Does Butterball Ground Turkey Have Additives?

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Butterball's own product labels, many of their fresh ground turkey products are labeled "All Natural*," meaning they are minimally processed and contain no artificial ingredients. This directly addresses the query: does Butterball ground turkey have additives, specifically the artificial kind, for many of its varieties.

Quick Summary

Butterball's fresh 'All Natural' ground turkey contains only turkey and natural flavoring, confirming a lack of artificial additives. However, some frozen or seasoned products may include additional ingredients like salt or dextrose, requiring careful label review.

Key Points

Check the Label: Butterball's "Fresh All Natural" ground turkey products are minimally processed and contain no artificial additives, but other varieties may differ.
Simple Ingredients: Most fresh ground turkey products list only 'turkey' and 'natural flavoring,' indicating a clean, additive-free composition.
Read Carefully: Seasoned or pre-prepared Butterball products can contain additional ingredients like salt or maltodextrin, so always check the specific package.
All Natural Definition: Butterball's use of "All Natural" means minimally processed and no artificial ingredients, not that it's entirely unseasoned.
Hormone-Free: Federal regulations ensure no hormones or steroids are used in any poultry, including Butterball turkeys.
Beyond Ground Turkey: Additives like phosphates might be found in other products like whole, pre-brined turkeys for tenderness and juiciness.
Minimally Processed: The term indicates that the turkey is processed only to the extent necessary for grinding and packaging, without fundamentally altering the raw meat.

Understanding Butterball's 'All Natural' Label

When a Butterball ground turkey product is labeled "All Natural*," it signifies two key things, according to the brand: that it is "minimally processed" and contains "no artificial ingredients". This is an important distinction for consumers, as it confirms that the fresh ground turkey contains no artificial fillers, flavors, or preservatives. For example, the ingredient list for Butterball's Fresh All Natural Ground Turkey 93/7 simply shows "Turkey, Natural Flavoring". This commitment to simple, clean ingredients is a major selling point for those prioritizing healthier eating.

The Importance of Reading the Full Label

While many Butterball products are free of artificial additives, it is crucial to read the label for every product, as the ingredients can differ based on the specific type of ground turkey. For instance, a seasoned or frozen product may contain more ingredients than a fresh, plain variety. Seasoned options might include salt and other natural flavorings for enhanced taste, while pre-brined or whole turkeys might contain water, salt, and phosphates to ensure juiciness and tenderness. The "All Natural" claim is not a one-size-fits-all, so checking the back of the package is the only way to be certain.

Fresh vs. Seasoned: Ingredient Differences

The ingredient lists for fresh and seasoned Butterball ground turkey varieties clearly illustrate the potential differences. Here’s a breakdown of what you might find:

Fresh All Natural Ground Turkey: The ingredient list is straightforward, containing only turkey and natural flavoring. This is the ideal choice for those who want full control over their seasonings and wish to avoid any extra components.
Fresh Seasoned All Natural Ground Turkey: This version includes additional ingredients to provide a specific flavor profile. For example, the 91/9 seasoned variety includes turkey, less than 2% of salt, maltodextrin, and other natural flavorings. Maltodextrin, a carbohydrate derived from starch, is used as a thickener and flavor enhancer.

Comparison Table: Fresh vs. Seasoned Butterball Ground Turkey


Feature	Fresh All Natural Ground Turkey (e.g., 93/7)	Fresh Seasoned All Natural Ground Turkey (e.g., 91/9)
Core Ingredients	Turkey, Natural Flavoring	Turkey, Natural Flavorings, Salt, Maltodextrin
Additives	Minimally processed, no artificial additives	Minimally processed, includes added natural flavorings and salt
Processing Level	Minimal	Minimal
Sodium Content	Lower (85mg per 4oz)	Higher (300mg per 4oz)
Intended Use	Versatile for any recipe	For recipes where a pre-seasoned, beef-like flavor is desired

The Role of Natural Flavorings and Processing

The term "Natural Flavoring" can sometimes cause concern, but it refers to a flavor derived from a natural source like a spice, fruit, or vegetable. It is not considered an artificial additive. As Butterball states, their "All Natural" products are also "minimally processed," which means the product has been processed to a level that does not fundamentally alter the raw turkey. This usually involves grinding and packaging, rather than the use of industrial, non-food ingredients.

What about Hormones, Steroids, and Antibiotics?

It's important to differentiate between additives and other production methods. Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones and steroids in poultry, so Butterball turkeys are raised without them. The company's policy on antibiotics is that they are used only when necessary to ensure the health of the flock, a practice that they have been working to reduce. However, some third-party scores from organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have flagged antibiotic use in poultry as a general concern, though not an additive to the final packaged ground turkey product.

Conclusion

In summary, the question "does Butterball ground turkey have additives?" can be answered with a qualified "no" for their Fresh All Natural varieties, which contain only turkey and natural flavoring. For these products, consumers can be confident they are purchasing a minimally processed item without artificial ingredients, fillers, or preservatives. However, the presence of additional, though still natural, ingredients like salt and maltodextrin in seasoned or other pre-prepared turkey products necessitates a careful review of the specific product's ingredient label before purchasing. Always check the packaging to confirm exactly what you're buying.

Outbound Link for Further Information

For more detailed information on USDA regulations regarding poultry labeling and what constitutes "all natural," you can visit the USDA website.

Citations

Source: Fresh All Natural* Ground Turkey 93/7 - Butterball. URL: https://www.butterball.com/products/ground-turkey/all-natural-93-7
Source: Ground Turkey - Butterball. URL: https://www.butterball.com/products/ground-turkey
Source: Fresh All Natural* Ground Turkey 93/7 - Butterball. URL: https://www.butterball.com/products/ground-turkey/all-natural-93-7
Source: Frozen Whole Turkey - Butterball. URL: https://www.butterball.com/products/whole-turkey/frozen
Source: Foods Co.. URL: https://www.foodsco.net/p/butterball-all-natural-frozen-turkey-breast-roast-3-lbs-/0002265527487
Source: Fresh Seasoned All Natural* Ground Turkey 91/9 - Butterball. URL: https://www.butterball.com/products/ground-turkey/all-natural-seasoned-91-9
Source: Fresh All Natural* Ground Turkey 93/7 - Butterball. URL: https://www.butterball.com/products/ground-turkey/all-natural-93-7
Source: Butterball All Natural Ground Turkey - Tony's Fresh Market. URL: https://shop.tonysfreshmarket.com/store/tonys-fresh-market/products/314760-butterball-all-natural-ground-turkey-16-oz
Source: Stance on Antibiotics - Butterball Foodservice. URL: https://www.butterballfoodservice.com/about-us/stance-on-antibiotics/
Source: EWG's Food Scores | Butterball Boneless Turkey Breast Roast ... URL: https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/0022655274872-ButterballBonelessTurkeyBreastRoastMeat/
Source: All Natural* 100% White Meat Turkey Burger | Butterball. URL: https://www.butterball.com/products/turkey-burgers/frozen-all-natural-white-meat-burgers
Source: Butterball Fresh All Natural 93% Lean Ground Turkey - Ubuy Pakistan. URL: https://www.ubuy.com.pk/en/product/4BTS74E-butterball-all-natural-fresh-93-7-lean-ground-turkey-1-lb
Source: Original Seasoned Frozen Turkey Burgers | Butterball. URL: https://www.butterball.com/products/turkey-burgers/frozen-burgers-original
Source: Fresh All Natural* Ground Turkey 93/7 Flex Pack - Butterball. URL: https://www.butterball.com/products/ground-turkey/all-natural-93-7-flex-pack
Source: Fresh All Natural* Ground Turkey 93/7 - Butterball. URL: https://www.butterball.com/products/ground-turkey/all-natural-93-7
Source: Fresh All Natural* Seasoned Turkey Burger Patties | Butterball. URL: https://www.butterball.com/products/turkey-burgers/fresh-all-natural-seasoned-burger-patties

Frequently Asked Questions

The "All Natural" label on Butterball ground turkey means the product is minimally processed and contains no artificial ingredients. It is important to note that this doesn't guarantee the product is completely plain, as it may still contain natural flavorings.

No, Butterball's fresh "All Natural" ground turkey does not contain artificial ingredients. The ingredient list for many fresh varieties is limited to just turkey and natural flavoring, confirming a lack of artificial additives.

Yes, Butterball's seasoned ground turkey, while still labeled "All Natural," may contain additional ingredients like salt and maltodextrin for flavor enhancement. You should always read the specific product label to be sure.

No, Butterball's fresh, "All Natural" ground turkey does not contain synthetic preservatives. The minimal processing and lack of artificial ingredients mean it relies on refrigeration for freshness.

Checking the ingredient list is crucial because Butterball offers several different ground turkey products. While the fresh, plain varieties are very clean, other products like seasoned or frozen versions may have different, additional ingredients.

'Natural flavoring' is a component derived from a natural source, such as a spice or vegetable, and is used to enhance the taste of the product. It is not considered an artificial additive.

No, the ingredients vary between different Butterball products. While many ground turkey options are "All Natural," other items like pre-brined whole turkeys or frozen burgers may contain additional ingredients like sodium phosphate or other seasonings for taste and moisture.