Ingredient

Breading

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use breading to improve the texture, flavor, and appearance of foods. It provides …

What it is

Breading is a coating applied to foods before cooking, typically frying or baking. It is usually made from crushed or ground starchy foods like bread crumbs, crackers, cornmeal, or flour. The breading creates a crispy texture and helps retain moisture during cooking.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use breading to improve the texture, flavor, and appearance of foods. It provides a desirable crunch and can help hold seasonings and sauces. Breading is commonly found on fried or baked items like chicken, fish, onion rings, and french fries.

Health notes

Breading itself is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. The health implications are primarily related to the overall nutritional profile of the food it coats and the cooking method. Deep-fried breaded foods can be high in fat and calories. JECFA has evaluated breading ingredients, and EFSA has also assessed various components used in breading. No significant health concerns are associated with typical breading consumption.

Allergen info

Breading can be a major allergen if it contains wheat (for gluten) or is made with ingredients derived from major allergens like milk or eggs. Always check the ingredient list for specific allergen information. Not a major allergen unless derived from one of the 9 major food allergens.

Products containing Breading

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BEYOND MEAT Beyond Chicken Feisty Buffalo Poppers Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 247kcal 15.3Protein 11.8Fat 18.8Carbs BEYOND MEAT Beyond Chicken Homestyle Tenders Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 259kcal 15.3Protein 12.9Fat 17.6Carbs Conagra Brands BANQUET Fish Sticks Meal, 7.3 OZ Ready-Made Combination Meals High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 150kcal 4.8Protein 4.3Fat 22.7Carbs Riverside Foods Premium Reuben Bites 4626 Cheese/Cheese Substitutes High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 207kcal 10.1Protein 6.1Fat 26.3Carbs Beaver Street Fisheries Inc. 1 Oz Whole Grain Fish Stx Fish Unprepared/Unprocessed 196kcal 15.2Protein 7.1Fat 16.1Carbs Riverside Foods Premium Ham & Cheese Bites 4625 Cheese/Cheese Substitutes High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 233kcal 11Protein 9Fat 25Carbs Beaver Street Fisheries Inc. Catfish Zesty Breaded Fish Unprepared/Unprocessed High in cholesterol — 32% DV per serving 136kcal 14.7Protein 5.4Fat 5.4Carbs Riverside Foods Pepper Jack Cheese Cubes 4475 Cheese/Cheese Substitutes High in sodium — 64% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 265kcal 12Protein 15Fat 21Carbs Heinz Frozen Food Company Shells & Cheese Bites Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 482kcal 5.9Protein 41.2Fat 22.4Carbs Heinz Frozen Food Company Shells & Cheese Bites Frozen Prepared Sides High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 306kcal 10.6Protein 12.9Fat 35.3Carbs Heinz Frozen Food Company Shells & Cheese Bites Frozen Prepared Sides High in sodium — 29% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 294kcal 9.4Protein 12.9Fat 35.3Carbs McCain Foods, Inc. Boneless Chicken Bites, Honey BBQ Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 30% DV per serving 214kcal 13.1Protein 4.8Fat 28.6Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.