The Consumer Council and a nutritionist warned on Monday that people should not rely on chicken essence as their major source of protein, saying sufficient nutrients will be absorbed from a balanced diet.

The council tested 15 pre-packaged samples of chicken essence, and found that while most samples met the claim to be a “high-protein food”, the protein levels were much lower than that of whole food such as chicken meat, eggs and milk.

It also found that chicken essence products can cost almost 300 times more than whole food as a protein source.

Nora Tam, who chairs the council's research and testing committee, said it is much more cost-effective to absorb protein through eating whole food.

"Although chicken essence products are rich in protein, if consumers are only aiming for protein intake, they could consider consuming whole food such as chicken, milk or eggs, as they contain an even higher protein content," Tam said.

Meanwhile, Mandy Sea from Chinese University's school of public health, said while chicken essence products are often advertised as an energy booster, they cannot replace whole food in the long run.

"In terms of the cost, of course it's not worth it. If people have a balanced diet, and have a proper absorption health status, we will recommend they take whole food rather than these health supplements," she said.