Youfoodz FUEL'D Chicken in Sundried Tomato Sauce
Youfoodz FUEL'D Chicken in Sundried Tomato Sauce: independently scored 8.2/10 on Protein Score and 7.3/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
40.3g protein per serve · 444 cal · 11.7g sugar · 2540mg sodium · 410g serve.
Overview
A single tray of this FUEL'D meal delivers more than your entire daily sodium allowance, hitting a staggering 127% of the 2000mg limit. It's a number that overshadows even the impressive 40.3-gram protein payload, framing this as a meal with a significant trade-off for its convenience and high-protein macro goal. Compared with the FUEL'D Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl in the same range, this sundried tomato version has a fraction less protein and more sugar. The protein source is real chicken breast, anchored by potato and carrot, but the ingredient list runs long at 36 items to create the sauce and texture that holds up to microwaving. Its sodium level is dramatically higher than the typical ready meal we see, which usually sits around 300-500mg per 100g. We see this as a post-training meal for someone who isn't tracking sodium closely, or a backup dinner when the kitchen is off-limits, but not for regular consumption. Found in the chiller aisle at Coles, it's a convenient microwave meal that heats in minutes. The high protein is a genuine drawcard, but the sodium cost is one of the highest we have on record for a single-serve meal.
Protein Score: 8.2/10
This meal lands in the chiller aisle as a clear signal to anyone chasing a high-protein dinner without the prep. The 40.3 grams of protein per serve is a huge number for a ready meal, earning it a 7.3/10 and putting it ahead of the category average. The protein density is solid at 9 grams per 100 calories, sitting in the balanced range for a ready meal. It's built on real chicken breast, which makes up almost a third of the tray, rather than relying on cheaper fillers or isolates to boost the numbers. For a post-gym refuel or a big dinner after a long day, that protein count is genuinely useful. The trade-off is that the protein doesn't come from a particularly lean formulation, and the 444-calorie count reflects that, making it a substantial meal, not a light top-up.
Clean Score: 7.3/10
There are no artificial sweeteners or colours on the label, which is a positive starting point for a supermarket ready meal. However, with 36 ingredients and six additives, including thickeners and acidity regulators, the processing level earns it a 5.3/10, trailing the typical product in this category. The score reflects the use of modified starch (1422), acidity regulators (327, 451, 450), and thickeners (407, 412) needed to create a stable sauce that holds together in the microwave. Added sugar and salt also contribute to the lower score, pushing it away from a whole-food profile. This is the trade-off for convenience in the ready meal aisle; creating that specific texture and long shelf life in the chiller requires a longer ingredient list. For shoppers prioritising minimal processing, other meals in the Youfoodz range score better.
Wins
- A huge 40.3g of protein per serve supports a high-protein diet.
- Uses real chicken breast as the primary protein source.
- A substantial 444-calorie meal, not just a snack.
Watch outs
- Extremely high sodium at 2540mg, 127% of the daily limit.
- Contains 36 ingredients, including six additives and added sugar.
- Lower Clean Score than other meals in the Youfoodz range.
Ingredients
Chicken (32%), Potato (28%), Water, Carrot (12%), Sundried Tomato Strips (1.5%), Marinade (Acidity Regulators (327, 451, 450), Thickeners (407, 412)), Champignon Mushroom, Butter (Milk), Milk Powder, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Sweet & Smokey Seasoning, Garlic, Onion, Parmesan Cheese (Milk), Red Wine (Milk, Sulphites), Sweet Chilli Sauce, Flour (Wheat), Modified Starch (1422), Brown Sugar, Chicken Booster, Vegetable Booster, Full Cream Milk, Tuscan Seasoning, Natural Flavour, Tomato Paste, Sweet Paprika, Oregano Mix, Salt, Black Pepper.
36 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sodium does this meal contain?
- This meal contains 2540mg of sodium, which is approximately 127% of the 2000mg daily recommended limit. This is an exceptionally high sodium load for a single-serve meal, driven by the seasonings, boosters, and sauces used in the recipe. In our view, this makes it unsuitable for regular consumption, especially for anyone monitoring blood pressure or sodium intake. We'd consider this a one-off meal, not a daily staple.
- Is this meal filling enough for dinner?
- Yes, with 40.3 grams of protein and 444 calories, this is a substantial meal that should be filling enough for dinner. The protein content is particularly high, which aids satiety and is useful for muscle recovery after exercise. It's designed for someone who needs a significant protein hit without cooking. We think it works as a proper dinner, not just a light lunch or top-up.
- Where can I buy this Youfoodz meal?
- Youfoodz FUEL'D Chicken in Sundried Tomato Sauce is listed in the chilled ready meal aisle at Coles supermarkets. You may also find it available directly from the brand's own website, as they operate a meal delivery service. It's not a frozen product, so you'll find it on the refrigerated shelves. Stock can vary by store, so checking local availability is always a good idea.
- How does this compare to other Youfoodz FUEL'D meals?
- This meal has one of the highest protein counts in the Youfoodz lineup we've seen, but it also has one of the highest sodium loads. For example, it has slightly less protein and more sugar than the FUEL'D Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl. Many meals in the standard Youfoodz range have lower sodium and cleaner ingredient lists, but also less protein. This one is squarely aimed at the high-protein goal, with other factors being secondary.
- Why did this meal get a lower Clean Score?
- The Clean Score reflects the level of processing and the number of additives in a product. This meal scored lower because its ingredient list contains 36 items, which is higher than the category average, and includes six additives like thickeners (407, 412) and acidity regulators (451, 450). While it avoids artificial sweeteners, the presence of added sugar and multiple processed ingredients to create the sauce texture means it scores as more processed. A higher score would require fewer additives.