Ingredient

Up To 2% Retained Water

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Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add retained water to improve the palatability and texture of processed foods, particularly …

What it is

Retained water refers to water that is intentionally added to or remains in a food product during processing. This can occur through methods like injection, tumbling, or brining, and is often done to improve texture and juiciness. It is a common practice in processed meats and poultry.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add retained water to improve the palatability and texture of processed foods, particularly meats. It helps to keep the product moist and tender, making it more appealing to consumers. It is frequently found in processed poultry, hams, and other deli meats.

Health notes

Retained water is generally considered safe by regulatory bodies when used in food. The FDA considers added water in poultry and meat products to be a normal part of processing. There are no specific health concerns associated with the presence of retained water at typical consumption levels. International bodies like JECFA have not raised concerns regarding its use.

Allergen info

Retained water itself is not a major allergen. However, if it is used in a brine or marinade, other ingredients in that solution could be allergens.

Products containing Up To 2% Retained Water

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Coborn's Incorporated Smoked Seasoned Chicken Drumsticks, Smoked Seasoned Chicken Cooked & Prepared High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 37% DV per serving 310kcal 23.8Protein 22.6Fat 1.2Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Chicken Katsu Inspired With Jasmine Rice Fully Cooked Breaded White Chicken Meat In A Katsu Sauce With Rice, Cabbage And Sesame Seeds Ready Meals, Chicken Katsu Inspired With Jasmine Rice Other Deli High in sodium — 75% DV per serving High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 151kcal 7.7Protein 2.7Fat 23.0Carbs

Meijer, Inc. Signature, Chicken Parmesan Topped With Marinara Sauce And Mozzarella Cheese Served With Spaghetti, Marinara Sauce, And Parmesan Cheese, Chicken Parmesan Other Deli High in sodium — 81% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 34% DV per serving 134kcal 8.9Protein 4.8Fat 14.6Carbs Meijer, Inc. Sushi Rice With Chicken And Teriyaki Sauce, Chicken And Teriyaki Sauce Sushi High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 143kcal 8.6Protein 1.1Fat 23.6Carbs Meijer, Inc. Chicken Enchiladas Filling Rolled In A Blended Corn Tortilla Topped With Red Sauce And Cheese Blend With Spanish Style Rice, Chicken Enchiladas Other Deli High in sodium — 70% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 163kcal 8.2Protein 6.4Fat 18.7Carbs Meijer, Inc. Chicken Caesar Salad With Pasta Romaine Lettuce, White Chicken Meat, Farfalle Pasta And Red Bell Pepper Served With Caesar Dressing Topped With Parmesan Cheese, Chicken Caesar With Pasta Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 160kcal 9Protein 9Fat 10Carbs Meijer, Inc. Crunchy Asian Inspired Salad With Chicken Cabbage Slaw Mix, White Chicken Meat, Crispy Rice Noodles, Red Pepper, And Green Onions Served With Peanut Ginger Dressing, Crunchy Asian Inspired With Chicken Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 130kcal 7Protein 7Fat 11Carbs Meijer, Inc. Southwest Inspired Chicken Cabbage Slaw Mix, White Chicken Meat, Red And White Quinoa Mix, Red Pepper, Cotija Cheese, And Green Onion Served With Poblano Cilantro Dressing Salad, Southwest Inspired Chicken Deli Salads 140kcal 9Protein 8Fat 9Carbs

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.