If you're watching your calorie intake and looking for a quick and easy meal option, the 1/4 package (241 g) Orange Chicken Meal may be a tempting choice. At 590 calories, it's important to understand the nutritional value of this meal before making it a regular part of your diet.

This meal consists of juicy chicken pieces coated in a tangy orange sauce, served with a side of steamed rice and edamame. In addition to its calorie count, it's important to consider its carbohydrate, fat, protein, and sugar content.

In this article, we'll delve into the nutritional information and potential health benefits of the Orange Chicken Meal, as well as the ingredients that make up this tasty dish.

Calories count of Orange Chicken Meal

As previously mentioned, the Orange Chicken Meal contains 590 calories in a 1/4 package serving size. This makes up a significant portion of the daily recommended caloric intake for most individuals. It's important to note that this caloric count is solely for the chicken meal and doesn't include any additional beverages or side dishes that may be consumed with it. If you're looking to maintain or lose weight, it's crucial to balance your daily calorie intake with physical activity and a well-rounded diet.

What is Orange Chicken Meal?

Orange Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that consists of crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. This specific Orange Chicken Meal package includes pre-cooked chicken pieces that can be easily heated in the oven or microwave, as well as a side of white rice and edamame. While this meal may be convenient and delicious, it's important to consider its nutritional value before making it a regular part of your diet.

Nutritional value of Orange Chicken Meal

In addition to its 590 calorie count, the Orange Chicken Meal contains 85g of carbohydrates, 18g of fat, 16g of protein, and 42g of sugar. It's important to consider that these nutritional values are for a 1/4 package serving size, so if you eat more than this, the amount of calories and nutrients will increase. While this meal may provide a tasty and convenient meal option, it's important to balance it with other nutrient-dense food sources to ensure a balanced and healthy diet.

Ingredients in Orange Chicken Meal

The Orange Chicken Meal contains a variety of ingredients, including: chicken breast meat, edamame, cooked white rice, orange sauce, and sugar. Some of the other minor ingredients include vegetable oil, salt, modified food starch, and chicken broth. It's important to consider the ingredient list when making dietary choices, especially if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. In addition, it's important to consider the amount of sugar and sodium that may be present in pre-packaged meals such as this one.

Health benefits of Orange Chicken Meal

While the Orange Chicken Meal may not be the most nutrient-dense meal option, there are some potential health benefits to consuming it in moderation. The chicken provides a source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The edamame provides a source of fiber and plant-based protein, which can help regulate digestion and lower cholesterol levels. While the Orange Sauce contains a significant amount of sugar, it also provides a source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and overall health.

Serving size of Orange Chicken Meal

The serving size for the Orange Chicken Meal is 1/4 of the package, or approximately 241g. It's important to consider this serving size when calculating its nutritional value and determining how it fits into your daily dietary needs. Be sure to read the packaging and serving size information carefully to ensure accurate nutrition information.

Carbohydrate amount in Orange Chicken Meal

The Orange Chicken Meal contains 85g of carbohydrates per serving size. This includes both simple and complex carbohydrates. While carbohydrates provide a valuable source of energy, it's important to choose nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Consuming too many simple carbohydrates, such as those found in the Orange Sauce, can contribute to spikes in blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Fat content in Orange Chicken Meal

The Orange Chicken Meal contains 18g of fat per serving size. While some types of fat can be beneficial for overall health, such as those found in nuts and seeds, it's important to limit saturated and trans fats and opt for heart-healthy unsaturated fats instead. Be sure to read the packaging and ingredient information to determine the types of fat present in pre-packaged meals such as this one.

Sugar content in Orange Chicken Meal

The Orange Chicken Meal contains 42g of sugar per serving size. While some of this sugar may come from natural sources such as the Orange Sauce, it's important to limit added sugars in the diet to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Choosing whole food sources and limiting processed and pre-packaged meals can help reduce the amount of added sugars in the diet.

Protein amount in Orange Chicken Meal

The Orange Chicken Meal contains 16g of protein per serving size. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health and wellbeing. Be sure to balance protein sources with other nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains and vegetables to ensure a well-rounded and healthy diet.