Are Just Bare Chicken Nuggets Actually Healthy? The Real Truth Behind These Popular Nuggets

Ever found yourself standing in the freezer aisle at Costco staring at that big bag of Just Bare chicken nuggets and wondering if they’re really as healthy as everyone claims? I’ve been there too! These nuggets have gained a cult-like following, with many folks swearing they taste just like Chick-fil-A but with better nutrition. But are they actually good for you or is it just clever marketing?

Let’s dive deep into the nutrition, ingredients, and everything else you need to know about Just Bare chicken nuggets to determine if they deserve a spot in your freezer.

The Nutritional Breakdown: What’s Really Inside

Before we judge whether these nuggets are healthy or not, let’s look at what’s actually in them:

Per serving (84g or about 3 ounces)

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 7g (1.5g saturated)
• Protein: 16g
• Carbs: 9g
• Sodium: 470mg (about 20% of your daily recommended intake)

When we compare this to traditional fast food nuggets like Chick-fil-A, the difference is striking. Chick-fil-A nuggets contain about 380 calories and 17g of fat for a 12-piece serving, while Just Bare delivers just 160 calories and 7g of fat per serving.

What Are Just Bare Chicken Nuggets Made Of?

One of the biggest selling points of Just Bare nuggets is their simple ingredient list

• They’re made from whole chicken breast meat (not mystery meat or processed chicken parts)
• No artificial ingredients or preservatives
• No antibiotics used in raising the chickens
• The breading is lightly applied, which helps keep fat content lower than heavily breaded options
• Contains tapioca starch in the breading, potentially offering a lower glycemic index compared to wheat flour

The focus on whole chicken breast meat is particularly important, as many cheaper nuggets use ground chicken with fillers, which significantly reduces the nutritional value.

Health Benefits: Why People Love Them

There are several reasons why nutritionists and health-conscious consumers tend to view Just Bare nuggets more favorably than other options:

1. High Protein Content

With 16g of protein per serving, these nuggets can help support muscle maintenance and growth. This makes them a solid option for athletes, growing kids, or anyone looking to increase their protein intake.

2. Lower Fat Content

Compared to traditional fried nuggets, Just Bare’s option has significantly less fat. This is partly due to the minimal breading and the cooking method used during processing.

3. No Artificial Additives

The lack of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors makes Just Bare nuggets a cleaner option for those avoiding highly processed foods.

4. Cooking Versatility

They can be baked, air-fried, or even microwaved, giving you options that don’t require additional oils or fats.

Potential Health Concerns to Watch For

Nothing is perfect, and Just Bare nuggets do have some nutritional drawbacks to be aware of:

1. Sodium Content

At 470mg per serving, the sodium content is definitely something to monitor. For context, the FDA recommends keeping daily sodium intake under 2,300mg. If you’re on a sodium-restricted diet or have high blood pressure, this is worth considering.

2. Still a Processed Food

Even though Just Bare nuggets are less processed than many competitors, they’re still a processed food item. Whole foods will always be nutritionally superior.

3. Portion Control Is Key

It’s easy to eat more than one serving, especially since they taste so good! This can quickly add up in terms of calories and sodium.

How Do Just Bare Nuggets Compare to Other Brands?

Looking at the landscape of frozen chicken nuggets, Just Bare stands out positively among many options. Let’s see how they compare to some others on the market:

When we look at this comparison, Just Bare offers a good balance of reasonable calories, lower fat, moderate sodium (compared to some competitors), and high protein.

How to Make Just Bare Chicken Nuggets Even Healthier

Just because these nuggets are better than many options doesn’t mean you can’t make your meal even healthier. Here are some tips:

• Air fry or bake instead of deep frying
• Control portions by measuring out a single serving
• Pair with vegetables rather than fries or other processed sides
• Choose healthier dips like hummus or Greek yogurt-based sauces instead of high-calorie options
• Make a balanced meal by adding whole grains and vegetables

What Do the Experts Say?

Nutritionists generally agree that Just Bare chicken nuggets are one of the better options in the frozen nugget category. While they don’t recommend making them a dietary staple, they acknowledge that these nuggets can be part of a balanced diet, especially for busy families looking for convenient protein sources.

As one nutritionist put it: “When comparing frozen chicken nugget options, Just Bare is one of the better choices due to its clean ingredient list and favorable nutritional profile.”

The Verdict: Are Just Bare Chicken Nuggets Healthy?

So, are Just Bare chicken nuggets healthy? The answer is… relatively.

They’re definitely healthier than most frozen chicken nuggets and fast food options, with more protein, less fat, and fewer artificial ingredients. However, they’re still a processed food with moderate sodium content.

Think of them as a “better choice” rather than a health food. For busy nights when you need something quick, they’re a decent option that won’t derail your health goals if eaten in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

Where to Buy and What to Expect

Just Bare chicken nuggets are widely available at Costco, where they’re often sold in bulk 64-ounce bags for about $13.99 (price may vary by location). They can also be found at major grocery stores and online retailers.

At around $0.22 per ounce at Costco, they’re more economical than eating out but slightly pricier than some other frozen nugget options. Given their quality ingredients and nutritional profile, many consumers find the price point reasonable.

Final Thoughts

We all have those days when cooking from scratch just isn’t happening. On those days, having options like Just Bare chicken nuggets in your freezer can be a lifesaver.

Are they as healthy as a homemade grilled chicken breast with fresh vegetables? Of course not. But they’re a significant step up from many convenience foods, offering real nutrition along with the convenience factor.

The key is balance. Enjoy these nuggets as part of a varied diet, serve them alongside fresh foods, and be mindful of portion sizes. Do that, and you can absolutely include Just Bare chicken nuggets in your healthy eating plan without guilt.

There’s no single “healthiest” option, as it depends on whether you’re looking at fast food or frozen nuggets and what criteria you prioritize (e.g., low sodium, simple ingredients). For fast food, McDonald’s and KFC nuggets were found to be among the least unhealthy in one assessment, while Bell & Evans and Applegate are often recommended as healthier frozen options due to simple ingredients and lower sodium.

Yes, Just Bare chicken nuggets are a processed food because they involve cutting chicken into pieces, adding seasonings, breading, and cooking it, even if they are considered less processed than some other options due to using real chicken breast rather than a paste and having minimal ingredients. The degree of processing can be subjective, but any modification from the whole, raw chicken counts as processing.