In the foodservice industry, chicken is more than a menu staple; it’s a core ingredient that drives consistency, cost control, and customer satisfaction. 

But when it comes to sourcing, one question always comes up: should you buy fresh or frozen poultry? 

At Magna Foodservice, we supply both fresh halal poultry and high-quality frozen chicken options, so we understand the advantages of each. 

This guide offers a balanced look at both helping restaurant owners, chefs, and buyers choose what’s best for their business. 

Understanding the Difference 

The difference between fresh and frozen poultry isn’t simply about temperature; it’s about storage life, handling, and supply chain logistics. 

Type  Storage Life  Handling  Delivery  Typical Users 
Fresh Poultry  5–7 days  Must stay chilled (0–4 °C)  Delivered multiple times weekly  Restaurants, takeaways, caterers 
Frozen Poultry  Up to 12 months  Store at -18 °C  Delivered less frequently  Bulk buyers, backup stock, seasonal menus 

At Magna Foodservice, both options are halal-certified and handled through strict temperature-controlled cold chains to maintain safety and quality. 

The Benefits of Fresh Halal Poultry 

Fresh poultry remains the top choice for chefs who prioritise taste, texture and fast prep. 

✔ Superior Taste & Texture 

Fresh chicken retains natural moisture and tenderness, delivering the juicy bite that defines grilled fillets, curries and roasts. 

✔ Easy to Portion & Cook 

No thawing required, chefs can prep and cook straight from chilled storage, saving time during busy service hours. 

✔ Great for High-Turnover Kitchens 

Ideal for restaurants with regular delivery schedules and consistent order volume. 

Explore our premium Fresh Halal Poultry range, including: 

The Benefits of Frozen Halal Poultry 

Frozen halal poultry has evolved far beyond the old misconceptions. Modern freezing technology locks in freshness and extends flexibility. 

✔ Extended Shelf Life 

Frozen chicken can be stored for months without losing quality, reducing waste and ensuring year-round availability. 

✔ Cost-Effective and Convenient 

Buying in bulk helps lower the cost per kilo and allows for flexible menu planning, perfect for takeaways, caterers or seasonal demand. 

✔ Consistent Supply 

When fresh stock is limited or delivery schedules are tight, frozen poultry provides a dependable backup option. 

Learn more in our detailed post: Myths About Frozen Chicken 

Cost and Yield Considerations 

For menu costing, both options have trade-offs: 

  • Fresh poultry offers better presentation and less prep time but requires faster turnaround and more frequent deliveries. 
  • Frozen poultry can reduce waste, especially for slower-selling menu items or backup storage. 

At Magna, we work with buyers to balance both, for example: 

Using fresh fillets for daily menus and frozen stock for backup or catering events ensures flexibility without compromising quality. 

Menu Fit: When to Use Each 

Menu Type  Best Choice  Why 
Fast-service restaurants  Fresh  Quick prep, high turnover 
Casual dining/grills  Fresh  Tenderness and presentation 
Takeaways  Fresh or Frozen  Both work depending on the menu rotation 
Catering/events  Frozen  Easy bulk prep and advanced storage 
Seasonal/large-scale supply  Frozen  Longer shelf life, fewer deliveries 

Our Commitment: Quality Across Both Options 

Whether you order fresh or frozen, every poultry product from Magna Foodservice is: 

  • Halal certified and fully traceable. 
  • Delivered via a controlled cold chain. 
  • Sourced from approved UK producers. 
  • Backed by consistent portioning and packaging standards. 

We believe your decision shouldn’t be about compromise, it’s about choosing what works best for your kitchen, budget and storage setup.