Is Simply Wok Chicken Vegetable Keto?
No, Simply Wok Chicken Vegetable is not keto-friendly. While the chicken and vegetables seem like a safe bet, the hidden carbohydrates in the sauce and marinade make this meal a risky choice for anyone in ketosis. If you are strictly tracking your net carbs, this frozen meal contains several ingredients that could easily push you over your daily limit.
The Ingredient Breakdown
As a food scientist, I always look beyond the marketing claims of "clean eating" to the actual chemistry of the ingredients. When we dissect the Soy Sauce and Sesame Soy Sauce components, we immediately run into trouble for the keto diet. The primary issue is the inclusion of sugar and corn starch. Sugar is a direct carbohydrate source that spikes insulin, while corn starch is a thickener derived from corn, which is a grain high in starch (glucose chains).
Furthermore, the sauce contains rice vinegar and sake wine. While vinegar is generally low in carbs, sake is a rice wine, meaning it contributes fermentable sugars derived from rice. Even more concerning is the presence of wheat in the soy sauce. Traditional soy sauce is brewed with wheat, which adds gluten and hidden carbs. Finally, the seasoned chicken itself contains rice starch and sugar. Rice starch is often used as a binder or thickener in processed meats, adding unnecessary net carbs that don't exist in plain chicken breast.
Nutritional Value
While this meal is relatively low in calories compared to a restaurant stir-fry, the macronutrient ratio is skewed for a ketogenic diet. A standard frozen meal typically contains between 300 to 500 calories. The main concern is the carbohydrate count. To stay in ketosis, most individuals aim for 20 to 30 grams of net carbs per day. A single serving of this meal likely consumes a significant portion of that allowance, leaving very little room for other meals.
The fat content is also likely too low and the protein too high for a strict keto ratio. Keto is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carb diet. Because this meal is designed for the general public, it prioritizes lean protein and carbohydrates (via the sauce and starches) over healthy fats. Without added fats like avocado oil or butter, this meal simply does not fit the metabolic requirements of ketosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Simply Wok Chicken Vegetable contain dairy or gluten?
Is Simply Wok Chicken Vegetable good for weight loss?
Where can I buy Simply Wok Chicken Vegetable?
Is Simply Wok Chicken Vegetable safe for kids?
Simply Wok Chicken Vegetable
Keto Analysis
We recommend searching for certified Keto alternatives.
Pro Tip
Always double-check the label. Manufacturers change ingredients frequently without notice!