Core Powerfoods Chicken & Bacon Risotto
Core Powerfoods Chicken & Bacon Risotto: independently scored 8.1/10 on Protein Score and 4.7/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
37.6g protein per serve · 413.48 cal · 3g sugar · 1130mg sodium · 350g serve.
Overview
Compared with the brand's Beef Taco tray, this risotto packs a fraction more protein but also more sugar. It's part of a broad range of high-protein frozen meals from Core Powerfoods, all aimed at delivering a macro-focused dinner without the prep work.
The 37.6 grams of protein per serve is the main event here, landing far above the 5-8g per 100g we see in typical supermarket ready meals. It's a genuine dinner-sized portion that uses real chicken as its primary protein source, backed by ham and cheese. At 413 calories, it's a proper meal, not a light snack masquerading as one.
That convenience comes with a significant trade-off. The 1130mg of sodium eats up 56% of the 2000mg daily limit in a single tray, a number that demands attention if you're eating these meals regularly. The ingredient list is also extensive, with 54 entries including 17 additives like thickeners, stabilisers and a flavour enhancer (621) to create the creamy texture and ensure it survives the freezer-to-microwave journey.
We see this as a backup meal for the freezer, ideal for a post-training refuel when the kitchen feels a mile away. It's stocked in the freezer aisle at Coles and Woolworths, offering a convenient, protein-first option for time-poor shoppers who aren't scrutinising the sodium or additive count.
Protein Score: 8.1/10
This tray sits at the higher-protein end of the Core Powerfoods lineup, a range built entirely around delivering a macro-focused meal. With a protein density well above the category average, it earns an 8.1/10.
The numbers are strong. A 37.6-gram protein hit in a single 350g tray puts this firmly in the high-protein dinner category, while 9.1 grams of protein for every 100 calories shows it is genuinely protein-dense, not just padded with carbs and sauce.
For someone needing a serious protein refuel after a workout, this is one of the most efficient options in the freezer aisle. It delivers a serving of protein you would otherwise need a dedicated shake or a freshly cooked chicken breast to match.
Clean Score: 4.7/10
This is a heavily processed meal, a fact reflected in its ingredient list and subsequent score. The long list of thickeners, stabilisers, and preservatives lands it a 4.7/10, trailing the typical ready meal we see.
The 54 ingredients tell the story here, a number sitting well above the category average of 32. The list includes 17 numbered additives, from thickeners like Modified Starch (1422) and gums (Xanthan, Carrageenan) to stabilisers (451, 452) and a flavour enhancer (621).
These additives are doing a job: creating a creamy, stable risotto texture that can withstand being frozen and reheated in a microwave. The trade-off for that convenience is an ingredient panel that won't suit anyone chasing a whole-food or minimally processed diet.
Wins
- A high-protein dinner with 37.6g of protein per serve.
- A convenient frozen meal ready in minutes from the microwave.
- More protein-dense than the average ready meal at 9.1g per 100kcal.
Watch outs
- Extremely high in sodium, with 1130mg per serve (56% of the daily limit).
- A long list of 54 ingredients, including 17 additives.
- Contains zero fibre, a marker of whole-food content.
Ingredients
Creamy Mushroom Sauce (35%)(Water, Cream ( **Milk**), Thickeners (Modified Starch (1422), Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan), Emulsifier (472e), Mineral Salts (Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride)), Mushrooms (10%), Onion, Modified Starch (1422), Mustard, Garlic, Demi Glaze (( **Milk**), Butter ( **Milk**), Vegetable Seasoning, Salt, Natural Flavour, Xanthan Gum, Herbs, Spices), Chicken (24%), Rice (22%), Peas (8%), Ham (5%)(Pork (75%), Water, Salt, Starch (Potato), Dextrose (Maize), Acidity Regulators (326, 262), Honey (Honey, Maltodextrin (Maize)), Stabilisers (451, 452, 339), Sugar, Food Acid (331), Antioxidant (316), Vegetable Fibre, Vegetable Gum, (407), **Soy** Protein, Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein, Preservative (250), Vegetable Oil), Cheese (3%)(Pasteurised **Milk**, Salt, Starter Culture ( **Milk**), Enzyme (Non-Animal Rennet), Anticaking Agent (Tapioca Starch), Preservative (202)), Bacon (Pork (90%), Water, Salt, Sugar, Dextrose, Acidity Regulators (326, 261), Stabilisers (451, 452), Sodium Nitrite (250), Wood Smoked), Flavour Enhancer (621)
54 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sodium is in this meal?
- This meal contains 1130mg of sodium per 350g serve. That represents approximately 56% of the 2000mg suggested daily limit, which is a very high concentration for a single meal. This level of sodium is common in meals designed for long shelf life and flavour intensity. We think it's a critical factor to consider if you plan on eating these meals regularly.
- Is this meal filling enough for dinner?
- Yes, in our view this is a substantial meal. It provides 413 calories and a significant 37.6 grams of protein, which is well within the range of a high-protein dinner. The combination of chicken, rice, and a creamy sauce makes it far more satisfying than a lighter snack. We'd consider it a full dinner plate, especially for a post-training refuel.
- Where can I buy Core Powerfoods meals?
- Core Powerfoods ready meals are typically stocked in the freezer aisle of major Australian supermarkets, including Coles and Woolworths. Availability can vary by store location and state. The brand may also sell products directly from their own website, so that is another place to check for their full range. We'd suggest checking the freezer section on your next grocery shop.
- How do you cook this risotto?
- This is a frozen meal designed to be cooked in the microwave. You typically pierce the film on the tray and heat it for a few minutes, according to the instructions on the pack. It is not designed for oven cooking. The convenience of a microwave-ready tray is the main appeal for this product. We'd recommend following the packet instructions for the best result.
- How does this risotto compare to other meals in the Core Powerfoods range?
- This Chicken & Bacon Risotto is one of the higher-protein options in the brand's lineup. For context, it has slightly more protein than their Beef Taco tray (10.7g vs 10.6g per 100g). Most meals in the range follow a similar pattern: high protein counts, often over 30g per serve, paired with a long ingredient list to ensure texture and shelf life. We think it fits the brand's focus on macro-led meals perfectly.