Whole Roasted Chicken — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Whole Roasted Chicken by signature chef DUMP — score 17/90.

It looks like a plain roasted chicken, but it's pumped with up to 15% brine and coated in a seasoning stack of maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, sorbitol and multiple sugars. Over 20 ingredients with phosphates and gums lands this squarely in highly-processed territory.

Why this verdict

• Over 20 ingredients — far past the 18 that flags heavy processing
• Pumped with up to 15% solution; you pay meat prices for salt water
• Sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium acid pyrophosphate hold water and load sodium
• Maltodextrin plus corn syrup solids in the coating — refined fillers, not food
• Three-plus sweeteners stacked: brown sugar, dextrose, sugar, sorbitol

Ingredients (20)

• Whole Chicken (safe) — Real muscle meat and the dominant ingredient; excellent protein.
• Water (injected solution) (moderate) — Up to 15% added solution inflates weight; you're paying for brine.
• Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.
• SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE (caution) — Phosphate additive for moisture retention; excess phosphate is a cardiovascular and kidney concern at regular intake.
• Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (moderate) — Additive used to keep the fries from graying; a processing aid.
• brown sugar (caution) — Second added sugar in the flavor base.
• Dextrose (caution) — Second added sweetener.
• Sugar (moderate) — Added for sweetness, can contribute to calorie content.
• sorbitol (moderate) — Sugar alcohol used as a humectant; can cause GI upset in quantity.
• Maltodextrin (moderate) — Highly processed starch-derived carbohydrate used as a carrier and texturizer; spikes blood sugar readily.
• corn syrup solids (caution) — One of four sweetener sources.
• rice starch (moderate) — Another refined starch adding to the carbohydrate base.
• Carrageenan (moderate) — Seaweed-derived stabilizer; some people report digestive sensitivity.
• Xanthan Gum (moderate) — Industrial thickener.
• Garlic Powder / Dehydrated Garlic (safe) — Standard seasoning, no real concern.
• DEHYDRATED ONION (safe) — Real seasoning; fine.
• Paprika / Extractives of Paprika (safe) — Spice and natural color extract for the roasted look.
• Spices / Spice Extractives (safe) — Flavoring blend, benign.
• citric acid (safe) — Acidity and tartness adjuster.
• vinegar (safe) — Mild preservative and flavor enhancer.