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 nuggets, the ingredients can make or break their healthiness. I took a closer look at what goes into both Quorn and chicken nuggets, and here’s what stood out.
Quorn Nuggets: Plant-Based Simplicity
Quorn nuggets are built around mycoprotein, a plant-based protein that makes up 52% of the product. Mycoprotein comes from fungus, and it’s a great source of low-fat, high-fibre protein.
Alongside mycoprotein, Quorn nuggets include rehydrated egg white, milk proteins, and fortified wheat flour. They also have pea fibre for texture and a small amount of sugar (dextrose).
Chicken Nuggets: The Meaty Option
Chicken nuggets, on the other hand, rely on chicken breast as the main ingredient. Most supermarket brands, like ASDA and Tesco, use up to 58% chicken breast, while McDonald’s nuggets sit at 45%.
Beyond the chicken, these nuggets are coated in fortified wheat flour and flavoured with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Some even have a touch of sugar for taste.
Similar Ingredients, Different Focus
Both Quorn and chicken nuggets share some common ground:
Both types of nuggets include some type of flour, usually fortified wheat flour that’s enriched with vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and B vitamins. Some brands take it a step further by using wholegrain flour or adding other types, like maize or rice flour, for additional texture and flavor.
Vegetable oils, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil, are used in both Quorn and chicken nuggets, primarily for cooking and maintaining the coating’s crispiness. Salt is also a common ingredient, enhancing the flavour of both types of nuggets.
Quorn nuggets also contain raising agents and pea fibre, ingredients that you’ll find in some chicken nugget brands as well. These additions help with texture and ensure the nuggets hold their shape.
But there are clear differences too. Quorn nuggets rely on their plant-based formula, with added proteins like egg white and milk, while chicken nuggets lean heavily on their meat content and seasoning (such as onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and pepper) to deliver flavour.
Let’s Compare the Ingredients
To really understand how Quorn and chicken nuggets differ, I looked at the ingredient lists for Quorn nuggets and chicken nuggets from popular supermarket brands like BirdsEye, ASDA, and Tesco, as well as McDonald’s iconic Chicken McNuggets. Here’s how they stack up:
| Product | Ingredients |
| Quorn Nuggets | Mycoprotein (52%), Water, Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamine), Rapeseed Oil, Rehydrated Free Range Egg White, Maize Flour, Wheat Starch, Milk Proteins, Natural Flavouring, Salt, Raising Agents: Disodium Diphosphate, Sodium Carbonate, Ammonium Bicarbonate; Firming Agents: Calcium Chloride, Calcium Acetate), Wheat Gluten, Dextrose, Gelling Agent: Pectin |
| BirdsEye Chicken Nuggets with Golden Wholegrain | Chicken Breast (51%), Flour (WHEAT, Wholegrain WHEAT, Maize, Rice), Rapeseed Oil, Water, Salt, Starch (WHEAT, Maize), Paprika, Yeast, Natural Flavouring, Turmeric, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin |
| ASDA Battered Chicken Nuggets | Chicken Breast (58%), Wheat Flour, Water, Rapeseed Oil, Salt, Maize Flour, Tapioca Starch, Pea Fibre, Stabilisers (Diphosphates, Triphosphates), Dextrose, Raising Agents (Diphosphates, Sodium Carbonates), Yeast, Black Pepper Extract |
| Tesco Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets | Chicken (58%), Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin], Water, Rapeseed Oil, Pea Fibre, Wheat Starch, Salt, Yeast, Yeast Extract, Dextrose, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Sage, White Pepper. |
| McDonalds Chicken McNuggets® | Chicken Breast Meat (45%), Water, Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Rapeseed), Maize Flour, WHEAT Flour (contains Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Starch, WHEAT Semolina, Breadcrumb (contains WHEAT), Natural Flavourings (contains CELERY), WHEAT Gluten, Potassium Chloride, Dried Glucose Syrup, Salt, Raising Agents (Sodium Carbonates), Spices (contains CELERY), Dextrose. |
My Take on the Ingredients
It’s interesting to see how the two compare. Quorn nuggets win on simplicity and are a good plant-based option if you’re avoiding meat or want a fibre boost. Chicken nuggets, however, often pack more flavour and protein thanks to their meat content and seasonings. It’s a good thing brands use chicken breasts and not other parts of the chicken in their nuggets.
Both options have a small amount of sugar (in a form of white sugar and dextrose, which is a type of sugar), so they’re not perfect, but Quorn nuggets may appeal more if you’re after a lighter, plant-based alternative.
How Do Quorn and Chicken Nuggets Compare Nutritionally?
When it comes to nutrition, Quorn and chicken nuggets each have their strengths and weaknesses. To see how they stack up, let’s break it down based on key nutritional factors.
At a Glance: Nutritional Comparison (Per 100g)
| Nutritional information per 100g | Quorn Nuggets | BirdsEye Chicken Nuggets with Golden Wholegrain | ASDA Battered Chicken Nuggets (ovenbaked) | Tesco Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets | McDonalds Chicken McNuggets® – 6 nuggets |
| Energy | 190kcal | 269kcal | 289kcal | 250kcal | 261kcal |
| Fats | 8.3g | 14g | 19g | 12.6g | 13g |
| of which Saturated | 0.8g | 1.6g | 3.7g | 2.1g | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 21g | 16g | 19.9g | 21g |
| of which Sugars | 1.9g | <0.5> g | 1.4g | 1.2g | 0.6g |
| Fibre | 4.5g | 1.6g | 1.6g | 1.7g | 1g |
| Protein | 9.4g | 14g | 13g | 13.4g | 15g |
| Salt | 1.2g | 0.86g | 0.76g | 0.6g | 0.57g |
Calories: Which Is Lighter?
If you’re watching your calorie intake, Quorn nuggets are the lighter option with just 190kcal per 100g. Chicken nuggets, depending on the brand, range from 250kcal to nearly 290kcal per 100g, making them the higher-calorie choice.
Protein: Where Do Nuggets Get Their Power?
Chicken nuggets take the lead in protein content, providing between 13g and 15g per 100g. Quorn nuggets, on the other hand, offer just 9.4g of protein due to their plant-based mycoprotein base. If protein is your priority, chicken nuggets are the better option.
Fat: How Do They Compare?
Quorn nuggets are much lower in fat, with 8.3g per 100g compared to chicken nuggets, which range from 12.6g to 19g. Saturated fat is particularly low in Quorn nuggets at just 0.8g, while chicken nuggets have 2–3.7g of saturated fat per 100g.
Fibre: A Clear Winner
Quorn nuggets shine here, offering 4.5g of fibre per 100g—far more than chicken nuggets, which typically contain only 1–1.7g. This makes Quorn a better choice if you’re looking to increase your fibre intake.
Which is Healthier?
Quorn nuggets are a healthier option overall, as they’re lower in calories and fat and contain significantly more fibre than chicken nuggets. This makes them a great choice for those trying to lose weight or add more plant-based options to their diet. However, they’re not suitable for everyone—some people are allergic to Quorn and will need to avoid them.
Chicken nuggets, on the other hand, provide more protein, which could make them a better choice for those prioritizing muscle maintenance or a higher-protein diet. Ultimately, the best option depends on your dietary needs and preferences.
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