Where Can I Buy Pasture-Raised Chicken? Your Ultimate Guide to Healthier Poultry

Have you been wandering down supermarket aisles, squinting at chicken labels and wondering if there’s something better out there? If you’re tired of the same old factory-farmed poultry and want to make the switch to pasture-raised chicken, you’re in the right place! I’ve spent countless hours researching the best sources for truly pasture-raised chicken, and I’m excited to share what I’ve found.

Why Pasture-Raised Chicken Is Worth Seeking Out

Before we dive into WHERE to buy pasture-raised chicken let’s quickly touch on WHY it matters

• Superior Nutrition: Pasture-raised chickens contain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than conventionally raised birds
• Better Flavor: Ask anyone who’s tried both – the taste difference is remarkable!
• Humane Treatment: These birds actually live outdoors on pasture, not in cramped factory conditions
• Environmental Benefits: Regenerative farming practices help restore soil health and sequester carbon

Now, let’s get to the main question: where can you actually BUY this wonderful pasture-raised chicken?

Top 3 Online Sources for Pasture-Raised Chicken

The good news is that even if you don’t have access to local farms or specialty markets, you can get high-quality pasture-raised chicken delivered right to your door! Here are three excellent online options:

1. Wild Pastures

Wild Pastures has made it their mission to deliver truly pasture-raised meat at the lowest possible prices. Here’s what makes them special:

• 100% Pasture-Raised: Their chickens spend their lives on pasture eating their natural diet of bugs and forage
• Regenerative Farming: They partner with family farmers who use rotational grazing practices
• American-Raised: All their meat comes from family farms in the USA
• Customizable Orders: You can customize every item in your order
• Subscription Option: Save money with regular deliveries on your schedule
• Earth-Friendly Packaging: All packaging is either reusable or 100% recyclable/compostable

Wild Pastures delivers nationwide to the lower 48 states, making it accessible no matter where you live.

2. Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative

Grass Roots is a farmer-owned cooperative that connects consumers directly with the people who raise their food Their pasture-raised chicken offerings include

• Whole Chickens: Available in different sizes (3 lb or 3.75 lb)
• Chicken Parts: Boneless breasts, bone-in thighs, boneless thighs, tenders, leg quarters, drumsticks, wings, and party wings
• Ground Products: Ground chicken and sugar-free burger patties
• Sausages: Sugar-free Italian chicken sausage, sugar-free chorizo, and breakfast links
• Offal: Chicken livers, feet, and hearts for those interested in nose-to-tail eating

Grass Roots emphasizes that their chickens are raised outdoors on fresh non-GMO pasture, making them “vastly superior in land impact, nutrition, and flavor” compared to conventional poultry.

3. White Oak Pastures

White Oak Pastures is a family farm in Bluffton, Georgia, with a rich history of regenerative farming. They offer:

• Whole Chickens: Starting at $35.99
• Boneless, Skinless Breasts: From $26.99 per 1-1.5 lb pack
• Bone-In Thighs: Starting at $17.99
• Specialty Products: Jalapeño chorizo sausage, ground chicken burger blend, chicken liver, and more
• Bone Broth: Their pastured poultry bone broth is perfect for soups and cooking

White Oak Pastures notes that they partner with other farms like Grassroots Cooperative and Joe’s Farm to supplement their chicken offerings, ensuring all products meet their standards for land and livestock care.

What to Expect: Pricing and Value

Let’s be honest – pasture-raised chicken does cost more than conventional supermarket chicken. But understanding the price difference helps put things in perspective:

The higher price reflects the true cost of raising animals properly, with fair wages for farmers and environmental stewardship built in. Many customers find that they eat less meat overall but enjoy it more when it’s higher quality.

Beyond Online: Local Options for Pasture-Raised Chicken

While online ordering is convenient, there are other ways to source pasture-raised chicken:

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are fantastic places to meet local producers and buy directly. Benefits include:

• Getting to know your farmer personally
• Often lower prices than online (no shipping costs)
• Ultra-fresh products
• Supporting your local economy

CSA Programs (Community Supported Agriculture)

Many small farms offer CSA shares where you pay upfront for a season of products. For meat CSAs, this might mean:

• Monthly pickup of various cuts
• Discounted pricing compared to retail
• Commitment to a specific farm
• Surprise cuts that encourage culinary creativity

Local Health Food Stores and Co-ops

Don’t overlook specialized grocery stores in your area:

• Natural food stores often carry pasture-raised options
• Food co-ops frequently partner with local farms
• Staff can usually provide information about farming practices

What to Look For: Labels and Certifications

When shopping for pasture-raised chicken, understanding labels helps ensure you’re getting what you pay for:

• “Pasture-Raised”: Look for specific information about outdoor access and diet
• “Certified Humane Pasture-Raised”: A third-party certification with strict standards
• “Animal Welfare Approved”: Another rigorous certification program
• “Regenerative”: Indicates farming practices that improve the ecosystem
• “Non-GMO”: Many pasture-raised operations avoid GMO feed

Be wary of vague terms like “natural” or misleading ones like “cage-free” (all chickens raised for meat are cage-free by industry standard).

Making Pasture-Raised Chicken More Affordable

If you’re concerned about cost, here are some strategies to make pasture-raised chicken more budget-friendly:

Buy Whole Birds

Purchasing whole chickens is almost always more economical than buying individual parts. You can get multiple meals from one bird:

• Roast the whole chicken for dinner
• Use leftover meat for sandwiches and salads
• Make bone broth from the carcass

Look for Bundle Deals

All three online sources mentioned offer discounted bundles:

• Wild Pastures has customizable boxes
• Grass Roots offers a Pastured Chicken Box for 20% off the individual prices
• White Oak Pastures has various bundle options

Consider Subscription Services

Regular deliveries often come with a discount:

• Wild Pastures offers member pricing
• Grass Roots gives subscribers approximately 5% off
• White Oak Pastures has a loyalty program

Don’t Overlook “Odd” Cuts

Less popular cuts are often more affordable and incredibly nutritious:

• Chicken thighs offer more flavor than breasts at a lower price
• Chicken liver is extremely nutrient-dense and inexpensive
• Whole wings cost less than party wings

Our Experience Switching to Pasture-Raised Chicken

When my family first made the switch to pasture-raised chicken, I was honestly shocked by two things:

First, the FLAVOR! We’d been eating what I thought was “good quality” chicken from the grocery store, but the first time I roasted a pasture-raised bird, the difference was night and day. It actually tasted like something! My kids even noticed the difference, which is saying alot.

Second, we actually saved money overall because we started treating meat as a component of meals rather than the main event. The richer flavor meant we needed less to feel satisfied, and we began stretching one chicken into multiple meals.

I’m not gonna pretend it wasn’t an adjustment to our food budget at first, but the benefits to our health, the environment, and animal welfare made it worth every penny.

FAQ: Common Questions About Buying Pasture-Raised Chicken

Q: Can I find pasture-raised chicken at regular supermarkets?
A: Some conventional supermarkets are beginning to carry pasture-raised options, particularly stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts. However, selection is usually limited, and it’s important to verify the farming practices.

Q: How do I know if the “pasture-raised” claim is legitimate?
A: Look for specific details about how the chickens are raised, third-party certifications, or direct relationships with farms where you can ask questions about their practices.

Q: How long does shipped pasture-raised chicken stay fresh?
A: All three companies mentioned ship their products frozen and packed with appropriate cooling materials. Upon arrival, products can typically be kept frozen for 6-12 months or refrigerated for use within 3-5 days.

Q: Is pasture-raised chicken actually healthier, or is it just marketing?
A: Research shows measurable nutritional differences. Pasture-raised chicken typically contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and beta-carotene compared to conventionally raised chicken.

Conclusion: Making the Choice for Better Chicken

Finding pasture-raised chicken doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose to order online from companies like Wild Pastures, Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative, or White Oak Pastures, or seek out local options at farmers markets and specialty stores, the important thing is taking that first step.

The transition to higher-quality meat isn’t just about personal health—it’s a vote with your dollars for a more humane, environmentally sound food system. Every purchase supports farmers who are doing things the right way, even when it’s not the easiest or cheapest way.

Have you tried pasture-raised chicken? Where do you source yours? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

This article was last updated on September 24, 2025, with current pricing and availability information.