Kirkwood turkey breast is a popular pre-cooked, pre-sliced turkey breast product. It is made by Kirkwood, a brand owned by Cargill. Kirkwood turkey breast can be a convenient option for meals, sandwiches, and more. But is it a high-quality product? Here is an in-depth look at Kirkwood turkey breast and whether it’s worth buying.
Nutrition
First, let’s look at the nutrition facts for Kirkwood oven roasted turkey breast:
| Serving Size | 4 oz (112g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Fat | 3.5g |
| Sodium | 390mg |
| Protein | 26g |
As you can see, a 4 ounce serving of Kirkwood turkey breast is relatively low in calories and fat, but provides 26g of protein. It is decently high in sodium, with 390mg per serving. Overall, the nutrition profile of Kirkwood turkey is quite good – low fat and high protein.
Ingredients
Kirkwood turkey breast contains the following ingredients:
- Turkey breast meat
- Turkey broth
- Salt
- Sugar
- Sodium phosphate
The ingredient list is relatively simple. The main component is turkey breast meat, followed by turkey broth and some natural flavorings like salt and sugar. There are no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Overall, the ingredients in Kirkwood turkey breast are wholesome and natural.
Taste
How does Kirkwood turkey breast taste? Here are some thoughts:
- The turkey has a pleasant, savory roasted turkey flavor.
- It is moist, not dry or stringy.
- The texture is tender and easy to slice and chew.
- The saltiness level is moderate.
- There is not an overly processed or lunch meat-like taste.
Overall, Kirkwood scores well for taste. It has a natural roasted turkey taste and tender texture. The moisture and flavor are locked in thanks to the cooking process. There are no unpleasant or chemical-like flavors. For a pre-cooked, sliced turkey product, Kirkwood delivers satisfactory taste and texture.
Price
Kirkwood turkey breast costs around $3.99 for a 7 oz package. This equates to about $7.99 per pound. Compared to fresh turkey breast which can cost $4.99 per pound or more, Kirkwood is pricier. However, the convenience of Kirkwood being pre-cooked and sliced may be worth the extra cost for some consumers.
Overall Quality
When looking at all factors – nutrition, ingredients, taste and price – how does Kirkwood turkey breast rate for overall quality? Here is a summary:
- Nutrition is good – low fat, high protein, low calorie
- Ingredients are natural and wholesome
- Taste and texture are satisfactory for a pre-cooked product
- Price is a bit higher than fresh turkey breast
Based on these criteria, Kirkwood turkey breast is a good quality product, especially for the convenience it provides. The nutrition profile is superior to many deli meats and processed turkey products. The taste is decent and ingredients are wholesome. While it costs more than fresh turkey breast, the pre-cooked convenience is a major time-saver.
Best Uses
Here are some of the best uses for Kirkwood turkey breast:
- Sandwiches – Quick weekday lunch sandwiches
- Salads – Turkey salad, chef salad, Cobb salad
- Wraps – Turkey wraps with veggies and cheese
- Snacks – Roll up with cream cheese and veggies
- Casseroles – Mix into casseroles and bakes as a protein
- Soup – Dice and add to soups like turkey noodle soup
Because it is already cooked and sliced, Kirkwood turkey breast is extremely convenient for assemble sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more. It can also be incorporated easily into casseroles and soups.
Downsides
There are a couple downsides to consider with Kirkwood turkey breast:
- Higher sodium than fresh turkey breast
- More expensive than fresh turkey breast
- Can dry out if overcooked when reheating
- Less natural than freshly roasted whole turkey breast
The main drawbacks are the higher sodium content, increased price, and chance of drying out when reheated versus fresh turkey. Additionally, some people simply prefer the wholesomeness of roasting a fresh whole turkey breast.
The Bottom Line
Overall, Kirkwood turkey breast is a good quality pre-cooked, sliced turkey product that delivers convenience along with decent taste and nutrition. It can be a handy protein to keep stocked in the fridge for quick sandwiches, salads, and snacks. The ingredients and nutrition are superior to lower-end deli turkey. While it costs more than fresh turkey breast, the prep work is already done making it quicker and easier. Kirkwood turkey breast is worth buying for the times when you need convenient, pre-cooked turkey on hand.