If you're looking for a quick and easy source of protein, canned chicken is a convenient option. One cup of canned chicken (meat only) contains 377 calories.

But it's not just about the calories. Canned chicken also provides a range of important nutrients, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, and micronutrients like iron and calcium. In this article, we'll explore the nutritional content of canned chicken and some of its potential health benefits.

Whether you're looking for a protein-packed snack or a convenient addition to your favorite recipes, canned chicken is a versatile and nutritious choice.

Calories in Canned Chicken

As we've mentioned, one cup of canned chicken (meat only) contains 377 calories. To put that in perspective, the daily recommended caloric intake for the average adult is around 2,000-2,500 calories. So one cup of canned chicken provides around 15-20% of your daily caloric needs.

Protein in Canned Chicken

One of the main benefits of canned chicken is its protein content. One cup of canned chicken contains around 42 grams of protein. This makes it a great option for athletes or anyone looking to build and maintain muscle mass.

Fat in Canned Chicken

Canned chicken also contains fat, but the amount varies depending on the specific product. Some canned chicken may contain added oils or other ingredients that increase the fat content. As a general rule, it's a good idea to check the nutrition label when choosing a canned chicken product to ensure that you're getting an appropriate amount of fat for your needs.

Carbohydrates in Canned Chicken

Canned chicken typically contains a very small amount of carbohydrates. In one cup of canned chicken, you'll get around 1-2 grams of carbs. This makes it a good option for people following low-carb diets or anyone who wants to keep their carb intake in check.

Sodium in Canned Chicken

One potential downside of canned chicken is its sodium content. Many canned chicken products contain added salt to enhance flavor and preserve freshness. One cup of canned chicken can contain anywhere from 600-1000 milligrams of sodium, depending on the specific product. This can be a concern for people with high blood pressure or other health conditions that require a low-sodium diet.

Iron in Canned Chicken

Canned chicken is a good source of iron, a mineral that's essential for healthy blood circulation and oxygen transport. One cup of canned chicken contains around 2.5 milligrams of iron, which is about 14% of the recommended daily intake for adult men and 10% for adult women.

Calcium in Canned Chicken

Calcium is another important mineral found in canned chicken. One cup of canned chicken contains around 45 milligrams of calcium, which is about 5% of the recommended daily intake. While this may not seem like a lot, every little bit helps when it comes to maintaining bone health and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.

Vitamin A in Canned Chicken

Canned chicken is a good source of vitamin A, a nutrient that's important for healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. One cup of canned chicken contains around 150 international units (IU) of vitamin A, which is about 5% of the recommended daily intake for adults.

Vitamin C in Canned Chicken

While vitamin C is not a nutrient that's typically associated with chicken, some canned chicken products may contain added vitamin C as a preservative. One cup of canned chicken can contain anywhere from 2-10 milligrams of vitamin C, depending on the specific product.

Health Benefits of Canned Chicken

So what are some of the potential health benefits of canned chicken? For starters, it's a convenient and relatively affordable source of protein, which makes it a great option for anyone looking to build or maintain muscle mass. Additionally, canned chicken contains a range of important micronutrients like iron and calcium, which can help support overall health and wellbeing. However, it's important to choose products that are relatively low in sodium and fat to maximize the potential benefits of this food.