How many calories are in a butterball turkey?

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard 4-ounce serving of a whole, frozen Butterball turkey contains approximately 170 calories. The exact calorie count, however, depends on several factors, including the specific product, the cut of meat, and whether the skin is included.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a Butterball turkey varies significantly based on the product, cut, and preparation method. Lean ground turkey and skinless breast meat are lower in calories, while dark meat and products with skin are higher in fat and calories.

Key Points

Whole Turkey Calories: A 4 oz serving of a whole, frozen Butterball turkey contains approximately 170 calories, a blend of white and dark meat.
White vs. Dark Meat: White meat (breast) is leaner and lower in calories than dark meat (legs and thighs), which contains more fat.
Skin's Impact: Eating the skin significantly increases the total calorie and fat content; removing it is an easy way to reduce calories.
Ground Turkey Varies: The calorie count for ground turkey depends on its lean-to-fat ratio, ranging from 120 calories for Extra Lean (98/2) to 230 calories for 85/15 per 4 oz.
Deli Options: Pre-cooked deli meats offer a lower-calorie alternative, with some turkey breast options starting at 50 calories per 2 oz serving.
Cooking Adds Calories: Any fats or oils used during cooking, along with gravies and stuffing, contribute to the total caloric intake.
Product Specifics: Always check the specific nutritional information for the exact Butterball product you purchase, as the numbers will differ.

Understanding the Calorie Differences

Determining the precise number of calories in a Butterball turkey is not a single answer, as the brand offers a wide range of products. The calorie count depends heavily on the specific product and cut. For instance, a lean ground turkey breast will have fewer calories per serving than a fatty dark meat cut or a pre-prepared deli product with added ingredients. Cooking methods also play a crucial role; roasting a turkey with skin adds calories that are absent when eating only the skinless breast.

Calorie Variations in Different Turkey Cuts

Not all parts of the turkey are created equal from a caloric standpoint. White meat, particularly the turkey breast, is leaner and contains fewer calories than the darker meat found in the legs and thighs. A 4 oz serving of a whole, skin-on Butterball turkey is approximately 170 calories, which is a blend of both light and dark meat. For a more precise measurement, you would need to separate the cuts.

White Meat (Breast): Lean and packed with protein, skinless turkey breast is the lowest-calorie option. A 4 oz serving of a bone-in turkey breast, for example, is around 170 calories before any added fats from cooking.
Dark Meat (Thighs and Legs): Contains more fat and therefore more calories. While still a healthy protein source, consumers should be aware of this difference if they are closely tracking their intake.
Skin: The most calorie-dense part of the turkey. Roasting the bird with the skin is a popular way to retain moisture and flavor, but eating the skin will add a significant number of calories and fat to each serving. Removing the skin before eating is a simple way to reduce caloric intake.

Exploring Butterball's Product Line

Butterball offers more than just whole birds. The company's extensive product line includes ground turkey, deli meats, and pre-cooked roasts, all with different calorie counts. This variety allows consumers to choose options that align with their specific dietary goals.

Ground Turkey: Available in different lean-to-fat ratios, a critical factor for calorie content.

Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast (98/2): At 120 calories per 4 oz serving, this is one of the leanest options.
Lean Ground Turkey (93/7): This common option contains 150-160 calories per 4 oz serving.
Ground Turkey (85/15): The highest fat and calorie ground turkey, with 230 calories per 4 oz serving.

Deli Meats: For sandwiches and salads, Butterball deli products offer a convenient and lower-calorie choice.

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast (Deli): A 2 oz serving can be as low as 50-60 calories.
Honey Roasted Turkey Breast (Deli): A 2 oz serving contains approximately 60 calories.

Factors Affecting Final Calorie Count

When calculating the calories for your Thanksgiving feast or a simple turkey dinner, remember to account for these additional factors:

Added Fats: Cooking with butter, oil, or other fats can dramatically increase the calorie count. For example, some recipes suggest rubbing the turkey with a generous amount of butter before roasting.
Gravy and Sauces: Many gravies are made from the turkey drippings, which are high in fat and calories. Using a store-bought gravy packet, such as Butterball's, adds about 15 calories per 2 oz serving, but homemade versions can be much higher.
Stuffing: If the turkey is cooked with stuffing inside, the calories from the stuffing and any absorbed drippings must be factored in. Separate cooking of stuffing is a good way to control this.

Comparison of Different Butterball Turkey Products


Product	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Notes
Whole Frozen Turkey	4 oz (112g)	170	Includes a mix of white and dark meat with skin.
Fresh Whole Turkey	4 oz (112g)	180	Generally slightly higher than frozen, but still a whole bird mix.
Extra Lean Ground Turkey	4 oz (112g)	120	Made from 98/2 turkey breast, very low fat.
Lean Ground Turkey (93/7)	4 oz (112g)	150-160	A standard, versatile ground turkey option.
Oven Roasted Deli Breast	2 oz (56g)	50-60	Ideal for sandwiches and salads, very low fat.
Turkey Wing	1 piece (179g)	380	A single, larger piece of dark meat, higher in calories.

Conclusion

In short, the calories in a Butterball turkey are not a fixed value but depend on the specific cut and preparation. For a lower-calorie meal, opt for skinless breast meat and avoid excess fat in your cooking methods. When choosing ground turkey or deli meat, pay close attention to the lean-to-fat ratio. By understanding these key nutritional differences, you can make informed decisions to fit your dietary needs while enjoying a delicious turkey meal. For further information on Butterball's offerings, including specific nutrition details for all their products, consider visiting their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a 4-ounce serving of Butterball turkey breast can vary, but a bone-in breast is approximately 170 calories, while Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast (98/2) is around 120 calories per 4 oz serving.

Yes, Butterball dark meat, like thighs and legs, contains more fat and therefore more calories than the leaner white meat found in the breast.

A 4-ounce serving of Butterball's Extra Lean Ground Turkey (98/2) has about 120 calories, while the 85/15 Ground Turkey has around 230 calories, a difference of 110 calories.

To calculate the total calories, you need to consider the type of meat (white vs. dark), whether the skin is eaten, and any added fats, gravies, or stuffing. For instance, a 4 oz serving of whole turkey is a starting point, but you must account for additional ingredients.

Yes, many Butterball deli meat options are low in calories. For example, a 2 oz serving of Oven Roasted Turkey Breast can be as low as 50-60 calories, making it a healthy choice for sandwiches.

Yes, cooking methods significantly impact the final calorie count. Using butter, oil, or roasting with the skin on will increase the calorie total compared to preparing a skinless breast without added fats.

The most accurate nutritional information can be found on the product's packaging or by visiting the official Butterball website, which provides detailed nutritional facts for all their products.