Are Butterball Turkeys Organic? Understanding the Product Line

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

While the iconic Butterball brand is most widely known for its conventional and "all-natural" products, the company introduced an organic line, including whole turkeys, in 2017. This means not all Butterball turkeys are organic, and consumers must carefully examine the packaging to ensure they are purchasing a USDA Certified Organic product.

Quick Summary

Not all Butterball turkeys are organic; the brand sells several varieties, including conventional, "all-natural," and specifically labeled organic versions. Consumers must check for the USDA Organic seal to guarantee the product meets federal organic standards regarding feed, antibiotics, and living conditions.

Key Points

Not All are Organic: Butterball sells several types of turkeys, and only specific products in their Farm to Family line are certified organic.
Look for the Seal: To guarantee a Butterball turkey is organic, you must find the official USDA Certified Organic seal on the package.
Organic vs. Natural: An 'all-natural' Butterball turkey is not organic; the natural label only means it is minimally processed with no artificial ingredients, with no guarantee on feed or antibiotics.
No Antibiotics Ever is Not Organic: Some Butterball products are labeled 'No Antibiotics Ever,' which, while a good indicator of responsible farming, is not the same as being certified organic under USDA rules.
Outdoor Access Required: USDA organic standards mandate that organic turkeys have access to the outdoors, a requirement not covered by 'natural' or 'no antibiotics ever' labels.
Higher Price Point: Organic turkeys from Butterball or any brand will likely be more expensive due to the higher costs associated with organic feed and strict farming practices.

Not All Butterball Turkeys Are the Same

For many, the name Butterball is synonymous with Thanksgiving. However, the brand offers a variety of turkey products, and it is a common misconception that they are all raised using the same methods. In reality, Butterball offers a range of options, from conventional to organic, and it is crucial to understand the differences to make an informed purchasing decision.

The Rise of Organic Offerings

Driven by consumer demand for more responsibly sourced food, Butterball expanded its product line to include organic options. Introduced under the 'Farm to Family' line, these products meet specific criteria to be labeled organic. According to Butterball's own information and other sources, these organic products are raised without antibiotics, fed an all-vegetarian diet with organic feed, and given access to the outdoors. The availability of these organic products may vary by retailer and demand, as the company initially stated it would not heavily promote them to avoid overselling. When shopping, it's essential to look specifically for the USDA Certified Organic seal on the packaging to confirm you are buying an organic product from this line.

Understanding the USDA Organic Standard

What exactly does 'certified organic' mean for poultry? The USDA has a strict set of standards that farms must follow to earn this designation. These standards cover the entire lifecycle of the turkey, from breeding to processing. The key requirements include:

Feed: The turkeys must be fed a 100% certified organic diet, which means the feed is produced without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
Antibiotics: No antibiotics are ever administered to the birds. If a turkey falls ill and requires antibiotics, it must be removed from the organic program.
Living Conditions: Turkeys must have access to the outdoors. This requirement ensures the birds have space to roam, although the specific quality and size of the outdoor area can vary.
Processing: The processing of organic products must also adhere to strict standards, with no artificial ingredients or preservatives used.

These rigorous standards distinguish organic turkeys from other products on the market and often result in a higher price point due to the increased costs of production, such as more expensive organic feed.

Comparing Turkey Labels: Organic vs. Natural vs. Conventional

To avoid confusion, it's helpful to compare Butterball's various product labels side-by-side. The labels 'organic' and 'natural' are particularly easy to confuse, but the USDA has distinct definitions for each. Here's a quick comparison:


Feature	Conventional Turkey	"All-Natural" Turkey	Organic Turkey	"No Antibiotics Ever" Turkey
Feed	No specific requirement.	No specific requirement.	100% Certified Organic.	No specific requirement.
Antibiotics	May be used routinely.	No specific claim, can be used.	Never Used.	Never Used, but not organic.
Outdoor Access	No specific requirement.	No specific requirement.	Required.	Not required.
Hormones/Steroids	Prohibited by federal law for all poultry.	Prohibited by federal law for all poultry.	Prohibited by federal law for all poultry.	Prohibited by federal law for all poultry.
Processing	May be minimally processed.	Minimally processed, no artificial ingredients.	Minimally processed, no artificial ingredients.	Minimally processed, no artificial ingredients.
USDA Label	Standard inspection label.	May state "minimally processed."	USDA Organic Seal is present.	May have USDA "Process Verified" label.

As the table illustrates, an "all-natural" Butterball turkey is not the same as an organic one. While it lacks artificial ingredients and is minimally processed, it does not guarantee the turkeys were raised with organic feed or without antibiotics, or that they had outdoor access. The USDA Organic seal is the definitive sign that a turkey was raised to organic standards.

Where to Find Butterball's Organic Products

Given that Butterball does not heavily promote its organic line, finding it may require a bit more effort. The 'Farm to Family Organic' products are typically sold at specialty grocers and natural food stores, in addition to some mainstream supermarkets. Online food delivery services may also carry them. It is always best to check with your local store or search their website for the specific product you are seeking. If a retailer doesn't carry it, you may need to call the company's consumer services or request it from your store's manager.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "Are Butterball turkeys organic?" is both yes and no. The brand's product lineup is diverse, and while many are conventional or simply "all-natural," Butterball does offer a certified organic turkey option under its Farm to Family brand. The responsibility lies with the consumer to be vigilant and confirm the product's status by looking for the USDA Certified Organic seal. This symbol is the only guarantee that the turkey was raised in accordance with the strict federal organic standards, ensuring you get exactly the type of product you want. For more details on deciphering poultry labels, the USDA's Ask USDA service offers great information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Butterball offers a certified organic whole turkey as part of its Farm to Family product line, which was introduced in 2017. You must look for the USDA Certified Organic seal on the packaging to ensure you are purchasing this specific product.

An organic Butterball turkey is fed 100% organic feed and raised without antibiotics, with access to the outdoors, in compliance with strict USDA standards. A conventional Butterball turkey is raised with conventional farming methods that do not follow these organic guidelines.

No, the 'all-natural' label on a Butterball turkey does not mean it is organic. 'All-natural' simply indicates that the product is minimally processed and contains no artificial ingredients. It does not certify the use of organic feed or restrict the use of antibiotics.

You should look for the USDA Certified Organic seal, which is a green and white symbol on the packaging. This is the only official certification for an organic product in the United States.

No, a 'No Antibiotics Ever' label on a Butterball product is not the same as being organic. While no antibiotics were used, the turkeys were not necessarily given organic feed or provided with access to the outdoors, as required for organic certification.

Reports suggest that when Butterball launched its organic line, it did not heavily promote the items to avoid overselling its production. This may result in lower availability compared to its more common conventional products.

No, the Farm to Family line includes both organic and 'No Antibiotics Ever' products. You need to read the package carefully to see if the specific item is also labeled 'Organic' with the USDA seal.