The Marketside Southwest Style Chicken Wrap
Walmart's prepared food section, often featuring the Marketside brand, offers a variety of quick and easy meals, including the Southwest Style Chicken Wrap. When considering this option for lunch or a quick dinner, the first question for many is its calorie content. The most current and reliable source, the Walmart product listing, states that the standard 9.5 oz Marketside Southwest Style Chicken Wrap contains 580 calories.
Full Nutritional Breakdown
Beyond just calories, a complete picture of the wrap's nutritional value is found on the product label. The breakdown for the 9.5 oz Marketside wrap includes:
- Total Fat: 20g (26% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 6g (30% Daily Value)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 110mg (37% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 1670mg (73% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 66g (24% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 4g (14% Daily Value)
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 37g
It is important to note the high sodium content, which exceeds 70% of the recommended daily value in a single serving. Additionally, the wrap provides a substantial 37g of protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Why Calorie Counts Can Vary
If you see different calorie counts for a "Southwest chicken wrap from Walmart," there are several potential reasons for the discrepancy. The most common cause is differing versions of the product. The Marketside line may feature different sizes or recipes over time. For example, older nutrition data might show a 9 oz version with 480 calories, or another Marketside variant might list 690 calories. It's also possible to confuse the Marketside brand with other brands that sell similar wraps at Walmart. Another source of variation is the inclusion or exclusion of specific sauces, which can add significant calories and sodium.
To ensure you have the most accurate information for the specific product you are purchasing, it is crucial to always check the nutrition facts panel on the individual package. The FDA provides excellent resources for understanding nutrition labels, including serving sizes and daily values.
How the Ingredients Add Up
The components of the Southwest chicken wrap each contribute to the final calorie count. The main contributors are:
- Tortilla: The large flour tortilla is a primary source of carbohydrates and calories. Whole-grain or smaller tortillas would reduce this number.
- Chicken: The cooked chicken breast provides the bulk of the protein. Using a lean protein source is a positive aspect of this wrap.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese, like cheddar or a Mexican blend, adds fat, saturated fat, and calories. Reducing the amount or using a lower-fat variety could be an option.
- Dressing/Sauce: The creamy chipotle or southwest-style sauce often contains high levels of fat, sodium, and calories. Some homemade versions suggest a Greek yogurt or avocado-based alternative to cut calories.
- Fillings: The lettuce, tomatoes, and other vegetables add minimal calories but increase fiber and volume.
Comparison with Other Options
To put the Marketside Southwest Style Chicken Wrap into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular wrap options, based on typical nutrition information for a single serving.
| Item | Approximate Calories | Approximate Protein | Approximate Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketside Southwest Wrap (9.5 oz) | 580 | 37g | 1670mg |
| Standard Chicken Caesar Wrap | 600-800+ | 30-40g | Varies |
| Homemade Southwest Chicken Wrap | ~450 (with modifications) | ~30g | Lower |
| Marketside Half Wrap | ~350 | ~20g | ~550mg |
This table illustrates that while the Marketside wrap is not the highest-calorie option available, it's not the leanest either. Its sodium content, in particular, is an outlier that requires attention. Making a homemade version allows for significantly more control over the ingredients and overall nutritional profile.
Lower-Calorie and Healthier Alternatives
For those seeking a similar flavor profile with fewer calories, several strategies can be employed. You can either modify the Marketside wrap or choose a healthier alternative:
- Choose a smaller portion: If available, opt for a smaller size, or simply eat half of the wrap.
- Make it yourself: A homemade southwest chicken wrap using grilled chicken, a whole-grain tortilla, and a Greek yogurt-based sauce can drastically reduce calories, fat, and sodium.
- Consider a salad: Transform the wrap's ingredients into a salad by forgoing the high-carb tortilla and using a lighter dressing.
- Focus on lean ingredients: Opt for grilled chicken over fried, and load up on fresh veggies like corn, black beans, and salsa instead of relying on heavy dressings.
Conclusion
A single Marketside Southwest Style Chicken Wrap from Walmart contains 580 calories, along with 37g of protein, 20g of fat, and a notably high 1670mg of sodium. Its nutritional profile is comparable to many fast-food wraps, but mindful consumers can find healthier and lower-calorie options by making minor adjustments or preparing a similar meal at home. While a convenient choice, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, keeping a close eye on the sodium content.
For detailed guidance on reading food labels, you can refer to the resources from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
