Rotisserie chicken has become a popular and convenient meal option for many due to its flavor, ease of preparation, and nutritional benefits. Both Costco and Whole Foods are known for their high-quality offerings. This article delves into the nutritional aspects of Whole Foods Market organic rotisserie chicken, providing a detailed breakdown of its components and comparing it to a similar product from Costco.
Nutritional Profile of Whole Foods Market Organic Rotisserie Chicken
A 3-ounce serving of Whole Foods Market organic rotisserie chicken contains 200 calories. The macronutrient composition consists of 0% carbohydrates, 54% fat, and 46% protein. This makes it a good source of protein, providing 41% of the Daily Value (DV).
Here’s a detailed look at the nutritional content per 3-ounce serving:
- Calories: 200
- Fats: 12g (15% DV)
- Saturated fats: 3g (15% DV)
- Trans fats: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg (25% DV)
- Sodium: 70mg (3% DV)
- Carbohydrates: 0g (0% DV)
- Net carbs: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Calcium: 10mg (1% DV)
- Iron: 1mg (13% DV)
- Potassium: 190mg (4% DV)
- Vitamin D: 0μg (0% DV)
The chicken also contains trace amounts of various vitamins and minerals.
Macronutrient Breakdown
Fats
The fat content in the Whole Foods rotisserie chicken is 12 grams per 3-ounce serving, with 3 grams being saturated fat and 0 grams of trans fat. The specific amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are not detailed in the provided nutritional information.
Read also: Satisfy Your Cravings with Whole Foods
Protein
With 23 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, Whole Foods Market organic rotisserie chicken is an excellent source of this essential macronutrient. Protein is crucial for muscle building, repair, and overall bodily functions.
Carbohydrates
The rotisserie chicken contains no carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those following low-carb diets.
Micronutrient Content
The chicken provides small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium.
- Calcium: 10mg (1% DV)
- Iron: 1mg (13% DV)
- Potassium: 190mg (4% DV)
The absence of significant amounts of vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, and K) indicates that while it's a good protein source, it should be part of a balanced diet that includes various nutrient-rich foods.
Comparison with Costco Rotisserie Chicken
When comparing Whole Foods rotisserie chicken to Costco's version, several factors come into play, including price, size, taste, and nutritional content.
Read also: Whole Foods Breakfast Options
Price and Size
Costco's rotisserie chicken is significantly cheaper and larger. The Whole Foods bird weighs around one pound and costs approximately $9 (the organic option is available for $4 more), while the Costco chicken is a whopping three pounds and costs just $4.99. Costco strategically keeps the chicken at the very back of the store so that everyone in search of it has to walk by plenty of other products and promotions.
Taste and Quality
Both Whole Foods and Costco rotisserie chickens are high-quality and with flavorful, juicy meat. Costco's rotisserie chicken had a noticeably dark golden brown exterior. The skin was very flavorful thanks to the cooking process and seasoning. The bird had a lot of white and dark meat, which were both moist and delicious. Whole Foods chickens are raised without antibiotics, which is important if you want to avoid the potential impacts of poultry pumped full of medicine. The rotisserie chicken comes in four varieties: classic with salt and pepper, organic classic, organic plain, and lemon herb. This chicken was noticeably smaller than the Costco bird, but still full of flavor both inside and out. The skin was lighter but had larger pieces of cracked pepper that gave it a little more flavor than the Costco bird. It was crispy but a little tough in some places and chewy in others.
Nutritional Comparison
Costco's and Whole Foods' rotisserie chicken also each have a serving size of three ounces, but the Costco version has fewer calories. Costco's chicken is 140 calories with 460 milligrams of sodium, mostly from the salt used in the seasoning blend. The Whole Foods chicken is 190 calories for the same serving size and has 420 milligrams of sodium in the classic style.
Health Benefits and Considerations
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is why it's such a regular staple in our home's recipe lineup. The Whole Foods rotisserie chicken, like other chicken products, offers several health benefits:
- High in Protein: Essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body maintenance.
- Low in Carbohydrates: Suitable for low-carb diets and helps in managing blood sugar levels.
- Source of Essential Nutrients: Provides iron, potassium, and other trace minerals.
However, there are also considerations to keep in mind:
Read also: Plant-Based Diet Guide
- Sodium Content: The sodium content should be monitored, especially for individuals with hypertension or those on low-sodium diets.
- Fat Content: While the fat content is moderate, those watching their fat intake should be mindful of portion sizes.
Ways to Incorporate Rotisserie Chicken into Your Diet
Rotisserie chicken is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Salads: Add shredded chicken to salads for a protein boost.
- Soups: Use it in chicken noodle soup or other chicken-based soups.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Create quick and easy chicken sandwiches or wraps.
- Casseroles: Incorporate it into casseroles for a hearty meal.
- Chicken Salad and Chicken Quesadillas: Two of our go-to ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Chicken chili: Perfect for dishes where you want that extra kick.
- Matzo ball soup or chicken fajitas: For dishes that include pulled chicken as an ingredient, such as matzo ball soup or chicken fajitas, this textural difference in the skin wouldn't have much of an impact.
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