Quorn Nuggets vs Chicken Nuggets: Which are Healthier?

I occasionally give my child chicken nuggets, but I always make sure they’re made with 100% chicken breast, not other parts of the chicken. Even then, I know chicken nuggets aren’t exactly a health food—they’re often high in fat and can contain some questionable ingredients.

That got me thinking: are Quorn nuggets a healthier alternative? With their plant-based protein and reputation as a better-for-you option, they seem like a great choice. But how do they really compare to chicken nuggets? I decided to take a closer look at the ingredients and nutritional values of both to find out.

Quick Answer: Which Is Healthier?

Quorn nuggets are generally healthier than chicken nuggets. They’re lower in calories and fat, and higher in fibre, making them a better choice for weight management and overall health.

However, chicken nuggets have more protein, so the best option depends on your dietary priorities. If you’re allergic to Quorn or prefer higher protein, chicken nuggets might be better for you—but opt for those made with 100% chicken breast.

What’s Inside Quorn and Chicken Nuggets?

When it comes to ingredients, Quorn and chicken nuggets share a few basics — but their focus is very different.

Quorn Nuggets

• Main ingredient: Mycoprotein (52%), a plant-based protein from fungus
• Other ingredients: Wheat flour, rapeseed oil, rehydrated egg white, milk proteins, pea fibre, and a small amount of sugar (dextrose)
• Designed as a lighter, plant-based option with added fibre

Chicken Nuggets (BirdsEye, ASDA, Tesco, McDonald’s)

• Main ingredient: Chicken breast (45–58%)
• Other ingredients: Wheat flour, rapeseed oil, seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, pepper), small amounts of sugar or dextrose
• Focus on providing higher protein with more robust flavour from spices and seasoning

What They Have in Common

• Fortified wheat flour (often enriched with calcium, iron, and B vitamins)
• Vegetable oils (like rapeseed or sunflower) for cooking and crispiness
• Salt and raising agents for texture and flavour

✅ Key Takeaway:
Quorn nuggets are built around a plant-based protein boosted with egg and milk proteins, while chicken nuggets stick to meat and stronger seasonings for flavour.
Both types are processed, but Quorn tends to be lighter and higher in fibre, while chicken nuggets provide more protein.

If you want a closer look, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the actual ingredient lists for Quorn nuggets and popular chicken nugget brands like BirdsEye, ASDA, Tesco, and McDonald’s.
This makes it even easier to spot the differences at a glance:

How Do Quorn and Chicken Nuggets Compare Nutritionally?

Both Quorn and chicken nuggets have their strengths, depending on what you’re looking for. Here’s how they stack up per 100g:

Key Differences (At a Glance)

Calories:
Quorn nuggets are much lighter, with just 190 kcal per 100g. Most chicken nuggets land between 250–290 kcal.

Protein:
Chicken nuggets clearly win here, offering around 13–15g of protein per 100g. Quorn nuggets provide just 9.4g due to their plant-based mycoprotein base. If protein is your priority, chicken nuggets are the better option.

Fat:
Quorn nuggets are lower in total fat (8.3g) and especially low in saturated fat (0.8g). Chicken nuggets vary but are much higher.

Fibre:
Quorn nuggets are much lower in fat, with 8.3g of total fat and just 0.8g of saturated fat per 100g.
In comparison, chicken nuggets contain 12.6g to 19g of total fat and 1.5g to 3.7g of saturated fat, depending on the brand.
This makes Quorn the lighter option if you’re trying to cut down on fats — especially saturated fats.

Salt:
Quorn nuggets have 1.2g of salt per 100g, which is slightly higher than most chicken nuggets.
Chicken nuggets typically range from 0.57g to 0.86g of salt per 100g, depending on the brand.
The difference isn’t huge, but if you’re watching your sodium intake carefully, chicken nuggets might be the slightly lower-salt choice.

Which is Healthier?

Overall, Quorn nuggets are the healthier choice for most people.
They’re lower in calories and fat and have much more fibre than chicken nuggets, making them a great option for weight management and adding more plant-based foods to your diet.

However, Quorn isn’t suitable for everyone. Some people are allergic to mycoprotein (the main ingredient in Quorn products) and may experience digestive discomfort or allergic reactions — so it’s important to be cautious if you’re trying them for the first time.

Chicken nuggets, on the other hand, provide more protein — around 13–15g per 100g compared to Quorn’s 9.4g.
If building or maintaining muscle is your goal, or if you prefer higher-protein foods, chicken nuggets might suit you better.

Bottom line:

• If you want fewer calories, less fat, and more fibre → Quorn nuggets win.
• If you want maximum protein and aren’t concerned about a bit more fat → Chicken nuggets are the better pick.

Related article:

Are Quorn chicken nuggets healthy?

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Petra Nakashian

Petra Nakashian has been writing about nutrition, natural health, and ingredient research for over 10 years. She began her journey after losing both parents to cancer at a young age — an experience that sparked her deep commitment to understanding how diet and lifestyle impact long-term health. Petra specialises in evidence-based wellness content, drawing from scientific studies, expert sources, and years of personal research. She’s especially known for breaking down hidden ingredients in everyday foods and drinks, helping readers make informed, healthier choices without the fluff or misinformation.

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