Nutritional Breakdown of Itsu Vegetable Gyoza
To determine the healthiness of Itsu's vegetable gyoza, it's essential to analyze their core nutritional components. Itsu offers a few different versions of their vegetable gyoza, including the frozen 'Vegetable Fusion' for grocery purchase and chilled options like the 'Vegetable Festival' or 'hot side vegetable gyoza' available in their restaurants or snack pots. While the exact values can vary, here's a detailed breakdown based on the widely available frozen grocery pack:
Vegetable Fusion Gyoza (Frozen Grocery Pack)
A standard serving of 8 gyoza (approximately 108g) provides:
- Energy: 187 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 27g (of which 4.1g are sugars)
- Fat: 3.8g (of which 0.5g are saturated)
- Fibre: 2.8g
- Salt: 1.2g
Comparing Itsu's Vegetable Gyoza Varieties
The nutritional content can differ slightly between the different products. For instance, the 'hot side vegetable gyoza' served in-store may have a higher salt content than the frozen grocery version. The 'Vegetable Festival' gyoza, often sold as a chilled product, has a lower calorie and fat count per 100g.
| Nutritional Aspect | Vegetable Fusion (Grocery) per 100g | Hot Side Gyoza (Restaurant) per 100g | 
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 173 kcal | 234 kcal | 
| Fat | 3.5g | 4.1g | 
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 0.6g | 
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 39.5g | 
| Sugars | 3.8g | 5.1g | 
| Protein | 9.4g | 7.7g | 
| Fibre | 2.6g | 4.4g | 
| Salt | 1.1g | 2.42g | 
The 'Healthy' Verdict: A Closer Look at Ingredients and Preparation
Overall, Itsu vegetable gyoza can be considered a relatively healthy snack or side dish, especially when prepared mindfully.
Ingredients: The Good Stuff
- Vegetable-Packed: The gyoza filling is predominantly a blend of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, leeks, and onions, providing vitamins and fiber.
- Plant-Based Protein: They contain tofu and high-protein soya mince, making them a good vegan source of protein.
- Low Saturated Fat: With only 0.5g of saturated fat per serving in the grocery pack, they are a better choice than many other convenience snacks.
Nutritional Considerations
- Sodium Content: The salt content can be high, particularly in the restaurant version. For example, the restaurant version has 2.42g of salt per serving, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily intake. This is important to consider, especially if adding a salty dipping sauce.
- Refined Carbohydrates: The gyoza wrappers are made from wheat flour, which is a refined carbohydrate. While not inherently bad, pairing them with wholegrain options can boost the fiber content of your meal.
- Cooking Method: How you cook them significantly impacts their healthiness. Steaming is the healthiest option, as it locks in nutrients and doesn't add extra fat. Pan-frying adds oil, increasing the overall fat content.
How to Make Itsu Vegetable Gyoza Healthier
To maximize the health benefits and minimize potential drawbacks, consider the following:
- Steaming over Frying: Opt for steaming your gyoza to avoid adding extra oil and calories. If you prefer the pan-fried texture, use a minimal amount of healthy oil like sesame oil.
- Balance Your Meal: Don't rely on the gyoza alone for a complete meal. Pair them with a diverse range of fresh vegetables, a vibrant salad, or a protein source like edamame. This increases the meal's nutrient density and fiber content.
- Mind Your Dipping Sauce: Many store-bought dipping sauces are high in sugar and salt. Consider making a simple, healthier sauce with low-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and fresh ginger.
- Add to Broth: Adding gyoza to a miso or vegetable broth is a fantastic way to create a nutritious and filling meal. This also helps reduce the impact of the sodium from the gyoza themselves.
Itsu Vegetable Gyoza vs. Other Snacks
When compared to many deep-fried or processed snacks, Itsu's vegetable gyoza are a much healthier alternative. Their filling is made from real vegetables and a source of protein, offering more nutritional value. They are low in saturated fat and can be prepared healthily by steaming. However, they may not be as high in fiber as a simple side salad, nor as filling as a complete meal unless bulked out with other components.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line
Itsu vegetable gyoza are a reasonably healthy convenience food, thanks to their vegetable-heavy, plant-based filling and low saturated fat content. However, their overall healthiness depends heavily on preparation and context. To get the most nutritional benefit, opt for steaming over frying, pair them with a fresh salad or broth, and be mindful of your dipping sauce's salt and sugar content. Enjoyed in moderation and as part of a balanced meal, they are a delicious and satisfying addition to a healthy diet.