# Tai Pei General Tso's Chicken > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Tai Pei - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Frozen Foods - **Size:** 11 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tai-pei-general-tsos-chicken-11-oz - **Slug:** `tai-pei-general-tsos-chicken-11-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This frozen ready meal contains multiple industrial ingredients (modified starch, syrups, xanthan gum, flavorings) and pre-breaded pre-cooked components, consistent with ultra-processed foods (NOVA 4). ## Review Tai Pei General Tso's Chicken is a single-serve frozen entrée you’ll find in the supermarket freezer aisle among other microwaveable Asian-inspired dinners, adjacent to potstickers, frozen lo mein, and ready-to-heat rice bowls. Packaged in a black plastic tray with a peel-back film and microwave instructions, this 11 oz meal stacks with convenience-focused brands aimed at busy shoppers. It reads like a quick weeknight solution: fried rice studded with carrots and broccoli, saucy General Tso-style chicken nuggets, and bright-red bell pepper pieces glazed in a sweet-spicy sauce. The flavor profile leans sweet and savory, with a sticky, glossy sauce, a lightly crunchy — then quickly softening — breading on the chicken, and tender steamed-style vegetables and rice. Typical rituals include popping the tray into the microwave, waiting five to seven minutes, stirring, and eating directly from the tray or transferring to a plate, often paired with a soda or beer for a low-effort dinner. Brand positioning is convenience-first: Tai Pei markets “restaurant-inspired” flavor for time-pressed adults, students, and families craving familiar takeout without leaving home. Packaging art and product photos emphasize indulgent, saucy appeal rather than health claims; there’s no organic certification and the label foregrounds taste and convenience rather than “natural” or whole-food messaging. In plain language the meal is pre-cooked and highly processed — ingredients like modified starches, syrups, xanthan gum, and prepared breading are used to mimic fresh textures and stabilize the product. Nutrition cues (about 420 kcal, higher sodium and added sugars) signal an occasional indulgence rather than a daily health staple. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 420 - **Total fat:** 11g (14% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1g (5% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 15mg (5% DV) - **Sodium:** 770mg (33% DV) - **Total carbs:** 69g (25% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV) - **Total sugars:** 17g - **Protein:** 13g ## Ingredients Fried Rice: Water, Rice, Mirin (Water, Mirin [Water, Rice, Alcohol, Salt, Enzyme, Koji], Sugar, Lactic Acid), Canola Oil, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt), Contains Less than 2% of: Onions, Ginger, Sugar, Sesame Seed Oil, Kelp Extract (Water, Kelp Extract, Dextrin, Alcohol, Salt, Xanthan Gum), Garlic, Caramel (Sugar, Water). Vegetables: Broccoli, Carrots, Red Bell Peppers, Onions. General Tso Sauce: Water, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt, Alcohol, Vinegar), Sake (Water, Rice, Salt), Sugar, Tapioca Syrup, Fructose, Modified Food Starch, Canola Oil, Contains 2% or Less of the Following: Seasoning (Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Yeast, Yeast Extract, Canola Oil), Citric Acid, Chicken Broth, Vinegar, Spices, Garlic Powder, Xanthan Gum. Cooked Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets: Chicken Breast with Rib Meat, Wheat Flour, Water, Corn Starch, Rice Starch, Contains 2% or Less of the Following: Dextrose, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Rice Flour, Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate), Sea Salt, Seasoning (Sea Salt, Turbinado Sugar, Sodium Carbonate, Natural Flavoring), Yellow Corn Flour, Spices, Sugar, Yeast, Extractives of Paprika, Yeast Extract, Xanthan Gum. Breading is Set in Vegetable Oil. ## Flagged ingredients - **Canola Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Sunflower Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Canola Oil** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier ## Context tags - **Occasions:** movie-night, post-work, back-to-school, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is Tai Pei General Tso's Chicken healthy? Whether it's healthy or not really depends on your dietary needs and what you’re comparing it to. With 420 calories and 13 grams of protein per serving, it can be a satisfying option for a quick meal, but it does have a higher sodium content at 770 mg. If you're looking for something low in sodium or high in fiber, you might want to explore other options. ### Is Tai Pei General Tso's Chicken vegan? Nope, this dish is definitely not vegan. It contains chicken breast nuggets, so if you're avoiding animal products, this one isn't for you. There are plenty of delicious plant-based options out there, though! ### Is it gluten-free? Sadly, Tai Pei General Tso's Chicken is not gluten-free. It contains soy sauce, which typically has wheat in it. If you have gluten sensitivities, you might want to look for a gluten-free Asian-inspired dish. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain canola oil, which is a type of seed oil. Seed oils can be a bit of a hot topic, but they’re commonly used in processed foods for frying and flavor. In moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet, but if you're trying to avoid them, keep an eye out for alternatives. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won’t find any artificial sweeteners in this dish. The sweetness comes from sugar and tapioca syrup, which are more natural options. So, while it's not sugar-free, at least you know what you're getting! ### Is it high in sugar? Yes, it has 17 grams of total sugars per serving, which is on the higher side for a frozen meal. This can be a bit of a concern if you're watching your sugar intake, but it’s not an uncommon amount for a dish with a sweet sauce like General Tso's. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider making a homemade stir-fry with lots of fresh veggies and lean protein, like chicken or tofu. You can control the ingredients and skip the added sugars and preservatives. Or, look for frozen meals that are lower in sodium and higher in fiber! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids often love the crispy chicken and sweet sauce combo. Just keep in mind the sodium content if you're serving it frequently, and balance it out with some fresh veggies on the side to round out their meal. ### Is it good for weight loss? While it can fit into a weight loss plan if enjoyed in moderation, it’s not exactly a diet food. With its higher calorie and sodium content, it might be better as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. Pairing it with a salad or steamed veggies can help make it a bit lighter! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, Tai Pei General Tso's Chicken falls into the ultra-processed category. It contains multiple processed ingredients, like modified food starch and various sauces, which are common in frozen meals. This doesn’t mean it’s bad, but if you're aiming for a more whole-foods approach, you might want to limit these kinds of foods. ## Related products - [Amy's Chinese Noodles & Veggies In A Cashew Cream Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/amys-kitchen-chinese-noodles-veggies-in-a-cashew-cream-sauce-950-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/amys-kitchen-chinese-noodles-veggies-in-a-cashew-cream-sauce-950-oz - [Pillsbury Toaster Donut Frosted](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pillsbury-toaster-donut-frosted-950-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pillsbury-toaster-donut-frosted-950-oz - [Magnum Non-Dairy Caramel Bars, 3 count](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/magnum-non-dairy-caramel-bars-3-count-912-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/magnum-non-dairy-caramel-bars-3-count-912-oz - [Mings Spicy Dan Dan Frozen Noodles](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mings-spicy-dan-dan-frozen-noodles-10-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mings-spicy-dan-dan-frozen-noodles-10-oz - [Scott & Jons Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/scott-jons-jons-garlic-butter-shrimp-rice-bowl-960-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/scott-jons-jons-garlic-butter-shrimp-rice-bowl-960-oz - [Casper Fatboy Junior Sandwich Vanilla 6pk](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/fatboy-casper-junior-sandwich-vanilla-6pk-2475-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/fatboy-casper-junior-sandwich-vanilla-6pk-2475-oz - [Totino's Pizza Rolls Combination 90 ct](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/totinos-pizza-rolls-combination-90-ct-4880-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/totinos-pizza-rolls-combination-90-ct-4880-oz - [Amy's Bowls Tortilla Casserole And Black Beans](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/amys-kitchen-bowls-tortilla-casserole-and-black-beans-950-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/amys-kitchen-bowls-tortilla-casserole-and-black-beans-950-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md