scored 72/100
Also known as chicken leg, drumstick
Chicken drumstick is a nutrient-dense poultry cut providing 27g of complete protein per 100g, along with substantial selenium, niacin, and zinc essential for metabolic function and immune health.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 72.
Less a 1.0 anti-nutrient penalty (moderate saturated fat).
Chicken drumstick, the lower leg portion of poultry, has been a dietary staple across cultures for centuries due to its affordability, palatability, and nutritional density. Rich in high-quality complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, drumsticks support muscle maintenance, synthesis, and recovery—critical for preserving lean mass with aging. The selenium content (24 mcg per 100g) acts as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, a primary antioxidant enzyme protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting thyroid function. Niacin (6mg) participates in NAD+ metabolism, which influences mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and circadian rhythm regulation—processes central to longevity. The bioavailable heme iron and zinc support oxygen transport and immune resilience. Unlike breast meat, drumsticks contain more collagen and connective tissue, providing glycine and proline that support joint, skin, and gut barrier integrity. The dark meat also contains higher levels of carnosine and anserine, dipeptides with antioxidant and anti-glycation properties. With moderate fat content (11.2g per 100g), drumsticks provide fat-soluble vitamin absorption while remaining relatively lean compared to skin-on preparations.
27g complete protein per 100g provides all nine essential amino acids required for muscle protein synthesis, combating age-related sarcopenia
Selenium (24 mcg) acts as cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and thyroid peroxidase enzymes, protecting against oxidative stress and supporting metabolic regulation
Niacin (6mg) is precursor for NAD+, a critical coenzyme in mitochondrial respiration and sirtuin activation pathways linked to cellular longevity
High collagen and connective tissue content provides glycine and proline for collagen cross-linking and cartilage matrix maintenance
Bioactive dipeptides carnosine and anserine chelate reactive carbonyls and suppress advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation
High complete protein content (27g) maximizes muscle protein synthesis when consumed within 1-2 hours post-resistance training; niacin supports mitochondrial recovery and NAD+ replenishment
Breaks a fast
Also suitable for midday or evening meals; the complete amino acid profile and micronutrient density make drumstick appropriate any time adequate digestive capacity exists
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower chicken drumstick is than the average across 4 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Chicken Drumstick is classified as a poultry (meat). Chicken drumstick is a nutrient-dense poultry cut providing 27g of complete protein per 100g, along with substantial selenium, niacin, and zinc essential for metabolic function and immune health.
Chicken Drumstick scores 72/100 in Formulate, making it a solid choice. Its strongest contributions come from Selenium, Niacin, Zinc. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Yes — it's a high-protein food. A 85 g serving provides about 23 g of protein (~46% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 85 g serving provides about 0 g of fiber (~0% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 85 g serving, chicken drumstick is highest in Selenium (~37% DV), Niacin (~32% DV), Zinc (~22% DV), Vitamin B6 (~18% DV), Phosphorus (~12% DV).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 85 g serving has about 0 g of net carbs (0 g total minus 0 g fiber).
Best after a workout. High complete protein content (27g) maximizes muscle protein synthesis when consumed within 1-2 hours post-resistance training; niacin supports mitochondrial recovery and NAD+ replenishment
A typical serving is around 85 g (~184 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating chicken drumstick alongside several other meat sources.
Chicken Drumstick pairs nicely with: Pair with leafy greens (spinach, kale) because vitamin K enhances calcium absorption needed for bone health alongside chicken's collagen matrix; Combine with tomato-based sauces because lycopene and vitamin C enhance iron bioavailability from the heme iron in dark poultry meat; Serve with roasted root vegetables (carrots, beetroot) because carotenoids and betalains provide complementary antioxidants that synergize with selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase; Pair with fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi) because probiotics optimize collagen amino acid absorption in the small intestine.
Moderate saturated fat.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients chicken drumstick contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients chicken drumstickcontributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.