Key findings
- 1Plain ground turkey is mechanically ground meat, a simple food similar to ground beef
- 2Some brands add rosemary extract and natural flavors to their "plain" ground turkey, unlike ground beef which is typically a single ingredient
- 3Ground turkey labeled "mechanically separated" is a fundamentally different product: a paste-like substance, not whole muscle meat
Why is Ground Turkey Level 1 on average?
Ground turkey production mirrors ground beef: whole turkey meat (typically a mix of white and dark meat) is mechanically ground through a die plate. No chemicals are required. The key difference from ground beef is that turkey is leaner and more prone to oxidation, so manufacturers frequently add rosemary extract as a natural antioxidant, a processing step that ground beef rarely needs. Some brands also include "natural flavors" on their standard ground turkey, which technically makes them more processed than ground beef with its single ingredient. The lean-to-fat ratio (93/7, 99/1, 85/15) does not affect processing; it simply reflects which parts of the bird are ground. Store-ground turkey from a butcher counter is the least processed option. In our analysis, ground turkey products average a Processing Score of 2.4, which is Level 1.
How 259 ground turkey products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Ground Turkey brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a ground turkey label
- 1
Plain ground turkey should ideally list one ingredient: turkey; check for hidden "natural flavors" and rosemary extract
- 2
The lean/fat ratio (93/7, 99/1) reflects meat composition, not processing level
- 3
Seasoned or flavored ground turkey (taco-seasoned, Italian-style) adds multiple ingredients and is more processed than plain
- 4
Watch for ground turkey containing "mechanically separated turkey"; this is a paste recovered from bones under pressure, not whole muscle meat
Ketzal for iPhone
Got Ground Turkey At Home?
Scan yours in Ketzal to see how your exact product scores, not just the average, plus a less processed swap.
Scan It Free
Frequently asked questions
Is ground turkey healthier than ground beef?
Ground turkey is typically leaner, but the processing is nearly identical; both are simply ground meat when plain. Health differences come from fat content and nutrient profile, not processing. Check labels carefully: some ground turkey products contain more additives than ground beef.
Is 93/7 ground turkey processed differently than 85/15?
No. The ratio refers to lean meat vs. fat content, not processing differences. Both are ground the same way. Leaner varieties simply use more breast meat and less dark meat/skin.
Is Jennie-O ground turkey ultra-processed?
Check the package. Plain ground turkey usually lists turkey, sometimes with rosemary extract or natural flavors; seasoned varieties add salt, spices, and flavorings and are more processed. A second ingredient makes it slightly more processed than single-ingredient ground beef.