“In both turkey and chicken, “white meat primarily comes from the breast and wings,” says Lauri Wright, PhD, RDN, LD/N, FADA. “White meat is mostly made of white muscle fibers, which the bird uses for quick motions,” adds Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RDN.  Dark meat refers to the legs, which includes the thighs and drumsticks, notes Pasquariello.  “It contains up to 50 percent red fibers, which are used for movements like standing, she adds.

Whether white meat is “healthier” than dark meat depends on your needs. This includes your health goals, and the nutritional qualities that fit into your overall diet, according to Pasquariello.

“White meat is often considered healthier in certain contexts, because it has fewer calories than dark meat [and] is lower in saturated fat,” explains Wright. This can be beneficial if you need or want to manage your cholesterol or overall fat intake, she adds. White meat is also a good source of lean protein, “making it ideal for those focusing on lower-fat, high-protein meals,” says Wright.”

RealSimple.com (White Meat vs. Dark Meat: Is One Really Healthier Than the Other?)