A Nutrition Guide to Understanding: How many calories are in Popeyes sides?

October 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Popeyes' August 2024 nutrition guide, a regular side of Green Beans contains just 60 calories, making it one of the lowest-calorie options available. Understanding how many calories are in Popeyes sides? is crucial for anyone trying to maintain a balanced diet while still enjoying their favorite fast-food meals.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the calorie and nutritional content for popular Popeyes side dishes, detailing different portion sizes and helping inform healthier fast-food meal decisions. It provides a comprehensive overview of side dish nutrition for various dietary needs.

Key Points

Calorie Variety: Popeyes side dishes feature a wide range of calories, from the low-calorie Green Beans to the higher-calorie Homestyle Mac & Cheese.
Portion Size Matters: The calorie count for a large side is significantly higher than a regular portion; for example, large Cajun Fries are nearly three times the calories of the regular size.
Healthier Vegetable Options: Vegetable-based sides like Green Beans offer the lowest calorie counts, but often contain higher amounts of sodium that should be considered.
Beyond Calories: Assessing the full nutritional profile, including fat and sodium content, provides a more complete picture of a side dish's impact on your diet.
Informed Choices: Making informed decisions about your sides can help you manage your overall calorie intake while still enjoying fast-food meals in moderation.

A Closer Look at Popeyes' Popular Sides

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is famous for its spicy fried chicken, but its signature sides are a major part of the appeal. From the savory Red Beans & Rice to the creamy Homestyle Mac & Cheese, these classic accompaniments complete the meal. However, for those monitoring their nutritional intake, the calorie count and other nutritional values of these sides can vary significantly. By looking at the latest available information, you can make more informed choices.

The Calorie Breakdown of Regular Sides

When ordering a combo, most people opt for a regular-sized side. Here is a look at the calorie counts for some of the most popular options, based on recent official data:

Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy: A regular serving is one of the lowest-calorie options at approximately 110 calories.
Coleslaw: This crisp, tangy side has around 140 calories for a regular portion.
Cajun Rice: A regular serving contains approximately 180 calories.
Buttermilk Biscuit: A single biscuit comes in at about 210 calories.
Red Beans & Rice: A classic for a reason, this side has around 250 calories for a regular order.
Cajun Fries: A regular order of the classic fries contains approximately 270 calories, though sources can vary slightly.
Homestyle Mac & Cheese: For a comforting, cheesy side, a regular serving will run you about 280 calories.
Green Beans: The regular green bean side is the lowest-calorie option, clocking in at just 60 calories.

Navigating Portion Sizes: Regular vs. Large

It's important to recognize that portion size has a major impact on total calorie consumption. A large side is not simply double the regular size; in some cases, the difference is substantial. This is especially true for fried items, where the volume increases along with the oil content. For example, a regular order of Cajun Fries contains about 270 calories, but a large order can jump to around 800 calories. Choosing a regular size over a large can be a simple way to manage your calorie intake.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Popeyes Sides (Regular Size)


Side Dish	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)
Green Beans	60	2	680	7
Mashed Potatoes w/ Cajun Gravy	110	4	590	18
Coleslaw	140	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cajun Rice	180	N/A	N/A	N/A
Buttermilk Biscuit	210	11	N/A	25
Red Beans & Rice	250	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cajun Fries	270	14	587	33
Homestyle Mac & Cheese	280	N/A	N/A	N/A

Note: Values are for a regular-sized serving and are based on the latest available nutrition information. Some data may vary or require further searching on Popeyes' official site for complete details.

Making Healthier Choices and Considering Alternatives

For those on a diet, choosing your side wisely can be the difference between staying on track and overindulging. While all of Popeyes' sides have their place, not all are created equal from a nutritional standpoint. The Green Beans are the obvious choice for calorie counters, but it's worth noting their relatively high sodium content. A single order contains a significant portion of the recommended daily sodium intake. For a meal that feels more satisfying without the high calories of fries, Red Beans & Rice offers a good balance of calories and protein, though it's still higher in carbs.

For an excellent resource on managing fast-food nutrition, you can consult reputable sources such as Verywell Fit for more insights. Considering the nutritional profile beyond just calories is important. The fat content, especially saturated fat, and the amount of sodium should also be taken into account when making dietary decisions. Items like Mac & Cheese or Cajun Fries, while delicious, often pack a lot of fat and sodium in addition to the calories.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in Popeyes sides? is the first step toward making more informed fast-food choices. While enjoying a treat occasionally is perfectly fine, being aware of the nutritional details allows you to balance your indulgence with your health goals. The calorie range for Popeyes sides is quite broad, from the lighter Green Beans at 60 calories to the heavier large Cajun Fries at 800 calories. By paying attention to portion sizes and prioritizing lower-calorie options, you can better manage your diet and still enjoy the classic Popeyes flavors. Always remember to check the latest nutrition information on Popeyes' official site for the most accurate figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Green Beans are the lowest-calorie side dish at Popeyes, with a regular serving containing approximately 60 calories.

A regular order of Popeyes Cajun Fries has around 270 calories. It is important to note that a large order has a much higher calorie count of up to 800 calories.

A regular serving of Popeyes Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy is approximately 110 calories.

A regular serving of Popeyes Homestyle Mac & Cheese contains about 280 calories, making it one of the higher-calorie side options.

A regular serving of Popeyes Coleslaw has 140 calories, which is lower than some other sides. However, like many options, it contains sugar and fat, so moderation is key for a diet.

Large Popeyes sides have a significantly higher calorie count than regular sides. For example, large Cajun Fries have 800 calories compared to 270 for a regular order.

While the exact highest-calorie side can depend on the current menu, the Homestyle Mac & Cheese is often one of the higher-calorie regular options. Large portions of fried sides like Cajun Fries can reach the highest calorie counts.