Where to Buy Non-Chlorinated Chicken: Your Complete Guide to Chemical-Free Poultry

Are you tired of wondering what’s actually in your chicken? I know I was! After learning about chlorinated chicken processing, I’ve been on a mission to find better options If you’re looking for where to buy non-chlorinated chicken, you’ve come to the right place I’ve done the research so you don’t have to!

What Exactly Is Chlorinated Chicken?

Before diving into where to buy it, let’s understand what we’re avoiding. Chlorinated chicken refers to poultry that has been washed or rinsed with chlorinated water during processing. This chlorine bath is used primarily to kill harmful bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter that might be present on the meat.

While regulatory bodies like the FDA and USDA consider this practice safe, many consumers (myself included!) prefer to avoid unnecessary chemicals in their food when possible

Why Choose Non-Chlorinated Chicken?

There are several compelling reasons to seek out non-chlorinated options

• Better flavor – Many people report that non-chlorinated chicken tastes more natural and has a stronger chicken flavor
• No added water – Conventional chickens can absorb up to 12% of their body weight in chlorinated water during processing
• Less chemical exposure – For those concerned about chemical residues
• Environmental benefits – Reduces chemical waste and environmental impact
• More natural option – Less processed food aligns with many people’s health goals

Top Places to Buy Non-Chlorinated Chicken

Now for the important part – where can you actually find this better chicken? I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of options:

1. Look for Air-Chilled Chicken

Bell & Evans is a standout choice here. In 2005, they built the nation’s first 100% Air Chilled facility. Their air-chilled method eliminates the need for chlorinated water baths entirely.

Benefits of their air-chilled system include:

• Enhanced flavor (no dilution from water absorption)
• Natural tenderization during the slow cooling process
• No added water or chlorine
• Reduced human handling
• Less environmental waste

2. Organic Chicken Brands

Organic regulations prohibit many chemical processes, making organic chicken a good bet for avoiding chlorine treatments. Some brands to look for:

• Mary’s Organic Chicken – Specifically advertises no chlorine treatment
• Bell & Evans – As mentioned above, uses 100% air-chilled processing
• Perdue Harvestland Organic – States they do not use chlorine in their chill water systems

3. Farmer’s Markets & Local Farms

This is one of my favorite options! Local farmers markets often have vendors selling truly natural chicken. The big advantage here is you can speak directly with the farmer about their processing methods.

Questions to ask local farmers:

• “How do you process your chickens?”
• “Do you use any chlorine washes during processing?”
• “What methods do you use to ensure food safety?”

4. Online Retailers

Don’t have access to good local options? No problem! Several online retailers now specialize in delivering high-quality, non-chlorinated chicken right to your door:

• US Wellness Meats
• ButcherBox
• Teton Waters Ranch

5. Grocery Chains with Better Options

More mainstream stores are beginning to carry non-chlorinated options:

• Whole Foods – Carries air-dried chickens that don’t get dunked in chlorinated water
• Natural food co-ops – Often have stricter standards for their meat
• Some Walmart locations – Now carry the Open Nature brand which offers chlorine-free options

6. Raise Your Own

For the truly dedicated, raising backyard chickens gives you complete control over processing. It’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely an option for those with the space and resources!

What to Look For on Labels

When shopping for non-chlorinated chicken, keep an eye out for these key phrases:

• “100% Air Chilled” (like Bell & Evans)
• “No chlorine” or “not chlorine washed”
• “Organic” certification
• “Air-chilled” instead of water chilled

It’s worth noting that some labels can be misleading. For example, in North America, some producers claim to use “Air Chill” but actually use a hybrid method combining chlorinated water and air chill.

The Bell & Evans Difference

Bell & Evans deserves special mention because they’ve been pioneering non-chlorinated processing for decades. Their 100% Air Chilled system contains cooling chambers that are closely monitored to maintain specific temperature and humidity. The birds slowly move through these chambers on miles of track for several hours.

This slow process allows for better tenderization and locks in natural juices without diluting them with chlorinated water. As a bonus, their packaging doesn’t have those absorbent “diapers” found in conventional chicken packaging because there’s no excess water to absorb!

FAQ About Non-Chlorinated Chicken

Can you definitely get non-chlorinated chicken?
Yes! While some sources claim there’s no label and even organic chicken is chlorine-rinsed, this isn’t accurate. Companies like Bell & Evans and others specifically offer non-chlorinated options through air-chilling.

How can I know if there’s chlorine on my chicken?
Unfortunately, chlorine is undetectable to human senses for most people. It’s also not required to be disclosed on packaging. Your best bet is to look for brands that specifically advertise alternative processing methods like air-chilling.

Does Whole Foods sell chlorinated chicken?
Whole Foods sells air-dried chickens, which don’t get dunked in chlorinated water baths.

Is Perdue chicken washed in chlorine?
According to Perdue, their chicken is not washed in chlorine. They use water to chill the chicken and may use chlorine only to sanitize equipment, not the chicken itself.

Why It’s Worth the Extra Effort

I know seeking out non-chlorinated chicken might seem like a lot of work, but the benefits are worth it! When I first made the switch, I was honestly shocked by the difference in taste. A Bell & Evans customer described it perfectly: “We’ve never tasted chicken that was so delicious and tender.”

Plus, conventional chickens can absorb up to 12% of their body weight in added chlorinated water – which you end up paying for! This water “weeps” out of the meat and is trapped in that “diaper” you find in most fresh chicken packaging. Not very appetizing when you think about it!

My Personal Experience

When I first tried non-chlorinated chicken, I was skeptical that I’d notice any difference. Boy was I wrong! The texture was more firm yet tender, and the flavor was significantly more pronounced. It actually tasted like chicken should taste!

Now, I primarily shop at my local farmer’s market where I’ve built a relationship with a poultry farmer who uses air-chilling. When that’s not available, I look for Bell & Evans at my grocery store as my backup option.

The Bottom Line

Finding non-chlorinated chicken does require a bit more effort than grabbing whatever’s on sale at the supermarket. However, with more consumers demanding better options, it’s becoming easier every year to find chicken processed without chlorine.

Whether you choose organic brands, farmer’s markets, online retailers, or specialty grocery stores, there are plenty of options available. Your taste buds (and possibly your health) will thank you for making the switch!

Have you tried non-chlorinated chicken? What differences have you noticed? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!