Is Duck Meat Healthy?

Consumers in pursuit of healthy protein options shouldn’t bypass duck. Although it may not be as popular as other types of poultry, duck meat is packed full of essential nutrients that are critical for a healthy diet.

Too often, duck is overlooked because it is categorized as higher fat than other poultry. However, duck meat is very lean. In fact, boneless, skinless duck breast is leaner and has fewer calories than a similar portion of boneless, skinless chicken breast. And, nearly 70% of the fat in the skin layer can be eliminated by scoring the skin and slowly rendering out the fat.

Don’t ever discard the duck fat that is a result of the cooking process because it is considered a healthy fat. Due to its lower saturated fat content, it is more similar to olive oil than other animal fats. It has high levels of monounsaturated fat and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids making it an ideal fat for cooking whether you are sautéing vegetables, roasting potatoes or making pastries. However you use it, duck fat lends a wonderful flavor and texture to any dish it’s used in.

Duck has so much more to offer healthy eaters than lean meat and healthy fat. As a red meat, duck is packed with iron and protein. Duck meat is also higher in B vitamins, selenium, phosphorous and iron than other poultry.

If you are looking for a healthy red meat alternative or a flavorful substitute for chicken or turkey, try adding Maple Leaf Farms duck to your favorite recipes!