Chickens are usually seasoned in factories before being sent to Costco, earning them their “processed food” title. What do labels like “natural”, “organic “and “raised without antibiotics” mean? For meat and poultry, the USDA defines “natural” as “minimally processed” and that it contains no added artificial ingredients. In other foods, it doesn't have a clearly defined meaning. SAN ANTONIO — Hot, ready-to-eat, roasted chickens sold in supermarkets are tasty, practical, and affordable.
And while chicken is a healthy protein, some store-bought roasters contain a lot of sodium. Consumer Reports' nutrition experts recently evaluated the nutritional information and ingredients of 16 roast chickens found in seven well-known supermarkets. Roasted chickens from BJ's Wholesale Club (Perdue roast chicken), Boston Market, Publix (Deli Original), Safeway (Signature Café Traditional), Stop %26 Shop (Nature's Promise and “honey”), Walmart (traditional) and Wegmans (natural non-organic) have less sodium, between 170 and 368 mg. She says this pillar of the grocery store is more popular among younger shoppers, but it's a great seller across all ages, incomes, and regions.
While roasted chicken is generally healthy, there are some store brands that actually contain the sodium in poultry. Consumer Reports evaluated the nutritional information and ingredients of roasted chickens from seven grocery stores and warehouse clubs. You're trying to feed your family healthier options, so instead of opting for self-service, go to the grocery store and buy a roast chicken. They discovered that Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken, a member of Sam's Club, was one of the saltiest options of all stores.
According to Food and Drug Administration food labeling regulations, hot roasted chickens don't need to have this information on the package, but stores with 20 or more locations should have the information available to consumers. In addition to being raised without antibiotics, organic chickens ate certified organic feed and were raised in living conditions that adapted to their health and natural behaviors, that is, they were not continuously confined to small cages and had access to open air, shade, shelter, open air, cleanliness, water and direct sunlight.
