- Chick-fil-A has introduced that will probably be providing a brand new plant-based different to its rooster sandwich.
- The brand new sandwich, which incorporates a cauliflower filet, is boasted to be a “stunt double” to the unique.
- Nevertheless, it would initially solely be obtainable in restricted markets.
- Nutritionists say the brand new sandwich is a step in the best course, however there may be room for enchancment.
“Eat mor … cauliflower?”
Chick-fil-A’s bovine mascots might quickly be hawking the versatile vegetable on a roadside close to you if the chain’s plans are profitable.
On February 9, Chick-fil-A introduced that it might be debuting its new Chick-fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich, which it claims can have everybody questioning whether or not it’s the unique Chick-fil-A Rooster Sandwich or “its stunt double.”
Aside from the truth that the filet at its heart is made from complete cauliflower, the plant-based providing is ready virtually identically to the unique: It’s “marinated, breaded with their signature seasoning, pressure-cooked, and served on a toasted buttery bun with two dill pickle chips,” per the press launch.
Initially, the Chick-fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich might be obtainable in solely three take a look at markets: Denver; Charleston, South Carolina; and the Greensboro-Triad area of North Carolina. Beginning February 13, individuals dwelling in these areas should purchase the sandwich by the restaurant’s app or contact their native retailer for extra details about its availability.
Whereas the value will range by market, the beginning value is $6.59, in accordance with a spokesperson.
The sandwich, which took 4 years to develop, got here in response to buyer requests for a plant-based entrée with Chick-fil-A’s distinctive aptitude, in accordance with Leslie Neslage, who’s the director of menu and packaging at Chick-fil-A.
“Our new sandwich is made with the very best high quality elements and complete greens, and we hope it presents prospects one more reason to dine at Chick-fil-A,” she mentioned within the firm’s press launch.
Whereas it appears to be ticking the best containers like “whole-food” and “plant-based,” simply how wholesome is the Chick-fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich? And the way does it evaluate with the unique sandwich containing rooster?
Since Chick-fil-A doesn’t but have the dietary info for the Chick-fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich listed on its web site, Healthline reached out to a consultant for the corporate, who was capable of present the next info:
- Energy: 350
- Complete Fats: 19g
- Saturated Fats: 4g
- Trans Fats: 0g
- Ldl cholesterol: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 7g
By comparability, Chick-fil-A supplied the next vitamin info for its Chick-fil-A Rooster Sandwich by way of its web site:
- Energy: 440
- Complete Fats: 17g
- Saturated Fats: 4g
- Trans Fats: 0g
- Ldl cholesterol: 70g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 29g
Sharon Palmer — registered dietitian, writer, and blogger at The Plant-Powered Dietitian — instructed Healthline that not the entire info on its formulation was supplied, however it seems that the sandwich incorporates complete cauliflower that’s breaded, fried, and served on a refined grain bun.
“I wouldn’t essentially name this a ‘wholesome’ alternative, because it’s not a balanced meal. It’s decrease in protein, incorporates a good quantity of fats/sat fats, and doesn’t contribute a substantial amount of fiber to the day,” Palmer mentioned.
Palmer did level out, nevertheless, that there are some advantages to the cauliflower sandwich.
“[I]t offers a serving of greens and presents plant-based choices in fast service eating conditions, which is an effective development,” mentioned Palmer, “[It’s] higher for the surroundings and if it helps individuals transfer extra to a plant-based weight loss program, that’s a very good factor.”
Palmer additional famous that the cauliflower sandwich is decrease in saturated fats than different fast-food choices and it has no ldl cholesterol, making it a better option in that respect.
“I’d like to see a number of extra optimistic parts added to the sandwich, equivalent to further greens (lettuce, tomatoes, avocado), a very good protein supply (maybe a tahini sauce or soy protein), and a complete grain bun,” she added.
It was unclear how a lot sodium the cauliflower sandwich incorporates, though the data supplied for the rooster sandwich signifies that it incorporates 1,400 mg of sodium.
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For individuals who are on the lookout for a more healthy, plant-based solution to fulfill their cravings, Palmer mentioned that home-made veggie burger sandwiches like her edamame grain vegan burgers — which include complete plant meals like beans, lentils, grains, herbs, and greens — present good vitamin with out a lot saturated fats or sodium.
“You can even make wholesome, scrumptious sandwiches layering in greens, baked tofu, and complete grain bread,” Palmer instructed. “And grain bowls—layered complete grains, plant protein (beans, lentils, tofu), veggies, and a flavorful sauce are good fast takeaway meal choices, too.”
