Strength Meals Co Chicken Laksa Soup
Strength Meals Co Chicken Laksa Soup: independently scored 7.9/10 on Protein Score and 9.6/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
21.8g protein per serve · 346 cal · 7.2g sugar · 1090mg sodium · 400g serve.
Overview
That sodium number is the first thing you notice. At 1090mg per tray, this single meal accounts for more than half of the 2000mg daily sodium limit. It's an enormous trade-off for a convenient soup, and one that immediately frames this as an occasional meal, not a staple for your weekly rotation. The ingredient list tells a better story. With 22 ingredients, it's significantly shorter than the ready meal category average of 32. Real chicken makes up almost a fifth of the meal, backed by coconut milk, yellow split peas, and fragrant spices like lemongrass and galangal. There are no artificial colours or sweeteners. However, the coconut milk base contributes to a high saturated fat content of 8.4g per serve, another figure worth watching. Compared with the brand's Hearty Beef Soup, this laksa offers 0.4g more protein and 0.4g less sugar per 100g. Even so, its protein density of 5.5g per 100g sits well below the typical 10.4g we see in this category, showing it carries more sauce and base than some leaner, more protein-focused options. As a 346-calorie meal, it lands as a substantial lunch or a lighter dinner. You'll find it in the prepared meals section of the supermarket, offering a quick microwave solution for a time-poor evening when you want something with more substance than a snack.
Protein Score: 7.9/10
Is this soup actually a filling protein source? With 21.8g of protein in the tray, it lands in the solid dinner bracket, clearing the bar for a proper meal and earning a 7.4/10. It's the protein hit for a sub-350 calorie soup, making it a genuinely useful option. The score lands above the average for the ready meals we've tested, which is a credit to the formulation. At 6.3g of protein for every 100 calories, it isn't the leanest meal on the shelf; the coconut milk base brings a fat component that makes it less protein-dense than a simple chicken-and-rice dish. It strikes a balance between flavour and function. This tray suits someone after a convenient post-training refuel or a quick desk lunch that provides a genuine protein serve. It's not for an athlete chasing maximum protein density, as other meals pack more protein for fewer calories, but it gets the job done for a general shopper.
Clean Score: 9.6/10
The use of a stabiliser like guar gum is what keeps the coconut milk from separating into a watery mess during heating. With just two additives and 22 ingredients total, this laksa scores a 7.8/10, sitting comfortably ahead of the category average for ingredient simplicity. The score reflects a list free from artificial colours, preservatives, or sweeteners. Flavour is driven by whole ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, red curry paste and fish sauce, not a panel of flavour enhancers, though yeast extract is present to round out the taste. It's a much shorter list than the typical 32-ingredient ready meal we analyse. For a shopper scanning labels in the chiller aisle, this reads as a less-processed option. It's a strong choice if you want a quick meal without a long list of E-numbers, provided you can absorb the significant sodium and saturated fat hit as part of the deal.
Wins
- Delivers a solid 21.8g of protein in a single-serve tray.
- A short ingredient list of 22 items, well below the category average.
- No added sugar, artificial colours or artificial sweeteners.
Watch outs
- Extremely high sodium at 1090mg, over half the daily recommended limit.
- Contains 8.4g of saturated fat per serve, a significant amount.
- At 346 calories, it's a lighter meal, not a large dinner.
Ingredients
Water, Chicken (19%), Onion, Coconut Milk (8%) (Coconut Extract, Water, Stabiliser (Guar Gum)) Carrot, Yellow Split Peas, Pasta (2.5%) (Wheat), Garlic, Lemongrass (1%), Canola Oil, Red Curry Paste (Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid. Seasoning. Fish Sauce, Corn Starch, Coriander, Galangal Puree, Shallots, Turmeric, Yeast Extract, Chilli.))
12 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sodium does this meal contain?
- This soup contains 1090mg of sodium per 400g tray, which is approximately 55% of the 2000mg daily limit suggested for adults. This is a very high sodium load for a single meal. While it contributes to the flavour, it makes it a meal to have occasionally rather than several times a week. We'd suggest balancing it with lower-sodium foods throughout the rest of your day.
- Is 22g of protein enough for a post-gym meal?
- Yes, with 21.8g of protein, this meal provides a substantial serve for post-exercise recovery. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth after training. While some athlete-grade meals might offer over 40g, this amount is more than enough for most gym-goers looking for a convenient way to refuel. It's a solid contribution to your daily protein target in a single, easy-to-prepare tray.
- How do you prepare this meal?
- This meal is designed for microwave heating, making it a quick and convenient option. You typically pierce the film and heat it on high for a few minutes, though you should always follow the specific instructions on the pack. It's a single-serve tray, so there's no need for extra dishes or complicated prep. We think it works best as a simple, fast meal for a busy day.
- Where can I buy Strength Meals Co soups?
- Strength Meals Co products are stocked in major Australian supermarkets, with this Chicken Laksa Soup listed at Woolworths. You can typically find it in the chilled or frozen ready meal section. The brand is owned by My Muscle Chef, so it has wide distribution, and may also be available to buy directly from the brand's own website. We'd check the supermarket's chiller aisle first.
- How does this Laksa compare to the brand's other soups?
- This Chicken Laksa has a unique profile in the Strength Meals Co range. Compared to their Hearty Beef Soup, for example, this laksa offers slightly more protein (5.5g vs 5.1g per 100g) and a little less sugar. However, its overall protein density is lower than the brand's more pasta-focused meals. In our view, it's positioned as a lighter, flavour-driven option rather than a pure protein-maximising meal.