LAWRY'S HOMESTYLE CHICKEN SEASONED CRISPY OVEN BAKE MIX receives a FoodScore of 39/100 (Poor), primarily due to its **high sodium content**.
This LAWRY'S product scores 39/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
The primary concern is the 2600mg of sodium per 100g serving.
It is a NOVA class 3 processed food, which is less optimal than whole-food snack alternatives.
Contains 10g of protein per 100g, a modest contribution to daily intake.
Use sparingly as a seasoning rather than a primary food component due to its sodium level.
Scores -2 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
10g
20% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
2600mg
113% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (10g)+6
−
What holds it back
Sodium (2600mg)-12
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 39
LAWRY'S HOMESTYLE CHICKEN SEASONED CRISPY OVEN BAKE MIX earns a FoodScore of 39 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The most significant factor contributing to this low score is the exceptionally high sodium content, which stands at 2600mg per 100g. This amount incurs a substantial penalty of -12 points, reflecting that it provides well over the daily recommended limit for sodium in a relatively small portion. While the product does offer 10g of protein per 100g, earning a +6 bonus, this is not enough to offset the sodium penalty. Furthermore, as a NOVA class 3 processed food, it receives an additional -5 point penalty, indicating it has undergone significant industrial processing. The ingredient list, which includes bread crumbs and salt, aligns with its processed classification and high sodium. Compared to a whole-food snack alternative, which would typically be rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and low in added sodium, this LAWRY'S product offers minimal micronutrients, with 0% DV for potassium, calcium, iron, and various vitamins.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in lawry's homestyle chicken seasoned crispy oven bake mix, homestyle chicken actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Provides a Source of Protein
This product contains 10g of protein per 100g, which can contribute to your daily protein intake. Protein is an essential macronutrient involved in muscle repair and growth, and satiety. While not a primary protein source, using this mix in conjunction with actual chicken or other protein-rich foods can help meet daily requirements. It is important to consider the overall nutritional context, especially the high sodium, when relying on this product for protein.
Enhances Flavor for Meal Preparation
LAWRY'S HOMESTYLE CHICKEN SEASONED CRISPY OVEN BAKE MIX is designed to add flavor and texture to dishes, particularly chicken. The blend of spices including black pepper, paprika, and rosemary, along with natural flavor, can make meals more palatable. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to add variety to their cooking without needing to measure out multiple individual spices. However, due to its high sodium, it should be used judiciously to avoid excessive salt intake.
Convenient for Quick Meal Assembly
As a pre-mixed seasoning and coating, this product offers convenience in meal preparation. It simplifies the process of seasoning and breading chicken for baking, saving time compared to preparing a seasoning blend from scratch. This can be helpful for busy individuals or those with limited cooking experience. The ease of use can encourage home cooking, which often allows for more control over ingredients than eating out, provided other ingredients are chosen carefully.
LAWRY'S HOMESTYLE CHICKEN SEASONED CRISPY OVEN BAKE MIX receives a FoodScore of 39/100 (Poor), primarily due to its high sodium content.
How to eat it
LAWRY'S HOMESTYLE CHICKEN SEASONED CRISPY OVEN BAKE MIX is typically used to coat chicken pieces before baking, creating a crispy exterior. A common portion might involve seasoning a few pieces of chicken for a meal. The primary pitfall is the high sodium content, which can quickly accumulate if used excessively or with other high-sodium ingredients.
To manage sodium intake, consider using half the recommended amount of the mix and supplementing with unsalted herbs and spices.
Pair chicken coated with this mix with a large serving of non-starchy vegetables to add fiber and micronutrients to your meal.
Use this mix for occasional meals rather than a daily staple to moderate overall sodium consumption.
When preparing, ensure chicken is baked, not fried, to avoid adding extra unhealthy fats.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains wheat and soybean oil, which are common allergens. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid this product due to the wheat flour in the bread crumbs. Those with soy allergies should also exercise caution. The extremely high sodium content (2600mg per 100g) is a significant concern, especially for individuals with hypertension or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet. Children, whose daily sodium limits are lower, should consume this product very sparingly. There are no artificial colors or sweeteners, but the presence of natural flavor and autolyzed yeast extract indicates a processed food profile.
Is LAWRY'S HOMESTYLE CHICKEN SEASONED CRISPY OVEN BAKE MIX healthy?
LAWRY'S HOMESTYLE CHICKEN SEASONED CRISPY OVEN BAKE MIX receives a FoodScore of 39/100, which is considered 'Poor'. Its high sodium content is the primary nutritional drawback. While it provides some protein, it lacks significant amounts of beneficial micronutrients and fiber, making it a less optimal choice for regular consumption.
How does LAWRY'S compare to other chicken breading mixes?
Compared to many other seasoned breading mixes, LAWRY'S HOMESTYLE CHICKEN SEASONED CRISPY OVEN BAKE MIX's nutritional profile, particularly its sodium level, is similar to products like Shake 'n Bake Original Chicken Seasoned Coating Mix. Both are processed convenience products designed to add flavor and crispiness, often at the expense of higher sodium and lower micronutrient density compared to homemade alternatives using plain breadcrumbs and individual spices.
What is 'autolyzed yeast extract' in the ingredient list?
Autolyzed yeast extract is a flavor enhancer derived from yeast. It naturally contains glutamates, which contribute an umami flavor similar to MSG. While generally recognized as safe, it is an indicator of a processed food and can be a concern for individuals sensitive to free glutamates.
What is a reasonable portion size for this product?
The declared serving size is 0.667 Tbsp Mix. However, the nutritional values are provided per 100g, which is a much larger amount. Given the high sodium content, it's advisable to use this mix sparingly, perhaps only enough to lightly coat chicken, and to consider it a seasoning rather than a significant food component to manage your daily sodium intake.
Can this mix be used for foods other than chicken?
Yes, while marketed for chicken, this mix can technically be used to season other proteins like pork or fish, or even vegetables, to add a savory, crispy coating. However, regardless of what it's used on, the high sodium content remains a factor, so moderation is key to avoid excessive salt intake.