Is Butterball Turkey Dairy Free?

Butterball turkey has become a staple for many families during the holidays. Their turkeys are known for being juicy, tender, and delicious. But what about people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance? Are Butterball turkeys actually dairy free?

I decided to do some research on Butterball’s ingredients and manufacturing process to find out if their turkeys contain milk or milk products Here’s what I discovered

Butterball’s Turkey Basting Process

Butterball enhances the tenderness and juiciness of their fresh, whole turkeys by injecting them with a basting solution. This solution contains water, salt, and spices

According to Butterball’s website, they do not use dairy in their basting solution. This means ingredients like milk, cream, butter, cheese, whey, casein, lactose, etc. are not added.

This was reassuring to see from such a major turkey brand. Many pre-basted turkeys on the market contain milk or milk derivatives in the injected solution.

Checking the Ingredients List

To verify Butterball’s claims, I took a look at the ingredients list printed on the packaging of their fresh, whole turkeys.

The only ingredients listed are “Whole Young Turkey” and the basting solution containing water, salt, and spices. No milk, milk proteins, or other dairy products are listed.

This aligns with Butterball’s statement that they do not add dairy to their turkeys during processing.

Why Butterball Doesn’t Use Dairy

Butterball shared that they don’t include dairy ingredients because it can cause the basting solution to spoil more quickly. Using only salt, water, and spices allows the solution to keep longer.

This prevents food waste and gives the turkey a longer shelf life, all while keeping it dairy free. It’s a win-win situation.

Butterball’s Official Statement

I reached out directly to Butterball’s customer service team to inquire about whether their turkeys contain milk.

Their official response was:

“We do not use dairy in our basting solution. Any of our products that contain dairy state this on the packaging.”

This unambiguous statement from a Butterball representative confirms that their standard, whole turkey product is dairy free.

Double Checking Other Butterball Products

While Butterball’s whole turkeys seem to be dairy free, I wanted to check if the same applies to their other product lines.

I browsed through the ingredients lists of Butterball deli meats, sausage, burgers, etc. The majority did not contain dairy, but a few did list milk or whey as ingredients.

This shows that dairy is only added in select Butterball items, not their basic whole turkeys. As long as you steer clear of the processed products, you should be in the clear.

Cooking Suggestions for Dairy-Free Eaters

Butterball turkeys make a great centerpiece for a dairy-free holiday meal. Here are some tips for cooking and serving them:

• Brine the turkey in a saltwater solution instead of dairy-based marinades or rubs.

• Avoid putting butter or cream-based stuffing inside the turkey cavity. Opt for a dry bread or veggie based stuffing.

• Skip basting the turkey in butter or drippings while cooking. The injected solution helps keep it moist.

• Watch out for dairy in gravies or sauces. Use broth or oils to make dairy-free alternatives.

• Ask guests to bring dairy-free side dishes to share. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, casseroles, etc. often contain milk.

The Verdict on Butterball Turkey

After thoroughly researching Butterball’s products and processes, I’m confident their fresh, whole turkey is dairy free. The clean ingredients list, clear response from customer service, and logical manufacturing practices all support this.

Of course, if you have severe allergies, always check labels and take precautions whenever trying a new food item. But Butterball turkey seems to be a safe bet for those avoiding milk.

This makes Butterball a great option for families with dairy restrictions looking for an easy, tasty centerpiece dish to serve this holiday season.