Determining the exact calorie count for General Tso's chicken from Walmart is not a one-size-fits-all answer, as the retailer offers several different brands and formats. These options, ranging from frozen entrees to hot deli items, each have their own nutritional information. For example, a single cup of Great Value General Tso's Chicken has a different calorie count than a serving of the larger InnovAsian Family-Size meal.
Different Product Calorie Breakdown
Walmart's General Tso's chicken products differ based on serving size, ingredients, and preparation style. The primary options available include store-brand frozen meals, national-brand frozen meals, and ready-to-eat deli wings.
Great Value General Tso's Chicken
As Walmart's private label, Great Value offers an affordable option. A single 1-cup (140g) serving from their frozen General Tso's Chicken meal contains approximately 290 calories. A full 26 oz package, if consumed entirely, would be much higher. There is also a "lean" version available at some locations, with a 1-tray serving (255g) listed at 310 calories. This variation is likely due to ingredient choices that reduce fat and sugar content.
InnovAsian General Tso's Chicken
Another brand widely carried by Walmart is InnovAsian. Their frozen General Tso's Chicken is often sold in larger packages. A 1-cup (170g) serving of the regular InnovAsian meal contains around 390 calories. The family-size version maintains a similar calorie density per cup. The differences between Great Value and InnovAsian can be attributed to differences in breading, sauce recipe, and included accompaniments like rice.
Walmart Deli General Tso's Wings
For a hot, ready-to-eat option, the Walmart deli sometimes features boneless General Tso's wings. A 4 oz serving of these wings contains approximately 280 calories. This is a popular choice for a quick snack or meal, but it's important to remember that a typical portion may be larger than the listed serving size.
Comparison of General Tso's Chicken from Walmart
To put the different options into perspective, here is a table comparing the calorie counts for a few common choices available at Walmart.
| Product | Serving Size | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Great Value General Tso's Chicken | 1 cup (140g) | 290 |
| Great Value Lean General Tso's Chicken | 1 tray (255g) | 310 |
| InnovAsian General Tso's Chicken | 1 cup (170g) | 390 |
| Walmart Deli Boneless General Tso's Wings | 4 oz | 280 |
Factors That Influence Calorie Count
The variation in calorie content for General Tso's chicken is not random. Several key factors contribute to the total nutritional load, even among similar products sold at the same store. A breakdown of these factors helps to understand why some versions are higher in calories than others.
- Breading and Frying: Most pre-made General Tso's chicken is breaded and deep-fried. The amount and type of breading, along with the oil used for frying, significantly contribute to the fat and overall calorie count. Heavier or thicker breading will result in more calories per piece.
- Sauce Ingredients: The classic General Tso's sauce is known for being both sweet and savory. This sweetness comes from added sugars, corn syrup, and other calorie-dense ingredients. The amount of sauce provided with the meal directly impacts the total sugar and calorie content.
- Serving Size: The listed serving size on a nutrition label might not reflect a typical individual portion. While a package may suggest multiple servings, many consumers eat the entire container in one sitting, vastly increasing their calorie intake.
- Added Ingredients: Some packaged meals include rice or vegetables, while others are just the chicken and sauce. The addition of sides will also increase the total calories of the meal.
How to Make a Healthier Choice
For those watching their calorie intake, enjoying General Tso's chicken can still be an option with a few conscious choices. A healthier approach involves understanding the nutritional information and making adjustments.
Here are some tips for enjoying a lighter version of General Tso's chicken:
- Choose the "lean" or lower-calorie versions when available, like the Great Value Lean General Tso's.
- Portion control is key. A single serving is often much smaller than an entire package, so consider splitting the meal or saving half for later.
- Pair the chicken with healthier sides, such as steamed brown rice or a generous serving of lightly seasoned steamed vegetables, instead of fried rice.
- If you're making your own, try a healthier preparation method by baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying. Reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce or use a natural, low-calorie sweetener.
Conclusion
While the calorie count for General Tso's chicken from Walmart varies depending on the specific product, options like Great Value frozen meals start around 290 calories per cup, while larger InnovAsian meals may have 390 calories per cup. To get the most accurate information, always check the nutritional label of the exact package you purchase. Understanding the factors that influence the calorie count, such as breading and sauce, can help you make a more informed and healthier choice.
