A nationwide sampling of fast-food fried chicken: starch and moisture content.

A nationwide sampling plan was executed to estimate the nutrient composition of fast-food fried chicken in the United States. Ninety-four composite samples were selected from major chains in 10 cities. Starch contents were determined using a modified American Association of Cereal Chemists method. The amount of glucose formed during enzymatic hydrolysis was quantified either by a gas-liquid-chromatographic or a high-performance liquid chromatographic technique. The starch content ranged from 6% to 13% (wet weight basis). Moisture was determined by both microwave and vacuum oven methods; levels ranged from 38% to 49%. Analysis of variance for both starch and moisture indicated that starch was significantly (p less than .01) higher for light cuts than for dark cuts across all brands. Extra crispy recipes were significantly higher in starch than other recipes. Light cuts were significantly (p less than .01) lower in moisture than dark cuts. In addition, significant differences existed among brands. However, no significant difference was found between samples within a brand obtained from the five regions.