# Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers, Chicken Margherita, with Balsamic > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Healthy Choice - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Frozen Foods - **Size:** 9.50 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/healthy-choice-cafe-steamers-chicken-margherita-with-balsamic-950-oz - **Slug:** `healthy-choice-cafe-steamers-chicken-margherita-with-balsamic-950-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This ready-to-heat frozen meal contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives (isolated soy protein, modified starches, carrageenan, sodium phosphates) and is formulated and packaged for long shelf-life and convenience, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultraprocessed). ## Review Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Chicken Margherita with Balsamic is a single-serve frozen entrée you’ll spot in the supermarket freezer aisle alongside other ready meals like Lean Cuisine, Stouffer’s and microwaveable pastas. Packaged in a microwaveable plastic tray with a sealed film and a cardboard sleeve, the 9.5 oz meal is positioned for busy shoppers looking for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner: college students, office workers, or anyone stockpiling convenient frozen options. Marketing leans into a “better-for-you” convenience angle — callouts on the sleeve highlight 17 g protein, 5 g fiber, 270 calories, “no preservatives,” and a GLP-1–friendly claim, giving it a mild health-halo without organic certification. The ingredient list combines familiar items (angel hair pasta, roasted tomatoes, grilled chicken, basil, balsamic vinegar) with functional food-industry components (isolated soy protein, modified starches, carrageenan, sodium phosphates), reflecting a highly processed frozen meal format. Sensory experience: when heated the tray steams open to a glossy balsamic-tomato sauce coating tender, thin pasta and slices of chicken breast; there’s a garlicky, slightly sweet balsamic tang, a soft al dente pasta texture and occasional chewy tomato bits, finished with olive oil and basil notes. Rituals around this product are pragmatic — a microwave dinner after work, a grab-and-go lunch between classes, or a comfort-focused solo meal during a busy week. While presented as wholesome and convenient, it is a factory-made frozen meal that relies on processed ingredients and formulation for shelf stability and consistent texture. ## Diet flags - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 270 - **Total fat:** 6g (8% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1g (5% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 25mg (8% DV) - **Sodium:** 360mg (16% DV) - **Total carbs:** 36g (13% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 5g (18% DV) - **Total sugars:** 7g - **Added sugars:** 5g (10% DV) - **Protein:** 17g ## Ingredients COOKED PASTA (WATER, ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR [DURUM WHEAT SEMOLINA, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE {IRON}, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID], SOYBEAN OIL, EGG WHITE), COOKED CHICKEN (CHICKEN BREAST, WATER, OLIVE OIL, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN PRODUCT [ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN, MODIFIED POTATO STARCH, CORN STARCH, CARRAGEENAN, SOY LECITHIN], DEXTROSE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, SALT, SODIUM PHOSPHATES, FLAVORING), TOMATOES, WATER, RAISIN JUICE CONCENTRATE, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: GARLIC, BALSAMIC VINEGAR (WINE VINEGAR, CONCENTRATED GRAPE MUST), SUGAR, OLIVE OIL, BASIL, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, ONIONS, GARLIC PUREE, SALT, CHARDONNAY WINE, MOLASSES, CANOLA OIL. CONTAINS: EGG, SOY, WHEAT. ## Flagged ingredients - **soybean oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **canola oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **soy lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, post-workout, movie-night - **Vibes:** convenient, wholesome, practical, comforting ## FAQ ### Is the Chicken Margherita healthy? The Chicken Margherita is a solid option if you're looking for a balanced meal in a pinch. With 17 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, it offers a decent nutritional profile, especially compared to many other frozen meals. Just remember that 'healthy' can be subjective—it's all about how it fits into your overall diet! ### Is the Chicken Margherita vegan? Nope, the Chicken Margherita is not vegan. It contains cooked chicken and egg whites, which are definitely no-gos for a vegan diet. If you're looking for plant-based options, there are plenty of delicious vegan frozen meals out there! ### Is the Chicken Margherita gluten-free? Unfortunately, the Chicken Margherita is not gluten-free. It contains enriched wheat flour from the pasta, so if gluten is a concern for you, this one’s best avoided. There are gluten-free pasta options on the market that might tickle your taste buds just as well! ### Does the Chicken Margherita contain seed oils? Yes, the Chicken Margherita does contain seed oils, specifically soybean oil and canola oil. While some people prefer to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acid content, they are generally recognized as safe to consume in moderation. Just remember, balance is key! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in the Chicken Margherita. The sweetness comes from natural ingredients like raisin juice concentrate and a bit of sugar. So, you can enjoy this meal without worrying about any sneaky sweeteners! ### Is the Chicken Margherita high in sugar? Not really! The Chicken Margherita has 7 grams of total sugars, with 5 grams being added sugars. This isn't considered high, especially for a frozen meal, but it's always good to be mindful of your overall sugar intake throughout the day. ### What are healthier alternatives to the Chicken Margherita? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider options like veggie-packed stir-fries or homemade grain bowls. You could also try other frozen meals that prioritize whole ingredients or are specifically labeled as lower in added sugars and sodium. Just keep an eye on the ingredient list! ### Can kids eat the Chicken Margherita? Absolutely! The Chicken Margherita can be a kid-friendly meal, especially if they're fans of pasta and chicken. Just be sure to watch their sodium intake, as this meal does contain 360 mg of sodium per serving, which could add up with other meals throughout the day. ### Is the Chicken Margherita good for weight loss? The Chicken Margherita can fit into a weight-loss plan, especially since it packs in protein and fiber, helping you feel full. However, keep in mind that it does have some sodium and added sugars, so it’s best enjoyed as part of a varied diet rather than a daily staple. Balance and moderation are your best friends! ### Is the Chicken Margherita ultra-processed? While the Chicken Margherita is processed, it's not considered ultra-processed in the same way many highly refined snacks are. It contains recognizable ingredients like chicken, pasta, and tomatoes, but it also has some additives like modified starches. It's all about how you define processed—this one is in the middle ground! ## Related products - [Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Cut Green Beans -](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/green-giant-valley-fresh-steamers-cut-green-beans-10-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/green-giant-valley-fresh-steamers-cut-green-beans-10-oz - [Hanover Classics Mixed Vegetables](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hanover-classics-mixed-vegetables-14-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hanover-classics-mixed-vegetables-14-oz - [Enlightened Ice Cream Bars, Mint Fudge Swirl](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/enlightened-ice-cream-bars-mint-fudge-swirl-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/enlightened-ice-cream-bars-mint-fudge-swirl-15-oz - [Vans Protein, Original Pancakes](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/vans-vans-protein-original-pancakes-1230-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/vans-vans-protein-original-pancakes-1230-oz - [Birds Eye White Pearl Onions, Peeled, Frozen Vegetables, 14.4 oz. 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