Does plant-based mandarin orange crispy chick’n contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains gluten (vital wheat gluten, wheat flour) but no dairy ingredients.

Is plant-based mandarin orange crispy chick’n good for weight loss?

Not really. It is calorie-dense and high in sugar, which can hinder weight loss efforts.

Where can I buy plant-based mandarin orange crispy chick’n?

It is widely available at major retailers like Whole Foods, Kroger, and Amazon.

Is plant-based mandarin orange crispy chick’n safe for kids?

It contains no caffeine, but the high sugar and sodium content should be limited in children's diets.

Is plant-based mandarin orange crispy chick’n Halal?

NO. Despite being a plant-based meat alternative, this product is not considered Halal. The specific formula contains alcohol in the sauce, which is strictly prohibited. Here is the detailed breakdown of why this product fails the Halal certification test.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a product like plant-based mandarin orange crispy chick'n for Halal compliance, we must look beyond the protein source. While the main components—soy protein isolate and vital wheat gluten—are plant-derived and generally permissible, the flavor profile introduces complications. The primary red flag appears in the sauce ingredients.

The sauce contains salted sake. Sake is a Japanese rice wine produced through fermentation, which results in an alcohol content of roughly 15-20%. Even though the alcohol content is relatively low compared to spirits, Islamic dietary laws (Shariah) strictly prohibit the consumption of alcohol and intoxicants, regardless of the quantity. The inclusion of sake is a definitive disqualifier for Halal status.

Furthermore, the sauce utilizes less sodium soy sauce which typically contains a small percentage of alcohol as a natural byproduct of fermentation to preserve flavor stability. While some scholars debate trace amounts in fermented soy, the intentional addition of salted sake removes any ambiguity. Additionally, the Thai chili sauce contains modified food starch and fermented wheat protein, which can sometimes be derived from questionable sources, though the alcohol remains the primary issue here.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

alcohol

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product offers a moderate balance of macros. The expeller pressed canola oil and water create the texture, while the soy and pea protein provide a decent protein punch for a meatless option. However, the sauce significantly spikes the sugar content due to organic cane sugar and fruit puree.

For those monitoring caloric intake, this dish is calorie-dense due to the frying batter (wheat flour, modified corn starch) and the oil used in cooking. While it fits a vegetarian or vegan diet, the high sodium and sugar levels—driven by the sweet and savory sauce—mean it should be consumed in moderation rather than as a daily staple.