Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving Turkey is a traditional roasted poultry dish, typically a whole bird seasoned with herbs, butter, and spices, and often stuffed with a bread-based filling. It is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving holiday meal in the United States and Canada, symbolizing gratitude and family gathering. The dish is usually served with classic sides like cranberry sauce, gravy, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

A serving of turkey is high in protein and relatively low in fat, especially if you choose the white meat, making it a lean source of essential amino acids. A typical 3-ounce serving of roasted turkey breast contains about 120-150 calories and provides important nutrients like selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	210 kcal
Protein	40 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	5 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	450 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Phosphorus	280 mg
Niacin (B3)	12 mg
Vitamin B6	0.8 mg
Vitamin B12	0.8 mcg
Selenium	40 mcg
Zinc	3.5 mg
Iron	1.5 mg

Per 1 cup (140 g) roasted turkey breast · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the Thanksgiving turkey is a powerful symbol of American tradition and unity, often associated with the historical story of the Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a harvest feast. Nutritionally, turkey is unique for its high tryptophan content, an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, which may contribute to the post-meal drowsiness commonly experienced after the holiday feast.