Calculating the Base Calories for 10 BWW Wings
To accurately determine how many calories are in 10 BWW wings, it's essential to first establish the baseline without any additions. The calorie difference between traditional bone-in wings and boneless wings is notable due to the preparation method and composition. Traditional wings are simply fried chicken with skin and bone, while boneless wings are breaded chicken breast pieces.
According to Buffalo Wild Wings' official nutrition data:
- 10 Plain Traditional Wings: These contain approximately 720 calories, with 41g of fat and 88g of protein. The protein-to-fat ratio is high, and the carbohydrate count is effectively zero, making it a viable option for those following a ketogenic diet.
- 10 Plain Boneless Wings: These come in at a lower 610 calories, but have a more balanced macronutrient profile, including 31g of fat, 34g of carbohydrates, and 48g of protein. The higher carbohydrate content is due to the breading on the chicken breast.
The Impact of Sauces and Dry Rubs
The base calories are just the starting point. The real variation comes from the extensive selection of sauces and dry rubs. Some sauces can add over 200 calories to a 10-wing order, while dry rubs add a negligible amount.
Here is a list of some common BWW sauce and dry rub calorie additions for a 10-wing serving:
- High-Calorie Sauces:
- Lemon Pepper (Sauce): 270 calories added
- Parmesan Garlic (Sauce): 190 calories added
- Asian Zing (Sauce): 130 calories added
- Lower-Calorie Sauces:
- Hot (Sauce): 70 calories added
- Mild (Sauce): 70 calories added
- Medium (Sauce): 50 calories added
- Minimal Calorie Dry Rubs:
- Lemon Pepper (Dry Rub): 5 calories added
- Chipotle BBQ (Dry Rub): 5 calories added
- Desert Heat (Dry Rub): 5 calories added
Comparison Table: Traditional vs. Boneless with Sauce
To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of total calories for 10 wings with different popular flavor options:
| Flavor Option | 10 Traditional Wings (Calories) | 10 Boneless Wings (Calories) |
|---|---|---|
| Plain (No Sauce) | 720 | 610 |
| with Lemon Pepper Dry Rub | 725 | 615 |
| with Parmesan Garlic Sauce | 910 | 870 |
| with Asian Zing Sauce | 850 | 780 |
Making Healthier Choices at BWW
For those watching their calorie or fat intake, understanding the nutrition facts is key. Opting for traditional wings is often a lower-carb choice, and specifying a dry rub instead of a sauce can drastically cut down calories. Additionally, ordering sauces on the side allows you to control the portion size and total intake. Choosing lighter sauces like Medium or Hot over rich, creamy options like Parmesan Garlic also makes a significant difference. Consider alternatives like the Naked Tenders or Cauliflower Wings, as they provide flavor with fewer calories than the traditional or boneless wings.
Conclusion
The number of calories in 10 BWW wings varies depending on the type of wing and the flavoring chosen. Ten plain traditional wings contain 720 calories, while 10 plain boneless wings contain 610 calories. The addition of sauces, particularly creamy or sugary ones like Parmesan Garlic or Asian Zing, can substantially increase the final total. To manage your calorie intake, selecting traditional wings with a dry rub or a milder sauce on the side is the most effective strategy. Always refer to the official Buffalo Wild Wings nutrition guide for the most accurate and up-to-date information for your specific order.
Outbound Link: Buffalo Wild Wings Nutrition Guide