Are Chicken Pot Pies Healthy? Here's Why They Can Be
Chicken pot pies haven't traditionally been thought of as a healthy option. Few dishes can rival its classic appeal but as health-conscious consumers, we often wonder whether indulging in this savory delight is a wise choice.
Let's take a deeper look into the question: Are chicken pot pies healthy?
We'll look at the nutrition facts of some of the most popular options to make our conclusion.
Are Frozen Chicken Pot Pies Healthy?
Generally, frozen chicken pot pies aren't considered to be healthy for you, however there are some health-conscious options that are made with organic ingredients, lower in calories, packed with protein, and full of vitamins.
Brand Comparison
Let's compare 5 popular chicken pot pie brands to help you find the healthiest options: Marie Callender's, Banquet, Aunt Ethel's, Stouffer's, and Blake's.
Since these brands offer different sized pies, we'll compare their nutrition facts at 200 grams. For instance, if you were to eat 200 grams of each pot pie, the chart below shows you how many calories you will have consumed.
Calories
Brand | Calories @ 200g |
Marie Callender's | 440 Calories |
Banquet | 374 Calories |
Aunt Ethel's | 405 Calories |
Stouffer's | 445 Calories |
Blake's (Lowest) | 352 Calories |
Calories don't paint the full picture, but they give us a great starting point for comparing these options.
As shown in the chart above, Blake's has the lowest calories, followed by Banquet and Aunt Ethel's.
Protein
Brand | Calories @ 200g |
Marie Callender's | 11 g |
Banquet | 11 g |
Aunt Ethel's (Highest) | 19 g |
Stouffer's | 13 g |
Blake's | 11 g |
It's important to pay attention to the calorie:protein ratio. Nutritionist recommend consuming at least 0.8 g of protein per pound of body weight for long-term muscle growth.
Also, if you're watching your weight, experts recommend calculating your caloric intake and maintaining a balance between the calories you consume and the calories you burn through physical activity.
We recommend selecting options that are higher in protein while also being lower in calories.
Sodium
Brand | Calories @ 200g |
Marie Callender's | 650 mg |
Banquet | 758 mg |
Aunt Ethel's (Lowest) | 559 mg |
Stouffer's | 650 mg |
Blake's | 634 mg |
It's equally important to monitor your sodium intake, as excessive sodium can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure, water retention, and increased risk of heart disease.
The Department of Health and Human and Services (HHS) recommends limiting sodium consumption to no more than 2,300 mg per day..
When selecting pot pies, we suggest prioritizing options that are lower in sodium, especially if you're trying to manage your overall health or reduce bloating.
Fiber
Brand | Calories @ 200g |
Marie Callender's | 2 g |
Banquet | 1 g |
Aunt Ethel's (Highest) | 3 g |
Stouffer's | 1 g |
Blake's (Highest) | 3 g |
It's also essential to pay attention to your fiber intake, as fiber plays a key role in digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports heart health.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends consuming at least 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams per day for men, though individual needs may vary based on age and activity level.
Vitamins
Brand | Vitamin D (DV%) | Iron (DV%) | Potassium (DV%) | Calcium (DV%) |
Marie Callender's | 0% | 20% | 4% | 2% |
Banquet | 0% | 8% | 6% | 0% |
Aunt Ethel's | 4% | 9% | 9% | 5% |
Stouffer's | 0% | 14% | 8% | 16% |
Blake's | 0% | 4% | 0% | 0% |
When choosing pot pies, look for options that are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin D, potassium, calcium, and iron to support a balanced diet.
These nutrients play vital roles in maintaining strong bones, supporting muscle function, boosting immunity, and carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Takeaway: Can You Be Healthy and Eat Chicken Pot Pies?
You can absolutely be healthy and eat chicken pot pies. As with all foods, we recommend consuming them in moderation.
Also consider comparing your pie's calories to the other foods you're eating n a given day to ensure that you're supporting your health and wellness goals.
But as you can see from the charts above, there are some frozen pot pie options that are lower in calories and sodium, good sources of vitamins and fiber, and packed with protein.
How to Find Healthier Options
Traditional chicken pot pies have a reputation for being rich in calories, saturated fats, and sodium, making them a questionable choice for those seeking a balanced diet.
Many companies offer frozen pies, but they're not all created equal. Here's what to look for when searching for the best quality options:
- Gourmet Ingredients: Look for options using premium, high-quality ingredients (i.e. organic chicken, fresh vegetables, a signature gravy).
- Lower Sodium: Traditional pot pies are notorious for their high sodium content, which can contribute to hypertension and other health concerns.
- Nutrient Balance: Look for pot pies that strike a balance between taste and nutrition. It should incorporate lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and minimal additives to create a meal frozen that's both satisfying and health-conscious.
Comparing Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies to Other Brands
There are a lot of frozen meals on the market, from frozen mac and cheese to frozen lasagna, to frozen Chinese food to frozen appetizers.
However, Aunt Ethel’s Pot Pies are the fastest gourmet alternatives on the market. They go from freezer to table in just 5 minutes, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Despite their convenience, they taste just like a homemade pot pie, delivering that comforting, from-scratch flavor you crave.
What sets Aunt Ethel’s Pot Pies apart is our innovative packaging—by packing the crust and filling separately, we ensure the crust maintains its crispiness while the filling heats up evenly, preserving freshness and quality.
With Aunt Ethel’s, you get the best of both worlds: gourmet taste and unmatched convenience.
Traditional Family Frozen Foods Vs. Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies
- Quality Ingredients: Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies take the gourmet route, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor and made with the finest ingredients.
- Health-Conscious Choices: Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies are healthy, offering low sodium frozen meals for those watching their salt intake.
- Microwave Convenience: Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies are designed to be microwaved for a quick and convenient meal, just like Marie Callender's frozen meals.
- Variety: While Marie Callender's has a range of options, Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies include unique and enticing flavors, satisfying a wide range of palates.
Conclusion: Are Pot Pies Healthy?
So, are chicken pot pies healthy?
The answer depends on what you choose. Traditional pot pies may not always align with your health goals, but Aunt Ethel's Gourmet Pot Pies are a different story.
With organic ingredients, lower sodium options, and a commitment to health-conscious eating, Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies offer a delicious and guilt-free dining experience.
Check out this list of 31 healthy side dishes to serve with your pot pie.