Mishry Rating
SUPERB!
Summary
These plant-based nuggets showcase a remarkable chicken-like flavor and texture. While the ingredient list could be cleaner, these are an excellent alternative for new vegetarians looking to replicate the taste and texture of chicken nuggets without actually consuming any meat.
The rise of plant-based foods has come to the rescue of newly turned vegetarians looking to satisfy some meaty cravings. These meatless nuggets mimic the taste and texture of traditional chicken nuggets, while also reducing the environmental impact.
PFC Foods, a brand owned by Metatek Engineering Pvt. Ltd, aims to offer plant-based food products that prioritize taste while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality. We tested their Classic Chicken Nuggets in our review lab and tested the product on different parameters – taste, texture and nutrition profile.
Do these nuggets capture the appearance, texture, and taste of real meat-based nuggets? Our PFC Foods Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets review reveals the details.
Table of Contents
PFC Foods Plant Based Chicken Nuggets – Quick Glance
Here’s a quick glimpse at the product details:
| PFC Foods Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets | Product Information |
| Price | INR 350 |
| Net Quantity | 400 gm |
| Calories (per 100 gm) | 288.5 kcal |
| Shelf Life | Best Before 12 months from manufacture |
| Mishry Rating | 4 |
Our Review Factors
What are we expecting? We are looking for a plant-based frozen chicken nugget that closely resembles the taste and texture of traditional meat-based nuggets.
Our review parameters for PFC Foods Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets are –
1. Taste
Here we look at the overall flavor of the product. Does it taste like real chicken nuggets? Is the seasoning balanced? What about the aftertaste?
2. Texture
When it comes to the texture, our main focus points are the crunchy exterior covering and the meaty, juicy mouthfeel. Does it successfully replicate the meatiness of real chicken nuggets? How crispy is the outer layer?
3. Nutri Label
Ingredients
What are the primary ingredients used in the preparation of these nuggets? Do they contain any preservatives, additives, or artificial colors?
Nutrition Information
We also scrutinized the nutrition profile to check for the protein, calories, fats and fiber content of these nuggets. If compared to a real chicken nugget – how much protein and fiber do they offer?
4. Additional Information
In the additional information section, we record details on the price, packaging, appearance, aroma and shelf life.
Quick Reading: Imagine Meats Chicken Nuggets Review.
PFC Foods Plant Based Chicken Nuggets – Detailed Review
Price + Packaging
PFC Foods’ Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets come in a non-resealable white and green packet. They are available at a price of Rs. 350 for a 400 gm pack. The nuggets have a shelf life of 12 months from the date of manufacture and should be stored in ideal conditions of -18 degrees C or below.
Nutrition Label (Ingredients + Nutrition Information)
Ingredients
The main ingredients are – Water, Vegetable protein mix (20%) {Textured soy protein, cereal fibre (oats), soy protein, dehydrated onion, iodised salt, stabiliser (INS 461)}, Hydrogenated vegetable fat (coconut), Predust & Batter Mix {Edible starch, refined wheat flour (Maida), rice flour, acidity regulator (INS 450 (i)), Raising agent (INS 500 (ii)), Thickener (INS 415)}, Bread Crumbs {Refined wheat flour (Maida), Dextrose, Iodised salt, Preservative (INS 282), Yeast, and Acidity regulator (INS 260)}.
Further, it also contains Edible vegetable oil (rice bran oil), Seasoning * {Acidity regulator (INS 452 (i)), flavor enhancer (INS 627, INS 631), Color (INS 171), and Flavoring substances (Natural & Nature Identical)}.
*Seasoning used as a flavoring agent.
Allergy Advice: Contains oats, wheat, and soy. May contain nuts.
The ingredient list does not look clean. We were hoping for a cleaner list.
Nutrition Information
80 grams = 1 serve that is approximately 4 nuggets. Per serve, the approximate nutritional information is as follows:
- Energy: 230.8 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15.52 gms
- Fiber: 14.88 gm
- Total Fat: 11.52 gm
- Protein: 8.88 gm
Per 100 gms, these plant-based chicken nuggets contain 288.5 kcal of energy, 19.4 gm of carbohydrates, 18.6 gm of fiber, 11.1 gm of protein and 14.4 gm of total fat.
Generally, traditional chicken nuggets contain approximately the following nutrients per 100 grams: Calories: 290-300 kcal, Protein: 15-18 grams, Fat: 18-20 grams and Carbohydrates: 16-18 grams.
In a comparative analysis, the protein content of 11.1 grams per 100 grams serving of PFC Foods Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets is fairly satisfactory.
Aroma + Appearance
These are tangri-shaped nuggets. When you break it apart, it looks as if it’s chicken. They have a pronounced soy-like aroma.
How to make these?
The packaging indicates that these nuggets can be prepared using the following methods:
- Pan-Frying – Preheat the oil in a pan to 180 degrees C. Fry the frozen nuggets for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp and golden brown.
- Air-frying – Air fry them at 200 degrees C for 10 to 12 minutes until both sides are golden brown. Serve Hot!
How did we make them? We opted for the pan-frying method to cook them and followed the instructions provided on the package. We fried on low-medium flame to avoid burning.
Additionally, we did not thaw the nuggets before frying.
Our Observations
The cooking process was pretty hassle-free. They crisped up nicely and achieved a lovely golden brown color within the specified time frame. None of them fell apart during frying. Another plus point is that they did not absorb excess oil during frying.
In terms of taste, these nuggets are lightly seasoned with salt and have a lingering soy-like aftertaste. For those who want to mask the soy flavor, they can easily do so by pairing the nuggets with their choice of sauces, such as mustard, ketchup, peri-peri, or BBQ.
When it comes to the texture, we have no complaints whatsoever! The exterior of these nuggets delivers an excellent crispiness.
Inside, the nuggets have a soy-like texture that closely resembles the look of traditional chicken nuggets. They have a delightful, soft, and meaty texture without any dryness.
Pros
- Soft, meaty texture.
- Spot on flavors.
- Excellent crispness.
- Easy to fry.
- Tastes like chicken.
- Does not soak up much oil.
Cons
- We expected the ingredients to be way more clean.
Best Suited For
These plant-based chicken nuggets are a wonderful choice for recently turned vegetarians looking for alternatives that taste and feel like meat.
Related Read: ITC Master Chef Incredible Plant Based Nuggets Review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some interesting FAQs on PFC Foods Plant Based Chicken Nuggets
1. How many chicken nuggets are there in a single pack?
A 400 gm pack of these chicken nuggets contains approximately 20 to 21 nuggets.
2. What is plant based chicken?
Plant-based chicken is a meatless, vegan product designed to replicate the taste, texture and appearance of traditional chicken but derived from plant-based sources.
3. What are the different preparation methods for PFC Foods Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets?
As per the information on the pack, you can cook these nuggets using two different methods: pan-frying and air-frying. These require no thawing before frying.
4. What is the shelf life of these chicken nuggets?
These are best before 12 months from the date of manufacture. The ideal storage temperature is -18 degrees C or below.
Our Verdict
These nuggets do manage to replicate the feel of a traditional chicken nugget, with their flavors, crispy outer layer, and tender, succulent interior. However, we also believe that the ingredient list could have been cleaner.
Are you a fan of plant-based meats?
Our reviews are unbiased and all samples used during the reviews were paid for by us. Read our entire ethics statement here.
