is boston market turkey processed

Is Boston Market Turkey Really Processed? Examining the Controversy

Boston Market is a popular fast-casual dining chain known for its rotisserie chicken and homestyle sides. However, there has been some debate around whether Boston Market’s turkey offerings are overly processed. In this comprehensive article, we’ll examine the concerns, look at the preparation methods, and provide tips for consumers looking for less processed options when dining at Boston Market.

What is Boston Market?

First, a quick overview of Boston Market for context. The chain was founded in 1985 in Newton Massachusetts under the original name Boston Chicken. It focused on rotisserie chicken meals inspired by homestyle cooking and quickly expanded across the country.

Today, Boston Market has around 250 locations nationwide and has expanded its menu to include turkey, meatloaf, ham, and other classic comfort foods along with signature sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, cranberry walnut relish, and cornbread.

While not a traditional fast food chain Boston Market tends to prepare food in bulk ahead of time for quick service. This streamlined preparation contributes to the processed food concerns.

Claims About Highly Processed Turkey

Critics of Boston Market have called attention to the high degree of processing for some menu items, especially the turkey. Specific concerns include

• Turkey breast sliced and formed into uniform medallions – This mechanical processing deviates from traditional whole turkey slices.

• Added flavorings and stabilizers – Ingredients like sodium phosphate, carrageenan, and natural flavors raise red flags for some about overly manipulated food.

• Cooked and refrigerated ahead of time – Much of the meat at Boston Market is prepped in advance for quick reheating and service later. This differs from turkey carved fresh at a restaurant.

So while not fully reconstituted like deli meat, Boston Market turkey is subjected to a substantial amount of mechanical and chemical processing compared to homemade.

Boston Market’s Response

Boston Market maintains that while efficient processing methods are used, their turkey delivers on quality, flavor, and nutrition. Highlights of their counter-arguments include:

• Turkey raised without antibiotics or added hormones

• Lower fat than skin-on turkey

• Forming allows even slicing of breast meat

• Ingredients aid texture and moisture without artificial fillers

• Strict food safety standards in prep protocols

Additionally, they stand by their mission to deliver homestyle taste conveniently by preparing ahead while maintaining integrity of core ingredients.

Tips for Less Processed Options at Boston Market

For those still concerned by the processing methods, there are some ways to reduce the risks when eating at Boston Market:

• Choose whole rotisserie chicken – Less processing and additives used compared to formed turkey parts.

• Double up on sides – Fill up on freshly prepared sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread.

• Request sauces and dressings on the side – Avoid pre-mixed items with additives and control portion size and calories.

• Opt for meals without gravy – Gravies and sauces often contain thickeners, preservatives, sweeteners, and other additives.

• Select lighter menu options – Lighter Sandwich Plates or Country Carver Salad have less processed meat ingredients.

• Use half the turkey medallions – Build your meal around a smaller portion of turkey.

The Reality of Turkey Processing

While Boston Market turkey exhibits more processing compared to homemade, it lands in a gray area between fresh whole foods and highly manipulated deli meats or protein substitutes. The processing aids taste, texture, and convenience but does deviate from traditional turkey dinner aesthetics.

As with many industrialized foods, moderation and occasional consumption are likely fine for most people. But regular eating could carry risks. Nutrition experts tend to recommend limiting intake of highly processed items which could include Boston Market turkey.

However, consumers have a choice – they can still build a relatively healthy meal by focusing on lighter options and increasing less processed sides. So while not the healthiest choice possible, judicious selection of Boston Market menu items can satisfy a craving without going overboard on processing.

Signs of Highly Processed Foods to Watch For

Beyond Boston Market, consumers can watch for these red flags to avoid the most heavily processed foods:

• Uniform shape and pulverized texture – Indicates mechanical manipulation

• Powdered starches and isolates – Signal extracted derivatives vs whole foods

• Artificial colors and flavors – Synthesized additives with no natural source

• Chemical preservatives – Ingredients solely aimed at prolonging shelf life

• Hyper-palatability – Optimization of sugar, salt and fat for maximum allure regardless of nutrition

• Numerous unpronounceable ingredients – Highly complex manufactured formulations

The more of these factors found in an item, the higher likelihood it is a heavily processed food best avoided when possible.

Ordering Turkey from Popular Restaurant Chains

If you want a break from cooking turkey yourself this holiday season, many popular restaurant chains offer convenient turkey meal options:

• Cracker Barrel – Heat and serve family dinners with oven-roasted turkey, sides, and pie

• Boston Market – Individual turkey plates or family meal bundles with whole roasted turkey

• Bob Evans – Slow-roasted turkey dinners with classic sides and fixings

• Popeyes – Cajun-spiced frozen turkey ready to thaw and heat at home

• Denny’s – Turkey and dressing dinner packs portioned for 4 people

• HoneyBaked Ham – Whole smoked or roasted turkeys plus white meat turkey breast

• Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse – Prix fixe Thanksgiving menu with roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more

• Brio Italian Grille – Roasted turkey dinner feast for dine-in or takeout

The convenience, variety, and expertise of these chains takes the hassle out of preparing your own turkey. You can customize your meal and focus on enjoying time with loved ones.

The Bottom Line

While not without valid concerns, Boston Market turkey avoids some of the most objectionable practices like artificial fillers or injecting saline solution. Consumers can navigate the menu to construct a reasonably healthy meal. However, those strictly avoiding processed foods may struggle with the preparation methods.

In the end, awareness of ingredients and processes along with prudent consumption allows enjoyment of convenience foods like Boston Market while maintaining a healthy diet overall. Just because something exhibits some degree of processing doesn’t mean it must be 100% avoided – moderation and balance is key.

So is Boston Market turkey really processed? Yes, to an extent based on efficiency needs of a national chain. But with wise choices, you can still incorporate it into an overall healthy lifestyle.