Chicken Label: What Does it Really Mean?

This infographic should clear up some confusion when reading a chicken label.

More than ever before, consumers are paying attention to food labels, yet it’s a daunting task to say the least. A whole new vocabulary has evolved with many of the meanings still unknown to most shoppers. While I can’t explain every food label out there, I hope to clear up a bit of confusion when it comes to the chicken label.

If you’re confused when trying to understand what the chicken label means, don’t feel like you’re alone. In a recent national survey, nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of consumers find the chicken label and packaging to be confusing.

In an effort to clear up consumers’ confusion, the National Chicken Council (NCC) released a chicken labeling glossary.

The new glossary provides fact-based descriptions to a comprehensive set of terms often found on the chicken label that you’ll see on store shelves. Consumers can gain a better understanding of the terms related to the type of bird, what chickens are fed, the types of housing characteristics that the chickens are raised in, and more – empowering them to make a more informed, fact-based purchasing decision.

“We believe in giving the consumer choices in the type of chicken they want,” said NCC spokesperson Tom Super. “However, what this research shows is that the terms used for those choices can be confusing. This glossary addresses that confusion and arms the consumer with the information they need to continue choosing safe, affordable and healthy chicken.”

This infographic should help decipher some of the most common terms found on the chicken label. I for one, am impressed by it. It seems that a vast majority of the questions most consumers have when buying chicken are explained. If only other food industries would follow suit.

Infographic © 2016 National Chicken Council