How Long Does Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo Last?
Storage Tips and Guidelines
When it comes to enjoying Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo, understanding its shelf life is essential for optimal taste and safety. Stored properly in the freezer, Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo can last up to six months without losing its quality. Once cooked, any leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days to ensure freshness.
The convenience of this frozen meal makes it a popular choice for busy families. With premium ingredients like white meat chicken and mixed vegetables in a creamy Alfredo sauce, it’s a quick meal solution that doesn't sacrifice flavor. Yet, knowing how long it can be kept ensures that each serving remains a delightful experience.
Moreover, adhering to these storage guidelines not only keeps the meal fresh but also safe to eat. Whether preparing a quick weeknight dinner or saving portions for later, keeping an eye on the timeframes will help maximize the quality and taste of Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo.
Product Overview
Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo is a convenient and tasty frozen meal option designed for families. This product features high-quality white meat chicken, mixed with pasta and a combination of vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and peas.
Prepared with chef-inspired sauces, the dish includes a creamy Alfredo sauce coating all ingredients. This makes the meal flavorful and satisfying, aligning with Birds Eye's commitment to using quality meat and premium ingredients.
One of the key benefits is the meal's ease of preparation. From freezer to skillet, it takes only about 15-16 minutes to cook, making it suitable for quick, hassle-free dinners.
The meal is packaged in 42 oz family-size bags and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. Following the cooking instructions ensures that the food reaches the desired taste and quality.
Overall, Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo is a well-rounded option that blends convenience with a hearty culinary experience.
Nutritional Content
Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo offers a variety of nutrients, featuring quality ingredients and potential allergens that consumers should be mindful of. Understanding the nutritional content is crucial for those monitoring their dietary intake and for individuals with food sensitivities.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo include grilled seasoned white chicken, cooked enriched pasta, and a rich Alfredo cheese sauce. The pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid.
The Alfredo sauce contains cream, water, pasteurized part skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. It is flavored with a selection of spices, including garlic powder and dehydrated onion. Other key components include soybean oil, isolated soy protein, romano cheese made from part skim cow's milk, and natural flavor.
Additionally, this meal is free from preservatives and artificial flavors, ensuring a more natural product. Minor ingredients provide seasoning and stabilizing properties such as sugar, sodium phosphates, corn flour, reduced iron, paprika, maltodextrin, and caramel color.
Allergen Information
Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo contains several common allergens. The product includes milk and wheat, making it unsuitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. Ingredients like soybean oil and isolated soy protein are present, which is important information for those with soy allergies.
Though the meal is devoid of preservatives and artificial flavors, consumers should still be aware of potential allergens inherent in its natural ingredients. Safe consumption requires recognition of these allergens to avoid adverse reactions.
Shelf Life and Storage
Proper storage of Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo ensures its freshness and safety. Understanding the shelf life of both unopened and opened packages helps in maintaining quality and taste.
Unopened Package
Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo, like most frozen family meals, maintains its best quality for up to 12-18 months when kept in a freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Although it's safe to consume beyond this period, the quality, including taste and texture, may degrade.
Tips for Maximizing Shelf Life:
Keep the product in its original packaging.
Store the package in the coldest part of the freezer, away from the door.
Avoid frequent temperature fluctuations to prevent partial thawing.
After Opening
Once opened, Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo should ideally be consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality. Seal the package tightly or transfer the contents to an airtight container before returning it to the freezer.
Important Considerations:
Label the container with the opening date.
Check for any off smells, changes in color, or ice crystals formation before consumption.
Do not refreeze once it's been thawed out; it must be cooked immediately.
Proper handling keeps this frozen food safe and enjoyable for a longer period.
Preparation Guidelines
To prepare Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo, follow the instructions for either the microwave or stovetop method.
Microwave Method
Empty frozen contents: Place the contents of the bag into a microwave-safe dish.
Add water: For added moisture, pour in 1/3 cup water.
Microwave on high: Cover the dish and cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Rest and serve: Let stand for 2 minutes. Stir and then serve.
Stovetop Method
Prepare skillet: Use a 10-inch nonstick skillet.
Add contents and water: Empty the frozen bag into the skillet and add 1/3 cup water.
Cook covered: Over medium-high heat, cook for 11-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir and serve: Once heated through, stir thoroughly and serve immediately.
Ingredients Overview
This meal includes white meat chicken, pasta, and a mix of vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and peas. The components are flavored with a creamy Alfredo sauce.
Remember to ensure all food is cooked thoroughly to the recommended internal temperature before serving. Cooking times may vary based on microwave wattage or stovetop heat settings.
Purchasing Information
Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo can be easily purchased from various retailers and offers good value due to its combination of quality ingredients and convenience. Consumers have multiple options for buying, including subscriptions which can provide additional savings.
Where to Buy
Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo is available for purchase from many major grocery stores and online retailers. You can find it in the frozen food aisle, typically around aisle A5. Some popular options include Walmart, Kroger, and Target.
In addition to physical stores, it can be purchased through online platforms like Instacart. The product is also eligible for EBT, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers. Both pickup and delivery options are commonly available, adding to the convenience.
Price and Value
The current price for Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo generally averages around 55.1 ¢ per ounce. A family-size 42 oz bag might cost approximately $7.70, though prices can vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Considering it includes high-quality ingredients such as white meat chicken, vegetables, and creamy Alfredo sauce, it delivers good value for the money. Additionally, the product has received positive feedback, holding an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 162 reviews, indicating high customer satisfaction.
Subscription Options
Many online retailers offer subscription options for Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo, which can be an excellent way to save money and ensure regular delivery. Subscription plans often include benefits such as a 30-day free trial and a reduced price per unit.
For instance, subscribing through Amazon can provide delivery savings and the convenience of scheduled deliveries, so you never run out of your favorite meals. Subscribers might also get access to exclusive deals, enhancing the overall value and shopping experience.
Consumer Insights
Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo has garnered varied feedback from consumers regarding its content and overall quality. Customers often appreciate the variety of premium Birds Eye vegetables, quality white meat chicken, and the creamy Alfredo sauce. The inclusion of carrots, broccoli, and pasta provides a balanced meal.
Consumers frequently highlight the convenience of this frozen family meal. With preparation times under 20 minutes, it's praised for fitting into busy weeknight schedules. The ability to go from freezer to skillet simplifies meal prep, making it a favored choice for families.
Quality is another key point of discussion. Many reviews emphasize the absence of artificial flavors and preservatives, which is a positive for health-conscious buyers. However, some consumers have noted variations in sauce consistency and vegetable texture upon reheating.
Reviews often comment on the serving size. The product comes in multiple sizes, allowing flexibility for different family sizes. Individual feedback suggests that the 42 oz and 60 oz packages are suitable for various family needs, though expectations about portion sizes can differ.
A recurring consumer insight involves flavor. While many find the sauce rich and flavorful, others mention it can occasionally be too bland or too thick, depending on personal taste and cooking methods.
Given these points, consumer reviews highlight the significance of convenience, quality, and flavor when deciding to purchase Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo as a frozen family meal option.
Comparison With Similar Products
Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo is known for its quick preparation and quality ingredients, but how does it compare to other frozen meals like Deep Indian Kitchen’s Coconut Chicken Korma and other market alternatives?
Deep Indian Kitchen – Coconut Chicken Korma
Deep Indian Kitchen’s Coconut Chicken Korma offers a unique taste experience with flavors rooted in Indian cuisine. This frozen meal combines white meat chicken with a creamy coconut sauce, featuring mixed vegetables and aromatic spices.
Weight: 10oz
Flavor Profile: Rich, aromatic, and mildly spiced
Preservatives: None
Preparation Time: Approximately 5 minutes in the microwave
Compared to Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo, which includes parmesan and romano cheese, Coconut Chicken Korma offers a distinct creamy coconut base instead of a cheese sauce. Both meals prioritize natural ingredients and avoid artificial flavors and preservatives. However, Deep Indian Kitchen's meal is slightly smaller in portion size and caters to different taste preferences by offering a distinct flavor profile.
Market Alternatives
Birds Eye Voila! faces competition from several other brands that offer frozen packaged meals. Notable alternatives include:
Stouffer’s Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients: White meat chicken, pasta, broccoli
Sauce: Creamy Alfredo sauce
Weight: Various sizes available, usually around 9oz
Preparation Time: 6-8 minutes in the microwave
Unique Point: Often includes additional premium cheeses like Asiago
Lean Cuisine Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients: White meat chicken, pasta, broccoli
Sauce: Lighter Alfredo sauce
Weight: Typically around 8-9oz
Preparation Time: 5-6 minutes in the microwave
Unique Point: Marketed as a lower-calorie option
When comparing these, Birds Eye Voila! Alfredo Chicken stands out with its balanced blend of vegetables like peas, carrots, and broccoli, and the chef-inspired Parmesan and Romano cheese sauce. Additionally, it’s ready in about 15-16 minutes, making it a convenient option for quick meals.
Sustainability and Brand Practices
Birds Eye is committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing practices that reflect their dedication to the environment. They have a clear strategy to ensure their operations support the health of the planet.
To promote sustainable eating, Birds Eye focuses on using resources in a manner that secures the future. Their efforts include sourcing fish from sustainable sources, as recognized by the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
Birds Eye has also signed the European Chicken Commitment. This demonstrates their commitment to improving the welfare of chickens used in their products, ensuring ethical practices throughout their supply chain.
The brand’s sustainability report, such as the Nomad Foods Sustainability Report 2022, outlines their achievements and plans. This document provides transparency and holds Birds Eye accountable for their environmental impact.
Birds Eye products, like the Voila! Alfredo Chicken, align with modern consumer preferences by containing no preservatives and no artificial flavors. This meets the growing demand for cleaner, health-conscious food choices.
Birds Eye’s initiatives extend beyond ingredients to packaging and manufacturing processes designed to minimize waste and energy consumption. Their practices aim to reduce their carbon footprint and encourage customers to make mindful purchasing decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo last in the freezer?
Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Ensure it remains sealed and at a constant temperature to maintain quality.
How long can cooked Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo be kept in the refrigerator?
After being cooked, Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep its freshness.
Can Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo be reheated after being cooked?
Yes, it can be reheated. For best results, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly heated. Alternatively, it can be microwaved in a microwave-safe dish.
Does Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo contain preservatives?
No, Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo does not contain preservatives. It is made with high-quality ingredients and no artificial flavors.
How should I cook Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo?
Pour the frozen contents into a skillet and cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. It is ready in approximately 16 minutes.
Can Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo be cooked in the microwave?
Empty the contents into a microwave-safe dish and cover. Cook on high based on your microwave wattage (10 minutes for 1200 watts), stirring halfway. Let it stand for 2 minutes before serving.
Are there any vegetables included in the meal?
Yes, Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo includes broccoli, carrots, and peas. These vegetables complement the Alfredo sauce and chicken.
Conclusion
Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo offers a convenient frozen meal option. When stored correctly, the quality remains intact for an extended period.
To retain quality, keep the meal in the freezer until ready to prepare. A properly stored bag can last up to several months without losing its taste and texture.
Once cooked, any leftovers should be refrigerated and eaten within a day or two. Always follow storage instructions on the packaging for the best results.
In summary, Birds Eye Voila! Chicken Alfredo provides a reliable, easy-to-prepare option. Users should pay attention to storage and preparation instructions to enjoy the meal at its best quality. Keep an eye on expiration dates and store leftover portions appropriately for optimal enjoyment.
