Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie scores 38/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its saturated fat content.
Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie has a FoodScore of 38/100 (Poor).
It is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
A serving contains 5.3g of saturated fat per 100g, contributing to a lower score.
This product provides 6.01g of protein per 100g.
Consider this product as an occasional meal rather than a dietary staple.
Scores -9 points above the prepared category average (47/100 across 231 foods).
Fiber
0.7g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
6.01g
12% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0.4g
1% of Daily Value
Sodium
336.04mg
15% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (6.0g)+2
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (5.3g)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 38
Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie receives a FoodScore of 38 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. A significant factor in this score is its classification as NOVA class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food, which incurs a -10 point penalty. The product's fat profile also impacts its score, with 5.3g of saturated fat per 100g, leading to a -4 point penalty. While it contains 6.01g of protein per 100g, earning a +2 bonus, this is not enough to offset the other deductions. The ingredient list includes items like 'Isolated Soy Protein Product' and 'Methylcellulose', which are common in ultra-processed foods. Compared to a home-cooked chicken pot pie made with whole ingredients, this Marie Callender's version typically contains higher levels of sodium and saturated fat, and lower amounts of fiber and micronutrients, reflecting the differences between minimally processed and ultra-processed foods.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in marie callender's chicken pot pie actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Provides a Source of Protein
Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie offers 6.01g of protein per 100g, which can contribute to your daily protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and repair, and plays a role in satiety. While not a primary protein source, it can help meet needs as part of a varied diet.
Convenient Meal Option
This product provides a ready-to-eat meal solution, which can be beneficial for individuals with limited time for meal preparation. Its convenience can help ensure a meal is consumed when other options are unavailable, preventing skipped meals or less nutritious choices.
Source of Iron
Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie contributes 1.7mg of iron per 100g, which is 9% of the Daily Value. Iron is a crucial mineral for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. Including sources of iron in the diet is important for overall health.
Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie scores 38/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its saturated fat content.
How to eat it
Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie is typically consumed as a single-serving frozen meal, heated in a microwave or oven. It's often chosen for its convenience and comfort food appeal. While designed as a complete meal, considering its nutritional profile is important for dietary balance.
To enhance the nutritional value, pair your Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie with a large side salad rich in non-starchy vegetables.
Consider consuming only half the pie and saving the rest for another meal to manage portion size and calorie intake.
Add a serving of steamed green beans or broccoli to increase fiber and micronutrient content.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients that may be a concern for some individuals. The presence of 'Isolated Soy Protein Product' and 'Soy Lecithin' indicates soy as an allergen. 'Enriched Wheat Flour' means it contains wheat, another common allergen. Individuals with sensitivities to modified corn starch or certain gums like xanthan gum and guar gum, which are used as thickeners, might experience digestive discomfort. The sodium content of 336.04mg per 100g is relatively high, and individuals monitoring their sodium intake for blood pressure management should be mindful of this when consuming the entire serving.
Is Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie a healthy choice?
Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie scores 38/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides some protein and iron, its classification as an ultra-processed food and its saturated fat content suggest it is not an optimal choice for regular consumption in a health-conscious diet. It is best considered an occasional convenience meal.
How does Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie compare to other frozen meals?
Compared to some other frozen meals, such as a Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice entree, Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie may contain higher levels of saturated fat and sodium. Its NOVA 4 classification also places it in the ultra-processed category, which is a factor to consider when evaluating overall dietary quality.
What is 'Isolated Soy Protein Product' in the ingredient list?
'Isolated Soy Protein Product' is a processed ingredient derived from soybeans, often used to boost protein content and improve texture in food products. It is a common component in many processed foods and contributes to the product's ultra-processed classification.
What is a reasonable portion size for this product?
The declared serving size is one pie (283g). For individuals aiming to manage calorie or sodium intake, consuming the entire pie may contribute significantly to daily limits. Consider pairing it with a large salad to make a more balanced meal, or splitting the pie into two smaller portions.
Can I improve the nutritional value of this pot pie?
Yes, you can improve the nutritional value by adding fresh or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, or carrots, to your meal. This increases fiber and micronutrient intake. You could also pair it with a side of whole grains to add complex carbohydrates and further balance the meal.