Login or Register

Butterball Turkey Breast Nutritional Facts

Apr 7, 2011 | By Tina Andrews

Butterball turkey breast is a rich source of low-fat protein to include in your nutrition plan. Turkey also provides you with several fat- and water-soluble vitamins and minerals. Turkey breast is a versatile food that you can easily incorporate into many different recipes and types of cuisine. Butterball produces an array of turkey breast products, which have some differences in nutrient content.

Protein

Like all animal meats, turkey breast is a source of whole protein, meaning it includes all of the protein subunits, or amino acids, your body needs to produce new proteins. A 3-oz. serving of Butterball turkey breast provides you with approximately 16 to 22 g of protein. Protein accounts for at least 50 percent of the calories in all of the Butterball turkey breast varieties. If you're looking for some new ways to prepare turkey breast, try turkey tacos, enchiladas or chili. Cooked, diced turkey breast is also tasty in salads, omelets, quiche and stir fry. Turkey noodle soup and turkey stew are interesting variations on some old standbys.

Fat

Turkey breast is a better choice than thighs or drumsticks if you are trying to reduce the amount of fat in your diet. A 3-oz. serving of Butterball turkey breast contains approximately 2.3 to 4.5 g of total fat, including 0.8 to 1.5 g of saturated fat and 35 to 50 mg of cholesterol. If you want to reduce the amount of fat in uncooked varieties of turkey breast, remove the skin before cooking.

Carbohydrates

Turkey breast naturally contains a negligible amount of carbohydrates. Some of the frozen varieties of Butterball brand turkey breast, however, contain small quantities of added sugar, which amount to a gram or less of carbohydrates per 3-oz. serving.

Sodium

Butterball fresh turkey breast is naturally low in sodium, with approximately 40 mg per 3-oz. serving. All other varieties of Butterball turkey breast, however, have added sodium. The amount of sodium in these products ranges broadly, from 240 to 650 mg per 3-oz. serving. The ready-to-roast varieties have the highest amount of sodium with 620 to 650 mg per 3-oz. serving. This amount of sodium represents roughly 40 percent the recommended daily intake for sodium for people with high blood pressure or at risk for the condition.

Vitamins and Minerals

All varieties of turkey breast contain significant amounts of the minerals potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium, and low levels of iron. Vitamins gained when you eat turkey breast include B-6, B-12, niacin, riboflavin and a small amount of vitamin D.

Safe Handling of Turkey

Turkey may carry Salmonella and other bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Always be sure turkey is thoroughly cooked before eating, and wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw turkey. Similarly, wash kitchen knives and other utensils used on raw turkey before using them with other foods.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: Apr 7, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments