormuth Farm, our chickens roam freely on pasture, where they forage on grasses, seeds, and bugs. Combined with a balanced, locally milled, whole grain feed, this lifestyle contributes to improved fat quality and slightly leaner meat compared to confinement-raised birds. In contrast, major producers like Tyson and Perdue feed their factory farmed 'conventional' chickens primarily processed grains, factors which when combined, can lead to higher fat content, particularly saturated fats.
Nutritional Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the fat content in 100 grams of chicken thighs with skin from Wormuth Farm, Tyson, and Perdue:
| Nutrient | Tyson (per 100g) | Perdue (per 100g) | Wormuth Farm Pasture-Raised (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 20g | 19g | 9.42g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 5g | 2.79g |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0g | None detected |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | Undisclosed | 4.01g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5g | Undisclosed | 2.62g |
Key Insights
- Total Fat Wormuth Farm’s pasture-raised chicken thighs have about 50% less fat than conventional Tyson and Perdue thighs, making them a leaner, healthier choice.
- Saturated Fat Wormuth’s pasture-raised thighs also contain 40-45% less saturated fat, which is crucial for heart health.
- Trans Fat There was no detectable trans fat in our lab test. While Tyson and Perdue also list 0g, labeling rules allow small amounts to be rounded down. A pasture-based diet may help reduce certain trans fatty acids further.
- Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Fats While pasture-raised chickens have lower overall fat, they maintain a balanced profile of healthy unsaturated fats, contributing to a more balanced fat profile that supports nutritional goals - and a richer taste many customers prefer.
- Unlike other national chicken brands, we provide a complete and transparent nutritional profile of our pasture-raised chicken, including healthy fats that contribute to a balanced diet.
Lab Results
Why We Chose Chicken Thighs With Skin for Testing
- Higher Fat Content Provides a clearer picture of fatty acid composition.
- Popularity A favorite cut for many due to its flavor and versatility.
- Flavor Profile The fat in thighs contributes to a richer taste.
Consider All Cuts
While we tested thighs, the benefits of pasture-raising apply to all cuts of chicken. Whether you prefer breasts, wings, or drumsticks, you can trust that our pasture-raised chicken offers superior nutrition and flavor.
References
- Tyson Chicken Thighs with Skin Nutritionix Tyson Profile.
- Perdue Chicken Thighs with Skin Nutritionix Perdue Profile.
- Wormuth Farm Pasture-Raised Chicken Based on lab results from Wormuth Farm testing.
The Health Benefits of Lower Fat Content
Choosing leaner meats, such as our pasture-raised chicken, offers significant health benefits. Lower saturated fat is linked to reduced risks of heart disease and improved cholesterol levels. Meanwhile, the presence of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats contributes to better overall fat quality, offering the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
In addition to the health benefits, pasture-raised chickens live in a more humane and natural environment. They have space to roam and forage, unlike conventional chickens that are often confined and fed high-calorie, processed grains. This lifestyle not only improves the nutritional quality of the meat but also reduces the environmental impact of chicken farming. Pasture-raising chickens supports more sustainable agriculture, helping to reduce industrial farming's environmental footprint.
Wormuth Farm’s pasture-raised chicken thighs offer a leaner, healthier alternative to conventional brands like Tyson and Perdue. With 50% less total fat and significantly lower levels of saturated fat, our chicken thighs provide a better option for those seeking both taste and nutrition. Plus, they’re raised in a way that’s better for the chickens, the land, and your health.
Price Comparison
When you buy chicken thighs at the supermarket, you’re often choosing between low price and high quality, but rarely both. According to the USDA’s April 2025 National Monthly Poultry Report, conventional chicken thighs ranged from $2.79 to $16.99/lb, with a national average of $10.48/lb and a median-adjusted price of approximately $8.97/lb.
But these are not pasture-raised chickens.
Most of those thighs come from birds raised indoors, without access to pasture, and fed commercial feed blends optimized for cost and not nutrition.
At Wormuth Farm, our pasture-raised chicken thighs offer a healthier fat profile thanks to the birds’ outdoor lifestyle and forage access. When you factor in the higher omega-3 content and the ethical, local nature of our production, the value speaks for itself.
We’re not the cheapest option.
We’re the better one.