The Real Reason Fast-Food Restaurants May Start Selling More Dark Meat

Fast-food eateries do a remarkable job of ensuring that you get to treat yourself to all kinds of cravings: Maybe you need to feast on fried chicken, or perhaps you'd like nothing better than a greasy burger. Either way, many fast-food outlets have you covered. However, according to Business Insider, fast-food brands are currently experiencing a problem. While chicken remains a hot favorite, they've realized that meat costs are rising like never before.

As reported by Business Insider, chicken farms are facing a serious crisis. "The chicken wing farms in America, they're having trouble retaining and recruiting employees," explained entrepreneur Greg Duell, who owns Duff's Famous Wings in Buffalo, New York. "When that happens, they can't process the birds fast enough."

Regardless, just because chicken seems unaffordable, it doesn't mean that there aren't other solutions worth considering in the fast-food market. The dark meat from chicken may be a feasible option.

As reported by Business Insider, dark meat is not as pricey as white meat. It's true that major fast-food brands like McDonald's, Popeyes, and Chick-fil-A use chicken to a large extent in their regular meal options. While it is undeniable that many Americans prefer white meat, dark meat may be a good solution for those who want something else that's a bit more satisfying and can sustain their cravings.

The bottom line is not too complicated: dark meat options should basically not be ruled out in the fast-food market as of now. "We're a very white meat-focused market, but the supply is growing low," said industry expert Darren Seifer. His point is simple: Selling more dishes made with dark meat may help reduce losses in general and make things a lot more sustainable for brands to continue offering a more robust variety of meals to customers.