Is ORIGINAL CHIK'N PATTIES Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing claims and go straight to the formulation. The ketogenic diet requires minimizing carbohydrates, specifically those that spike blood sugar. Unfortunately, the formulation of ORIGINAL CHIK'N PATTIES relies heavily on plant-based binders and fillers that are high in starch and sugar.

The primary issue is the protein source. The first ingredient listed is water, followed immediately by wheat flour. In food formulation, ingredients are listed by weight. This means the bulk of this patty is essentially a wheat-based batter, not a protein-heavy meat substitute. Wheat flour is pure carbohydrate and is the antithesis of a keto ingredient.

Further down the list, we see a cascade of starches: soy flour, soy protein isolate, wheat starch, yellow corn flour, potato starch, and cornstarch. Starch is simply a chain of glucose molecules. When you consume these, your body breaks them down into sugar. For a keto dieter, these hidden starches are dangerous because they add up quickly, potentially knocking you out of ketosis.

Finally, we have the sweeteners. The product contains sugar and dextrose. Dextrose is a form of glucose derived from corn and has a very high glycemic index. Even small amounts of added sugar are strictly limited on keto. The presence of barley malt extract is another red flag, as it is often used as a flavor enhancer but contributes additional carbohydrates.

Nutritional Value

While the specific nutrition label can vary slightly by batch, the ingredient composition dictates the macro profile. You will likely find that a single patty contains anywhere from 10 to 15 grams of total carbohydrates. On a standard keto diet, which usually limits you to 20–50 grams of net carbs per day, eating just one of these patties could consume a significant portion of your daily allowance.

The fat content in these patties is also relatively low compared to what a keto diet prioritizes. They are fried in a blend of vegetable oils (corn, canola, sunflower), which are high in Omega-6 fatty acids. Keto is not just about low carbs; it is about high-quality fats. This product offers neither. The caloric density is moderate, but because the calories come largely from refined carbohydrates rather than healthy fats or fiber, they do not provide the satiety needed to maintain ketosis.