Turkey, retail parts, drumstick, meat only, cooked, roasted
Whole food · Poultry Products
Photo: Wikipedia
A roasted turkey drumstick is a lean, savory powerhouse of protein, offering a firm yet tender texture with a rich, meaty flavor. Its deep, savory notes are concentrated in the dark meat, making it a satisfying centerpiece for a meal.
Calorie split: 66% protein · 0% carbs · 34% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love its hearty, satisfying flavor and the primal pleasure of eating meat on the bone. It's a versatile protein that can be the star of a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The skin can be high in saturated fat and sodium, especially if seasoned heavily or brined. To enjoy it healthily, consider removing the skin before eating and using herbs and spices instead of salt for seasoning.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complete protein for muscle maintenance.
- Naturally very low in carbohydrates.
- Provides essential minerals like selenium and phosphorus.
- A good source of B vitamins, especially niacin and B6.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
A single turkey drumstick can weigh over a pound (450g) and is often sold at fairs and festivals as a handheld meal.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 65.1 g |
| Energy | 173 kcal |
| Energy | 724 kj |
| Protein | 28.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 6.5 g |
| Ash | 1.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 17.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 24.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 193 mg |
| Potassium, K | 257 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 112 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 4.5 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.11 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 31.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.35 mg |
| Niacin | 5.6 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 1.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.41 mg |
| Folate, total | 9.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 9.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 9.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 118 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 2.5 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 6.0 ug |
| Retinol | 6.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 20.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 7.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.07 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 11.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.1 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.48 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.6 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.29 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.29 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.3 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 2.2 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 2.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.8 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 1.8 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.11 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.10 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.19 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.08 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.07 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.01 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.06 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.01 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.02 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.02 g |
| Cholesterol | 118 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.35 g |
| Threonine | 1.2 g |
| Isoleucine | 1.0 g |
| Leucine | 2.4 g |
| Lysine | 2.9 g |
| Methionine | 0.80 g |
| Cystine | 0.27 g |
| Phenylalanine | 1.0 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.98 g |
| Valine | 1.1 g |
| Arginine | 1.8 g |
| Histidine | 0.88 g |
| Alanine | 1.7 g |
| Aspartic acid | 2.7 g |
| Glutamic acid | 4.4 g |
| Glycine | 1.3 g |
| Proline | 1.4 g |
| Serine | 1.2 g |
FAQ
Is turkey drumstick meat healthy?
Yes, the meat itself is very healthy—it's high in protein and low in carbs. The main consideration is the skin, which adds fat and calories, and any added sodium from seasoning or brining.
How do I keep turkey drumstick meat from drying out?
Brining before cooking helps retain moisture. Roasting at a moderate temperature (around 325°F/165°C) and using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking are key. Letting it rest after cooking also allows juices to redistribute.
What's the difference between turkey drumstick and thigh?
The drumstick is the lower part of the leg, with a single bone and slightly leaner, more fibrous meat. The thigh is the upper part, with a bit more fat and connective tissue, often considered more flavorful and forgiving in cooking.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.73 kcal/g · 66% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.44 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.