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How many calories are in a 6 piece at BDubs?

4 min read

A six-piece order of plain boneless wings at BDubs contains 360 calories, while a six-piece order of traditional wings without sauce has 430 calories. This initial count changes based on your choice of sauce or dry seasoning.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 6-piece order at BDubs varies, based on boneless or traditional wings and the sauce. Plain boneless wings have 360 calories, and plain traditional wings have 430 calories; sauces and dry seasonings will increase this total.

Key Points

  • Base Calories: A 6-piece plain boneless wing order has 360 calories, while the traditional version has 430, before adding sauce or seasoning.

  • Sauce Impact: Sauces can dramatically increase the total calorie count, with creamy or sugary options adding the most calories.

  • Dry Seasoning: Opting for a dry seasoning is a low-calorie alternative to traditional sauces, with minimal added calories.

  • Boneless vs. Traditional: Surprisingly, traditional wings start with fewer calories than their boneless counterparts, and zero carbohydrates.

  • Healthier Choices: To reduce calories, consider choosing traditional wings, a dry seasoning, and avoiding high-fat dipping sauces like ranch.

  • Read the Fine Print: The official BDubs nutrition guide details the specific calorie additions for each sauce, which is crucial for accurate tracking.

In This Article

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

  1. Visit the official Buffalo Wild Wings website: Look for a link labeled "Nutrition" or "Nutritional Information" typically found in the footer.
  2. Use third-party nutritional apps: Websites and apps like Eat This Much or MyNetDiary compile nutrition data from various restaurants.
  3. Use the search results directly: The data provided from sources like verywellfit.com offer a quick and reliable breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 6-count order of plain boneless wings contains 360 calories, before any sauce or dry seasoning is added.

A 6-count order of plain traditional wings contains 430 calories. This count does not include any sauce or dry seasoning.

Yes, BDubs sauces can significantly increase the total calorie count. For example, Parmesan Garlic sauce adds 130 calories to 6 traditional wings, while a dry seasoning adds only about 5.

The lowest calorie options are the dry seasonings like Lemon Pepper or Desert Heat, which add only 5 calories per 6-piece wing order.

Plain boneless wings have a lower base calorie count at 360 calories for a 6-piece order, compared to 430 for plain traditional wings.

Yes, dipping sauces like ranch or bleu cheese are calorie-dense. An 8 fl oz serving of ranch dressing, for instance, contains 1270 calories, so dipping generously can add hundreds of calories to your meal.

The official nutrition guide can be found on the Buffalo Wild Wings website, typically linked from the footer of their main page.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.