ZeroPoint cheat sheet: chicken & turkey (2024)

While “zero” usually means “nothing,” at WeightWatchers®, ZeroPoint® foods are everything! If you’ve got questions about poultry, which is a ZeroPoint food, you’re in the right place.


So are we talking about just chicken breasts?


Not quite! Here’s a list of all the ZeroPoint cuts in the poultry category. No matter which you buy, you can cook or smoke them with sauces that have a Points value of 0 and they’ll still be a ZeroPoint food.

  • Chicken breast, skinless
  • Deli meat, skinless chicken or turkey breast only
  • Ground chicken breast
  • Ground turkey, 98% fat-free*
  • Ground turkey breast
  • Turkey breast, skinless

*If ground turkey is not labeled as breast meat, it must be labeled “extra lean” or be at least 98% fat free (2% fat).


OK, so I’ve got options! What poultry is not considered a ZeroPoint food?

  • Unspecified processed products, such as meat labeled “deli turkey,” which often contains sugar or dark meat—an ingredient that is not a ZeroPoint food
  • Pre-marinated chicken or turkey breasts
  • All other cuts of chicken or turkey meat

Why are other lean meats (like beef) not included on the ZeroPoint foods list?


Red meat provides essential nutrients, like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12; however, some cuts of red meat, even the lean ones, are higher in saturated fats. Red meat can still be enjoyed as part of a healthy pattern of eating and tracked with your Points Budget.

If I remove the skin from rotisserie chicken breast, is it a ZeroPoint food?


Yes, as long as you’re eating just the breast meat.

Do chicken tenderloins and thighs have Points values?


Chicken tenderloins are a ZeroPoint food since they are actually the leanest part of the chicken breast. Chicken thighs will have a Points value because this dark meat contains a higher amount of fat than the tenderloin or breast. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat them! There’s still room for this delicious cut in your Budget.


If chicken or turkey breast is used to make jerky, is it a ZeroPoint food?


Jerky is a dried form of meat. When the moisture is removed, the poultry has more calories per ounce, so it’s no longer considered a ZeroPoint food and you’ll need to track it.


How do I cook lean chicken or turkey so it doesn’t come out dry?


Invest in a reliable meat thermometer so that you can cook these lean meats until they are fully done and safe to eat: an internal temperature of at least 165°F but not much past that.

When using a meat thermometer, be sure to insert it into the thickest part of whatever you’re cooking without hitting any bone. The tip of the thermometer should be close to the center and not poking through to the other side. Remember, you’re aiming for the thermometer to hit 165°F.

ZeroPoint cheat sheet: chicken & turkey (2024)

FAQs

ZeroPoint cheat sheet: chicken & turkey? ›

Ground chicken or turkey that is labeled “breast” or “extra lean” or at least 98% fat free/2% fat. Deli meat that is specifically skinless chicken or turkey breast. If the product contains less than 2% of non-ZeroPoint ingredients (sugar, oil, food starch), it is still considered a ZeroPoint food.

Is turkey a zero point food on WW? ›

Ground chicken or turkey that is labeled “breast” or “extra lean” or at least 98% fat free/2% fat. Deli meat that is specifically skinless chicken or turkey breast. If the product contains less than 2% of non-ZeroPoint ingredients (sugar, oil, food starch), it is still considered a ZeroPoint food.

Why is chicken breast 0 points on WeightWatchers? ›

Poultry is included as a ZeroPoint food group because it's an excellent source of lean protein and is nutrient-dense, providing key vitamins and minerals. Protein can help you feel fuller longer and plays an important role in bone and muscle health.

Is chicken broth zero points on WW? ›

that chicken bone broth is one po... Zero.

Can you eat too many 0 point foods on Weight Watchers? ›

Full of fiber and protein, these foods also support overall health, keep you full, and bulk up and add flavor to your meals. And, of course, you can eat as much as you like.

How many points are 2 eggs on Weight Watchers? ›

It doesn't matter what you cook your eggs with or in. Because eggs are a ZeroPoint foods, they do not have any Points™ values—even in a cake recipe.

Is rotisserie chicken zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

If I remove the skin from rotisserie chicken breast, is it a ZeroPoint food? Yes, as long as you're eating just the breast meat.

How many points is boneless skinless chicken breast on Weight Watchers? ›

Chicken breast is white meat, so if you're eating a product that is visibly white meat compared to darker meat and is skinless, it will be a ZeroPoint food.

Is tuna zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

Yep, canned salmon, canned tuna, canned sardines—any canned fish packed in water (not oil) is a ZeroPoint food.

Is applesauce a zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

Applesauce. Unsweetened applesauce is another zero-point food in many Weight Watchers programs. Look for unsweetened packs in the store or, for even more peace of mind, try your hand at making your own and flavoring it with some cinnamon and other spices.

What is the best lunch meat for Weight Watchers? ›

Your safest meat choices are sliced turkey, chicken, lean ham or roast beef. A lot of guys are surprised to find that deli-style roast beef is a decent lowfat meat option. (Three ounces of roast beef have fewer PointsPlus values than 3 ounces of tuna salad.)

Why are chicken thighs so many points on Weight Watchers? ›

Chicken thighs will have a Points value because this dark meat contains a higher amount of fat than the tenderloin or breast. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't eat them! There's still room for this delicious cut in your Budget.

How many WW points is a banana? ›

Fruits and most vegetables are zero-point foods in this system, and the nutrients from fruits and vegetables are only factored in if they are mixed with other food.

What cheese is zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

Yoghurt and cottage cheese (specifically plain, 99% fat-freet varieties) have made it onto the list of ZeroPoint food groups because they are nutrient-dense, packed with protein, and great sources of calcium and vitamin D, two key nutrients that are important for bone health.

Is hummus a zero point food? ›

Hummus is only a ZeroPoint food if it contains no ingredients with Points, such as oil, tahini or sugar.

How many Weight Watchers points is a turkey sandwich? ›

Ww 8 Points - Double Turkey Club Sandwich Recipe - Food.com.

Is turkey lunch meat fat-free? ›

Roasted turkey breast: One slice (28 grams) contains 0 grams of saturated fat and 30 calories.

Are potatoes zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

Why members love the Purple food plan. "I love the fact that potatoes, whole grain rice and pasta are ZeroPoint foods on Purple. In the past I treated carbs as the enemy and believed you couldn't eat them and lose weight. Because they're ZeroPoint foods, it gave me the confidence to eat and enjoy them again.

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