HEALTHY CHOICE BASIL PESTO CHICKEN PULLED ALL NATURAL CHICKEN BREAST WITH WHITE KIDNEY BEANS AND VEGETABLES SERVED ON TOP OF RICED CAULIFLOWER WITH A BASIL PESTO SAUCE, BASIL PESTO CHICKEN
HEALTHY CHOICE Basil Pesto Chicken scores 50/100 (Decent), primarily driven by its moderate protein and fiber content, balanced against its processed nature.
This HEALTHY CHOICE meal has a FoodScore of 50/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category.
It provides a notable 2.7g of fiber and 7.63g of protein per 100g serving.
The product is classified as NOVA 3 (processed), contributing to score penalties.
Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this meal offers a convenient, protein-rich option.
Be mindful of the 229.01mg sodium per 100g, which can add up in a full meal.
Scores +3 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
2.7g
10% of Daily Value
Protein
7.63g
15% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0.8g
2% of Daily Value
Sodium
229.01mg
10% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (2.7g)+2
Protein (7.6g)+3
−
What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 50
The HEALTHY CHOICE Basil Pesto Chicken meal achieves a FoodScore of 50/100, categorized as 'Decent.' This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and processing considerations. On the positive side, the product receives a bonus for its fiber content, providing 2.7g per 100g, and a significant bonus for protein, with 7.63g per 100g, primarily from the seasoned cooked chicken. These contributions help improve satiety and overall nutritional balance. However, the meal incurs a penalty due to its NOVA class 3 classification, indicating it is a processed food. While it contains beneficial ingredients like cauliflower, white kidney beans, and various vegetables, the overall formulation includes components like tapioca starch and added sugars (0.8g per 100g) that contribute to its processed nature. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this product offers a lower carbohydrate profile due to the riced cauliflower base, but also includes added sodium (229.01mg per 100g) which is a factor to consider for daily intake.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in healthy choice basil pesto chicken pulled all natural chicken breast with white kidney beans and vegetables served on top of riced cauliflower with a basil pesto sauce, basil pesto chicken actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Protein Intake
This meal provides 7.63g of protein per 100g, primarily from the chicken breast. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance, repair, and overall body function. Including adequate protein in meals can contribute to feelings of fullness and support a balanced diet. For a typical serving size, this can contribute meaningfully to daily protein needs, especially for individuals looking for convenient protein sources.
Source of Dietary Fiber
With 2.7g of fiber per 100g, this product contributes to your daily fiber intake. The fiber comes from ingredients like cauliflower, white kidney beans, chard, kale, and spinach. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, can help regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to satiety. Incorporating fiber-rich foods is a key aspect of a balanced eating pattern.
Contains Diverse Vegetables
The HEALTHY CHOICE Basil Pesto Chicken meal includes a variety of vegetables such as cauliflower, yellow squash, tomatoes, chard, kale, and spinach. These vegetables provide a range of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A (8% DV per 100g) and Vitamin C (4% DV per 100g). Consuming a diverse array of vegetables is crucial for obtaining a broad spectrum of phytonutrients and supporting overall health.
HEALTHY CHOICE Basil Pesto Chicken scores 50/100 (Decent), primarily driven by its moderate protein and fiber content, balanced against its processed nature.
How to eat it
This HEALTHY CHOICE meal is designed as a single-serving, convenient option for lunch or dinner. It's a ready-to-heat meal that can be prepared quickly, making it suitable for busy schedules. The portion size is intended to be a complete meal.
Consider pairing this meal with a side salad (without heavy dressing) to increase vegetable intake and add more fresh produce.
If you are monitoring sodium intake, balance this meal with other low-sodium foods throughout your day to manage overall sodium consumption.
To enhance the nutritional profile, you could add a small handful of unsalted nuts or seeds to your meal for healthy fats and additional fiber.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains Parmesan cheese, indicating the presence of dairy, which is an allergen for some individuals. While the ingredient list includes 'natural flavorings,' the specific components are not detailed, which is common in processed foods. The sodium content at 229.01mg per 100g means a full meal serving will contribute a notable amount to daily sodium intake, which individuals managing blood pressure should be mindful of. The product is classified as processed (NOVA 3), meaning it has undergone various industrial processes, which may be a consideration for those prioritizing minimally processed foods in their diet.
This HEALTHY CHOICE meal scores 50/100, indicating it is a 'Decent' choice. It offers a good amount of protein (7.63g/100g) and fiber (2.7g/100g) from ingredients like chicken and vegetables. However, it is a processed food (NOVA 3) and contains some added sugar (0.8g/100g) and sodium (229.01mg/100g), which are factors to consider for overall dietary balance.
How does HEALTHY CHOICE Basil Pesto Chicken compare to other frozen meals?
Compared to many other frozen meals in the category, such as those from Lean Cuisine, this HEALTHY CHOICE meal stands out for its riced cauliflower base, which offers a lower carbohydrate alternative to grain-based options. It provides a decent amount of protein and fiber, but like most frozen meals, it is a processed food and contains moderate sodium levels.
What is 'natural flavorings' in the ingredient list?
'Natural flavorings' refers to flavorings derived from natural sources, such as spices, fruits, vegetables, or meat. While they are not artificial, the specific components are not disclosed on the label. They are used to enhance the taste profile of the product without adding significant nutritional value.
What is a recommended portion size for this meal?
The product is packaged as a single meal serving, and the nutritional information provided is per 100g. To understand the full nutritional impact, you would need to consider the total weight of the meal. It is designed to be consumed as a complete individual portion, fitting into a balanced meal plan.
Can I add anything to this meal to make it more nutritious?
Yes, you can enhance the nutritional value by adding fresh, raw vegetables like a side salad or steamed broccoli to increase fiber and micronutrient intake. You could also sprinkle a small amount of unsalted seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds, for additional healthy fats and a textural contrast.