Turkey breast is a low-calorie source of protein, with 161 calories per 3.5-ounce serving without skin. Dark meat has more calories, with a drumstick with skin providing 213 calories. Processed meats tend to be higher in energy than turkey.
The caloric content of turkey meat can vary depending on the part of the bird. Breast meat is one of the least caloric sources of meat in turkey, especially without the skin. Protein is the main source of energy in meat, but fat also contributes something. Additionally, turkey provides certain vitamins and minerals that are necessary for good health.
Protein is essential for a healthy body, and meat is one of the richest sources. One potential problem with meat as an important part of nutrition is that some meats or meat products can be high in fat and calories. The calories in a turkey breast are relatively low, compared to some meats, such as bacon or sausage.
A serving of turkey meat is about 3.5 ounces (about 100 g). A piece of skinless breast contains about 161 calories. This represents the energy of 4 grams of fat and 30 grams of protein. If the skin is also part of the meal, the number of calories in a turkey breast increases to approximately 194 calories. The additional calories come from an additional 4 grams of fat from the skin and a slightly lower percentage of protein.
The dark meat of a turkey, in the legs and wings, generally has more calories than the white meat of the breast. A drumstick with the skin on can provide 11 grams of fat and 28 grams of protein per 3.5-ounce serving (about 100 g) for a total of 213 calories. The wings are fattier, at about 238 calories per same-size serving. However, the skin accounts for a significant proportion of the calories in these parts of the bird. A skin weight of 3.5 ounces (approximately 100 g) contains nearly 500 calories.
Turkeys vary in size and weight when they arrive at the table. Breasts, therefore, can range from about 6 lbs. (approximately 2.7 kg) to 14 lbs. (approximately 6.4kg). A single breast could supply nearly 13,000 calories of energy.
Compared to the calories in a turkey breast, processed meats tend to be higher in energy, as do meats like lamb and pork that typically contain a significant percentage of fat. Fillet steak, on the other hand, contains about the same calories by weight as turkey breast with the skin on. Certain processed foods like ham have a low calorie count, nearly half the calories in a skin-on turkey breast.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
