Is chicken better for health and the environment than other meat?

Chicken is often marketed as “better” than other types of meat for your health and the environment. As a result, sales have been steadily trending upward since 1970, when the average American consumer ate about 50 lbs of chicken annually. That number has since jumped to over 100 lbs per person per year.

Is eating chicken bad for our health?

Though the health implications of red and processed meats have received more attention from researchers—especially regarding their links to major diseases like cancer—chicken is not actually the best choice for health-conscious consumers.

Even with limited research, initial findings have uncovered links between eating poultry, including chicken, and increased risk of some diseases, including diabetes and gallbladder disease. Chicken consumption has also been linked to three types of cancers—prostate, lymphoma, and malignant melanoma—by early research.

Perhaps one of the most significant health risks associated with eating chicken doesn’t come from the plate, but from the farm. As avian flu persists across various regions, The World Health Organization warns that the disease represents an increasing threat to humans.

Does chicken contain carcinogens?

Chicken on its own has not been flagged as carcinogenic in the same way as processed meats. Processed meats include hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats—including those made entirely or partially of poultry—and other products that have chemicals added to extend their shelf life. There is a definitive link between eating processed meats and cancer risk, particularly bowel cancer.

What are other potential risks of eating chicken?

Foodborne illnesses

Raw and undercooked chicken often contain bacteria, such as E. coli, which can cause severe illness including vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping. If not carefully handled, these bacteria can also infect other foods.

Salmonella is one of the most common bacteria to cause food poisoning in humans. According to the CDC, almost a fourth of all salmonella infections are the result of consuming turkey or chicken.

Antibiotic use and resistance

On poultry farms, like on all factory farms, administering numerous antibiotics to treat and prevent disease in animals is standard practice. While preventing disease may sound like a good idea, it actually drives the problem of antibiotic resistance, as bacteria are able to adapt to withstand the antibiotics to which they are exposed. There are a limited number of antibiotics available for human use, and those we do have are losing their efficacy due to their use on farms.

Cholesterol and heart disease

Chicken meat contains cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Though historically red meat has been thought to contain considerably more cholesterol than poultry, in recent years, new research has challenged that belief. Alternatively, plants don’t contain any cholesterol, so foods made from completely plant-sources, whether processed or not, are always cholesterol-free. This makes plant proteins ideal for anyone concerned with heart health and cholesterol levels.

Saturated fat

Though chicken meat may not contain overwhelming amounts of saturated fat—with the exception of meat prepared with methods like frying—the large amount of chicken typically consumed by people means that the amount of fat can add up. Cutting back or eliminating chicken consumption can help manage the amount of saturated fat in your diet.

Environmental impact

Chicken isn’t the eco-friendly solution that many believe it to be. While it’s true that cattle emit more greenhouse gases and use more resources, chicken waste contributes heavily to water pollution. For example, Oklahoma residents, who have seen the steady increase of factory farms in their state, describe how their beautiful Illinois River has become murky and green due to animal waste runoff pollution.

Intensive farming

Chicken feed is largely made up of grains and corn, which are typically produced via monocropping. This is a practice of dedicating large tracts of land to a single crop, which is detrimental to the soil. To compensate, farmers will often apply fertilizers to enhance degraded soil, and use pesticides and herbicides to protect the crops. This all contributes to declining ecosystems and biodiversity loss.

Animal welfare

During their short lives, chickens raised for meat endure immense suffering. Despite packaging displaying chickens enjoying rolling pastures, the reality is that the majority of chickens spend their lives on factory farms. During this time, they are confined to sheds crammed with thousands of other birds.

Chickens raised for meat have also been selectively bred over generations in order to maximize productivity. This has been done with little concern for their welfare. As a result, they often suffer from heart issues, and many are unable to walk or even stand.

What are some alternatives to chicken?

If you want to eat more compassionately, healthier, and in a more eco-friendly way, cutting back on, or eliminating, animal products is a good idea. There are many replacement options available and it’s a lot of fun to experiment with different ingredients:

• Tofu: A very versatile and high protein alternative to chicken, tofu can be breaded and fried for a delicious meat-free nugget, or marinated and pan-seared. The ways to use tofu are virtually endless.
• Tempeh: A soy protein source that’s a little less known than tofu, tempeh is just as delicious and versatile. It can easily be turned into a fried “chicken,” nuggets, or even “bacon.”
• Lentils : Less of a swap but rather an alternative, lentils contain about 18g of protein in a single cup-sized serving. They’re also hearty and delicious, making them an excellent addition to soups or curries.
• Black beans: Black bean burgers are one of the most popular swaps as they are packed full of protein and can be flavored to personal taste.
• Chickpeas: Chickpea salad, in which chickpeas are partially smashed and mixed with mayonnaise and other flavorings, is a popular swap for chicken salad. It can be eaten as a sandwich, with crackers, or inside a lettuce wrap.
• Jackfruit: Pulled chicken, on tacos for example, can easily be replaced with shredded jackfruit, giving much the same texture and flavor experience.
• Mushrooms: Mushrooms (especially lion’s mane) have skyrocketed in popularity as a chicken due to their meaty texture and umami flavoring.
• Seitan: Made from gluten, the protein in wheat, seitan is the perfect chicken alternative for those looking for a very meaty, high-protein option. Two ounces contains 100 calories and a whopping 17 grams of protein.
• Plant-based chicken nuggets, tenders, and patties. Perhaps the most obvious swap for chicken are the frozen plant-based options conveniently available in supermarkets.

The bottom line

Chicken is not all it’s cracked up to be. Instead of being the answer to personal, public, and planetary health concerns, mounting evidence suggests that eating chicken—especially in large amounts—can come at great costs.

Thankfully, there are numerous alternatives that place less pressure on your health, your community, and the planet, all without compromising taste. This makes cutting back on or eliminating chicken from your table easier than ever.

If you’re concerned by the suffering of chickens on factory farms, you can do something about it by joining our campaigns for animals raised for food.