Perdue gets 'smart' about chicken

SALISBURY, Md. — Perdue has introduced its new frozen food line that consists of grilled, lightly breaded and roasted chicken products.

Perdue said that its Simply Smart line features whole cuts of chicken breast and is made with real, simple and recognizable ingredients, such as sea salt, unbleached wheat flour, cracked black pepper and olive oil, the company said. Each product also touts at least 40% fewer calories, at least 50% less fat and at least 25% more protein than the USDA standard for breaded fried boneless chicken.

"Through outside research and focus groups we learned that consumers are looking for minimally processed, natural ingredients with no preservatives, and they want to know where their food is coming from," said Tom Mertensotto, VP ready-to-eat marketing/ new ventures. "Our Simply Smart product line gives consumers the transparency they are looking for along with a healthier frozen food option that still tastes great."

Perdue Simply Smart now is available for a suggested retail price of $9.49 for each item in the line: original roasted chicken chunks (22-oz. bag); original grilled chicken strips (22-oz. bag); lightly breaded chicken chunks (24-oz. bag); lightly breaded chicken strips (24-oz. bag) and lightly breaded chicken filets (24-oz. bag).