What is the best canned chicken? Here’s a comparison of reviews and rankings for canned chicken from Swanson, Kirkland, and Wellsley Farms.
Why am I writing this? Because canned chicken is one of the food items that I store in abundance for prepping and preparedness (among many other things). I have purchased all three brands (and there are more, but I’m sticking to these three for the purpose of this article). I was about to order several more cases of canned chicken, and decided to do some online research to discover which of these (if any) stand out among the others.
Here’s my researched opinion: a comparison of the reviews and rankings for Kirkland Signature Premium Chunk Chicken Breast, Swanson White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast with Rib Meat, and Wellsley Farms White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast based on available information from web sources and customer feedback.
Note that any references to price, data, and statistics are from what I’ve seen online as of the original publish date of this article. Prices and market conditions fluctuate, and sales/deals are sometimes available as well.
Please share your favorite canned chicken in the comments below. I’ll tell you what I decided to buy at the end of this article.
Kirkland Signature Premium Chunk Chicken Breast
Save time and gas: Order online:
Check Price on Amazon (6)
Check Price on Amazon (12)
Reviews
- Positive Aspects: Widely praised for its flavor, juiciness, and versatility. Customers appreciate its simple ingredients (chicken breast, water, salt). It’s noted for being cost-effective. Reviewers highlight its use in chicken salad, casseroles, soups, and quesadillas, noting a moist texture that is not overly processed. On Amazon, it has a 4.6/5 rating based on 1,877 reviews, and Influenster (a review platform) gives it a 4.72/5 rating based on 29 reviews. A Reddit user called it “excellent, plain or dressed up,” and an Amazon reviewer described it as the “most flavorful canned chicken” they’ve purchased (although everyone has an opinion, right?).
- Negative Aspects: Some note that it looks unappetizing when first opened (similar to canned tuna) and has a slightly processed taste. The inclusion of sodium phosphates and natural flavors is a minor concern for some health-conscious consumers.
Ranking
- Many praise it for its chunky texture and suitability for salads and casseroles.
- Considered one of the best Costco canned meats by many, with strong customer loyalty due to its value and quality.
Nutritional Data (per 2 oz serving)
- 80 Calories
- 13g Protein
- 1g Fat
- 270mg Sodium
Summary
Kirkland’s canned chicken is highly regarded for its flavor, affordability, and versatility, making it a top choice for many consumers.
Swanson White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast with Rib Meat
Save time and gas: Order online:
Check Price on Amazon (6)
Check Price on Amazon (12)
Reviews
- Positive Aspects: Known for its consistent quality, this product is fully cooked (as are the others), made with white meat, and versatile for recipes such as sandwiches and dips. It’s praised for its availability (it’s sold nearly everywhere) and reliability. Customers appreciate its texture for quick meals. On Amazon, it has a 4.6/5 rating based on 13,380 reviews. Walmart has a 4.6/5 rating based on 2,566 reviews.
- Negative Aspects: Some reviews mention a metallic or chemical taste in particular cans, which can be off-putting. (I have not noticed this, but with any canned food, this issue might occur.) The inclusion of rib meat may make it slightly less lean than pure breast meat options (I actually like the combination). It’s also somewhat more expensive per ounce compared to Kirkland..
Rankings
- It is noted for its consistent quality and broad appeal.
- Its widespread use suggests strong consumer trust.
Nutritional Data (normalized per 2 oz serving)
- 53 Calories
- 10g Protein
- 1g Fat
- 226mg Sodium
Summary
Swanson is a top contender due to its consistent quality and versatility, though occasional taste issues and higher cost per ounce slightly lower its appeal compared to Kirkland.
Wellsley Farms White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast
Save time and gas: Order online:
Check Price on Amazon (6)
Reviews
- Positive Aspects: Sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club, this canned chicken is praised for its quality and value, with a 4.6/5 rating from 2,239 reviews on Amazon for a 6-pack of 12.5-oz cans. It’s described as lean, with minimal ingredients (chicken breast, water, salt). It’s suitable for recipes like chicken salad or tacos. Customers appreciate its texture and lack of preservatives.
- Negative Aspects: Less widely reviewed compared to Kirkland and Swanson, making it harder to gauge broad consumer sentiment. It’s more expensive per ounce than Kirkland and Swanson, which may deter some buyers. No specific negative feedback, however, its limited presence in reviews suggests a lower level of popularity.
Rankings
- Its high Amazon rating suggests it’s well-regarded among users, but it lacks the widespread recognition of Kirkland or Swanson.
Nutritional Data (per 2 oz serving)
- 70 Calories
- 14g Protein
- 1g Fat
- 310mg Sodium
Summary
Wellsley Farms is a solid option with good reviews, but its higher price and limited availability make it less competitive than Kirkland or Swanson.
Comparative Rankings and Recommendations
General Consumer:
- Swanson White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast with Rib Meat (#1 due to its immense popularity, great reviews, and widespread availability).
- Kirkland Signature Premium Chunk Chicken Breast (#2 due to its excellent value, coupled with strong customer reviews).
- Wellsley Farms White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast (#3 in this list, with less widespread recognition and a bit higher cost, but it’s definitely worth trying).
Prepper:
- Best Choice: Kirkland Signature Premium Chunk Chicken Breast edges out Swanson due to its lower cost per ounce, higher protein content (13g vs. 10g per serving), more calories (80 vs. 53 per 2 oz serving), and strong customer reviews praising its flavor and versatility.
Notes
- Price Comparison: Kirkland offers the best value, followed by Swanson, and then Wellsley Farms.
- Usage: All three are versatile for recipes such as chicken salad, soups, and casseroles, but Kirkland’s texture and cost make it the most practical option for frequent use.
- Availability: All are available on Amazon. Kirkland is available at Costco, Swanson is available at most supermarkets (e.g., Walmart), and Wellsley Farms is available at BJ’s Wholesale Club.
What did I order this time? Swanson. Why? Because Mrs. J likes it. However, from a pure prepper perspective, Kirkland has more calories and protein, and therefore offers a better value. She doesn’t mind Kirkland or Wellsley Farms either, but it’s “Happy wife, Happy life.” Swanson wins this time…
[ Read: Highest Calorie Canned Food For Survival ]
[ Read: Top 20 Best Canned Food for Emergency Preparedness ]
Read the full article here