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Top 15 Best Canned Chickens

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Chicken meat is a delicious, nutritious, and at the same time low-calorie product that is easily absorbed by the human body. Nutritionists recommend eating chicken to athletes because it contains a lot of protein, mineral salts and vitamins.

From chicken meat you can cook a wide range of dishes. Now it is even easier to cook delicious dishes with chicken since you can simply buy canned chicken which is more tender and has more protein in it.

My post will help you to choose the best product for you and your family. So without further ado, let’s dig right into it!

Benefits of Canned Chicken

Is it healthy to eat canned chicken? Let’s learn benefits of eating canned chicken.

The Abundance of Complete Animal Protein

Canned chicken contains all the necessary amino acids, a set of cartilage proteins and building material for our own tissues. By the way, the collagen and elastin proteins found in chicken are especially useful for those who suffer from joint diseases.

High Digestibility and Diet

The compound of canned chicken is dietary – it has very little fat and cholesterol, so it is especially useful for those who are overweight or have problems with blood vessels.

A Large Number of Vitamins

Basically, the chemical compound of canned chicken is rich in B vitamins. In addition to them, the compound of canned chicken contains vitamins A and E, which are extremely necessary for us to maintain visual acuity and immunity.

Mineral Filling

Mineral filling, which is part of canned chicken and provides support to the circulatory, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Low Cholesterol and Fat

Low cholesterol and fat, making the canned chicken a real salvation for those who are on a diet or suffer from problems with blood vessels. It is practically impossible to gain weight from chicken meat, but at the same time it saturates well.

Calorific Value of Canned Chicken

On average, 100 g of canned chicken contains about 165 calories. Due to this, chicken belongs in its compound to dietary varieties of meat. But keep in mind that depending on the cooking method, calorie values also differ.

So, for cooked chicken, the average figure will be even less – about 137 calories. But fried chicken is much more caloric and is not suitable for dietary nutrition. It already has 210 calories. However, if you use this product in moderation, the chicken will not bring harm to your figure.

Canned Chicken Types

There are different categories of canned chicken on the market right now. Choose canned chicken following your own preferences. Let’s see what types are there:

1. Gluten-free

Nowadays healthy eaters are very picky. Raw products are very important for those people. Gluten-free canned chicken is great quality, yet very tasty. Also, gluten-free canned chicken is a must-have for people who avoid gluten in diet.

2. Raw

Raw chicken is an absolute product for people who prefer to cook themselves. Frankly, raw canned chicken is as fresh as if you just buy a chicken from market.

3. Semi-cooked

You can easily find semi-cooked chicken. This type will save you half time of cooking. The cooking will also be easier with semi-cooked canned chicken.

4. Fully-cooked

Fully-cooked canned chicken is the most convenient and time-consuming product than all 3 types mentioned above.

What Are the Best Canned Chicken Brands?

Before buying canned chicken, I’m pretty sure you will be interested in brands that make canned chicken. It would be enthralling to know these brands:

1. Swanson

The Swanson Health has best products of canned chicken. You will be attracted not only by deliciousness and great quality, but also the prices are quite low and loyal. The products are also safe and healthy.

2. Kirkland

Kirkland has definitely the huge range of products. From clothes to food, you can basically say that Kirkland is a warehouse store.

Kirkland works as a private label of grocery stores. One of the main advantages of this brand is the price point. Kirkland offers cheap and good-quality goodies.

3. Campbell’s

Campbell’s is an American company, the world’s largest producer of canned soups, soup dressings, broths, pasta, prepared meals and biscuits. In 1869, fruit trader Joseph Kembell and freezer maker Abraham Anderson founded Campbell Company.

The product range includes canned vegetables, prepared soups, sauces and jellies, minced meat. Anderon was no stranger to canning. He was the owner of a canning factory for 9 years.

4. StarKist

In 1917 Martin J. Bogdanovich founded the Fish Harbor company (now the brand’s name is obviously StarKist) in California. At the beginning he and his partners sold tuna. When he died, his son Joseph took over the business.

The brand changed its name in 1953. At that time, the company was the biggest worldwide tuna processing facility.

What Are The Best Canned Chicken?

I made some researches about 15 best canned chicken and came up with the list of the most wonderful and delicious products on the market right now. Look through this list and try to come up with a right choice.

Best Canned Chicken Comparison Chart

Here is the table with 10 best canned chicken of. Using this table, compare products, their properties and useful compound.

Canned Chicken ReviewsCaloriesTotal FatSodiumCholesterolTotal Carbohydrate
Swanson 10.5 oz. 12 Packs Canned Chicken - Best Overall29013 g (20%)990 mg (41%)95 mg (32%)30 g (10%)
Swanson 12.5 oz. Canned Chicken. - Best Budget801.5 g (2%)390 mg (17%)65 mg (22%)1 g (0%)
StarKist Chicken Salad, 2.6 oz. 12 Packs Canned Chicken - Best for Chicken Salad702 g (2%)400 mg (17%)30 mg (10%)4 g (1%)
Wild Planet, 5 oz. 12 Packs Canned Chicken - Best for Keto601 g (2%)25 mg (1%)20 mg (7%)0 g (0%)
Kirkland Signature 12.5 oz. 6 Cans Canned Chicken - Best for Soup601 g (2%)190 mg (8%)45 mg0 g (0%)
StarKist Teriyaki, 2.6 oz. 12 Packs Canned Chicken - Best with Dumplings802.5 g (3%)520 mg (23%)40 mg (13%)3 g (1%)
StarKist Classic BBQ, 2.6 oz. 12 Packs Canned Chicken - Best for BBQ903.5 g (5%)600 mg (26%)40 mg (13%)3 g (1%)
Valley Fresh 7 oz. 12 Packs Canned Chicken - Best for Nachos702 g (3%)270 mg (11%)40 mg (13%)0 g (0%)
Armour Star Vienna Sausage, 4.6 oz. 24 Packs Canned Chicken - Best for Pasta12010 g (15%)530 mg (22%)55 mg (18%)1 g (0%)
Keystone Meats 28 oz. Canned Chicken - Best with Mayo601 g (2%)100 mg (4%)25 mg (8%)0 g (0%)
StarKist Buffalo Style 2.6 oz. Canned Chicken - Best for Buffalo Chicken Dip903 g (4%)700 mg (30%)35 mg (12%)4 g (2%)
Valley Fresh 5 oz. 4 Cans Canned Chicken - Best for Tacos50 1 g (2%)260 mg (11%)35 mg (12%)0 g (0%)
Campbell’s 10.75 oz. 8 Packs Canned Chicken - Best for Chicken Noodle Soup602 g (3%)980 mg (43%)10 mg (3%)8 g (3%)
Progresso 19 oz. 12 Cans Canned Chicken - Best with Rice1001.5 g (2%)650 mg (27%)15 mg (5%)15 g (5%)
Blue Buffalo 12.5 oz. 12 Cans Canned Chicken - Best for Dogs396Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specified

Top 15 Best Canned Chicken Reviews

Time to read reviews about products I mentioned above. Here are the reviews about best canned chicken, their key features, pros, cons and specification.

1. Swanson 10.5 oz. 12 Packs Canned Chicken

(Best Overall)

Swanson Chicken & Dumplings Made with White Chicken Meat, 10.5 oz.

Without any doubt, it is the best canned chicken on the market right now. It has the perfect rich flavor and delicious taste. Delight in this heavenly canned chicken with your beloved family that is really easy to heat and serve.

Also, it is very easy to open the lid. However, be careful when opening the container, because the product might leak. If you are the biggest fan of white canned chicken, then you just must buy Swanson’s product.

Pros

  • Easy to open lid
  • Great taste
  • Simple heating
  • White chicken
  • No antibiotics

Cons

  • The product might leak
  • Not gluten-free

Product Specification:

ManufacturerSwanson’s
Dimensions10.6 ounces
Item Weight9.1 pounds
Nutrition98% fat free with no preservatives, no added MSG and no artificial flavors

Let’s find out the real taste of Swanson’s canned chicken!

Watch video: Swanson Chicken & Dumplings Review

2. Swanson 12.5 oz. Canned Chicken

(Best Budget)

Swanson Premium White Chunk Chicken Breast, 12.5 oz.

Swanson’s canned chicken is perfect for such dishes as Buffalo Chicken Dip, Whole Wheat Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Chicken Tetrazzini, etc. Enjoy mouthwatering canned chicken with your family and dearest friends.

By the way, this canned chicken is very affordable and is totally wonderful for making salads and sandwiches. You will be very impressed by its amazing luscious flavor. The product is made of fresh white chicken meat.

Pros

  • Amazing flavor
  • No preservatives and artificial flavors
  • Great for salads and sandwiches
  • Fresh chicken
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Watery
  • Not gluten-free

Product Specification:

ManufacturerSwanson’s
Dimensions4 x 4 x 2.2 inches
Item Weight1 pound
Nutrition98% fat free with no preservatives, no added MSG and no artificial flavors

3. StarKist Chicken Salad, 2.6 oz. 12 Packs Canned Chicken

(Best for Chicken Salad)

StarKist Chicken Creations, Chicken Salad, 2.6 oz.

Are you a huge lover of chicken salad? Then StarKist canned chicken is what you really need in your kitchen. The product is soy and gluten free. In addition, this canned chicken is a suitable meal for those who are picky in scrumptious food.

Also, if you follow keto diet, you can undoubtedly purchase this canned chicken that has amazing delicious flavor. You can make Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla, Lemon Pepper Chicken

Greek Salad, Asian Ginger Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Quick Chicken Salad in an Avocado.

Pros

  • Amazing flavor
  • Easy to store
  • Keto-friendly
  • Soy free and gluten free
  • Perfect for salads

Cons

  • Mushy

Product Specification:

ManufacturerStarKist
DimensionsNot Specified
Item Weight1.95 pounds
NutritionNot a significant source of Added Sugars, Vitamin D and Calcium

4. Wild Planet 5 oz. 12 Packs Canned Chicken

(Best for Keto)

Wild Planet Organic Roasted Chicken Breast, 5 oz.

Are you seeking of organic canned chicken for keto diet? Then try out this amazing canned chicken with great taste. If you don’t have time for cooking, this quick-cooking canned chicken is ideal for saving your time.

In addition, this product is healthy and organic which is the must for all people who knows what is best for their healthcare. Enjoy your savory meal with this canned chicken from Wild Planet!

Pros

  • Great taste
  • Organic product
  • Keto diet friendly
  • Organic
  • Quick to cook

Cons

  • Odd smell at opening

Product Specification:

ManufacturerWild Planet
Dimensions3.4 x 3.4 x 1.5 inches
Item Weight5 pounds
Nutrition95% organic, gluten free, dairy free, yeast free

3 ways to make delicious salads with Wild Planet canned chicken:

Watch video: Wild Planet Organic Roasted Chicken Salad 3 Ways

5. Kirkland Signature 12.5 oz. 6 Cans Canned Chicken

Kirkland Signature chicken breast, packed in water, premium chunk, 12.5 oz.

(Best for Soup)

Save your time by purchasing canned chicken from Kirkland! Kirkland makes excellent product for real foodies who can enjoy both: every minute and tasty food. Kirkland canned chicken has marvelous flavor that comes in beautiful package.

Although, it is a little bit pricey, it really worth it! You get exquisite canned chicken breast that won’t leave you indifferent in any situation. This canned chicken can be the yummiest ingredient for your various recipes.

Pros

  • Amazing flavor
  • Attractive package
  • Excellent product
  • Tender meat

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Not gluten-free

Product Specification:

ManufacturerKirkland
DimensionsNot specified
Item Weight7 ounces
NutritionGluten free

Recipes for all active people!

Watch video: Quick Recipes for Gym Guys and College Students

6. StarKist Teriyaki, 2.6 oz. 12 Packs Canned Chicken

(Best with Dumplings)

StarKist Chicken Creations Teriyaki, 2.6 oz.

Are you a hard worker? Student in college? Or maybe you are just a big food lover? In any case, you might appreciate this splendid canned chicken from StarKist. If you don’t want to waste your time struggling to cook your meal, cook this amazing product.

Tasty canned chicken, made of fresh chicken, is easy to store on the shelf or cupboard in your kitchen. Delicious meat if full of protein, so you won’t be hungry for enough time. Therefore, throw the can in your bag and take it to your work space.

Pros

  • You carry it everywhere
  • Fresh chicken
  • Handy product
  • Easy to store
  • Rich of protein
  • Delicious meat

Cons

  • Not the best texture

Product Specification:

ManufacturerStarKist
DimensionsNot specified
Item Weight2.56 ounces
NutritionGluten free, soy free, keto diet friendly, Mediterranean diet friendly

7. StarKist Classic BBQ, 2.6 oz. 12 Packs Canned Chicken

(Best for BBQ)

StarKist Chicken Creations Classic BBQ, 2.6 oz.

StarKist offers everyone delicious canned chicken that has classic BBQ taste. With this canned chicken, make perfect sandwiches easily and quickly. The product is rich of needed protein. It doesn’t matter if you are on the go, in the college or office.

You can bring it everywhere and since canned chicken is in the pouch, all you need is tear the package and enjoy tasty chicken. Take the bite and go!

Pros

  • Classic BBQ taste
  • Perfect for sandwiches
  • Full of protein
  • Delicious flavor
  • For active lifestyle

Cons

  • A little bit soggy

Product Specification:

ManufacturerStarKist
DimensionsNot specified
Item Weight2.56 ounces
NutritionSoy free, keto diet friendly, Mediterranean diet friendly, weight watchers diet friendly

8. Valley Fresh 7 oz. 12 Packs Canned Chicken

(Best for Nachos)

Valley Fresh 100% Natural White Chicken Cuts, 7 oz.

You don’t have time but still you do care about your nutrition? Canned chicken from Fresh Valley ensures active and healthy lifestyle. There is no refrigerator needed to store this canned white natural chicken.

Valley Fresh canned chicken is one of the healthiest product for quick eating and doesn’t contain harmful compound, it contains no preservatives, gluten or artificial ingredients. You will make yummy salads and other dishes without any problem.

Key features:

  • Natural chicken
  • Gluten free
  • For quick eating

Pros

  • Ideal for making salads
  • Easy to open
  • Great to carry around
  • Natural chicken
  • Gluten free
  • For quick eating

Cons

  • Small size

Product Specification:

ManufacturerValley Fresh
DimensionsNot specified
Item Weight6.3 pounds
NutritionNo preservatives added; minimally processed, no artificial ingredients

9. Armour Star Vienna Sausage, 4.6 oz. 24 Packs Canned Chicken

(Best for Pasta)

Armour Star Chicken Vienna Sausage, 4.6 oz.

For all Italian cuisine lovers, I recommend this Armour Star canned chichen with Vienna sausage flavor. With the help of this delicious product, you will enjoy pizzas, pasta as well as stews and omelets.

This canned chicken is absolutely a family product that is easy to cook and store in the kitchen. Don’t worry about your health when eating Armour canned chicken. Besides the delicious flavor and taste, you will get energy.

Pros

  • Family product
  • Delicious
  • Vienna sausage taste
  • Great for pasta, pizza, stews and omelets

Cons

  • Pricey

Product Specification:

ManufacturerArmour
DimensionsNot Specified
Item Weight8.6 pounds
NutritionGluten free

Click here to watch review of Armour canned chicken!

Watch video: Reed Reviews Armour Vienna Sausage

10. Keystone Meats 28 oz. Canned Chicken

(Best with Mayo)

Keystone Meats All Natural Canned Chicken, 28 oz.

If you always enjoy rich creamy texture of chicken, you should try this natural sea salted canned chicken. As we know, canned chicken is the best way to eat quickly without much efforts. However, this canned chicken is also ideal for professional use.

All chefs can make and cook sophisticated dishes, using Keystone canned chicken. Bring joy to those who are around you by cooking marvelous meal. It can be a salad, sandwiches or simple chicken with mayonnaise.

Pros

  • Perfect for professional use
  • Great texture and flavor
  • Perfect with mayonnaise
  • Sea salted

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Contains added salt

Product Specification:

ManufacturerKeystone Meats
DimensionsNot specified
Item Weight1.1 pounds
NutritionNo water added, gluten free, low in sodium/fat

11. StarKist Buffalo Style 2.6 oz. Canned Chicken

(Best for Buffalo Chicken Dip)

StarKist Buffalo Style 2.6 oz. Canned Chicken

Purchasing StarKist Buffalo Style canned chicken, you will get the premium white chicken meat. The white chicken is dipped in spicy hot sauce. The product is soy and gluten free. This canned chicken is perfect for different diet followers.

The StarKist canned chicken is full of protein. After you purchase this canned chicken, try out such recipes like Buffalo Chicken Mac’n’Cheese, Chicken Quesadilla and chicken salad. Enjoy every appetizing bite of it!

Pros

  • Mediterranean diet friendly
  • Perfect for weight loss
  • Gluten and soy free
  • Rich in protein
  • White chicken
  • Spicy hot sauce

Cons

  • Small amount of meat
  • Not the best texture

Product Specification:

ManufacturerStarKist
Dimensions4.5 x 0.4 x 6.2 inches
Item WeightNot Specified
NutritionSoy-free, gluten-free

12. Valley Fresh 5 oz. 4 Cans Canned Chicken

(Best for Tacos)

Valley Fresh 5 oz. 4 Cans Canned Chicken

I can assure you that Valley Fresh product worth every bite of this juicy canned chicken. The chicken is fully-cooked and ready to serve on the table. Besides the great taste of chicken, the product is organic and gluten-free.

Thus, each healthy eater will undoubtedly appreciate the tempting meat. With this canned chicken, no prep is required, since the meat is already fully-cooked. You will save a lot of time and be able to eat it everywhere.

Pros

  • Fully-cooked meat
  • Organic product
  • Ready to serve
  • Gluten-free
  • 10 g of protein
  • Sea salt added

Cons

  • Small cans
  • Cans can easily be damaged

Product Specification:

ManufacturerValley Fresh
DimensionsNot specified
Item Weight5 ounces
NutritionGluten-free, no preservatives, 98% fat free

13. Campbell’s 10.75 oz. 8 Packs Canned Chicken

(Best for Chicken Noodle Soup)

Campbell’s 10.75 oz. 8 Packs Canned Chicken

You don’t have time for cooking? You are always on the go and usually in hurry? The best product for the busiest person ever! All you have to do is to heat the pack up! Now peel the no metal lid and have a pleasure eating the chicken noodle soup!

In addition, there will be no mess around you. You will be delighted by canned chicken’s divine taste and flavor. The canned chicken is a little bit pricier than other products, but I guess it really worth it!

Pros

  • For best chicken noodle soup
  • Easy heating
  • For busy lifestyle
  • Convenient product
  • No mess
  • Great taste
  • Easy peeling

Cons

  • Too watery
  • Pricey

Product Specification:

ManufacturerCampbell’s
Dimensions 4.4 x 2.2 x 1.9 inches
Item Weight0.16 ounces
NutritionMicrowave safe

14. Progresso 19 oz. 12 Cans Canned Chicken

(Best with Rice)

Progresso 19 oz. 12 Cans Canned Chicken

Progresso is very passionate about making wholesome food, yet for reasonable price. This specific can contains the optimum chicken meat and rice. The canned chicken gives instant saturation. With this meal, you won’t feel hungry for long.

This canned chicken is harmless and gluten-free. Although this is the nutritious meal, it is also light. Every can contains only natural ingredients. Serve the best canned chicken now!

Pros

  • Chicken and wild rice
  • Gluten and antibiotic free
  • Yummy taste
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Quality of cans
  • Light flavor

Product Specification:

ManufacturerProgresso
DimensionsNot Specified
Item WeightNot Specified
NutritionGluten-free, antibiotic-free, no artificial flavors

15. Blue Buffalo 12.5 oz. 12 Cans Canned Chicken

(Best for Dogs)

Blue Buffalo 12.5 oz. 12 Cans Canned Chicken

Blue Buffalo makes dog food with high-quality chicken and garden fresh vegetables. The canned chicken doesn’t contain soy, corn or wheat. This product is suitable for all dog ages. With this canned chicken, your dog will stay healthy and cheerful.

If your dog prefers wet meal, then this canned chicken is absolutely what you need to purchase. The product contains the best and healthiest ingredients: chicken, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, brown rice, berries etc.

Pros

  • Food for dogs
  • High-quality protein
  • Soy and wheat free
  • Wet meal
  • Natural product
  • For all ages
  • Healthy for dogs

Cons

  • Mushy
  • Cans can be damaged

Product Specification:

ManufacturerBlue Buffalo
Dimensions 9 x 12.5 x 4.1 inches
Item Weight9.4 pounds
NutritionSoy-free, wheat-free, no artificial flavors, no preservatives

Factors You Should Consider When Buying Canned Chicken

After reviewing the 10 best canned chicken, I would like to introduce you some points that you must to think through before choosing the best product for you and your family.

Nutritional Value

In the long run the reason why you buy any food and product is its protein nutrients. Therefore, you should choose canned chicken with natural nutrients.

Shelf Life

The second factor which is really important is how long can you keep your canned chicken whether in refrigerator or on the kitchen shelf. Therefore, you need the product which can be kept for 6 months or even more.

Easiness When Cooking

If you are always busy, always work or study and don’t want to waste your time on cooking, then you need the product which is easy and quick to cook. Especially it is useful, when you are not a big fan of cooking.

Versatility

Thanks to additives that canned chicken can have, you can easily and deliciously cook different dishes you and your family desire.

Package

Last but not least, the package. Make sure the can is corrosion resistant. It is really important for shelf life of your canned chicken. Also, pay attention to the material of the container. If the container is plastic, therefore it is BPA free FDA approved.

FAQs

Except useful buying pieces of advice, I also want to include the part with most searched questions, so you won’t face with any problems, cooking and eating canned chicken.

Is canned chicken any good?

Canned chicken regardless of many people’s opinion are good for your health. They contain all needed nutrients which fresh chickens have too. In addition, canned chicken is an affordable and quick choice.

Do you rinse canned chicken?

If you want to make canned chicken healthier, you should drain and rinse them thoroughly. You can strain off the water through a colander.

Can I eat canned chicken every day?

Yes, you can if you consider canned chicken a healthy product which you should though. However, you must know that fresh chickens have less sodium than canned chicken do.

Can you eat chicken right out of the can?

As any other canned meat, you can eat canned chicken right out of the can.

Is canned chicken processed food?

Processed meat means that meat is not fresh. As other canned meat, canned chicken is considered as processed meat.

Is canned chicken real chicken?

Besides 2% of modified food starch, sodium and flavors, canned chicken contains real chicken.

Why is canned chicken bad for you?

Although canned chicken is low in carbs, calories and fat, it may contain added salt, which obviously can increase your sodium level.

My Top Pick

Everything is more than clean now. I’m pretty sure you are able to make a proper choice for you and your beloved family. I also want to share my personal choice with you. My top pick without any doubt is Swanson Chicken & Dumplings Made with White Chicken Meat

I hope you enjoyed this post and you gathered a lot of useful information through it. If you have any question, leave it below in the comment bar. My question for you is: what is your favorite recipe with canned chicken?

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Amanda Collins

Amanda Collins

Founder and Senior Culinary Editor

Expertise

Culinary Arts and Management, Food Journalism and Critique, Recipe Development and Testing, Global Culinary Traditions, Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY
Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Intensive hands-on training in culinary techniques, recipe development, and kitchen management, preparing students for professional roles in the culinary industry.

Monroe College, New Rochelle, NY
Program: Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Practical culinary skills, including cooking techniques, menu planning, and kitchen operations, with an emphasis on hands-on experience and industry standards.


Amanda Collins is a seasoned chef and food editor with a deep love for global flavors. Trained at the Institute of Culinary Education and Monroe College, and with over 15 years in the culinary field, Amanda has refined her skills in kitchens worldwide. Her background in food studies gives her a unique ability to share both recipes and the cultural stories that shape them.

As senior culinary editor at thebreslin.com, Amanda’s work brings authentic dishes to life, inviting readers to explore new flavors and techniques from around the globe. Her approachable style makes it easy for anyone to bring a bit of the world’s cuisine into their kitchen.

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