Understanding the Protein Content in Great Value Chicken
When purchasing Great Value chicken breast, it is essential to look at the specific product type, as protein values differ based on whether the product is frozen, canned, or prepared. For example, a 4 oz serving of frozen, boneless, skinless Great Value chicken breast typically contains 23 grams of protein. This is a solid source of lean protein for many diet plans. However, other versions, such as the canned chunk chicken breast, contain different amounts of protein per serving due to varying ingredients and portion sizes.
Frozen Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
The frozen, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are one of the most popular Great Value chicken products. A standard 4 oz serving of this raw, all-natural chicken is reported to provide 23 grams of protein. This makes it a dependable, high-protein option for grilling, roasting, or dicing for recipes. The ingredients often include chicken broth and salt, which adds to the sodium content but also helps with moisture. Shoppers should be aware that customer reviews sometimes cite concerns about size consistency and cooking shrinkage, which may impact the final protein amount of a cooked portion.
Canned Chunk Chicken Breast
Great Value offers a range of canned chunk chicken breast products that provide a convenient, shelf-stable protein source. These products are fully cooked and ready to eat, making them perfect for quick meals like salads or casseroles. The protein content varies by can size:
- 5 oz Can: A serving of this chunk chicken breast provides 22 grams of protein.
- 12.5 oz Can: A serving from this larger can offers 13 grams of protein. It's important to read the label carefully to understand the serving size relative to the entire can. Canned chicken can have a higher sodium content compared to raw chicken, so this should be considered, especially for those monitoring their sodium intake.
Other Great Value Chicken Varieties
Beyond the standard frozen and canned options, Great Value also provides other chicken breast products with distinct nutritional facts:
- Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken Breast Fillets: These pre-cooked fillets are a convenient choice for quick meals. A serving offers 16 grams of protein. These are often pre-seasoned, so checking the sodium levels is advisable.
- Thin Sliced Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Portions: These are also frozen and offer a similar nutritional profile to the thicker cut, with one source indicating 20 grams of protein per 4 oz serving.
Comparison Table: Great Value Chicken Breast Protein Content
| Product Type | Serving Size | Protein (approx.) | Processing | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Boneless, Skinless | 4 oz raw | 23g | Raw, ice glazed | Good value, potential cooking shrinkage |
| Chunk Chicken Breast (5 oz Can) | Per serving | 22g | Fully cooked, canned | Ready-to-eat, high sodium possibility |
| Chunk Chicken Breast (12.5 oz Can) | Per serving | 13g | Fully cooked, canned | Lower protein per serving than 5oz can |
| Fully Cooked Grilled Fillets | Per serving | 16g | Cooked, frozen | Convenient, lower protein than raw frozen |
| Thin Sliced Frozen Portions | 4 oz raw | 20g | Raw, ice glazed | Quick cooking time, similar protein to standard frozen |
Maximizing Protein from Great Value Chicken
For those aiming to maximize their protein intake, starting with the raw frozen, boneless, skinless chicken breast is often the best choice. Here are some tips to get the most out of your purchase:
- Cooking Method: Opt for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. These methods retain more of the chicken's natural moisture and protein compared to boiling, which can sometimes result in a blander, tougher texture.
- Meal Prep: Use the frozen chicken breast for meal prepping by cooking a large batch at once. This ensures consistent portion sizes and allows for easy addition to salads, bowls, and other dishes throughout the week.
- Watch the Sodium: When using canned or pre-seasoned versions, be mindful of the added sodium. Rinsing canned chicken can help reduce the salt content.
Conclusion
In summary, the protein content of Great Value chicken breast is not a single, fixed number but varies based on the product. For the highest protein per standard serving, the frozen boneless, skinless variety is a strong contender with 23 grams per 4 oz serving. The canned and pre-cooked options offer convenience but typically contain less protein per serving and may be higher in sodium. For health-conscious consumers, carefully reading the specific nutritional label is the best way to ensure they are selecting the right product for their dietary needs.
Further information about the nutritional values of many food products, including Great Value items, can be found on databases like Nutritionix.
