Is chicken breast good for weight loss?

Yes, chicken breast can be beneficial for weight loss. It is high in protein (31g per 3 oz serving), which can help with satiety and muscle maintenance, while being relatively low in calories (165 per 3 oz serving) and saturated fat.

Is chicken breast good for diabetes?

Chicken breast is a good choice for individuals with diabetes. It has no carbohydrates or added sugar, and its high protein content can help manage blood sugar levels.

Is chicken breast ultra-processed?

No, skinless, cooked chicken breast is not ultra-processed. It falls into NOVA Class 1, meaning it is an unprocessed or minimally processed food.

Is chicken breast good for building muscle?

Absolutely, chicken breast is excellent for building muscle due to its high protein content. A 3 oz serving provides 31 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

meat · Serving 3 oz

Chicken breast (skinless, cooked)

Skinless, cooked chicken breast scores a 'Good' 74/100 on FoodScore. It is an excellent source of protein and a whole food, with no added sugar or fiber.

Good

FoodScore / 100

Score breakdown

What it has going for it

Bonuses

Protein (31g)+10
Micronutrients (Phosphorus, Vitamin B12)+4
Whole food (NOVA 1)+10

What brings the score down

Penalties

Nothing significantly penalised. Well done.

Based on our published methodology (USDA Dietary Guidelines 2020-2025 + NIH DRI).

Nutrition facts

Nutrient	Per 100g	% DV
Calories	165 kcal	—
Total fat	3.6 g	5%
Saturated fat	1 g	5%
Trans fat	0 g	—
Fiber	0 g	0%
Protein	31 g	62%
Added sugar	0 g	0%
Sodium	74 mg	3%
Potassium	256 mg	5%
Calcium	15 mg	1%
Iron	1 mg	6%
Magnesium	29 mg	7%
Phosphorus	228 mg	18%
Zinc	1 mg	9%
Vitamin A	0 %	0%
Vitamin C	0 %	0%
Vitamin D	0 %	0%
Vitamin E	0 %	0%
Vitamin K	0 %	0%
Vitamin B12	12 %	12%
Folate	0 %	0%
Riboflavin	0 %	0%
Omega-3	0 g	—

Eat this instead

Higher-scoring foods in the same category.

Chicken thigh (skinless, cooked)

meat

85Very good

Eggs (whole)

meat

85Very good

Ground beef (93% lean, cooked)

meat

78Very good

Frequently asked questions

Is chicken breast good for weight loss?: Yes, chicken breast can be beneficial for weight loss. It is high in protein (31g per 3 oz serving), which can help with satiety and muscle maintenance, while being relatively low in calories (165 per 3 oz serving) and saturated fat.
Is chicken breast good for diabetes?: Chicken breast is a good choice for individuals with diabetes. It has no carbohydrates or added sugar, and its high protein content can help manage blood sugar levels.
Is chicken breast ultra-processed?: No, skinless, cooked chicken breast is not ultra-processed. It falls into NOVA Class 1, meaning it is an unprocessed or minimally processed food.
Is chicken breast good for building muscle?: Absolutely, chicken breast is excellent for building muscle due to its high protein content. A 3 oz serving provides 31 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Sources: USDA FoodData Central · FDA Nutrition Facts label

Updated 4/19/2026.