# Marie Callender Sesame Chicken Bowl > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Marie Callender's - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Frozen Foods - **Size:** 12.30 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/marie-callenders-callender-sesame-chicken-bowl-1230-oz - **Slug:** `marie-callenders-callender-sesame-chicken-bowl-1230-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains multiple industrial ingredients and formulations (modified starches, xanthan gum, sodium phosphates, flavored mixes, pre-fried battered chicken) and is a ready-to-heat frozen prepared meal, consistent with ultraprocessed foods. ## Review Marie Callender's Sesame Chicken Bowl is a single-serve frozen entrée positioned in the supermarket frozen dinners aisle, typically shelved with other microwaveable meals, frozen Asian-style bowls, and comfort-food entrees like pot pies and macaroni and cheese. It reads like a convenience-forward take on takeout: crispy tempura white-meat chicken fritters, lo mein-style enriched noodles and carrots bathed in a sweet-savory sesame sauce, packaged in a microwave-safe bowl made from plant-based fiber. Shoppers reach for it on busy weeknights, back-to-school grocery runs, or when they want a quick solo meal without delivery. The brand leans on nostalgic, homey comfort—Marie Callender’s is a legacy, mid-market name that markets to time-pressed adults and families seeking reliable, familiar flavors rather than artisanal or premium positioning. Label calls out “no artificial flavors or colors,” “no preservatives,” a plant-fiber serving bowl, and a nutrition point—16 g protein—creating a modest health halo even though it contains common allergens and industrial ingredients. Sensory cues are straightforward: the chicken aims for a fried crispness that softens after microwaving, the sauce is glossy and sweet with sesame and pineapple notes, noodles are soft and slightly chewy, and carrots add a crisp contrast. The ritual is microwave-heat, peel the film, stir or eat straight from the bowl—an easy, low-ceremony meal. In plain terms this is a heavily processed, ready-to-heat frozen dinner that prioritizes convenience and consistent flavor over from-scratch freshness. ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 550 - **Total fat:** 19g (24% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3g (15% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 25mg (8% DV) - **Sodium:** 710mg (31% DV) - **Total carbs:** 77g (28% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 4g (14% DV) - **Total sugars:** 25g - **Added sugars:** 19g (38% DV) - **Protein:** 16g ## Ingredients Sauce (Water, Sugar, Soy Sauce [Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt, Alcohol, Vinegar, Lactic Acid], Pineapple Juice Concentrate, Modified Corn Starch, Sesame Seed Oil, Contains 2% or less of: Rice Vinegar, Garlic, Toasted Sesame Seed, Chicken Flavor [Chicken Broth, Salt, Chicken Fat], Cooking Wine [White Wine, Natural Flavor, Salt], Ginger, Chives, Canola Oil, Chili Paste [Red Chili Peppers, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Xanthan Gum]), Cooked Enriched Noodles (Water, Enriched Wheat Flour [Durum Wheat Semolina, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate {Iron}, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Soybean Oil, Dried Egg Whites), Tempura White Meat Chicken Fritter (White Meat Chicken, Batter [Water, Bleached Wheat Flour, Yellow Corn Flour, Leavening {Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate}, Whey, Salt, Eggs, Guar Gum], Breader [Enriched Wheat Flour {Enriched With Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid}, Soybean Oil, Salt, Natural Flavor], Water, Modified Corn Starch, Salt, Sodium Phosphates, Fried in Vegetable Oil), Carrots. CONTAINS: EGG, MILK, 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 ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, post-work, movie-night - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, nostalgic ## FAQ ### Is the Sesame Chicken Bowl healthy? The Sesame Chicken Bowl can be a tasty option for a quick meal, but calling it 'healthy' depends on your dietary needs. With 550 calories and 16 grams of protein, it's certainly filling, but it also has 25 grams of sugar and 710 mg of sodium. If you're looking for a balanced meal with less sugar, this might not be your best choice. ### Is the Sesame Chicken Bowl vegan? Nope, the Sesame Chicken Bowl isn't vegan. It contains white meat chicken, egg whites, and milk, so it’s definitely off the table for anyone following a plant-based diet. If you’re looking for vegan-friendly options, keep an eye out for bowls that specifically highlight plant proteins instead. ### Is the Sesame Chicken Bowl gluten-free? Unfortunately, the Sesame Chicken Bowl is not gluten-free. It contains several ingredients that come from wheat, including the soy sauce and the noodles. If you're avoiding gluten, you'll want to steer clear of this one and look for gluten-free alternatives. ### Does the Sesame Chicken Bowl contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain seed oils, specifically canola oil and soybean oil. These oils are often used in processed foods for their neutral flavor and higher smoke points, but if you're concerned about omega-6 fatty acid ratios in your diet, you might want to use them sparingly. ### Does the Sesame Chicken Bowl contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, there are no artificial sweeteners in the Sesame Chicken Bowl. The sweetness mainly comes from sugar and pineapple juice concentrate, which means you’re getting a more natural flavor profile, even if it does have a bit of added sugar. ### Is the Sesame Chicken Bowl high in sugar? Yes, it is relatively high in sugar, with 25 grams per serving. That includes 19 grams of added sugars, which is something to consider if you're watching your sugar intake. It’s always good to balance out sweeter meals with something more savory or fiber-rich! ### What are some healthier alternatives to the Sesame Chicken Bowl? If you're looking for healthier options, consider making a homemade stir-fry with fresh veggies and lean protein, or try a bowl featuring quinoa or brown rice instead of noodles. There are also brands that offer frozen meals with whole ingredients and less added sugar, so keep an eye out for those in the freezer aisle. ### Can kids eat the Sesame Chicken Bowl? Absolutely, kids can enjoy the Sesame Chicken Bowl! It’s a fun, flavorful meal that packs in some protein, but just be mindful of the sugar content if they’re having it regularly. Pairing it with a side of veggies can help round out their meal! ### Is the Sesame Chicken Bowl good for weight loss? While the Sesame Chicken Bowl has a decent amount of protein, its higher calorie and sugar content might not make it the best choice for weight loss. If weight management is your goal, consider it an occasional meal and balance it with lighter, more nutrient-dense options throughout the day. ### Is the Sesame Chicken Bowl ultra-processed? Yes, the Sesame Chicken Bowl falls into the ultra-processed category. It contains multiple processed ingredients, including modified corn starch and tempura batter, which are designed for convenience and texture. If you’re aiming for minimally processed foods, this might not fit the bill! ## Related products - [Tillamook Ice Cream Chocolate Tub](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tillamook-ice-cream-chocolate-tub-48-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tillamook-ice-cream-chocolate-tub-48-oz - [Delizza Mini Eclairs Chocolate Top](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/delizza-mini-eclairs-chocolate-top-1480-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/delizza-mini-eclairs-chocolate-top-1480-oz - [Nestle Outshine Fruit Bars, Grape](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/outshine-nestle-fruit-bars-grape-1470-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/outshine-nestle-fruit-bars-grape-1470-oz - [Evergreen Waffles Frozen Mixed Berry Almond](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/evergreen-waffles-frozen-mixed-berry-almond-9-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/evergreen-waffles-frozen-mixed-berry-almond-9-oz - [Halo Top Ice Cream, Light, Cookies & Cream](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/halo-top-ice-cream-light-cookies-cream-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/halo-top-ice-cream-light-cookies-cream-16-oz - [Golden Blintzes, Cheese](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/golden-blintzes-cheese-13-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/golden-blintzes-cheese-13-oz - [Sonic Super Crispy Tots](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sonic-super-crispy-tots-28-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sonic-super-crispy-tots-28-oz - [Smucker's Topping, Hot Fudge](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/smuckers-topping-hot-fudge-1550-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/smuckers-topping-hot-fudge-1550-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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