Is Orange Chicken Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at the label for this Orange Chicken product reveals a clear composition of animal products. The primary flag is obvious: the product is named after the meat it contains. However, there are hidden animal derivatives in the breading and sauce that are important to identify.

The main culprit is Chicken Breast with Rib Meat. This confirms the product is animal-based. Furthermore, the breading contains Whole Egg, which acts as a binding agent to help the coating stick to the meat. Eggs are a standard non-vegan ingredient.

Perhaps the most surprising ingredient for some is Whey Protein Concentrate. Whey is a byproduct of the cheese-making process and is derived directly from milk. This ingredient is listed in the breading mix, making the dish strictly non-vegan and also unsuitable for those with dairy allergies. Additionally, the Tamari Soy Sauce is noted as containing organic alcohol, which is generally considered vegan, but the overall dish fails the vegan test due to the meat, egg, and dairy.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this Orange Chicken is designed as a high-protein, low-carb frozen meal. The use of Erythritol and Monk Fruit Extract keeps the sugar content low, which is beneficial for those monitoring blood sugar levels.

Regarding fat content, the chicken is fried in a blend of oils including grapeseed and canola oil. While these are plant-derived oils, the frying process adds to the total caloric density. The protein count is high due to the chicken and whey protein, making it filling. However, the sodium content is likely significant due to the soy sauce and salt, which is common in savory Asian-style dishes.