Woolies Asian Zing™ BBQ Chicken Thigh Grills

Meal
Checked
Grade B

Woolworths

The short answer

Asian Zing™ BBQ Chicken Thigh Grills by Woolies has 126 kcal, 2 g carbs, 14.8 g protein and 6.2 g fat per serving (Per 95 g serving).

Calories126kcal

Carbs2g

Protein14.8g

Fat6.2g

About it

Woolies Asian Zing™ BBQ Chicken Thigh Grills are marinated chicken thighs with a savory and zesty Asian-inspired sauce. Each 95g serving provides 14.8g of protein, making it a suitable option for endurance athletes looking to support muscle repair and recovery post-training. The marinade includes a butter brine blend, adding flavor but also contributing to a high sodium content of 778mg per serving. While the carbohydrate content is minimal at 2g per serving, the high protein and moderate fat content can be beneficial in the recovery phase, particularly when paired with a carbohydrate source. This product is best consumed after training sessions to aid in muscle protein synthesis and replenish sodium lost through sweat.

High protein content for recovery
Savory flavor enhances meal enjoyment
Quick and easy to prepare

On the label per serving, Per 95 g serving

Energy	528 kJ
Calories	126 kcal
Carbs	2.0 g
Sugar	2.2 g
Fibre	1.0 g
Protein	14.8 g
Fat	6.2 g
Saturated fat	1.8 g
Cholesterol	67 mg
Sodium	778 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density2.1%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.

Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.

Sodium per 100 kcal616 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.

Energy density5.6 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.

Servings for 60 g an hour30How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.

Glycaemic profileThe low carbohydrate content results in a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making it unsuitable as a primary energy source during activity.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

While not suitable as a primary energy source during endurance events, Woolies Asian Zing BBQ Chicken Thighs provide a high-protein option for recovery. The high sodium content can aid in rehydration for athletes with significant sweat losses. Pairing with carbohydrates is essential to fully support recovery.

Who it is for

This product is ideal for endurance athletes who need a protein-rich food option to support post-exercise recovery. It's suitable for those who can tolerate higher sodium levels and are looking for a flavorful meal component. Athletes with high sweat rates or those training in hot conditions may find the sodium content beneficial.

Best sessions

Best used after long training sessions or races to support muscle recovery. Pair with a carbohydrate source to optimize glycogen replenishment.

Pros

High protein content supports muscle recovery
Convenient and flavorful post-exercise meal
Sodium content aids in rehydration after sweating
Easy to prepare and incorporate into meals

Cons

High sodium content may not suit everyone
Low carbohydrate content limits energy provision
Not suitable for use during exercise
May require additional carbohydrate pairing for recovery

Watch out for

High sodium levels could affect blood pressure
Solid form unsuitable for during-exercise consumption

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to its solid form and high sodium content, which may not be suitable for consumption during intense exercise.

Glycaemic profile

The low carbohydrate content results in a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making it unsuitable as a primary energy source during activity.

Electrolytes

Each serving contains 778mg of sodium, which can help replenish sweat losses post-exercise. However, it exceeds the recommended sodium intake for those not exercising intensely.

Carb breakdown

Total carbs: 2 g
Hourly capacity: Not applicable due to low carb content

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for

BeforeDO NOT USE
DuringDO NOT USE
AfterUSE
Carb loadDO NOT USE
Every dayUSE

The product is not suitable for pre-race or during-race consumption due to its solid form and low carbohydrate content. It is, however, beneficial for recovery due to its high protein content, which supports muscle repair. The high sodium content can aid in rehydration post-exercise, especially for athletes with high sweat rates.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because the high sodium content and solid form can slow gastric emptying and may not be tolerated well by all athletes.

Pair it with

Pair with rice for balanced recovery meal
Combine with a vegetable salad for added nutrients
Serve with a carbohydrate drink to boost glycogen replenishment

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: B — Supported by nutritional analysis and general sports nutrition principles, but lacks direct RCT evidence.

In a carb load

The Asian Zing BBQ Chicken Thigh Grills have a low carbohydrate density of 3g per 100g, making them unsuitable for carb loading. A serving contributes only 2g of carbohydrates, which is negligible towards the daily target of 600-840g for a 70kg athlete. The protein content is beneficial post-exercise but does not aid in pre-exercise glycogen loading. The high sodium content may be beneficial post-exercise for rehydration but does not contribute to carbohydrate loading.

Digestion and absorption

The digestion of chicken thighs begins with mastication and salivary enzymes breaking down proteins. Gastric emptying may be slowed by the fat content, leading to a moderate digestion rate. In the small intestine, proteins are further broken down by peptidases, and amino acids are absorbed through active transport. The low carbohydrate content means minimal glucose absorption via SGLT1. The high sodium content may enhance fluid absorption but does not contribute to rapid energy availability.

Recovery

The high protein content (14.8g per serving) supports muscle protein synthesis post-exercise, essential for muscle repair and adaptation. However, the lack of carbohydrates means it should be paired with a carbohydrate source to optimize glycogen resynthesis. The sodium content aids in rehydration by promoting fluid retention, which is beneficial after significant sweat losses. The absence of significant antioxidants or anti-inflammatory compounds limits its recovery role to protein and sodium provision.

Downsides

The high sodium content (778mg per serving) may pose a risk for athletes with hypertension or those sensitive to sodium. The solid form is unsuitable for consumption during exercise due to potential gastrointestinal distress. The low carbohydrate content limits its utility as an energy source during endurance events. Athletes with soy or wheat allergies should avoid this product due to the soy sauce in the marinade.

Don't use it when

Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to slow gastric emptying.
Do not rely on this product for carbohydrate loading due to low carb content.
Avoid if you have soy or wheat allergies.

Clinical risks

High sodium content may exacerbate hypertension in sensitive individuals.
Low carbohydrate content fails to provide adequate energy during endurance exercise.
Solid form increases risk of gastrointestinal distress if consumed during exercise.
Soy and wheat in marinade pose allergen risk for sensitive individuals.

Key references