Chicken Samoosa

Woolworths Chicken Samoosa

  • Snack
  • Checked
  • Grade C
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The short answer

Chicken Samoosa by Woolworths has 217 kcal, 15 g carbs, 7.1 g protein and 14.6 g fat per serving (1 samoosa (average mass)).

Calories217kcal
Carbs15g
Protein7.1g
Fat14.6g
About it

Woolworths Chicken Samoosa is a ready-to-eat snack, combining a spiced chicken filling with a crispy pastry shell. Each samoosa provides 217.2 kcal per serving, with 15 g of carbohydrates, 7.1 g of protein, and 14.6 g of fat. This high-fat content may slow gastric emptying, making it less ideal for pre-race or during-race fueling. However, it can serve as a convenient post-training snack for athletes who need a quick calorie boost. The sodium content of 232 mg per serving is moderate, aiding in electrolyte replenishment. While not a primary carb source, it can be a part of a balanced diet for endurance athletes.

  • Convenient calorie source
  • Moderate sodium content
  • Contains protein for recovery

On the label per serving, 1 samoosa (average mass)

Energy909 kJ
Calories217 kcal
Carbs15.0 g
Fibre3.8 g
Protein7.1 g
Fat14.6 g
Saturated fat2.1 g
Cholesterol8 mg
Sodium232 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density21%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 kcal107 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density13 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour4How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileThe carbohydrate content is moderate, with a likely low to moderate glycemic impact due to the fat content slowing carbohydrate absorption.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Woolworths Chicken Samoosa is not ideal for pre-race or during-race consumption due to its fat content, which may slow gastric emptying and energy release. It is better suited as a post-training snack or on low-intensity days when a convenient calorie source is needed.

Who it is for

This product is suitable for endurance athletes seeking a quick snack post-training. It's best for those who need a calorie-dense option with moderate protein content. However, due to its high fat content, it is not ideal for athletes looking for rapid energy release before or during intense exercise.

Best sessions

Best suited for post-training or low-intensity days when immediate energy is not critical. Avoid consuming before high-intensity sessions due to potential digestive delays.

Pros
  • Convenient and ready-to-eat snack
  • Moderate protein content aids recovery
  • Contains some sodium for electrolyte balance
  • Calorie-dense for energy replenishment
Cons
  • High fat content slows digestion
  • Not suitable for pre-race or during-race
  • Low carbohydrate content for endurance needs
Watch out for
  • High fat may cause GI distress if consumed pre-exercise
  • Potential for dental erosion due to pastry

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to high fat content, which can slow digestion and cause GI discomfort.

Glycaemic profile

The carbohydrate content is moderate, with a likely low to moderate glycemic impact due to the fat content slowing carbohydrate absorption.

Electrolytes

Contains 232 mg of sodium per serving, which helps with electrolyte balance but is below the 300-600 mg/hr loss during intense exercise.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
15 g
Hourly capacity
60-90

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterUSE
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayUSE

The high fat content makes it unsuitable for pre-race and during-race scenarios due to delayed gastric emptying and potential GI distress. It can be used for recovery when paired with additional carbohydrates, as it provides some protein and calories. Not suitable for carb loading due to low carbohydrate density.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because the high fat content can slow gastric emptying and delay energy availability.

Pair it with
  • Pair with a banana for added carbohydrates
  • Combine with a protein shake for recovery
  • Serve with a low-fat yogurt for balanced nutrition

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — Limited direct evidence supports its use in endurance contexts, with extrapolation based on macronutrient content.

In a carb load

With 15 g of carbs per serving, the carb density is low, at approximately 21 g per 100 g. This makes it unsuitable for carb loading, as it would require impractically large quantities to meet a 600-840 g/day target. Its high fat content further detracts from its use in carb loading by slowing gastric emptying and reducing the efficiency of carbohydrate uptake.

Digestion and absorption

The high fat content slows gastric emptying, delaying carbohydrate absorption. Carbohydrates are absorbed in the small intestine, primarily via SGLT1 transporters. The presence of fat and protein can slow this process, leading to a delayed insulin response. The fibre content may contribute to slower digestion and potential fermentation in the colon, posing a risk for GI distress if consumed pre-exercise.

Recovery

Provides some protein (7.1 g per serving) which can aid muscle protein synthesis post-exercise. However, the low carbohydrate content is insufficient for optimal glycogen resynthesis, which requires 1.0-1.2 g/kg/h of carbs. Additional carbohydrate sources are necessary for effective recovery.

Downsides

High fat content can lead to delayed gastric emptying and potential GI distress if consumed before or during exercise. The pastry may pose a dental erosion risk due to its carbohydrate content and stickiness. The low carbohydrate content limits its utility in pre-exercise fueling and rapid recovery.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high fat content.
  • Avoid during high-intensity sessions due to potential GI distress.
  • Not suitable for carb loading due to low carbohydrate density.
Clinical risks
  • High fat content may cause GI distress if consumed pre-exercise.
  • Low carbohydrate content limits glycogen replenishment post-exercise.
  • Potential for dental erosion due to sticky pastry.
  • Not suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

Questions about Chicken Samoosa

How many carbs are in Chicken Samoosa by Woolworths?

15 g of carbs per serving (1 samoosa (average mass)), with 217 kcal and 7.1 g protein.

Is it suitable for pre-race consumption?

No, the high fat content can slow digestion and delay energy release, making it unsuitable for pre-race.

Can it be eaten during a race?

No, it's not recommended due to potential GI distress from high fat content during exercise.

What is the best time to consume it?

Best consumed post-training or on low-intensity days when immediate energy is not critical.

Are there any allergens?

Yes, it contains wheat (gluten).

How does it aid recovery?

Provides calories and moderate protein, aiding in post-exercise recovery when paired with additional carbohydrates.

How should it be stored?

Store in a cool, dry place and consume within a few days once opened.

In the app

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