Did Arby’s Change Their Chicken Tenders?
Arby’s, a popular fast-food chain, has been serving chicken tenders to its customers for decades. Over the years, the company has made several changes to its menu items, including its chicken tenders. But did they really change their chicken tenders? Let’s dive into the details to find out.
The Original Chicken Tenders
Arby’s introduced its chicken tenders in the early 2000s as a response to the growing demand for chicken-based menu items. The original chicken tenders were made with 100% white meat chicken, hand-breaded with a secret seasoning blend, and cooked to a crispy golden brown. The tenders were served with a side of dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or BBQ sauce.
Changes to the Recipe
In 2018, Arby’s announced that it was revamping its chicken tender recipe. The company claimed that the new recipe would feature all-natural chicken breast meat, no artificial preservatives, and no artificial flavors. The changes were part of Arby’s efforts to appeal to customers who were looking for healthier and more natural food options.
The New Recipe: A Breakdown
So, what exactly changed in the new recipe? Here are some key differences:
- All-natural chicken breast meat: Arby’s switched from using a combination of white and dark meat chicken to using only breast meat. This change was made to appeal to customers who prefer leaner protein options.
- No artificial preservatives: Arby’s removed artificial preservatives such as sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate from the recipe. Instead, the company uses natural preservatives like salt and sugar to extend the shelf life of the tenders.
- No artificial flavors: Arby’s also removed artificial flavors from the recipe, opting for a more natural seasoning blend.
Taste and Texture: What’s the Verdict?
So, did the changes to the recipe affect the taste and texture of Arby’s chicken tenders? According to many customers, the answer is yes. Some customers have reported that the new tenders are less crispy and less flavorful than the original recipe. Others have praised the new recipe, saying that it’s more tender and juicy.
Comparison: Original vs. New Recipe
Here’s a comparison of the original and new recipes:
| Original Recipe | New Recipe | |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast Meat | Combination of white and dark meat | 100% breast meat |
| Preservatives | Artificial preservatives (sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate) | Natural preservatives (salt, sugar) |
| Flavors | Artificial flavors | Natural seasoning blend |
| Taste | Crispy, flavorful | Less crispy, more tender |
| Texture | Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside | Less crispy, more tender |
Conclusion
So, did Arby’s change their chicken tenders? The answer is yes. The company made significant changes to its recipe, including switching to all-natural chicken breast meat, removing artificial preservatives and flavors, and changing the seasoning blend. While some customers have praised the new recipe, others have reported that it’s less flavorful and less crispy than the original. Ultimately, the decision to try the new recipe or stick with the original comes down to personal preference.
Additional Tips and Recommendations
- If you’re a fan of the original recipe, you may want to try the Arby’s Classic Chicken Tenders, which are made with the original recipe and are available at select locations.
- If you’re looking for a healthier option, the new recipe is a good choice, as it features all-natural chicken breast meat and no artificial preservatives or flavors.
- Consider trying the Arby’s Chicken Tender Sandwich, which features a chicken tender patty topped with lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a toasted bun.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between the original and new recipe? The main differences are the use of all-natural chicken breast meat, removal of artificial preservatives and flavors, and changes to the seasoning blend.
- Is the new recipe healthier than the original? Yes, the new recipe features all-natural chicken breast meat and no artificial preservatives or flavors, making it a healthier option.
- Can I still get the original recipe at Arby’s? Yes, select locations still offer the original recipe under the Arby’s Classic Chicken Tenders name.