Does Mega Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad contain dairy or gluten?

Yes. It contains milk (whey) in the salad mix and wheat/gluten in the bread and breadcrumbs. It also contains eggs in the dressing.

Is Mega Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad good for weight loss?

No. It is high in calories, fat, and sugar. The high fructose corn syrup and oil-based dressing make it a poor choice for a calorie-restricted diet.

Where can I buy Mega Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad?

This product is typically available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger, as well as online through Amazon.

Is Mega Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children, but be aware of the high sugar content and potential allergens like wheat, eggs, milk, and tree nuts (almonds).

Is Mega Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Halal?

Is Mega Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Halal? The short answer is MAYBE. While the ingredients list does not explicitly show pork or alcohol, there is a significant red flag regarding the 'natural flavor' and potential cross-contamination. This analysis breaks down exactly why you need to check the specific batch code before consuming.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I look for in a chicken product is the source of the meat. The label lists cooked white meat chicken. Assuming this chicken is slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines, the meat itself is permissible. However, the safety of the final product depends heavily on the processing environment and the minor ingredients.

The primary red flag in this product is the ingredient natural flavor. In the food industry, 'natural flavor' is a catch-all term that can legally include animal-derived extracts. While it is most often vegetable-based in savory items, it can sometimes contain alcohol as a solvent or animal enzymes. Without contacting the manufacturer for the specific source of this flavor, we cannot guarantee it is 100% plant-derived.

Furthermore, we must look at the bread component. The product contains enriched unbleached flour and whole wheat flour. While wheat is inherently Halal, it is often processed on shared equipment with brewer's yeast or used in facilities that produce alcohol. Additionally, the dough conditioners (like monoglycerides) can sometimes be derived from animal fats, though they are usually soy-based in modern production.

Finally, the presence of whey and egg yolks confirms this product contains dairy and eggs, which are Halal, but are important to note for those with allergies. The calcium propionate is a standard preservative and is chemically synthesized, posing no religious dietary issues.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

natural flavor

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this Mega Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad is a calorie-dense option. A standard serving likely contains between 350 to 500 calories, driven primarily by the soybean oil in the dressing and the high fructose corn syrup in the bread.

The sugar content is a major concern for those monitoring their glycemic index. The inclusion of sweetened dried cranberries and high fructose corn syrup adds a significant amount of added sugar. If you are on a low-sugar diet, this sandwich may not fit your limits. However, the protein content from the chicken and almonds is decent, providing roughly 15-20g of protein, which helps with satiety.