If you're looking for a quick and easy meal that's packed with flavor, look no further than 1 package (227 g) Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice. At just 330 calories per serving, this dish is a great option for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing taste.

In addition to being low in calories, Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice is also a good source of protein, fiber, and several key vitamins and minerals. However, as with any processed food, it's important to be mindful of the fat and sodium content.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the nutritional profile of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice, as well as some tips for making healthier choices when it comes to pre-packaged meals.

Calories in Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice

As previously mentioned, a serving of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice contains 330 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie option compared to many other convenience foods. However, it's worth noting that the serving size is somewhat small - just 227 g. If you're someone with a larger appetite, or if you tend to eat multiple servings, you could easily consume a lot more calories than you realize. To keep your calorie intake in check, make sure to measure out your portions carefully and pay attention to the recommended serving size on the package.

Fat Content of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice

One serving of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice contains 7 g of fat. While this isn't an excessive amount, it's worth noting that 2 g of this fat is saturated. Saturated fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, so it's important to limit your intake as much as possible. To reduce your saturated fat intake, try combining your Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice with plenty of vegetables, or serve it over a bed of steamed greens instead of rice.

Carbohydrate Content of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice

Each serving of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice contains 51 g of carbohydrate. Of this, 5 g is fiber and 10 g is sugar. While fiber is important for digestion and overall health, it's best to limit your intake of added sugars as much as possible. One way to do this is by opting for a homemade sweet and sour sauce made with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, rather than using the sugary sauce that comes with the package.

Protein Content of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice

One of the biggest selling points of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice is its protein content. Each serving contains 25 g of protein, making it a great option for anyone looking to build or maintain muscle mass. However, it's worth noting that the protein in this dish comes from chicken, which is a high-fat and high-cholesterol meat. To keep your overall fat and cholesterol intake in check, it's best to pair your Sweet & Sour Chicken with plenty of vegetables and whole grains. Alternatively, you could try swapping the chicken for a plant-based protein source like tofu or tempeh.

Fiber Content of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice

Each serving of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice contains 5 g of fiber. Fiber is an important nutrient that helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals, as well as supporting digestive health. To boost the fiber content of your meal even further, try adding in some vegetables like bell peppers, onion, or broccoli.

Sugar Content of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice

One serving of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice contains 10 g of sugar. While this isn't an excessive amount, it's still important to be mindful of your overall sugar intake. To reduce the sugar content of your meal, you could try making your own sweet and sour sauce using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Sodium Content of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to pre-packaged foods like Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice is their high sodium content. Each serving of this dish contains 690 mg of sodium - well over a quarter of the recommended daily limit for most adults. To keep your sodium intake in check, try opting for lower-sodium foods whenever possible, and avoid adding additional salt to your meals.

Vitamins and Minerals in Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice

While it may not be as nutrient-dense as some whole foods, Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice does contain a number of important vitamins and minerals. For example, each serving provides a significant amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. However, to get the most nutrition out of your meal, it's best to pair your Sweet & Sour Chicken with plenty of vegetables and whole grains.

Gluten-Free Options of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice

If you're avoiding gluten, you'll be happy to know that Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice is naturally gluten-free. However, it's worth checking the package to make sure there are no added gluten-containing ingredients (like soy sauce). To be on the safe side, you could also try making your own sweet and sour sauce using gluten-free ingredients.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice

Unfortunately, Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice isn't a great option for vegetarians or vegans due to the chicken content of the dish. However, you could try making a vegetarian or vegan version of the dish using plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. To do this, simply omit the chicken and add in your chosen protein source instead.