Unpacking the Just Bare Promise
Just Bare Foods markets its chicken with a strong emphasis on natural, simple ingredients, and ethical sourcing. Their website highlights a core promise: “No Antibiotics. Ever.” and “No added hormones or steroids”. This marketing approach, centered on transparency, aims to build consumer trust. However, discerning buyers often want to know exactly what goes into their food and how it's prepared, prompting the question: is it truly just bare chicken?
The Product Lines: Fresh vs. Frozen
To understand the answer, it's crucial to differentiate between Just Bare's fresh and frozen product lines. The fresh cuts, like boneless skinless chicken breasts and tenders, are the most straightforward. They are minimally processed, with no artificial ingredients, offering chicken in its most natural state. The 'Just Bare' name is most applicable here.
Conversely, the frozen, fully cooked, and breaded items, such as the popular lightly breaded chicken breast bites, contain additional ingredients. While still made with boneless skinless chicken breast raised without antibiotics, these products have a breading and seasoning to provide flavor and a crispy texture. The inclusion of ingredients like wheat flour, sugar, nonfat dry milk, and rice starch is necessary for the final product's characteristics. This is not an act of deception but a standard part of manufacturing a fully cooked, breaded item for convenience.
Sourcing and Raising Standards
Just Bare's commitment to quality starts at the source. The chickens are raised on American farms in barns where they are free to roam and have constant access to food and water. The company explicitly states its chickens are raised without any antibiotics, a significant claim in the poultry industry. The use of hormones and steroids is also prohibited, which is consistent with federal regulations for poultry. For some products, a USDA Organic certification is also available, ensuring compliance with strict organic standards.
Comparing Just Bare Products
| Feature | Fresh, Raw Chicken | Frozen, Breaded Chicken Bites |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ingredient | Boneless, skinless chicken breast | Boneless, skinless chicken breast |
| Processing Level | Minimally processed | Moderately processed |
| Ingredients | All natural* (minimally processed, no artificial ingredients) | Chicken breast, water, seasonings, rice starch, breading (wheat flour, milk, egg), vegetable oil |
| Antibiotics | No antibiotics, ever | No antibiotics, ever |
| Added Hormones/Steroids | None (federally prohibited) | None (federally prohibited) |
| Artificial Ingredients | No artificial ingredients or preservatives | No artificial ingredients or preservatives |
| Convenience | Requires cooking and preparation | Fully cooked, ready in minutes |
| Best for... | Clean eating, homemade recipes, maximum control | Quick meals, snacks, families on the go |
What Does 'Real Chicken' Mean for Consumers?
The term 'real chicken' can be subjective, but in the context of food, it generally means the product is derived from actual chicken meat, not a meat substitute. Just Bare fulfills this criteria across all its product lines. For the more scrupulous consumer, 'real' might also imply minimal processing and the absence of any additives. In that case, the fresh chicken would be the better choice.
The transparency Just Bare offers allows consumers to make an informed decision based on their definition of 'real'. They can opt for the pure, unprocessed fresh chicken or choose the convenient, flavored, and breaded frozen variety, knowing exactly what to expect from the ingredients list. The key takeaway is that both are fundamentally 'real chicken.'
Conclusion: The Truth Behind the Brand
Ultimately, the question, "Is Just Bare chicken real chicken?" has a clear and reassuring answer: Yes. The fresh products are minimally processed, and the frozen, breaded items are an assembly of real chicken meat with other, clearly listed ingredients designed for convenience and flavor. The company's commitment to avoiding antibiotics and hormones provides an extra layer of reassurance for many consumers. By being transparent about their different product offerings and their respective ingredients, Just Bare allows customers to align their purchases with their personal food standards. Whether opting for a simple, fresh breast or a quick, breaded bite, you are indeed getting real chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Just Bare's fresh and frozen chicken? Just Bare's fresh chicken is minimally processed, with no added ingredients. Their frozen, breaded products are fully cooked and contain additional ingredients like flour, seasoning, and oils to create a crispy coating.
2. Is Just Bare chicken really antibiotic-free? Yes, Just Bare products are made with chicken that was raised with no antibiotics, ever.
3. Are there hormones or steroids in Just Bare chicken? No. The use of hormones or steroids is prohibited by federal regulations for poultry, and Just Bare adheres to this standard.
4. Is Just Bare chicken organic? Some of Just Bare's products are USDA Organic certified, while others are not. You can check the specific product packaging for the USDA Organic seal.
5. Where does Just Bare source its chicken? Just Bare works with approximately 350 independent family farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Their chickens are raised in barns with freedom to roam.
6. Does Just Bare chicken contain preservatives? No, Just Bare products contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives.
7. How is Just Bare chicken processed? Fresh products are minimally processed. Frozen items, like the breaded bites, undergo further processing to add the coating and pre-cook the chicken for consumer convenience.
