Your senses also help. Fresh chicken should feel firm and smell clean. Any unpleasant odor is a warning sign regardless of whether the meat is pale or yellow. Once cooked, juiciness and taste will reflect the bird’s lifestyle far more than its appearance in plastic wrap.

In the end, there is no perfect color of chicken. The best choice depends on your budget, your priorities, and the kind of meal you want to prepare. Color is only the first hint. The real story lies behind the label.