Chicken can be a nutritious and lean source of protein as part of a balanced diet. However, the healthiness of any chicken depends on how it is raised, processed and prepared. Kirkwood is Aldi’s store brand, so let’s take a closer look at Kirkwood chicken sold at Aldi to see how healthy it is.
Nutrition Facts of Kirkwood Chicken
The nutrition facts provide an overview of the calories and nutrients in Kirkwood chicken. Here are the nutrition facts for a 4 oz raw, boneless, skinless Kirkwood chicken breast:
| Calories | 120 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 1.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 70mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0g |
| Protein | 26g |
As you can see, Kirkwood chicken is very lean and provides 26g of protein with only 120 calories and 1.5g of fat per 4 oz serving. It is a nutrient-dense choice.
Minimally Processed
Kirkwood chicken is minimally processed without artificial ingredients or preservatives. It contains only chicken meat and water. Some other store-bought chicken contains sodium solutions, flavorings or other additives. The minimal processing of Kirkwood chicken makes it a healthy choice.
No Antibiotics
Kirkwood chicken is raised without antibiotics. Many conventional chicken producers use antibiotics to prevent disease and promote growth. The overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Kirkwood chicken offers antibiotic-free meat, which is healthier for you and more responsible in terms of public health.
Hormone-Free
No hormones are administered to Kirkwood chickens. Some producers give hormones to chickens to accelerate growth. Avoiding hormones in meat is preferable in terms of health.
Organic Feed
Kirkwood chickens are fed an organic grain diet free of animal by-products. Conventionally-raised chickens are sometimes fed animal by-products or low-quality feed that can affect the nutritional quality of the meat. The organic diet of Kirkwood chickens makes their meat healthier.
Humanely Raised
Kirkwood chickens are cage-free and able to engage in natural behaviors like perching and foraging. Their humane living conditions result in healthier, better quality chicken. Conventionally-raised chickens are sometimes kept in overcrowded cages which causes stress and poor health.
Air Chilled
After slaughter, Kirkwood chicken carcasses are air chilled rather than water chilled. Air chilling prevents cross-contamination and reduces the absorption of excess water into the chicken tissue. This produces fresher, healthier chicken meat.
No Added Solutions
Many chicken producers inject chicken with saline solutions or other substances to increase moisture content and make the meat heavier. Kirkwood chicken contains no added solutions, only 100% natural chicken meat.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The organic diet of Kirkwood chickens includes plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, their meat contains more omega-3s than conventionally-raised chicken. Omega-3 fatty acids provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Lower Saturated Fat
The air chilling process allows Kirkwood chicken to retain a firm texture without added solutions. This results in lower saturated fat content compared to conventionally processed chicken. Less saturated fat is healthy for your heart.
Nutritious
Kirkwood chicken provides high-quality protein, B vitamins, selenium, phosphorus and other nutrients. Chicken is naturally nutrient-rich, especially when minimally processed. Kirkwood chickens’ healthy living conditions and antibiotic-free, organic diet maximize the nutrition you get from their meat.
Lean Protein
With 26g of protein and only 1.5g of fat per 4 oz serving, Kirkwood chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein plays an important role in building and repairing muscle tissue as well as supporting healthy bones and skin.
Satisfying
The satisfying protein from Kirkwood chicken will help you feel full. Including lean protein sources like chicken in your diet can prevent overeating and promote weight management.
Muscle Maintenance
Consuming enough high-quality protein, like that found in Kirkwood chicken, helps maintain and build muscle mass as you age. This protects against age-related muscle loss.
Low in Sodium
With just 70mg of sodium per 4 oz serving, Kirkwood chicken is relatively low in sodium compared to much conventionally produced chicken. Lower sodium intake is associated with reduced blood pressure and decreased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Versatile
Chicken is one of the most versatile ingredients for easy, healthy meals. Kirkwood chicken can be prepared in endless healthy ways – baked, grilled, sautéed, in soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and more. Making Kirkwood chicken part of your regular meal rotation provides healthy variety.
Affordable
As an Aldi store brand, Kirkwood chicken provides quality and nutrition at an affordable price point. Chicken is generally more budget-friendly than other protein choices like beef or fish. Kirkwood chicken makes healthy eating achievable.
Considerations
While Kirkwood chicken has many positives, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Raw Chicken Safety
Properly handle, prep and cook raw Kirkwood chicken to avoid foodborne illness. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Added Sodium
Watch added salt when preparing Kirkwood chicken. Certain cooking methods and seasoning can greatly increase the sodium content.
Portion Size
Stick to a 4-6 oz portion of Kirkwood chicken for a healthy protein source as part of a balanced meal, rather than eating large portions.
Coating or Breading
Breading or frying Kirkwood chicken adds refined carbs, calories and fat that make it less healthy. For maximum nutrition, bake, grill or saute plain Kirkwood chicken.
Chicken Skin
The skin adds saturated fat, calories and cholesterol. Remove skin from Kirkwood chicken prior to eating for better heart health.
The Bottom Line
Kirkwood chicken sold at Aldi markets is a healthy option compared to much conventional chicken. With no antibiotics, hormones or artificial ingredients, Kirkwood chicken provides natural, nutritious protein. Raised humanely on an organic diet, Kirkwood chickens yield quality meat. Minimal processing like air chilling instead of water chilling maximizes the freshness of Kirkwood chicken. This antibiotic-free, no solution added chicken is versatile, budget-friendly and most importantly, good for you. Just be mindful of raw chicken safety, portion size, sodium and added fat from cooking methods. Overall, Kirkwood chicken is a smart choice providing lean protein that can be part of a healthy lifestyle.