Does Meal for two contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy (cheddar cheese, butter, whey, nonfat dry milk). It does not contain wheat-based gluten, but the corn starch and modified potato starch are gluten-free.

Is Meal for two good for weight loss?

It is high in calories and processed carbohydrates. While portion-controlled, the high glycemic load from maltodextrin and rice may trigger hunger spikes, making it less ideal for weight loss compared to whole foods.

Where can I buy Meal for two?

Meal for two products are generally available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon, or through freezer meal delivery services.

Is Meal for two safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children. It does not contain caffeine or choking hazards, though the sodium content should be monitored.

Is Meal for two Keto?

No, Meal for two is not keto-friendly. While it offers a convenient blend of chicken, broccoli, and cheese, the inclusion of rice and hidden starches makes it incompatible with a strict ketogenic diet. If you are tracking your net carbs closely, this meal will likely exceed your daily limit.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the ingredient label. The verdict here is clear: Meal for two is formulated for convenience and texture, not for metabolic states like ketosis. The primary issue lies in the carbohydrate sources used to bind and bulk the meal.

The most obvious offender is the cooked rice. Rice is a high-carbohydrate grain that is strictly limited on keto. Even a small portion contributes a significant amount of glucose to your system, which is the direct opposite of the fat-burning state you want to achieve.

However, the rice isn't the only culprit. The cheese sauce is a complex mixture containing modified corn starch, xanthan gum, and maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is a highly processed additive derived from starch (in this case, likely corn) that has a glycemic index even higher than table sugar. It is often used as a thickener but acts almost instantly as a sugar in the body.

Furthermore, the cooked chicken contains dextrose and isolated soy protein product which utilizes modified potato starch and corn starch. Dextrose is a form of sugar used to preserve the color and texture of processed meat. While these ingredients are safe for general consumption, they are 'hidden carbs' that add up quickly, making this meal a poor choice for anyone on a low-carb diet.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

ricepotatostarchmaltodextrindextrosecorn

Nutritional Value

From a general nutritional standpoint, Meal for two provides a decent balance of protein and fat, primarily from the chicken, cheese, and butter. However, the net carbohydrate count is the dealbreaker for keto. A standard serving of this meal likely contains between 20g to 30g of total carbohydrates, which is the entire daily allowance for many strict keto dieters.

The presence of corn and potato starch contributes to the total sugar content. Even though the meal might not taste overly sweet, these complex starches break down into glucose rapidly. For a diet that relies on keeping insulin levels low to promote fat burning, consuming a meal with these ingredients is counterproductive. While the calorie density is appropriate for a dinner for two, the macronutrient ratio is skewed heavily toward carbohydrates rather than fats.