Strength Meals Co Peri Peri Chicken
Strength Meals Co Peri Peri Chicken: independently scored 8.9/10 on Protein Score and 8.4/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
29.3g protein per serve · 422 cal · 4.3g sugar · 1090mg sodium · 350g serve.
Overview
Strength Meals Co, the supermarket-facing brand from My Muscle Chef, is squarely aimed at shoppers chasing a high-protein dinner without the prep time. This Peri Peri Chicken tray is a classic example of the brand's proposition, but it comes with a significant trade-off that you can't ignore. The headline number is the sodium: at 1090mg per 350g tray, this single meal delivers roughly 55% of the 2000mg daily recommended limit. That's a heavy hit for one meal, placing it at the very top end of sodium content for the ready meal category we track. It's a figure that warrants caution for anyone eating these meals regularly. Looking at the ingredients, the protein comes from real chicken breast (24%) with a boost from soy protein to reach the 29.3g total. The base is a standard mix of basmati rice, kidney beans, capsicum and corn. Compared to the brand's Spaghetti Bolognese, it offers a fraction more protein, but it still sits below the category average for protein density. We see this as a meal built for convenience and hitting a protein number, with less focus on a cleaner, lower-sodium profile. Found in the Woolworths chiller aisle, it's a straightforward microwave meal that's ready in minutes. It serves a clear purpose for anyone needing a quick, high-protein dinner, but the sodium content is too high for us to recommend it as a daily go-to.
Protein Score: 8.9/10
This meal lands on the shelf as a clear step-up from a standard supermarket dinner, aimed at shoppers who check the protein column first. The 29.3g of protein per serve is the figure for a single tray, earning it a 7.8/10. It's a noticeable jump over lighter ready meals. The protein density, however, sits at 7g per 100 calories, which is just on the cusp of what we'd consider protein-dense. It signals that while the total protein is high, it comes with a meaningful amount of carbs and fats from the rice and sauce. This isn't an athlete-grade lean meal, but a balanced one. Against the broader ready meal category, its score is above average. For the person who just finished a workout and needs a simple, effective refuel from the supermarket without turning on the stove, it does the job. Those chasing maximum protein for minimum calories might look elsewhere.
Clean Score: 8.4/10
The 31-ingredient formula, this meal sits right on the category average for complexity, signalling a moderate level of processing to achieve its flavour and shelf stability. The list includes seven additives, from colours to thickeners, which brings the Clean Score to 6.9/10. The additives here are doing specific jobs: mineral salts (450, 451, 500) help with texture and stability, while a thickener (407a) gives the sauce body. You'll also find a natural colour (150a) and a preservative, Nisin, which is common in processed foods to extend its life in the chiller aisle. This level of processing is the trade-off for a ready-to-heat meal that tastes consistent and holds together after microwaving. While it's not a whole-food meal you'd make from scratch, it avoids artificial sweeteners. It suits the shopper prioritising convenience over a minimalist ingredient list.
Wins
- A solid 29.3g of protein per serve for a post-gym refuel.
- Uses real chicken breast as the primary protein source.
- Contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Watch outs
- Extremely high sodium at 1090mg, over half the daily limit.
- Contains seven additives including thickeners and mineral salts.
- Low in fibre with just over 3g per 350g meal.
Ingredients
Chicken (24%), Cooked Basmati Rice (23%), Water, Red Kidney Beans (6%), Capsicum (5%), Sweet Corn (4%), Mexican Sauce (2.5%) (Natural Colour (150a), Acidity Regulator (260)), Diced Tomato (2.5%) (Acidity Regulator (330), Firming Agent (509)), Yoghurt **(Milk)**, Onion, Garlic, Cream **(Milk)**, Canola Oil, **Soy** Protein, Tapioca Flour, Herbs & Spices, Lemon Juice, Yeast Extract, Seasoning (Mineral Salts (450, 451), Thickener (407a)), Red Cayenne Chilli (Acidity Regulator (260)), Red WIne Vinegar, Marinade (Mineral Salt (500)), Salt, Lemon Zest, Garlic Powder, Natural Preservative (Nisin **(Soy)**).).
31 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sodium is in the Peri Peri Chicken meal?
- This meal contains 1090mg of sodium per 350g serve. That figure represents approximately 55% of the 2000mg daily sodium limit recommended for adults. Such a high sodium content is a significant trade-off for the convenience and protein. In our view, it makes this meal better for occasional consumption rather than a daily staple, especially if you are mindful of your salt intake.
- Is this meal filling enough for dinner?
- Yes, for most people this will be a filling meal. It provides 421 calories and 29.3g of protein in a single 350g tray, which aligns with a solid dinner serve. The combination of chicken, basmati rice, and beans provides substance that you don't always get from lighter ready meals. We'd consider it a proper dinner, not a top-up snack.
- How does this compare to other Strength Meals Co options?
- This meal offers a strong protein hit, which is consistent across the Strength Meals Co range. When compared with the brand's Spaghetti Bolognese, for example, this Peri Peri Chicken has slightly more protein and a little less sugar per 100g. However, its sodium content is notably high. If you're choosing within the range, it's worth comparing the nutrition panels, as some options may offer a better balance of protein to sodium.
- Where can I buy Strength Meals Co meals?
- Strength Meals Co products are typically stocked in the chiller or freezer aisle at major supermarkets like Woolworths. This Peri Peri Chicken meal is usually found in the chilled ready meal section. Availability can vary by store location, and the brand may also sell products directly from their own website.
- What makes this a high-protein meal?
- This meal gets its high-protein status from the 29.3g of protein packed into a single 350g serve. The protein is sourced primarily from chicken breast, which makes up 24% of the meal, and is supplemented with soy protein to boost the total. This is significantly more protein than a standard supermarket ready meal, making it a targeted choice for those looking to support fitness goals or ensure a more satiating dinner.