Supermarket Standoff: Buffalo Wings

We have embarked on a taste test tour of supermarket foods. We nibble, we score, and we share the results to help you avoid the paralysis of Brand Choice Overload. Today's topic: buffalo wings.

Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Drumettes with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce Photo: Misha Gravenor

We suffered (and this time, we do mean suffered) through a blind testing of five supermarket brands of frozen buffalo chicken wings so you don't have to. (Well, we cooked them. But we bought them frozen.) Unfortunately, pre-made chicken wings just aren't that good. But we did find one that was palatable, and it was the same brand that nutritionist Marissa Lippert voted as the healthiest. Huzzah!

Our Favorites for Flavor

#1 Bell & Evans Buffalo Style Chicken Wings

Nutrition: One serving (132g/3 pieces)=170 calories, 10g total fat, 3.5g saturated fat, 110mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 0g total carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 19g protein.
Ingredients: Chicken Wing Sections, Water, Rice Starch, Paprika, Sea Salt, Vinegar Powder (Maltodextrin, White Distilled Vinegar), Spice, Paprika Extract. Glazed with Hot Sauce (Aged Cayenne Red Peppers, Vinegar, Water, Salt and Garlic Powder), Butter, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika Extract (color).
Cost: $6.99 at Whole Foods in NYC
Blind Tasting Notes: "Not buffalo flavored, but actually tastes like chicken"; "Easy to mindlessly consume"; "Could pass for not frozen, has a nice smokiness".

#2 Tyson Any'tizers Hot 'N Spicy Chicken Wings

Nutrition: One serving (96g/3 pieces)= 220 calories, 15g total fat, 3.5g saturated fat, 110mg cholesterol, 560mg sodium, 1g total carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 20g protein.
Ingredients: Chicken Wing Sections, Water, Wheat Flour, Modified Food Starch, Sodium Phosphates, Salt, Seasoning (Salt, Oil of Garlic). COATED WITH: Hot Sauce (Fresh Red Ripe Peppers, Distilled Vinegar, Salt), Water, Soybean Oil, Chili Pepper, Cellulose Hum, Modified Corn Starch, Salt and Spice Extractives. Blanched in Vegetable Oil.
Cost: $4.99 at Food Emporium in NYC
Blind Tasting Notes: "Pleasingly fried-tasting"; "Spice is nice, flavor is nice, chicken is gross"; "Probably the best sauce"; "Texture feels pre-chewed".

Nutritionist Marissa Lippert's Picks

#1 Bell & Evans Buffalo Style Chicken Wings
Comments from Lippert: "Between ingredients and sodium levels, we're left with slim pickings. My main concern with many of the types of wings is the high sodium levels. Our daily recommended intake is 2300 mg (1500mg if you have high blood pressure, are 51 and older, or have heart disease). Many were over 700 mg, and one had a whopping 1,100mg! I also spotted soybean oil, partially hydrogenated oil, 'natural flavor' and isolated soy protein tossed around in some of the brands. I'm a sucker for a spicy buffalo wing or two, but I'll pass on the unnecessary processed ingredients. There's only one choice, as far as I'm concerned."

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