Defining 'Processed' Food
The term "processed food" can be misleading because it encompasses a wide range of preparation methods, from minimal to extensive. Simply freezing vegetables or pasteurizing milk are forms of processing. The key is understanding the degree of processing, which is often categorized by health and nutrition experts. The NOVA food classification system, for instance, offers a clear framework for understanding this spectrum, from unprocessed foods to ultra-processed food and drink products. Minimally processed foods, like fresh-cut vegetables, are simply prepped for convenience. Processed foods, such as canned fruits or vegetables, include ingredients added for flavor or preservation. The most heavily processed, or ultra-processed foods, often contain additives, artificial flavors, and ingredients not typically found in a home kitchen.
Are Real Good Chicken Strips Processed? An Ingredient Analysis
Real Good Foods positions its products as a healthier alternative to typical frozen chicken items by using high-quality ingredients and avoiding refined flours. To determine if and how the chicken strips are processed, let's examine their ingredients:
Ingredient List Analysis (based on typical product labels):
- Chicken Breast with Rib Meat: This is the core component and is considered minimally processed once separated from the whole chicken.
- Water: Often added for moisture and texture.
- Chickpea Flour and Whole Egg: These ingredients replace traditional, highly processed wheat flours and contribute to the grain-free, gluten-free breading.
- Whey Protein Concentrate: A milk-derived ingredient used to increase protein content and improve texture.
- Seasonings: This includes a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, which adds flavor.
- Oils: The strips are fried in oils such as grapeseed, safflower, and/or canola oil.
- Additives: Some versions may contain baking soda or citric acid, which are functional additives.
Comparison Table: Real Good Strips vs. Standard Frozen Chicken Nuggets
| Feature | Real Good Chicken Strips | Standard Frozen Chicken Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Meat | 100% white meat chicken breast. | Often contains mechanically separated chicken and fillers. |
| Breading | Grain-free, made with chickpea flour, egg, and whey protein. | Often uses bleached or highly processed wheat flour and starches. |
| Additives | Uses minimal, recognizable ingredients for binding and flavor. | May contain flavor enhancers, preservatives, and artificial colors. |
| Processing Level (NOVA scale) | Moderately processed (Category 3), created by adding processed culinary ingredients to minimally processed chicken. | Highly or Ultra-processed (Category 4), involving extensive industrial processes. |
| Nutritional Profile | Low in net carbs, high in protein, no added sugars. | Often higher in carbohydrates, lower protein, and potentially higher in sodium. |
Why Real Good Strips Are a Different Kind of Processed
While are real good chicken strips processed, their manufacturing process and ingredient profile differ significantly from ultra-processed alternatives. The company's emphasis on using real, recognizable ingredients aligns with a more health-conscious approach. By using chickpea flour instead of refined grains, they cater to a market seeking lower-carb, gluten-free options. The level of processing involved—cleaning, cutting, breading, seasoning, and flash-freezing—is closer to what the NOVA scale defines as processed foods (Group 3) rather than ultra-processed (Group 4). This means that while they are not an 'unprocessed' food, they avoid the intensive industrial formulations and myriad artificial additives found in many other freezer-aisle staples.
The Health Implications of Processed Foods
It is important to remember that not all processed foods are inherently unhealthy. Freezing and canning, for example, can lock in nutrients and improve food accessibility. The potential negative health effects are most often associated with ultra-processed foods, which are typically high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium. High consumption of these items has been linked to conditions like obesity and heart disease. In contrast, Real Good strips, with their focus on simple, whole-food derived ingredients, represent a more deliberate and transparent form of food production. For consumers, this level of transparency allows for a clearer understanding of what they are consuming, enabling better dietary choices overall.
Conclusion: A Nuanced Answer
In summary, yes, Real Good chicken strips are technically processed, as are many foods we consume daily. However, the degree of processing is the critical factor. By using high-protein, low-carb ingredients like chicken breast, chickpea flour, and whole eggs, Real Good Foods places its product in a much different category than traditional, ultra-processed chicken products. The brand's focus on simple, real-food ingredients and avoidance of artificial additives means that while it is a convenience food, it avoids many of the pitfalls of being "unhealthily processed." Consumers can feel more confident incorporating them into a balanced diet, provided they consider the full picture of their nutritional intake. For a deeper dive into the NOVA food classification system, you can refer to the National Institutes of Health.
