Last Updated on June 26, 2024

Benefits of Free Range Chicken

What is free-range chicken, exactly? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, free-range chickens have free continuous access to outdoor spaces for more than 51% of their lives. 

At ButcherBox, we care about where your food comes from and how it’s produced—so the answer to “what does free-range chicken mean to us” is that it’s our passion and more just a buzzword. But why should you choose this type of high-quality protein for every recipe? This primer on the benefits of free-range chicken sheds light on why free-range products are better than the conventional chicken at your local supermarket.

Improved Animal Welfare

Unlike chickens who are raised in traditional factory farm settings, free-range chickens have access to outdoor spaces where they can roam, peck and engage in natural behaviors. This freedom to move about leads to happier, healthier chickens, which is more ethical and can result in higher-quality meat. ButcherBox’s commitment to ethical animal welfare earned us a Global Animal Partnership (Gap 4) certification.

Health Benefits

Free-range chicken can be more nutritious than conventionally raised chicken because free-range chickens have a more varied diet that includes grass and other natural foods found in their environment. As a result, the meat from free-range chickens tends to be leaner and higher in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins. With ButcherBox, you never have to worry about the icky additives non-free-range chicken often contains. We use no antibiotics or added hormones, ever, when raising the chickens that make it from our farms to your table.

Environmental Sustainability

Another important factor to consider is the environmental impact of poultry farming. Free-range chicken farming methods are typically more sustainable than conventional methods. By allowing chickens to graze on pasture land, farmers reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and minimize soil erosion and water pollution. 

Better Taste and Texture

Many consumers prefer the taste and texture of free-range chicken over conventionally raised chicken. This is because free-range chickens have more opportunities to exercise and develop muscle, resulting in meat that is firmer and more flavorful. Additionally, the varied diet of free-range chickens ensures delicious, consistent flavor.

Better Ethics

Free-range chickens tend to be treated with compassion and respect during their lifespans. By choosing free-range chicken, your family aligns its purchasing habits with its ethical beliefs and makes a positive difference in the lives of farm animals. ButcherBox only sources animal-welfare-certified free-range chicken that’s USDA Certified Organic and fed Certified Organic feed. Our pasture-raised, heirloom-breed birds are Better Chicken Project Verified (with Non-GMO Project verified feed), so you feel good choosing ButcherBox free-range chicken. 

As you can see, free-range chicken offers many advantages for both consumers and the planet. By making informed choices about the food we buy, we can support ethical farming practices, promote animal welfare and enjoy delicious, nutritious meals that leave a positive impact on the world. Get started with ButcherBox now to reap the benefits of free-range chicken.