HEALTHY CHOICE Café Steamers Sweet Sesame Chicken scores 40/100 (Poor) due to its **ultra-processed nature** and **added sugar content**, despite providing some protein and Vitamin A.
This HEALTHY CHOICE meal has a FoodScore of 40/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It contains 4g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to a significant penalty.
As a NOVA 4 food, it is classified as ultra-processed, which negatively impacts its score.
Compared to a home-cooked version, this product contains more processed ingredients and added sugars.
Consider this meal for occasional convenience rather than a regular dietary staple.
Scores -7 points above the prepared category average (47/100 across 231 foods).
Fiber
1.1g
4% of Daily Value
Protein
5.8g
12% of Daily Value
Added sugar
4g
8% of Daily Value
Sodium
167.03mg
7% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (5.8g)+1
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (4g)-3
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 40
HEALTHY CHOICE Café Steamers Sweet Sesame Chicken receives a FoodScore of 40 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The primary driver for this low score is its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant 10-point penalty. Additionally, the product contains 4g of added sugar per 100g, leading to a 3-point deduction. While the meal does offer some nutritional positives, such as 5.8g of protein per 100g and a notable 20% Daily Value of Vitamin A, these bonuses of +1 and +2 respectively are not enough to offset the penalties. The ingredient list includes isolated soy protein product and modified corn starch, which are indicators of its processed nature. Compared to a home-cooked version of sweet sesame chicken with rice and vegetables, this product contains a higher proportion of processed ingredients and added sugars, contributing to its lower nutritional density and overall FoodScore.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in healthy choice café steamers sweet sesame chicken actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This HEALTHY CHOICE meal provides 5.8g of protein per 100g, contributing to your daily protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and repair, and for satiety. While not a high-protein food, it can contribute to meeting protein needs when combined with other protein sources throughout the day. This can be a convenient option for individuals looking for a quick meal with some protein content.
Contains Vitamin A
The meal delivers 20% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g. Vitamin A is an important nutrient for vision, immune function, and skin health. The inclusion of vegetables like carrots likely contributes to this vitamin content. Incorporating foods with Vitamin A can support overall health, especially when part of a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Convenient Meal Option
This product offers a convenient and quick meal solution for busy individuals. Its pre-portioned nature and ease of preparation make it suitable for times when cooking from scratch is not feasible. While its nutritional profile is not optimal, its convenience can help prevent skipping meals or opting for less balanced fast-food alternatives, fitting into a practical dietary routine.
HEALTHY CHOICE Café Steamers Sweet Sesame Chicken scores 40/100 (Poor) due to its ultra-processed nature and added sugar content, despite providing some protein and Vitamin A.
How to eat it
HEALTHY CHOICE Café Steamers Sweet Sesame Chicken is designed as a single-serving frozen meal, typically consumed for lunch or dinner. It's prepared by microwaving, offering a quick option for those with limited time. The portion size is generally considered a full meal.
To enhance the meal's nutritional value, consider adding a side of fresh steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
Pair this meal with a small piece of fruit, such as an apple or orange, to increase fiber and micronutrient intake.
If you are mindful of sodium, balance this meal with other low-sodium foods throughout the day, as it contains 167mg of sodium per 100g.
To manage overall calorie and added sugar intake, consider this meal as an occasional convenience rather than a daily staple.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with wheat or soy allergies should be aware that this product contains both ingredients, as indicated by the presence of cooked chicken with isolated soy protein product and soy sauce. The ingredient list also includes modified corn starch, which can be a concern for some individuals with specific dietary sensitivities, though it is generally recognized as safe. With 4g of added sugar per 100g, individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes, should consider this amount in their daily allowance. The overall ultra-processed nature of the meal, classified as NOVA 4, suggests a formulation with ingredients and processes that may not align with whole-food dietary patterns.
Is HEALTHY CHOICE Café Steamers Sweet Sesame Chicken a healthy meal?
This HEALTHY CHOICE meal scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides some protein and Vitamin A, its classification as an ultra-processed food and its added sugar content contribute to a lower nutritional rating. It is best considered an occasional convenience item rather than a consistently healthy choice.
How does HEALTHY CHOICE compare to other frozen meals?
Compared to some other frozen meals, such as those from Lean Cuisine or Stouffer's, HEALTHY CHOICE Café Steamers Sweet Sesame Chicken's nutritional profile can vary. It's important to compare specific SKUs for added sugar, sodium, and fiber content. This particular meal's NOVA 4 classification is common across many frozen prepared meals.
What is 'isolated soy protein product' in the chicken?
The 'isolated soy protein product' is a processed ingredient used to enhance the protein content and texture of the chicken. It consists of isolated soy protein combined with other ingredients like modified potato starch and carrageenan. This is a common component in many processed meat products.
What is a typical portion size for this meal?
The serving size for HEALTHY CHOICE Café Steamers Sweet Sesame Chicken is one entire meal. The nutritional information provided is per 100g, but the product is intended to be consumed as a single, pre-portioned unit. Eating the whole meal will provide the full calorie, protein, and other nutrient amounts listed on the package.
Can I reduce the sodium content of this meal?
It is difficult to significantly reduce the sodium content of this prepared meal, as the sodium is integrated into the ingredients like soy sauce and salt. To manage your overall sodium intake, you can balance this meal with other low-sodium foods throughout the day and ensure your other meals are prepared with minimal added salt.