Why Fast Food Chains Typically Use White Meat Chicken Over Dark Meat - Tasting Table

Since the 1990s, chicken has been America's preferred meat, driving the poultry industry's value to approximately $46.1 billion. Fast food chains have largely opted for white meat chicken—primarily breasts—because of consumer demand for healthier, lower-calorie options. This preference has prompted farmers to engage in selective breeding, resulting in larger chickens that produce more breast meat, ensuring consistency and cost-effectiveness for the food industry. While white meat remains popular, questions linger about its dominance in the fast food landscape moving forward.

Fast food chains have predominantly used white meat chicken because consumers associate it with health benefits, leading to a higher preference for chicken breasts over thighs.

With the rising demand for chicken breasts, farmers have utilized selective breeding to produce larger chickens, ensuring the fast food industry can rely on a consistent supply.

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