Perdue

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Perdue Refrigerated Spicy Chicken Cutlets fall at the lowest end of our cleaner food options spectrum. This product is not organic and includes genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which detracts significantly from its overall score. Additionally, the presence of added sugars and potentially harmful additives such as natural flavors, flavor, and corn starch further diminish its rating. The inclusion of maltodextrin, a known harmful additive, is the most significant factor in its low score.

The Perdue Spicy Chicken Cutlets are composed primarily of boneless chicken breast with rib meat, coated with a mixture that includes wheat flour and a variety of spices. The use of wheat flour and yellow corn flour contributes to the product’s structure, while spices such as paprika, turmeric, and annatto add color. The hot sauce ingredient, consisting of aged cayenne peppers, vinegar, salt, and garlic powder, is intended to provide a spicy flavor profile.

This product also contains wheat gluten and yeast extract, common ingredients in processed foods. The yeast contributes to the product’s texture and may also serve as a flavor enhancer. The presence of onion powder, garlic powder, and whey rounds out the flavor profile of the chicken cutlets.

Despite these ingredients, the product’s non-organic status, GMO content, added sugars, and harmful additives overshadow any potential benefits. The inclusion of maltodextrin is particularly concerning due to its association with negative health effects.

Given the ingredient profile and the scoring criteria focused on health and clean eating, the Perdue Refrigerated Spicy Chicken Cutlets are recommended to be avoided. The product does not align with the goal of offering cleaner food options, and its lowest possible green leaf rating reflects its position in a market where healthier, more natural alternatives are available and preferred.