Chicken Drumstick Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts

Nutritional summary

Chicken drumsticks are a dense source of animal-based protein, with the protein content of poultry meat generally ranging between 15% and 35% depending on the specific water and fat levels .
The nutritional profile of a drumstick varies significantly based on preparation; for example, roasting a skinless drumstick increases its protein concentration compared to its raw state, while leaving the skin on significantly increases the total calorie and fat content .
Poultry meat consumption is associated with a lower risk of stroke, according to an umbrella review (a high-level summary of multiple systematic reviews) .
Early research into chicken leg extracts suggests they contain proteins and peptides that may support cartilage matrix production, though more evidence is needed to confirm these functional benefits for human joint health .

Interesting fact

The dark color of drumstick meat is due to higher levels of myoglobin, a protein that stores oxygen in muscles used for frequent activity like walking.

Standout nutrients

SUPER

SOURCE

Protein

ELITE

SOURCE

Selenium

ELITE

SOURCE

Niacin

GREAT

SOURCE

Zinc

172

kcal per 100g

Protein24.0g

Fat9.04g

Sugar0.04g

Fat breakdown

Polyunsat1.49g

Monounsat3.76g

Saturated2.32g

Seasonality

Not available

Diet

PescatarianGluten FreeDairy FreeKetoLow FodmapPaleo

Sustainability

Moderate

Poultry has a significantly lower carbon footprint than beef or lamb but higher than most plant proteins.

Confidencehigh

Storage

Refrigerate

1–2 days

Store in the coldest part of the fridge in original packaging.

Freeze

6–12 months

Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Flavour

Data & Sources

Harmonized from 2 validated sources

French Food Database

1 contributing source food

USDA

USDA FoodData Central

2 contributing source foods

Claim citations

Role of poultry meat in a balanced diet aimed at maintaining health ...

[3]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Study of the cartilage matrix production-promoting effect of chicken leg extract and identification of the active ingredient - PMC

[8]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Benefits and Risks Associated with Meat Consumption during Key ...

[9]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coverage

Nutrients

FoodCompass

60.0

Version

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