The Truth About Just Bare Chicken
At its core, Just Bare chicken is indeed real meat. The brand offers a range of chicken products, from fresh, minimally processed cuts to fully cooked, frozen items. The confusion often arises from the convenience products, specifically the lightly breaded fillets, bites, and strips, which undergo additional preparation.
For their fresh chicken line, Just Bare provides cuts like boneless, skinless chicken breast and thighs, which are simply real chicken with no added ingredients or preservatives. This makes them a straightforward, high-quality protein source for any healthy diet. The breaded products, on the other hand, are fully cooked and coated in a mix of ingredients before being frozen. While still made from real boneless chicken breast, these items have a different nutritional profile due to the added seasonings, starches, and breading.
The brand maintains a commitment to quality by raising chickens with no antibiotics ever, no added hormones or steroids, and no artificial ingredients or preservatives. They also state that their chickens are raised cage-free on American farms. This transparency about their farming practices and ingredients is a key aspect of their brand promise.
Nutritional Breakdown: Fresh vs. Breaded
The nutritional value of Just Bare chicken varies significantly between its fresh and processed product lines. Understanding this difference is crucial for a balanced nutrition diet. Fresh chicken breast is a lean protein powerhouse, while the breaded alternatives, though convenient, contain added fat, sodium, and carbohydrates from the coating.
| Nutrient (per 3 oz/84g serving) | Just Bare Fresh Boneless Skinless Breast | Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chunks |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~130 kcal | ~160 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~1.5 g | ~7 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~0.5 g | ~1 g |
| Sodium | ~75 mg | ~540 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0 g | ~9 g |
| Protein | ~25 g | ~16 g |
| Added Sugars | 0 g | ~1 g |
As the table shows, the breaded product contains nearly seven times the sodium and significantly more fat and carbohydrates than its fresh counterpart. This additional processing is what places the breaded variety in the category of moderately processed foods, as noted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
How Just Bare Fits into a Nutrition Diet
Depending on your dietary goals, Just Bare can be a versatile option. For those focused on a lean, high-protein diet with minimal additives, the fresh chicken cuts are an excellent choice. They can be cooked in various healthy ways, such as grilling, baking, or sautéing, and are naturally low in sodium and fat.
For those seeking convenience without completely sacrificing nutrition, the frozen, breaded products can be used in moderation. It's important to be mindful of the higher sodium and calorie content. Serving these products with plenty of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and a healthy fat source can help create a more balanced meal. An air fryer can also be a healthier cooking method than traditional deep-frying, resulting in a crispy texture with less added oil.
A Simple Recipe for Just Bare Fresh Chicken
- Marinate fresh Just Bare chicken breast in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs for 30 minutes.
- Grill or bake the chicken until cooked through, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli and a quinoa salad for a complete, nutritious meal.
Ingredients in Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Chunks
- Boneless skinless chicken breast
- Water
- Seasoning (sugar, salt, spices including paprika and celery seed, chicken fat, spice extractive, canola oil, soybean oil)
- Rice starch
- Breading (wheat flour, sugar, salt, nonfat dry milk, dried egg whites, baking powder, spice, paprika)
- Breading set in vegetable oil
The Just Bare Promise and What it Means
The Just Bare brand's promise is centered on delivering "all-natural" chicken with high standards of quality and transparency. The "No Antibiotics Ever" claim means the chickens were never treated with antibiotics throughout their lives, which some consumers prefer for health and animal welfare reasons. The assurance of no added hormones or steroids is standard for all US-raised poultry, as federal regulations prohibit their use.
However, it's worth noting that "minimally processed, no artificial ingredients" (the asterisked fine print) still indicates that some processing occurs, especially for their convenience products. This is why reviewing the specific ingredient list and nutrition label is essential, as the processing and additional ingredients can alter the product's nutritional profile.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Diet
In summary, is Just Bare chicken real meat? Yes, absolutely. The distinction lies in the product line. Fresh Just Bare chicken is a high-quality, minimally processed protein source perfect for a clean nutrition diet. The breaded, fully cooked varieties offer convenience but contain additional ingredients that increase sodium, fat, and carbohydrate levels. The best choice depends on your health goals and how you plan to incorporate the chicken into your overall diet. For those who prioritize whole, unprocessed foods, sticking to the fresh chicken is the best path. For those who value quick, easy meals, the breaded options can be an occasional addition, but should be consumed with awareness of their higher processing level.
To learn more about the nutritional benefits of poultry in a healthy eating pattern, visit the National Chicken Council website for extensive information.
