Many chicken packages use friendly words that sound reassuring, but not all of them tell you much about what you’re actually buying. Labels such as “natural” and “no hormones added” can be misleading. “Natural” simply means no artificial ingredients were added after slaughter, while hormones are already prohibited in poultry. “Free-range” only means the birds have access to the outdoors, not that they spent their lives roaming wide-open fields. Of these labels, “organic” is more meaningful because it follows specific rules, including organic feed and required outdoor access.

The word that deserves the most attention is “enhanced.” This usually means the chicken has been injected with a saltwater or broth solution to increase its weight and change its texture. In some cases, the added liquid can make up a significant portion of the package. That means you may be paying the price of chicken for water while also taking in extra sodium.

The simplest way to avoid this is to turn the package over and read the ingredient list. “The best chicken has one ingredient—chicken.” If salt, broth, or a solution appears in the ingredients, you’re likely buying chicken that has been treated with added liquid.

Once you understand these labels, choosing chicken becomes much easier. Instead of relying on words designed to sound premium, focus on the ingredients and look for plain chicken whenever possible. That small habit can help you avoid unnecessary sodium and make sure you’re getting what you actually paid for.