How to Select the Highest Quality Chicken

Organic, Non-Organic, Free-Range, Pasture-Raised Chicken: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever shopped for chicken, you’ve probably seen words like “free-range,” “organic,” and “pasture-raised” on the packaging. But what do these terms actually mean? What about NON-organic varieties? Understanding the great many options whet it comes to chicken can help you make better choices for your health, the environment, and animal welfare. Let’s take a closer look!

First Thing's First: Let's Define Some Important Things

When it comes to chicken, terms like "Pasture-Raised" and "Free-Range" describe a chicken's living arrangement—how much space it has, whether it can roam outdoors, and how naturally it can behave.

On the other hand, terms like "Organic" and "Non-Organic" refer to a chicken's diet and whether it was exposed to antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or chemical pesticides.

For example, organic chickens eat non-GMO, pesticide-free feed and aren’t given antibiotics, while non-organic chickens may consume conventional feed and could receive antibiotics or other medications. These labels focus on different aspects of how the chicken was raised, so understanding both can help you make a more informed choice.

Now, let's peck away at the details... 

1. Free-Range

The term “free-range” sounds like chickens are happily roaming in big, open fields all day—but that’s not always true. Free-range chickens are required to have access to the outdoors, but there’s no strict rule about how much space they get or how often they go outside.

In many cases, free-range chickens live in large barns with small doors that let them go outside when they want. However, the outdoor space may be small or not very appealing for chickens, so they might spend most of their time inside.

While free-range is better than being kept in tiny cages, it doesn’t guarantee that the chickens lived a fully natural or healthy life. Still, free-range chicken can be a good choice if you’re looking for something that’s at least a step up from conventional chicken farming.

2. Organic

Organic chicken is raised according to strict guidelines set by organizations like the USDA. To be labeled organic, chickens must:

• Be fed organic, non-GMO food that is free of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers.
• Never receive antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones.
• Have access to the outdoors.

Organic chickens are often healthier because they eat better food, and you can feel confident that their meat is free of harmful chemicals or antibiotics. However, the term "organic" doesn’t automatically mean the chickens had a lot of outdoor space or were treated as naturally as possible. Organic chickens might still live in barns with limited space, though they are generally raised under better conditions than conventional chickens.

Choosing organic chicken is a smart option if you want to avoid additives and chemicals in your food.

3. Pasture-Raised

Pasture-raised chickens live the way chickens are naturally meant to live. They spend most of their time outdoors in large, grassy areas where they can forage for bugs, seeds, and plants. This type of environment is closest to how chickens live in the wild.

For a chicken to be labeled pasture-raised, the farm must provide plenty of outdoor space—often at least 108 square feet per bird. These chickens are allowed to roam freely, scratch the ground, and engage in natural behaviors that are good for their health.

Pasture-raised chickens usually eat a more diverse and natural diet, which leads to healthier and more flavorful meat. It’s also the most humane way to raise chickens because they’re given space, fresh air, and sunlight.

If you’re looking for the highest-quality chicken that’s good for both you and the animals, pasture-raised, organic chicken is the best choice. (Many pasture-raised chickens are also organic, making them an even healthier option.)

What Is Non-Organic Chicken?

Look - while these types of chicken are not the ideal of pasture-raised, organic, they're something we'll all encounter, and thus, they're something to be educated on! Non-organic chicken refers to chickens raised without following organic guidelines. This means the chickens:

1. Eat Non-Organic Feed: They are fed conventional feed that may contain pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
2. May Be Given Antibiotics: To prevent illness or promote growth, these chickens are sometimes given antibiotics.
3. Don’t Have Outdoor Access Requirements: Most non-organic chickens are raised in large indoor barns with little or no access to the outdoors.

Non-organic chicken is typically produced using conventional farming methods, which are designed to maximize efficiency and keep costs low.

Types of Non-Organic Chicken

1. Conventional Chicken

   • How It’s Raised: These chickens are often kept in large, crowded barns with controlled temperatures and lighting. They don’t go outside and have limited space to move.
   • Feed: Conventional feed that may include GMOs, soy, and corn treated with pesticides.
   • Antibiotics and Growth Promoters: Many conventional farms use antibiotics to prevent disease in crowded conditions. Some countries also allow the use of growth hormones, but these are banned in the U.S.

   Why People Buy It: Conventional chicken is the cheapest option, making it an accessible choice for many families.

2. No Antibiotics Ever (NAE)

   • How It’s Raised: Similar to conventional chicken, but the chickens are never given antibiotics at any stage of their life. This reduces concerns about antibiotic resistance.
   • Feed: Not organic, but some brands may use higher-quality feed.
   • Outdoor Access: Not required.

   Why People Buy It: It’s a middle-ground option for those looking for affordable chicken without the use of antibiotics.

3. Natural Chicken

   • What It Means: According to the USDA, "natural" means the chicken contains no artificial ingredients or added colors and is minimally processed. However, this label has nothing to do with how the chicken was raised.
   • How It’s Raised: Chickens labeled "natural" are typically raised conventionally.

   Why People Buy It: The term "natural" sounds healthy, but it’s important to remember this label doesn’t guarantee better animal welfare or higher-quality feed.

4. Enhanced or Pre-Marinated Chicken

   • What It Is: Some non-organic chicken is labeled "enhanced" or "pre-marinated," meaning it has been injected with a solution of water, salt, and other ingredients.
   • Why It Matters: This can increase the sodium content significantly, making it less healthy than plain chicken.

   Why People Buy It: It’s convenient and often more flavorful, but not necessarily the healthiest option.

Why Does It Matter?

The way chickens are raised affects their health, their happiness, and the quality of their meat. Chickens raised in healthier, more natural environments tend to produce meat that is lower in fat and higher in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Choosing free-range, organic, or pasture-raised chicken also supports farmers who prioritize animal welfare and environmentally friendly practices.

Safe Handling Tips for Raw Chicken

No matter which type of chicken you choose, you need to handle it carefully to avoid spreading harmful bacteria. Follow these tips for safe handling:

1. Keep it cold: Put raw chicken in the fridge or freezer as soon as you get home. If you’re defrosting chicken, do it in the fridge, not on the counter.
2. Separate it: Use a separate cutting board and knife for raw chicken to avoid contaminating other foods.
3. Wash your hands: Always wash your hands with warm water and soap before and after handling raw chicken.
4. Don’t rinse it: Rinsing raw chicken can spread bacteria around your sink and kitchen. Cooking it thoroughly is the best way to kill germs.
5. Cook it completely: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This ensures it’s safe to eat.

By understanding the differences between free-range, organic, pasture-raised, and the non-organic types of chicken, you can make choices that match your values and health goals. Whenever possible, look for pasture-raised, organic chicken for the healthiest and most humane option. No matter what you choose, always handle and cook it properly to keep your family safe. Happy cooking! 🍗