BDubs, also known as Buffalo Wild Wings, is a popular spot for casual dining, particularly for its wide variety of chicken wings. Understanding the nutritional breakdown is essential for those monitoring their caloric intake. The key to figuring out how many calories are in a 6 piece at BDubs is to distinguish between the type of wing and the sauce or seasoning applied.
Boneless vs. Traditional Wings: The Calorie Difference
The most significant factor in your total calorie count will be your choice of wing. Boneless and traditional wings have different preparation methods and therefore different base calorie totals. The boneless version is essentially fried chicken breast, while traditional wings are the classic, bone-in version. Because traditional wings have a greater ratio of skin and fat, their calorie count is typically higher, even before any sauce is applied.
Factors That Influence Total Calories
Several components contribute to the final calorie count of your 6-piece wing order. These elements can quickly add up, turning a relatively modest base calorie number into a high-calorie meal.
- The Base Wing: The choice between boneless and traditional wings sets the foundation for your caloric intake.
- Sauces: Sauces are a major source of added calories, sugars, and sodium. Creamy, sweet, and cheese-based sauces tend to be the most calorically dense.
- Dry Seasonings: Dry seasonings can still add a small amount of extra calories, and in some cases, significant amounts of sodium.
- Dipping Sauces: Accompaniments like ranch or bleu cheese dressing are packed with extra calories and fat. Many patrons dip each wing generously, which can easily double or triple the total calorie load of the dipping sauce itself.
Sauce and Seasoning Calorie Impact
Not all sauces are created equal from a nutritional perspective. Here is a breakdown of how BDubs' popular sauces can impact the calorie count of your 6-piece wing order. For context, all figures are added on top of the base wing calorie counts.
| BDubs Sauce/Seasoning | Calories for 6 Traditional Wings (added) | Calories for 6 Boneless Wings (added) | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Zing | ~90 | ~130 | High in sugar and carbs; a significant calorie increase. |
| Blazin' Carolina Reaper | ~40 | ~60 | One of the lowest calorie sauces, prioritizing heat over sugar. |
| Honey BBQ | ~70 | ~100 | Sweet sauces contribute substantial calories from sugar. |
| Medium | ~30 | ~50 | A moderate choice, adding a modest number of calories. |
| Mild | ~50 | ~70 | Slightly higher in calories than Medium due to butter content. |
| Lemon Pepper Dry Seasoning | ~5 | ~5 | A minimal calorie increase, making it a low-impact choice. |
| Spicy Garlic | ~45 | ~70 | Comparable to Mild, with a savory, spicy kick. |
| Parmesan Garlic | ~130 | ~190 | One of the highest calorie and fat sauces due to its creamy base. |
Tips for Making a Healthier Choice
For those watching their diet, BDubs offers several ways to enjoy wings without completely derailing your nutritional goals. Making mindful choices can lead to a more balanced meal.
- Choose Traditional Wings: Surprisingly, the plain traditional wings are lower in total calories than the boneless version, and significantly lower in carbohydrates.
- Opt for Dry Seasonings: Dry seasonings like Lemon Pepper or Desert Heat add minimal calories compared to signature sauces.
- Mind Your Dipping Sauces: A small side of ranch or bleu cheese can add over 100 calories per serving. Using a smaller amount or skipping it altogether is a simple way to save calories.
- Go for the Heat: Spicy sauces like Blazin' or Hot typically have fewer calories and sugar than their sweeter counterparts.
- Share Your Meal: Consider splitting a 6-piece order with a friend to reduce your portion size and calorie intake.
Conclusion
The calorie content of a 6-piece order at BDubs depends heavily on your choices. A basic order can range from 360 to 430 calories for plain boneless or traditional wings, respectively. Adding a signature sauce can easily increase that number by over 100 calories. By being aware of the nutritional differences between boneless and traditional wings, and making informed decisions about your choice of sauce, you can enjoy your meal while staying mindful of your health and fitness goals.
Choosing Your Wing Order: A Simple Guide
- For the lowest calories: Choose plain traditional wings with a dry seasoning like Lemon Pepper or Desert Heat.
- For a moderate option: Stick with boneless wings and a less-caloric sauce like Hot or Blazin'.
- For flavor focus: Be mindful of portion size when selecting high-calorie sauces like Asian Zing or Parmesan Garlic.
Ultimately, BDubs provides nutritional information for a reason. By taking a moment to review it, you can find a balance between indulgence and mindful eating. The flavor can be just as satisfying with a smarter sauce choice, proving that you don't have to sacrifice taste for your wellness journey.
How to Find BDubs Nutrition Info Online
- Visit the official Buffalo Wild Wings website: Look for a link labeled "Nutrition" or "Nutritional Information" typically found in the footer.
- Use third-party nutritional apps: Websites and apps like Eat This Much or MyNetDiary compile nutrition data from various restaurants.
- Use the search results directly: The data provided from sources like
verywellfit.comoffer a quick and reliable breakdown.