Coles Perform Build Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl
Coles Perform Build Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl: independently scored 9.5/10 on Protein Score and 8.3/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
43.2g protein per serve · 539 cal · 0.4g sugar · 880mg sodium · 400g serve.
Overview
Nearly half your daily sodium limit in one tray is the sharp trade-off for the convenience of this high-protein meal. The 880mg of sodium per serve is a significant hit, representing 44% of the 2000mg suggested daily target. It also carries 5.6g of saturated fat, crossing the 5g-per-serve threshold where we call it out. On the upside, the protein comes from a solid source: chargrilled RSPCA Approved chicken breast, which makes up over a third of the meal. A fibre hit of 8.4g per serve is also a strong point, coming from black beans, corn and vegetables, signalling a better whole-food base than many of its peers. At 539 calories, this is a genuinely filling dinner, not a light top-up snack. This meal sits slightly above the category average for protein density, and its ingredient count of 34 is typical for a complex supermarket ready meal. Compared with the brand's Perform Build Beef Ragu Bolognese, this chicken tray has a fraction less protein but also less sugar, giving shoppers a clear choice based on their macro targets. Found in the chiller aisle at Coles, it's a practical option for a post-training refuel when you're short on time and can stomach the sodium load. We see it as a backup meal, not a daily driver.
Protein Score: 9.5/10
This meal lands in the chiller aisle as a genuine muscle-building option, not just a convenient dinner. The 43.2 grams of protein from a 400g tray is an immense payload, the kind of number that supports serious training goals and earns an 8.3/10. With 8 grams of protein for every 100 calories, it offers a balanced macro split without being excessively padded with carbs. Its protein score clears the category average, driven by a formula that puts chicken breast front and centre. Unlike meals that rely on protein powders or fillers to boost their numbers, the protein here comes from a quality whole-food source, which we always prefer to see. The 539-calorie total makes it a substantial meal, meaning the protein isn't delivered in a tiny, unsatisfying portion. For anyone needing a high-protein dinner without wanting to cook, it's one of the more effective options in the supermarket.
Clean Score: 8.3/10
No artificial sweeteners or preservatives appear on the ingredient list, which is a solid start for a supermarket ready meal. The formula relies on common kitchen and pantry ingredients alongside a handful of functional additives, landing it a 6.8/10 for clean formulation. The two additives present are Paprika Oleoresins (a natural colour) and starch-based thickeners, which are used to give the sauce and chicken coating a stable, consistent texture. With 34 ingredients in total, it sits right on the average for the ready meals we analyse, reflecting the complexity needed to make a multi-component meal shelf-stable. This score is slightly ahead of the category average, suggesting Coles has put a decent effort into keeping the formulation relatively straightforward. It's a processed meal, but it avoids the more aggressive additives like artificial flavours or preservatives, making it a respectable choice for the convenience it offers.
Wins
- Delivers an athlete-grade 43.2g of protein per serve.
- Contains a solid 8.4g of fibre from beans, corn and vegetables.
- Uses real RSPCA Approved chicken breast as the primary protein source.
Watch outs
- High sodium at 880mg per serve, nearly half the daily limit.
- Contains 5.6g of saturated fat per serve, a notable amount.
- A long list of 34 ingredients points to a highly processed meal.
Ingredients
Cooked Rice & Beans (38.5%) [Cooked Rice (76%), Black Beans (9%), Corn (6%), Celery, Onion, Canola Oil, Crushed Garlic (0.5%), Parsley, Salt, Thyme, Bay Leaf], Chargrilled Cajun Chicken Breast (37.5%) [Australian RSPCA Approved Chicken Breast (89%), Thickener (Starch), Crushed Garlic, Vegetable Oil, Herbs and Spices (Smokey Paprika (1.0%) (contains Smoke Flavouring), Coriander Leaf, Thyme, Oregano), Salt, Yeast Extract, Citrus Extract, Lemon Juice from Concentrate (contains Natural Flavouring)], Chipotle Sauce (20%) [Water, Tomato Paste (12%), Cream (11%) (Milk), Corn Starch, Red Capsicum (4.5%), Green Capsicum (4.5%), Lemon Juice from Concentrate, Vegetable Stock Seasoning (contains Natural Flavouring), Sugar, Smokey Paprika (0.5%) (contains Smoke Flavouring), Chipotle Chilli Powder (0.5%), Natural Colour (Paprika Oleoresins)], Corn (4%)
34 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sodium does this meal contain?
- This meal contains 880mg of sodium per 400g serve. That represents approximately 44% of the 2000mg suggested daily dietary limit for an adult. This is a significant amount for a single meal, putting it at the higher end for supermarket ready meals. Because of the high sodium load, we think this meal is best suited for occasional use rather than as a daily go-to, especially if you are monitoring your blood pressure or overall sodium intake.
- Is 43g of protein enough for a post-workout meal?
- Yes, 43.2 grams of protein is a substantial amount that is well-suited for a post-workout recovery meal. This level of protein can effectively support muscle repair and growth after intense exercise. The protein is sourced primarily from chicken breast, a high-quality complete protein. Combined with over 500 calories, it provides both the building blocks and the energy needed for recovery. It's one of the most protein-dense options in the supermarket chiller.
- How does this compare to other meals in the Coles Perform range?
- This Chipotle Chicken tray offers one of the highest protein counts in the Coles Perform lineup. When compared with the Perform Build Beef Ragu Bolognese, for instance, this chicken meal has fractionally less protein (by 0.3g per 100g) but is also lower in sugar. The choice between them comes down to flavour preference and whether your priority is maximising protein or minimising sugar. We find the "Build" sub-range consistently delivers higher protein than the "Balanced" meals.
- How do you heat this burrito tray?
- This meal is designed to be heated in the microwave. As a chilled ready meal in a plastic tray, you typically pierce the film lid and heat it for the time specified on the packaging, which is usually around 4-6 minutes. It is not suitable for conventional oven heating as the tray may warp. The microwave-ready format makes it a quick and convenient option for a work lunch or a fast weeknight dinner when you don't have time to cook.
- Where can I buy the Coles Perform burrito tray?
- The Coles Perform range, including this Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl, is a house brand for Coles. You will find it stocked in the chilled ready meal section of Coles supermarkets across Australia. It is not typically ranged by other supermarket chains like Woolworths or Aldi. While it's listed at Coles, stock can vary by store location, so it may also be worth checking their website for local availability.