LEAN CUISINE APPLE CRANBERRY CHICKEN GRILLED WHITE MEAT CHICKEN IN AN APPLE REDUCTION WITH CRANBERRIES, GREEN BEANS, CARROTS & WHOLE WHEAT ORZO PASTA, APPLE CRANBERRY CHICKEN
LEAN CUISINE APPLE CRANBERRY CHICKEN scores 35/100 (Poor) due to its classification as ultra-processed and a notable amount of added sugar, despite some positive contributions from fiber and protein.
This LEAN CUISINE meal has a FoodScore of 35/100, indicating a poor nutritional rating.
It contains 7g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its lower score.
With 2.2g of fiber and 5.15g of protein per 100g, it offers some beneficial macronutrients.
Classified as NOVA 4, this product is an ultra-processed food.
Consider this meal as an occasional convenience item rather than a regular dietary staple.
Scores -12 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
2.2g
8% of Daily Value
Protein
5.15g
10% of Daily Value
Added sugar
7g
14% of Daily Value
Sodium
201.84mg
9% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (2.2g)+1
Protein (5.2g)+1
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (7g)-7
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 35
LEAN CUISINE APPLE CRANBERRY CHICKEN receives a FoodScore of 35 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily driven by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant -10 point penalty. The product also contains 7g of added sugar per 100g, resulting in a -7 point deduction. While the ingredient list includes whole wheat orzo pasta and wheat berries, the presence of ingredients like apple juice concentrate and sugar contributes to the added sugar content. On the positive side, it receives +1 point for its fiber content (2.2g per 100g) and another +1 point for its protein content (5.15g per 100g). However, these bonuses are not enough to offset the penalties from processing and added sugar. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this LEAN CUISINE meal contains more added sugar and is significantly more processed.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in lean cuisine apple cranberry chicken grilled white meat chicken in an apple reduction with cranberries, green beans, carrots & whole wheat orzo pasta, apple cranberry chicken actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Fiber
This LEAN CUISINE meal provides 2.2g of fiber per 100g. Fiber is an important dietary component that supports digestive health and can contribute to feelings of fullness. While not a high-fiber food, it offers a modest contribution that can be part of a balanced meal. Including fiber-rich foods in the diet is associated with maintaining regular bowel movements and supporting overall gut function.
Contains Protein
With 5.15g of protein per 100g, this product contributes to your daily protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and repair, and it plays a role in various bodily functions. The chicken in this LEAN CUISINE meal is a source of lean protein. Adequate protein intake can help with satiety and support a healthy metabolism, making it a valuable macronutrient in any meal.
Convenient Meal Option
This product offers a convenient and quick meal solution for busy individuals. When time is limited, having a pre-prepared option can help prevent skipping meals or opting for less nutritious fast food. While its nutritional profile has limitations, its ease of preparation can be a practical benefit for those seeking a structured meal without extensive cooking. It can fit into a varied diet when balanced with other whole foods.
LEAN CUISINE APPLE CRANBERRY CHICKEN scores 35/100 (Poor) due to its classification as ultra-processed and a notable amount of added sugar, despite some positive contributions from fiber and protein.
How to eat it
This LEAN CUISINE meal is designed as a single-serving, microwaveable entrée, commonly consumed for lunch or dinner when a quick and easy meal is desired. It provides a pre-portioned option, which can be helpful for calorie awareness.
To enhance the fiber and nutrient content, pair this meal with a side salad or steamed non-starchy vegetables.
Consider adding a small serving of plain Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts to boost protein and healthy fats, improving overall satiety.
Be mindful of the added sugar content; balance this meal with other foods that are naturally low in free sugars throughout the day.
If you are monitoring sodium intake, consider this meal as an occasional choice rather than a daily staple, as it contributes to your daily sodium limit.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients that some individuals may wish to monitor. The presence of soybean oil and isolated soy protein means it is not suitable for individuals with soy allergies. The ingredient list also includes maltodextrin, a common food additive that can impact blood sugar levels. Individuals with sensitivities to highly processed foods or those managing blood sugar should be aware of these components. While no artificial colors or sweeteners are listed, the product's NOVA 4 classification indicates it is an ultra-processed food, which may be a consideration for those prioritizing whole, minimally processed foods.
LEAN CUISINE meals, including this Apple Cranberry Chicken SKU, vary in their nutritional profiles. This specific meal scores 35/100 (Poor) primarily due to its ultra-processed nature and added sugar content. While they offer convenience and portion control, it's important to review the individual nutrition facts for each product to determine if it aligns with your dietary goals.
How does LEAN CUISINE Apple Cranberry Chicken compare to a homemade whole-grain chicken and vegetable meal?
Compared to a homemade meal using whole grains, lean chicken, and fresh vegetables, this LEAN CUISINE meal is significantly more processed (NOVA 4) and contains 7g of added sugar per 100g. A homemade equivalent would typically have no added sugar and allow for greater control over sodium and fat content, offering a fresher nutrient profile.
What is 'apple juice concentrate' in the ingredient list?
Apple juice concentrate is a form of concentrated fruit juice where most of the water has been removed. While derived from fruit, it is often used as a sweetener and contributes to the added sugar content in processed foods, as seen in this LEAN CUISINE meal. It is not nutritionally equivalent to whole apples.
How much sodium is in this LEAN CUISINE meal?
This LEAN CUISINE Apple Cranberry Chicken meal contains 201.84mg of sodium per 100g, which is 4% of the Daily Value. For the entire 255g package, this amounts to approximately 515mg of sodium. This contributes a notable portion to the recommended daily sodium limit, which is 2,300mg for most adults.
Can this LEAN CUISINE meal be part of a weight management diet?
While this LEAN CUISINE meal is portion-controlled and relatively low in calories (118.01 per 100g), its contribution to a weight management diet depends on overall dietary choices. The added sugar content and ultra-processed nature are factors to consider. For comparison, a similar frozen meal from a brand like Healthy Choice might offer a different nutritional balance, so always check the label.