How much is a serving of Butterball ground turkey?

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Butterball, a single serving of their fresh ground turkey is 4 ounces (112g) when measured raw. This standard measurement provides a baseline for nutritional calculations, though the exact calorie and protein content will vary depending on the lean-to-fat ratio of the product, such as the 93/7 or 85/15 varieties.

Quick Summary

This guide details the standard serving size for Butterball ground turkey, explaining how nutritional values change across different lean-to-fat ratios and how to measure portions accurately.

Key Points

Standard Serving: The official serving size for Butterball ground turkey is 4 ounces (112g), based on the raw weight.
Nutritional Variation: Calorie, protein, and fat content differ significantly depending on the product's lean-to-fat ratio (e.g., 93/7 vs. 85/15).
Raw vs. Cooked Weight: Expect a 4-ounce raw portion to yield approximately 3 ounces of cooked meat due to moisture loss during cooking.
Accurate Measurement: For the most precise nutritional tracking, a food scale should be used to weigh the ground turkey when it is raw.
High-Protein Source: Most varieties of Butterball ground turkey are an excellent source of lean protein, which is beneficial for muscle building and satiety.
Healthy Alternative: Ground turkey can be a healthier, lower-fat substitute for ground beef in many recipes, depending on the fat percentages being compared.
Consider Your Goals: Choose a lean-to-fat ratio that aligns with your specific dietary needs, such as lower calories for weight management or higher fat for flavor.

Understanding the Standard Serving Size

For Butterball ground turkey, the official serving size listed on product packaging is 4 ounces, or 112 grams, which is based on the raw weight. This consistent benchmark allows for easy comparison between different product types and aids in accurate nutritional tracking. However, it is crucial to remember that the nutritional content, including calories, protein, and fat, changes significantly based on the product's lean-to-fat ratio. A serving of 93/7 ground turkey will have a different nutritional profile than the same size serving of 85/15 ground turkey. Always check the specific nutrition label on your package to get the most accurate information for your dietary needs.

How Lean-to-Fat Ratio Affects Nutrition

Butterball offers a range of ground turkey products distinguished by their lean-to-fat percentage. While the standard 4-ounce raw serving size remains constant, the nutritional makeup of that serving varies. A higher lean percentage means more protein and fewer calories and fat per serving, while a lower lean percentage results in more fat and calories. For example, the Extra Lean 97/3 ground turkey provides more protein and fewer calories per serving than the 85/15 variety. This variation is important for anyone managing their intake of calories, protein, or fat, whether for weight loss, muscle gain, or general health.

The Difference Between Raw and Cooked Weight

It is important to note that ground turkey, like other meats, loses a significant amount of weight and size during the cooking process due to moisture loss. A raw 4-ounce serving will not be a 4-ounce serving once it's cooked. The USDA estimates that a 4 to 5-ounce raw portion of ground turkey will yield approximately 3 ounces of cooked meat. This distinction is vital for anyone tracking macros or calories. To ensure consistent and accurate portioning, it is best to weigh the meat in its raw state before cooking. If you must weigh it cooked, you will need to account for the reduction in moisture, meaning a 3-ounce cooked portion would correspond to the nutritional information of a 4-ounce raw portion.

How to Measure Your Ground Turkey Serving Accurately

For the most precise nutritional tracking, especially for fitness or weight management, using a food scale is the best method. Here is a simple guide:

Use a Food Scale: Place a bowl or plate on a digital food scale and press the 'tare' or 'zero' button to reset the weight to zero.
Portion Raw Meat: Add the raw Butterball ground turkey to the bowl until the scale reads 4 ounces (112g).
Cook and Divide: If you are cooking a large batch, you can portion it out uncooked first. If you have already cooked a larger amount, you can divide the total raw weight by the number of servings. For example, a one-pound (16 oz) package has four 4-ounce raw servings. If you cook the whole pound, divide the cooked yield into four equal parts.
Estimate by Hand: For a rough estimate, a 3-ounce cooked serving is about the size and thickness of a deck of cards or the palm of your hand. However, this method is not as accurate as using a food scale.

Butterball Ground Turkey Nutritional Comparison

Comparing different varieties of Butterball ground turkey based on a standard 4 oz (112g) raw serving size demonstrates the impact of the lean-to-fat ratio. Below is a comparison table using data found on Butterball product pages.


Feature	Extra Lean (98/2)	Lean (93/7)	Medium (90/10)	High Fat (85/15)
Calories	120	160	190	230
Protein	27g	22g	20g	19g
Total Fat	2g	8g	11g	17g
Saturated Fat	0.5g	3g	2.5g	5g

Note: Nutritional information can vary slightly between packaging types (e.g., flex pack vs. roll) and should always be verified on the specific product label.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Health Goals

In summary, the standard serving size for all Butterball ground turkey products is 4 ounces (112g) raw, but its nutritional content is highly dependent on the lean-to-fat ratio. Extra lean options like the 98/2 offer a high-protein, low-calorie choice, while products like the 85/15 are richer in flavor and fat. Understanding the difference between raw and cooked weight is essential for accurate calorie and macro tracking, and using a food scale is the most reliable method for portion control. By paying close attention to the specific product's nutrition label and weighing your portions raw, you can effectively incorporate Butterball ground turkey into a balanced diet that supports your health and fitness goals. For more product details and recipe ideas, you can visit the Butterball website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count depends on the lean-to-fat ratio. For a standard 4 oz (raw) serving, the calories range from 120 for the Extra Lean (98/2) to 230 for the 85/15 variety.

Meat loses water during cooking, which reduces its overall weight. A 4-ounce raw portion of ground turkey will lose moisture and typically shrink to about 3 ounces when cooked.

You can, but it is not the most accurate method. For cooked meat, a portion roughly the size of your palm or a deck of cards is a general estimation for 3 ounces. For precise tracking, a food scale is recommended.

No, Butterball's seasoned ground turkey typically also has a 4 oz (112g) raw serving size. However, the nutritional content, especially sodium, may differ from unseasoned varieties, so it is important to check the label.

Protein content varies by lean percentage. For a 4 oz raw serving, the protein ranges from 27g in the Extra Lean (98/2) to 19g in the 85/15 variety.

Ground turkey is often leaner than ground beef, but it is not always a healthier choice. The fat content of both ground turkey and ground beef varies widely. When comparing similar lean percentages (e.g., 90/10 turkey vs. 90/10 beef), the nutritional profiles are more comparable. Always check the nutrition facts.

For low-fat cooking, you can brown ground turkey in a nonstick pan or use a little cooking spray. Since lean ground turkey has less fat, it benefits from seasonings and cooking methods that lock in moisture. For burgers, forming patties and grilling or baking them can be effective.