Bettergoods Chicken Wings

From Freezer to Flavor: How One Brand is Redefining Convenient Comfort Food

There’s something almost magical about biting into the perfect chicken wing. That moment when the crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy meat beneath—it’s a simple pleasure that’s hard to beat. But finding consistently delicious wings without heading to a sports bar or spending hours in the kitchen has always been a challenge… until now. Bettergoods Chicken Wings have revolutionized the frozen food aisle by delivering restaurant-quality wings that anyone can prepare at home.

I still remember the first time I tried them. It was during the playoff season last year, when a friend brought over a bag of Bettergoods Buffalo wings instead of our usual takeout order. Skeptical doesn’t begin to describe my initial reaction—frozen wings? Really? But that first bite was nothing short of revelatory. The flavor, the texture, the convenience—it all clicked. And just like that, I became an evangelist for what might be the best-kept secret in convenient home cooking.

So what makes these wings so special? Why are home cooks and wing enthusiasts alike abandoning their loyalties to established brands and local takeout spots in favor of Bettergoods? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the chicken wings that are changing the game.

What Exactly Are Bettergoods Chicken Wings?

Bettergoods Chicken Wings aren’t just another frozen food product—they represent a fundamental rethinking of what convenience food can be. The company began with a simple question: why should consumers have to choose between quality and convenience? Their wings are sourced from chickens raised according to higher welfare standards than most conventional brands, without antibiotics or artificial growth hormones.

The wings themselves come in two main varieties: traditional bone-in wings and boneless wings (which are essentially premium chicken nuggets in wing sauce). Within these categories, Bettergoods offers both full wings and the separate drumette and flat sections that many wing enthusiasts prefer.

What truly distinguishes Bettergoods from competitors is their preparation process. Rather than pre-cooking their wings completely, they use a proprietary flash-freezing technique that preserves the natural moisture and texture of the chicken. This means that when you cook them at home, you’re essentially finishing the cooking process rather than simply reheating pre-cooked meat. The result is remarkably fresh-tasting chicken with a texture that rivals freshly-prepared wings from quality restaurants.

Where Can You Find These Game-Changing Wings?

One of the initial challenges with Bettergoods was limited availability, but the brand has expanded significantly over the past year. Currently, you can find Bettergoods Chicken Wings at most major grocery chains including Kroger, Albertsons, Publix, Whole Foods, and Target. They’ve also recently expanded to Costco in select regions, offering larger bulk packages perfect for families or entertaining.

For those who live in areas where Bettergoods isn’t yet stocked in physical stores, the company offers direct-to-consumer shipping through their website. They ship in specialized cooling packages that keep the wings frozen during transit, though shipping costs can make this option somewhat pricier than in-store purchases.

The good news is that Bettergoods continues to expand their distribution network. According to industry reports, they’re expected to be available in over 7,500 retail locations nationwide by the end of the year—a 40% increase from their current footprint.

Price Point: Premium Quality at a Reasonable Cost

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Bettergoods Chicken Wings do cost more than conventional frozen wings. A standard 32-ounce package (approximately 2 pounds) of their traditional bone-in wings retails for between $12.99 and $14.99, depending on the flavor variety and store location. Their boneless options typically run about a dollar less per package.

When you break it down, you’re looking at roughly $6.50-$7.50 per pound—certainly more than the $3-4 per pound you might pay for conventional frozen wings, but significantly less than the $12-15 per pound you’d spend on prepared wings from restaurants or delivery services.

For many consumers, this middle-ground pricing hits a sweet spot. As one online reviewer put it, “They’re maybe 30% more expensive than regular frozen wings, but they taste 100% better.” When you factor in that you’re getting higher-quality meat, better preparation, and premium flavor options, the value proposition becomes more appealing.

Bettergoods also frequently offers promotions, particularly around major sporting events and holiday weekends. Signing up for their email newsletter can score you coupons ranging from $1-3 off, and they occasionally run BOGO (buy one, get one) promotions through specific retailers.

The Cooking Question: Pre-Cooked or Raw?

This is where Bettergoods takes a different approach than many competitors. Their wings are partially cooked during processing—enough to make them food-safe but not enough to consider them fully pre-cooked. The company describes this as “80% cooked,” which means they require less cooking time than raw wings but still develop the desired crispy exterior and tender interior during final preparation.

This partial pre-cooking serves multiple purposes. It reduces cooking time for consumers (typically 15-20 minutes versus 30-40 for completely raw wings), ensures food safety, and allows the wings to absorb more flavor during the manufacturing process while still maintaining the texture and moisture of freshly-cooked wings.

This approach does mean that, unlike some fully pre-cooked frozen wing products, Bettergoods wings must be thoroughly heated before consumption. The packaging clearly states that the internal temperature should reach 165°F, which is the standard safe temperature for poultry.

A Flavor for Every Palate

One of Bettergoods’ strongest selling points is their impressive variety of flavors. Unlike many competitors that offer only the basic Buffalo and BBQ options, Bettergoods currently features ten different flavor profiles:

1. Classic Buffalo (medium heat)
2. Extra Hot Buffalo
3. Mild Buffalo
4. Honey BBQ
5. Smoky Mesquite BBQ
6. Garlic Parmesan
7. Lemon Pepper
8. Korean BBQ
9. Mango Habanero
10. Naked (unflavored, perfect for adding your own sauce)

The flavor selection shows a thoughtful balance between traditional favorites and more adventurous options. The Garlic Parmesan has developed something of a cult following, with fans describing it as “restaurant quality but better because you can eat it in your pajamas.”

For those concerned about authenticity, the Buffalo varieties use actual cayenne pepper-based sauce rather than the generic “Buffalo flavor” that many frozen foods employ. The Korean BBQ option balances sweet, spicy, and umami notes with impressive precision, while the Lemon Pepper provides a bright, zesty alternative for those who prefer non-spicy options.

Speaking of Spice: How Hot Are We Talking?

Spice tolerance is deeply personal, so Bettergoods has wisely created clear heat level indicators on their packaging. Their heat scale runs from 1 (mild) to 5 (extra hot):

• Mild Buffalo: Level 1
• Honey BBQ, Smoky Mesquite BBQ, Garlic Parmesan, Lemon Pepper: Level 1
• Classic Buffalo: Level 3
• Korean BBQ: Level 3
• Mango Habanero: Level 4
• Extra Hot Buffalo: Level 5

What’s refreshing about Bettergoods’ approach to spice is that even their hotter options maintain flavor complexity rather than just cranking up the capsaicin. The Mango Habanero, for instance, balances its significant heat with genuine fruity sweetness. The Extra Hot Buffalo brings serious fire but still has the traditional buttery, vinegary Buffalo profile underneath.

For those with very low spice tolerance, the Mild Buffalo provides the classic Buffalo flavor experience with minimal heat—perfect for families with varying preferences.

Cooking Methods: Versatility for Every Kitchen

The beauty of Bettergoods Chicken Wings lies not just in their quality but in their versatility. While conventional oven baking remains the standard method (and the one printed on the packaging), these wings excel with multiple cooking approaches:

Conventional Oven

Preheat to 425°F, place wings on a baking sheet (ideally on a rack for better air circulation), and bake for 18-22 minutes until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Air Fryer

This might be the ideal method for Bettergoods wings. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F, arrange wings in a single layer (working in batches if necessary), and cook for 10-12 minutes. The results are exceptionally crispy exteriors with perfectly juicy interiors.

Convection Oven

If you have a convection setting on your oven, use it! Reduce temperature to 400°F and cook for 15-18 minutes for results similar to air frying.

Grilling

For an extra dimension of flavor, Bettergoods wings perform surprisingly well on the grill. Preheat to medium-high heat, place wings over indirect heat, and grill for approximately 15 minutes, turning occasionally.

Microwave

While not ideal for texture reasons, in a pinch, Bettergoods wings can be prepared in a microwave. Arrange in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 3-4 minutes. They won’t be crispy, but they’ll be edible in situations where other cooking methods aren’t available.

The company has recently added cooking method icons to their packaging, acknowledging that today’s consumers use a variety of cooking approaches beyond conventional ovens.

Dietary Considerations: Allergies, Restrictions, and Special Diets

In today’s food landscape, dietary restrictions and preferences play a major role in purchasing decisions. Bettergoods has positioned themselves well in this regard, offering options that accommodate various needs:

Gluten-Free Status

Most Bettergoods wing varieties are gluten-free, with the exception of the Korean BBQ (which contains soy sauce with wheat) and the Garlic Parmesan (which uses a breadcrumb component containing wheat). All packaging clearly indicates gluten status, and the company maintains strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination in production.

Nutritional Profile

While chicken wings will never qualify as a health food, Bettergoods is transparent about their nutritional information. For reference, a 3-ounce serving (approximately 2-3 wings) of their Classic Buffalo wings contains:

• Calories: 190
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 16g

The naked (unflavored) variety has the lowest calorie and sodium content, while the sweeter sauces like Honey BBQ and Mango Habanero have slightly higher carbohydrate counts due to sugars in the sauce.

Keto-Friendly Options

For those following ketogenic diets, several Bettergoods varieties work well within macronutrient restrictions. The Classic Buffalo, Extra Hot Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan, and Lemon Pepper all contain fewer than 3g of carbohydrates per serving, making them suitable for most keto eating plans.

Organic Certification

While Bettergoods uses chicken raised without antibiotics or artificial growth hormones, they do not currently offer a certified organic option. According to company representatives, they’re exploring an organic line for future release, but current pricing and supply chain challenges have delayed this initiative.

Religious Certifications

At present, Bettergoods Chicken Wings do not carry kosher or halal certifications. This represents a potential growth area for the company, especially as they continue to expand distribution.

Shelf Life and Storage

Bettergoods recommends keeping their wings frozen until preparation, with an optimal freezer storage time of up to 9 months from the production date stamped on the package. Once thawed, the wings should be cooked within 24 hours and should never be refrozen.

For those who purchase in bulk (particularly from warehouse clubs like Costco), it’s worth noting that the individual packages inside the larger box can be separated, allowing you to thaw only what you need for immediate consumption.

Once cooked, any leftover wings can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheating is best done in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, though microwaving for 45-60 seconds will work in a pinch (at the expense of crispiness).

Clean Label: The Preservative Question

In an era of increasing consumer concern about food additives, Bettergoods has positioned their products as having a “clean label.” Their wings contain no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Instead, they rely on natural ingredients like vinegar, salt, and rosemary extract to maintain freshness and food safety.

The complete ingredient list varies by flavor but generally includes:

• Chicken wings
• Water
• Salt
• Natural flavors
• Spices
• Vinegar
• Natural preservatives (typically citric acid and rosemary extract)

The sauce components use natural ingredients rather than artificial flavor compounds, which contributes to their authentic taste profile. For example, the Buffalo varieties use actual cayenne pepper rather than artificial “Buffalo flavor,” and the Garlic Parmesan contains real aged Parmesan cheese.

The Voice of the Consumer: What Are People Saying?

Online reviews of Bettergoods Chicken Wings are overwhelmingly positive, with average ratings between 4.3 and 4.7 out of 5 stars across major retailers and review platforms. Common praise points include:

• “Restaurant quality without leaving home”
• “Perfect for game day without the delivery fees”
• “My kids prefer these to takeout now”
• “The air fryer results are incredible—better than most restaurants”
• “Finally, frozen wings that don’t taste like cardboard”

The most frequent criticisms center around price and availability. Some consumers in rural areas report difficulty finding the product, while others mention that the premium price point can be prohibitive for regular consumption. A small percentage of reviews mention inconsistent sizing of wings within packages, particularly for the bone-in varieties.

Industry recognition has followed consumer enthusiasm. Bettergoods won the “Best New Frozen Product” category at the 2023 Food Innovation Awards and received favorable mentions in publications ranging from Bon Appétit to Business Insider.

How Do They Compare to Major Competitors?

The frozen chicken wing market has long been dominated by major players like Tyson, Perdue, and store brands. How does Bettergoods stack up against these established competitors?

Bettergoods vs. Tyson

Tyson offers both raw and fully cooked frozen wing options at a lower price point (typically $4-5 per pound). However, in blind taste tests conducted by several food blogs, Bettergoods consistently outperforms Tyson in texture and flavor complexity. Tyson wings tend to have a more processed texture and rely heavily on sodium for flavor, while Bettergoods maintains more natural chicken texture and more nuanced seasoning.

Bettergoods vs. Perdue

Perdue’s frozen wing offerings sit somewhere between Tyson and Bettergoods in both price and quality. Their partially cooked wings are similar in concept to Bettergoods but use conventional rather than higher-welfare chicken. In taste comparisons, Bettergoods typically scores higher for sauce quality and meat texture, though Perdue’s consistency from package to package receives praise.

Bettergoods vs. Store Brands

Most store brands (Kroger, Great Value, etc.) offer significantly lower prices but generally can’t compete on quality. They typically use smaller wings from conventionally raised chickens and simpler flavor profiles. The quality gap is particularly noticeable in cooking texture, with store brands often becoming either too dry or rubbery.

Bulk Purchases and Value Options

For larger households or those who entertain frequently, Bettergoods has introduced bulk packaging options. These include:

• Family Size packages (4 pounds) available at most standard retailers
• Club Store packages (6 pounds, divided into three 2-pound internal packages) available at Costco and Sam’s Club in select regions
• Party Packs (8 pounds with assorted flavors) available through their direct-to-consumer website

The larger packages offer modest per-pound savings, typically reducing the price by 10-15% compared to standard packages. For the budget-conscious who still want the Bettergoods experience, watching for sales and promotions remains the best strategy. The wings frequently go on sale around major sporting events, with discounts of $2-3 per package.

Finding Deals and Promotions

Budget-conscious wing enthusiasts have several options for saving on Bettergoods products:

1. Sign up for the Bettergoods email newsletter, which sends monthly coupons and promotion announcements
2. Follow their social media accounts, particularly Instagram and Facebook, where they frequently post limited-time offers
3. Check store circulars for featured sales, which typically occur around major sporting events (Super Bowl, March Madness, World Series)
4. Look for in-store promotions such as “buy one frozen item, get Bettergoods wings $2 off”
5. Consider purchasing through warehouse clubs for bulk discounts
6. Use grocery store loyalty programs, many of which offer personalized discounts on previously purchased items

The company has also recently introduced a loyalty program through their app, where purchases earn points redeemable for discounts on future orders.

The Final Verdict

So, are Bettergoods Chicken Wings worth the hype and the premium price? After thorough testing across multiple flavors and cooking methods, the answer is a qualified yes—with the qualification being that value is subjective and budget-dependent.

For casual wing enthusiasts looking to replace occasional takeout orders, Bettergoods offers a compelling alternative that’s more economical than delivery while providing similar or better quality. The convenience factor is significant—having restaurant-quality wings available in your freezer whenever a craving strikes has genuine lifestyle value.

For families with diverse taste preferences, the variety of flavors provides options for everyone without requiring multiple takeout orders or extensive home preparation. And for those with dietary restrictions like gluten sensitivity or keto requirements, having clearly labeled options simplifies meal planning.

The premium price point does position Bettergoods as an occasional treat rather than an everyday staple for budget-conscious households. However, when compared to the all-in cost of restaurant wings plus delivery fees and tips, they represent a reasonable value proposition.

Ultimately, Bettergoods has succeeded in their mission to eliminate the quality-versus-convenience tradeoff that has long defined frozen foods. They’ve proven that frozen wings don’t have to be a disappointing compromise—they can be a destination food in their own right. For wing lovers tired of inconsistent takeout, expensive delivery, or labor-intensive home preparation, Bettergoods offers a genuinely innovative middle path that doesn’t feel like settling.

Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning a simple family dinner, or just satisfying a personal craving, these wings deserve a spot in your freezer rotation. Your taste buds—and your delivery driver who finally gets a night off—will thank you.