Finding the Best Value: Healthy Chicken Options for Your Wallet and Health

Are you looking to eat healthier without breaking the bank? In this blog series, we explore the best value options for nutritious foods at the supermarket. Today, we’re focusing on chicken – a staple in many health-conscious kitchens.

Chicken breast is often the go-to choice for those looking to eat healthily, but have you considered the cost savings and nutritional benefits of chicken thighs or livers? According to Sunna Van Kampen, founder of Tonic Health, opting for chicken thighs over chicken breasts can save you over £261.56 per year, assuming you consume 1kg per week in your household. Plus, chicken thighs are rich in iron, zinc, and B12, essential minerals for energy and wellbeing.

If you’re feeling adventurous, chicken livers are a hidden gem in terms of affordability and nutrient density. Priced similarly to chicken thighs, chicken livers are packed with vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and folate. Despite any reservations about taste or texture, chicken livers can be prepared in delicious ways to make them more palatable.

But what about organic chicken? According to Sunna, the health and quality of the bird directly impact the nutrition and quality of the meat. If possible, opt for free-range or organic chicken for the best nutritional value.

Dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine also weighs in on the benefits of chicken thighs and livers. While chicken breasts are known for their lean protein content, chicken thighs offer additional benefits like collagen intake for skin, hair, and joint health. Chicken livers are high in vitamin A and B vitamins, supporting brain health and energy production.

Incorporating a variety of protein sources in your diet is key to a balanced and healthy eating plan. While chicken thighs and livers are great options, don’t forget about other affordable and lean protein sources like lentils, beans, tofu, and eggs.

So, next time you’re at the supermarket, consider swapping out chicken breasts for thighs or livers for a cost-saving and health-boosting upgrade. Your taste buds, wallet, and body will thank you!