What brand of chicken is organic? Your guide to top choices

According to the USDA, to be certified organic, poultry must be raised on 100% organic feed and have outdoor access. So, what brand of chicken is organic? This guide explores several leading brands and explains what sets them apart from conventional chicken, helping you select the best and most ethical options for your kitchen.

Quick Summary

Reputable brands like Bell & Evans and Mary's Chicken offer certified organic poultry that adheres to strict USDA standards regarding feed, living conditions, and humane treatment. These brands provide consumers with healthier, more flavorful meat raised without antibiotics, hormones, or GMOs.

Key Points

• Top Brands: Bell & Evans, Mary's Organic Chicken, Foster Farms Organic, and Smart Chicken are prominent certified organic brands.

• USDA Requirements: Organic poultry must be raised on 100% organic feed, be free of antibiotics and hormones, and have outdoor access.

• Beyond Organic: Look for additional certifications like 'Certified Humane' or 'Global Animal Partnership' for higher animal welfare standards.

• Processing Matters: Air-chilled chicken, like that from Bell & Evans, can offer better flavor and texture than water-chilled options.

• Nutritional Edge: Organic chicken may have a better fatty acid profile, including higher omega-3s, and potentially lower fat content, especially in the skin.

• Check the Label: Always look for the USDA Organic seal and read labels to avoid products with unnecessary additives or misleading claims.

• Taste and Quality: Many consumers report that organic chicken has a richer, more natural flavor due to slower, more humane farming practices.

Your Guide to Organic Chicken Brands

Choosing organic chicken is a priority for many consumers concerned with animal welfare, the environment, and their health. The term “organic” isn't just a marketing buzzword; it's a certification backed by strict federal standards. This section highlights some of the most prominent brands that offer certified organic chicken, detailing their commitment to quality and ethical farming practices.

Bell & Evans

Bell & Evans is a well-regarded brand with a strong commitment to organic standards. The company highlights its dedication by maintaining 100% organic-certified facilities and using only U.S. grown, organic-certified grains for feed. They emphasize humane living conditions and air-chilling, a process that avoids adding chlorinated water to the meat and helps preserve flavor and texture. Bell & Evans prides itself on exceeding the minimum USDA requirements for their organic program, making them a top contender for those seeking the highest quality poultry.

Mary's Organic Chicken

Mary's Organic Chicken is another trusted name in the organic poultry space. Like other leading brands, Mary's chickens are raised without antibiotics, growth hormones, or GMOs, and are fed a certified organic diet. The company emphasizes its humane animal welfare practices and its commitment to providing flavorful, natural meat. Mary's offers a variety of products, including organic specialty cuts, for health-conscious consumers looking for versatility in their meals.

Foster Farms Organic

Foster Farms, a widely available poultry producer, also offers an organic line of chicken. Their organic products are certified to meet USDA standards, which means the chickens are raised on certified organic farms, fed an organic vegetarian diet, and provided with outdoor access. Foster Farms organic chicken is also air-chilled to maintain quality. For consumers looking for a reliable and accessible organic option, Foster Farms is a well-established choice found in many grocery stores.

Smart Chicken

Smart Chicken is a brand known for its commitment to both organic practices and other high-level certifications, such as Certified Humane. Their process ensures that birds are raised with high standards of welfare and hygiene. Smart Chicken offers a range of organic products and is a good option for those who prioritize animal treatment alongside organic production standards.

Organic vs. Conventional Chicken: A Comparison

Understanding the key differences between organic and conventional chicken is essential for making an informed purchase. Beyond the price tag, there are significant distinctions in sourcing, nutrition, and environmental impact. The following table provides a quick overview:

Feature	Organic Chicken	Conventional Chicken
Feed	100% USDA-certified organic feed, free of pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs.	Standard feed, which may contain GMOs and is grown with chemical pesticides.
Antibiotics	Prohibited for use, though sick animals can be treated and removed from the organic program.	Routine use is common to prevent diseases in crowded conditions and promote faster growth.
Hormones	Prohibited by federal law in all poultry production, but this is a defining organic standard.	Prohibited by federal law.
Living Conditions	Required access to outdoor space, perches, and room to exhibit natural behaviors.	Often raised in crowded, indoor confinement with limited or no outdoor access.
Nutritional Profile	May have higher levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.	Generally lower nutritional density in some areas compared to organic due to diet and living conditions.
Environmental Impact	Sustainable farming practices reduce the use of synthetic chemicals and support soil health.	Higher environmental footprint due to conventional farming methods and reliance on chemical inputs.

How to Find Truly High-Quality Organic Chicken

To ensure you are getting the best possible product, look beyond the simple “organic” label. Here are some pointers to help you navigate your options:

• Look for additional certifications. While the USDA Organic seal is a must, supplementary certifications can indicate even higher animal welfare standards. Labels like Certified Humane or the higher steps of the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) rating system (e.g., Step 4 or 5) confirm more humane treatment and living conditions.
• Prioritize air-chilled processing. Many high-quality organic brands, such as Bell & Evans, use air-chilling instead of water-chilling. This process uses cold air to cool the chicken, avoiding the absorption of water (and potential added chemicals) that can dilute flavor and change texture.
• Read the brand's mission. Companies with a deeper commitment to organic farming often provide transparent information on their website about their practices, from feed sourcing to animal handling. A quick check online can reveal a brand's true priorities beyond minimum certification requirements.
• Consider local producers. If available, purchasing from local organic farms or farmers' markets can provide insight into farming practices. Local producers often offer fresher products and more direct accountability for their methods.

Conclusion

For consumers asking what brand of chicken is organic, the answer includes several reputable names, such as Bell & Evans, Mary's Organic Chicken, and Foster Farms Organic. These brands adhere to strict USDA standards that ensure the poultry is raised on 100% organic, non-GMO feed without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. While all certified organic chicken offers a cleaner, more humane option than conventional poultry, shoppers can look for additional certifications and processing methods like air-chilling to find products that exceed the baseline requirements. By understanding the distinctions and prioritizing brands with transparent and ethical practices, you can make a choice that is better for your health, the animals, and the environment.

References

• USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (2.6.4)
• Organic - Bell & Evans (2.2.1)
• Mary's Organic Chicken (2.2.7)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between organic and conventional chicken?

The main difference lies in how the chickens are raised. Organic chickens are fed 100% certified organic, non-GMO feed and have access to the outdoors, while conventional chickens may be given non-organic feed and raised in more crowded indoor conditions.

Are organic chickens given antibiotics or hormones?

No. Organic poultry is never given antibiotics. While hormones are prohibited by federal law in all U.S. poultry production, the absence of both is a defining standard of organic certification.

Is organic chicken more nutritious than conventional chicken?

Some studies indicate that organic chicken can have a more favorable fatty acid profile, with higher levels of omega-3s. The nutritional difference can vary, but factors like diet and living conditions contribute to overall quality.

What does 'air-chilled' mean for organic chicken?

Air-chilling is a processing method where chickens are cooled with cold air instead of being submerged in water. This prevents water absorption, which can dilute the chicken's flavor and ensures a crisper texture when cooked.

Does the USDA Organic label guarantee humane animal treatment?

The USDA Organic label includes standards for animal welfare, such as requiring outdoor access. However, some consumers may prefer labels like 'Certified Humane' or 'Global Animal Partnership' (GAP) for even stricter animal welfare standards.

How can I tell if a brand's organic practices are truly high-quality?

Beyond checking for the USDA seal, look for additional certifications and research the brand's website for transparency about their farming practices. Consider brands that specify humane conditions, air-chilling, and sustainable practices.

Is organic chicken more expensive than conventional chicken?

Yes, organic chicken is typically more expensive due to higher production costs associated with organic feed, slower growth rates, and stricter animal welfare and environmental standards.