Ingredient Information

Function

Chicken powder is dry product of chicken meat that is added as a flavor enhancer. It is used to add a rich, savory and meaty flavor. Examples of foods that contain chicken powder include dry sauces and gravy mixes, rice seasoning, soup bases, breading and stuffing. Chicken Powder is also known as Chicken Meal, Dehydrated Cooked Chicken, Powdered Cooked Chicken.

Other Use and Industries

Chicken powder is a common ingredient in dry dog and cat food, although in the pet food industry it is usually referred to as chicken meal.

Health Effects

Chicken powder is a unique flavor enhancer and is a great way to add chicken flavor to dry mixes. Chicken powder can contain salt and MSG. These added seasonings help make the chicken meal flavorful. Therefore, those trying to stay away from MSG might not want to consume foods with chicken meal.

As with any meat product, food safety issues are a concern. There are no specific cautions or risks to consuming chicken meal. When manufactured under strict controls of cooking and drying, chicken meal is a safe food.

There are typically no allergy issues with chicken powder, however some chicken powder is encapsulated with skim milk powder. Those with milk allergies would not be able to consume chicken powder. Those on a low sodium diet or those instructed to not consume MSG should refrain from eating products that contain chicken powder.

Chicken powder may contain chemicals, MSG and significant ammounts of salt.

Origins

Chicken powder is manufactured by grinding cooked chicken and skin. The ground chicken is typically spray dried into a fine powder. Chicken powder cannot contain bone or any chicken by-products. Often, the chicken is cooked with spices and seasonings that contribute to flavor in the final powder.