Calorie and Nutrition Breakdown by Sandwich Size
Potbelly offers the Prime Rib Steak sandwich in several sizes, and the calorie count varies significantly depending on your choice. For many customers, this information is key to managing their dietary intake, especially given the sandwich's high-calorie components.
- Original Size: The standard Prime Rib Steak Sandwich contains 880 calories. The macronutrient distribution is high in fat, with 55g of total fat (71% Daily Value) and a substantial 20g of saturated fat (100% DV). Carbohydrates are 67g, and it provides 38g of protein.
- BIGS Size: The larger BIGS version of the sandwich packs a much higher caloric punch, totaling 1250 calories. This size is a serious consideration for those monitoring their diet, as it features 76g of total fat, 28g of saturated fat, 97g of carbohydrates, and 54g of protein.
- Skinny Size: For a lighter option, the Skinny version is available. It has the lowest calorie count at 590 calories, offering a more moderate choice while still delivering the flavor of prime rib.
How Customizations Affect Your Sandwich's Nutrition
One of the biggest factors in the final calorie count is how you customize your sandwich. Potbelly provides a nutrition calculator on their website that allows you to see the impact of each ingredient. The core components include prime rib, provolone cheese, and bread, but toppings can also add up.
Here is a list of ingredients and their potential impact:
- Meat: The amount of prime rib is a major calorie driver. Additional meat will increase the protein and fat content substantially.
- Cheese: Extra provolone cheese will add approximately 100-110 calories per ounce, primarily from fat.
- Bread: Choosing a different bread type can alter the carbohydrate count slightly, though the standard bread is already accounted for in the original nutrition facts.
- Sauces: Adding mayonnaise, extra horseradish sauce, or other dressings can increase the fat and calorie content. Opting for mustard or omitting sauces can help reduce calories.
- Vegetables: Toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and mushrooms add minimal calories but can boost the fiber and nutrient profile.
Comparison of Prime Rib Steak Sandwich Sizes
To help visualize the difference, here is a comparison table of the three available sizes based on nutritional data:
| Nutrient | Originals | BIGS | Skinny |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 880 | 1250 | 590 |
| Total Fat | 55g | 76g | Not listed |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 28g | Not listed |
| Carbohydrates | 67g | 97g | Not listed |
| Protein | 38g | 54g | Not listed |
Understanding the Macro Breakdown
Looking beyond just calories provides a more complete picture of the sandwich's nutritional value. The Prime Rib Steak Sandwich is a high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal. The Originals version gets about 54% of its calories from fat, 29% from carbs, and 17% from protein. This makes it a very rich sandwich, and its high saturated fat content meets or exceeds the daily recommended limit for most individuals. The BIGS size is even more so, with a comparable macronutrient breakdown but in larger quantities.
How to Create a Healthier Version
If you're a fan of the flavor but want a more diet-friendly meal, consider the following strategies:
- Choose the Skinny size: This is the most direct way to reduce calories and fat while enjoying the same core flavor.
- Customize with the Nutrition Calculator: Use the tool on the Potbelly website to build a healthier version. Opt for less cheese or skip extra sauces to shave off significant calories.
- Pair wisely: Order a sandwich but pair it with a low-calorie side, such as a garden salad with light dressing, instead of chips or a cookie.
- Share the sandwich: Consider splitting an Original-size sandwich with a friend. This turns it into a moderate meal rather than a full, calorie-dense entree.
Conclusion
While a delicious indulgence, the Potbelly Prime Rib Steak Sandwich is a calorically dense meal, especially in the larger BIGS size. For those counting calories, the Skinny version offers a much more sensible option. Understanding the nutritional breakdown of the various sizes and knowing how to customize your order through the official nutrition calculator empowers you to make a choice that fits your dietary needs without completely sacrificing flavor. Always check the latest nutritional information on the Potbelly website to ensure accuracy before placing your order.
