# Marie Callender's Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice & Vegetables > 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:** 14 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/marie-callenders-sweet-sour-chicken-with-rice-vegetables-14-oz - **Slug:** `marie-callenders-sweet-sour-chicken-with-rice-vegetables-14-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial formulations and additives (modified starch, sodium phosphates, xanthan gum, natural flavor), pre-fried battered chicken, and multiple processed components assembled into a frozen ready-to-heat meal, consistent with ultra-processed classification. ## Review Marie Callender's Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice & Vegetables is a frozen single-serve entree you’d find in the supermarket's frozen meals aisle, stacked near other microwaveable dinners, frozen Chinese-American classics, and family-style pot pies. It reads as a comfort-focused, time-saving option for shoppers looking for an easy dinner solution: pop it in the microwave for a quick weeknight meal, stash it in a dorm freezer for back-to-school convenience, or grab it for a solo movie night. The Marie Callender's brand positions itself as hearty, home-style comfort food — nostalgic for shoppers who remember homestyle casseroles and pot pies — and targets busy adults and families seeking convenience with a familiar, rest-assuring name. The package emphasizes wholesome-seeming cues like visible vegetables and a callout of white meat chicken and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, creating a mild health halo despite the presence of enriched flours and added sugars; there is no organic certification and no explicit kid-targeted cartooning. In plain language, this is a highly processed frozen meal: ingredients are combined, battered, fried, sauced, and stabilized for freezing and reheating. Sensory details include a glossy sweet-and-sour glaze, bite-sized breaded chicken fritters with a soft-crisp outer texture after heating, tender steamed rice, and mixed vegetables that offer soft crunch. The tray packaging and microwave ritual — heat, stir, re-cover, finish — make it a predictable, low-effort dinner solution for nights when convenience and a familiar flavor profile trump scratch cooking. ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1.0 - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 550 - **Total fat:** 15g (19% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 2.5g (13% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 35mg (12% DV) - **Sodium:** 1060mg (46% DV) - **Total carbs:** 88g (32% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 4g (14% DV) - **Total sugars:** 28g - **Added sugars:** 22g (44% DV) - **Protein:** 17g ## Ingredients Cooked White Rice (Water, White Rice, Soybean Oil), Sweet & Sour Glaze (Water, Sugar, Pineapple Juice Concentrate, Rice Vinegar, Modified Corn Starch, Contains 2% or less of: Soy Sauce [Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt, Alcohol, Vinegar, Lactic Acid], Salt, Tomato Paste, Garlic, Cooking Wine [White Wine, Natural Flavor, Salt], Ginger, Canola Oil, Chili Paste [Red Chili Peppers, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Xanthan Gum]), 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, Broccoli, Green and Red Bell Peppers, Water, Pineapple, Onions. CONTAINS: EGG, MILK, SOY, WHEAT. ## Flagged ingredients - **Canola Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Soybean Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Soy Lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, post-workday, movie-night - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, nostalgic ## FAQ ### Is the Sweet & Sour Chicken healthy? The Sweet & Sour Chicken is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to health. At 550 calories per serving, it packs a decent amount of protein (17g) but is also high in sugars, with 28g total and 22g of added sugars. If you're looking for a quick meal that satisfies cravings without the fuss, it's a convenient option, but it's not exactly a superfood. ### Is the Sweet & Sour Chicken vegan? Nope, the Sweet & Sour Chicken is not vegan. It contains white meat chicken and other animal-derived ingredients like eggs and milk in the batter. If you're on a plant-based journey, you might want to skip this one and explore some veggie-packed alternatives instead. ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, the Sweet & Sour Chicken is not gluten-free. It contains wheat flour in the batter and breading, which means it’s a no-go for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you're looking for gluten-free options, there are plenty of other frozen meals out there that cater to that need. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, this meal does contain seed oils, specifically soybean oil and canola oil. Seed oils are often used in processed foods because they’re inexpensive and have a high smoke point, but they can be a topic of debate among health enthusiasts. In moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet, so it’s all about what works for you! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, the Sweet & Sour Chicken doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners lurking in its ingredient list. Instead, it relies on good old sugar and pineapple juice concentrate for that sweet flavor. If you're looking to avoid those funky chemical sweeteners, you can feel good about this choice. ### Is it high in sugar? Yes, this dish is definitely on the higher side of the sugar spectrum, with 28g total sugars, including 22g of added sugars. This is something to keep in mind if you're watching your sugar intake, especially compared to, say, a homemade stir-fry that’s loaded with fresh veggies and no added sugars. ### What are healthier alternatives to this dish? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider making a homemade stir-fry with fresh veggies and lean protein like chicken or tofu, seasoned with low-sodium soy sauce and a splash of vinegar. Alternatively, you might explore frozen meals that prioritize whole ingredients and lower sugar levels, like veggie bowls or quinoa salads. Just a little prep can go a long way! ### Can kids eat the Sweet & Sour Chicken? Absolutely! The Sweet & Sour Chicken is often a hit with kids due to its sweet flavor and crispy chicken. Just keep an eye on the sodium content, as it has 1060mg per serving, which is something to consider if you're serving it regularly. Pair it with some fresh fruit or veggies to balance it out! ### Is it good for weight loss? While the Sweet & Sour Chicken isn’t necessarily a weight-loss champion due to its calorie and sugar content, it can fit into a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation. If you're mindful of portion sizes and pair it with a side of greens, it can be a satisfying meal without derailing your goals. Just remember, it’s all about the bigger picture! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, the Sweet & Sour Chicken falls into the category of ultra-processed foods, mainly due to its long list of ingredients and use of modified corn starch and preservatives. While it’s not the worst choice out there, it’s always a good idea to balance out processed meals with whole foods when you can. It’s all about finding that sweet spot that works for you! ## Related products - [Talenti Gelato, Mediterranean Mint](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/talenti-gelato-mediterranean-mint-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/talenti-gelato-mediterranean-mint-16-oz - [Marino Ices Lemon 6-Pack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/marinos-marino-ices-lemon-6-pack-36-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/marinos-marino-ices-lemon-6-pack-36-oz - [Stouffers Sides Five Cheese Macaroni and Cheese](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/stouffers-stouffers-sides-five-cheese-macaroni-and-cheese-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/stouffers-stouffers-sides-five-cheese-macaroni-and-cheese-8-oz - [Outshine Strawberry Frozen Fruit Bars, 6 Count](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/outshine-strawberry-frozen-fruit-bars-6-count-6-ct) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/outshine-strawberry-frozen-fruit-bars-6-count-6-ct - [Ore Ida Tater Tots, Crispy, Mini 28 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ore-ida-ore-ida-tater-tots-crispy-mini-28-oz-28-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ore-ida-ore-ida-tater-tots-crispy-mini-28-oz-28-oz - [Friendly's Ice Cream, Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/friendlys-ice-cream-chocolate-marshmallow-swirl-48-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/friendlys-ice-cream-chocolate-marshmallow-swirl-48-oz - [Newmans Stone Fired Crust Quattro Formaggi](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/newmans-own-newmans-stone-fired-crust-quattro-formaggi-1360-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/newmans-own-newmans-stone-fired-crust-quattro-formaggi-1360-oz - [Nathans Famous Jumbo Crinkle Cut French Fries](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nathans-nathans-famous-jumbo-crinkle-cut-french-fries-28-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nathans-nathans-famous-jumbo-crinkle-cut-french-fries-28-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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