Understanding the calorie count for 20 wings from Buffalo Wild Wings requires looking at the main factors that affect their nutritional value: the type of wing and the flavoring added.
Traditional Wings vs. Boneless Wings: A Calorie Breakdown
The fundamental difference in calorie counts between the two types of wings comes from their preparation. Traditional wings are bone-in, consisting of the skin and meat, and are a source of fat and protein. Boneless wings, on the other hand, are breaded pieces of chicken breast, and the breading and frying process adds carbs and changes the fat content.
For a standard, un-sauced 20-count order, the calorie difference is notable:
- Traditional (Bone-In) Wings: 1,440 calories
- Boneless Wings: 1,210 calories
This initial comparison shows that even without sauce, the cooking and preparation methods create a significant nutritional difference. The boneless wings have slightly fewer calories at their base, but this can change quickly depending on the sauce chosen.
The Impact of Sauces and Dry Seasonings
The most significant factor influencing the final calorie total of your wings is the sauce or dry seasoning applied. These flavorful additions can dramatically increase the fat, sugar, and sodium content. For example, a buttery, creamy sauce will add more calories and fat than a vinegar-based sauce or a dry rub.
Some sauces and their potential impact per 20-wing serving, using data for 8 fl oz of sauce as a reference, can illustrate this:
- Original Buffalo: An 8 fl oz serving adds 890 calories, mostly from fat, significantly boosting the total.
- Lemon Pepper (Dry Rub): While a dry rub, a typical 8 fl oz adds 1420 calories, mostly from fat, to your wings. This dramatically increases the total.
- Asian Zing®: This adds around 690 calories per 8 fl oz due to high sugar content.
Comparison Table: 20 Wings Calorie Impact
The table below demonstrates how different sauce choices can impact the total calorie count for a 20-wing order. These are estimates based on combining the base wing calories with the sauce calories listed on the Buffalo Wild Wings nutrition information.
| Wing Type & Flavor | Estimated Total Calories (20 wings) |
|---|---|
| Traditional Wings (Plain) | 1,440 kcal |
| Boneless Wings (Plain) | 1,210 kcal |
| Traditional Wings with Original Buffalo | 2,330 kcal (1440 + 890) |
| Boneless Wings with Asian Zing® | 1,900 kcal (1210 + 690) |
| Traditional Wings with Lemon Pepper (Dry Rub) | 2,860 kcal (1440 + 1420) |
Making a Healthier Wing Choice
If you are mindful of your caloric intake, you have options for enjoying Buffalo Wild Wings while managing the nutrition. The choice of wing and sauce are your primary control points.
Tips for Reducing Calories:
- Go Traditional and Plain: An order of un-sauced traditional wings provides a significant amount of protein with fewer carbs than the breaded boneless version. The sodium is also considerably lower.
- Choose a Low-Calorie Dry Rub: Some dry seasonings, like Desert Heat, are extremely low in calories compared to sauces. A dry rub can add flavor without a heavy calorie load.
- Order Sauce on the Side: This allows you to control how much sauce you consume. You can dip your wings lightly rather than having them heavily coated.
- Pair with Healthier Sides: Instead of fries, opt for carrots and celery. An 8-fl-oz serving of carrots and celery sticks contains only 130 calories and has a higher fiber count.
Conclusion
While the base calorie count for 20 wings from Buffalo Wild Wings is high, ranging from 1,210 for boneless to 1,440 for traditional, the flavor you choose is the most significant determinant of the total nutritional impact. By understanding the calorie additions from different sauces and making conscious choices, you can better manage your intake. Opting for traditional wings with a lighter dry rub or sauce on the side can be a more nutritionally friendly option.
For the most up-to-date and specific nutritional information, it is always best to consult the official Buffalo Wild Wings nutrition menu.
Additional Considerations
- Add-ons: Dips like Ranch or Bleu Cheese add significant calories and fat. An 8 fl oz serving of Ranch adds 1,270 calories, while Bleu Cheese adds 1,130.
- Portion Size: Remember that a 20-wing order is a large portion, often intended for sharing. Adjusting your portion size is the easiest way to control calories.
- Customization: Buffalo Wild Wings offers a wide range of flavor options. Being mindful of these choices is key to managing your nutrition when eating out.
- Cooking Method: Wings at most fast-food chains are fried, adding to their calorie and fat content. This is a primary reason for the high overall totals.
How to Estimate Calories for Your Customized Order
To get a more precise estimate for your personalized 20-wing order, you can follow these steps:
- Start with the base calorie count for your wing type: 1,440 for traditional or 1,210 for boneless.
- Find the nutritional information for your chosen sauce or rub on the official Buffalo Wild Wings menu.
- Divide the sauce/rub calorie count by the number of fluid ounces listed (usually 8 fl oz or 12 fl oz) to get a per-ounce calorie figure.
- Estimate how many ounces of sauce are used on your wings and multiply by the per-ounce figure.
- Add this sauce-related calorie count to your base wing calorie count. This will give you a closer estimate of your total calories.
Example Calculation:
- 20 Traditional Wings (1,440 kcal)
- Add Medium Sauce (8 fl oz = 260 kcal). Assuming 4 fl oz used for 20 wings, you add 130 kcal.
- Total = 1,440 + 130 = 1,570 kcal (estimated). This is still a very high-calorie meal, but illustrates the impact of sauce.
By being aware of the different components, you can enjoy your wings responsibly and make informed choices about your diet. The wide range of flavor options means there is a large variability in the final nutritional outcome of your meal.
