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How many calories are in BK tater tots? A complete guide

6 min read

According to recent nutrition data, an 8-piece serving of Burger King’s fan-favorite Cheesy Tots contains 310 calories, while a smaller 4-piece serving has 150 calories. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed look at how many calories are in BK tater tots and their overall nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

Calorie and nutrition details for Burger King's popular Cheesy Tots. A breakdown of the 4-piece and 8-piece servings is provided, along with historical context and comparison to other BK side dishes.

Key Points

  • Cheesy Tots (8-piece): Contains 310 calories per serving.

  • Cheesy Tots (4-piece): Contains 150 calories per serving.

  • Limited Availability: Cheesy Tots are a temporary menu item, not a permanent side offering.

  • Compare to other sides: The calories in an 8-piece tot serving are similar to a small order of Burger King fries.

  • Loaded Tater Tots (Retired): A previous version, Loaded Tater Tots, had a higher calorie count of 380 kcal for an 8-piece serving.

  • High in Sodium and Fat: Both versions of the tots are a significant source of sodium and fat, so they should be consumed in moderation.

In This Article

Current nutritional profile for BK's Cheesy Tots

While original tater tots are not a regular menu item, Burger King has periodically brought back their popular Cheesy Tots as a limited-time offering. The calorie count for these cheesy delights varies depending on the serving size. A smaller 4-piece serving provides a quick snack, while the 8-piece portion offers a more substantial side. The nutritional information is crucial for those tracking their intake, especially considering the limited availability of the item means its presence on official online menus may vary.

Nutritional breakdown for Cheesy Tots

Based on recent data from reputable nutrition sources, the Cheesy Tots offer a specific macronutrient profile:

4-Piece Cheesy Tots

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sodium: 510mg

8-Piece Cheesy Tots

  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Sodium: 780mg

Remembering the Loaded Tater Tots

It is important to note that Burger King has offered other tot variations in the past. One such item was the Loaded Tater Tots, which featured additional toppings like bacon and cheese sauce. For reference, here is the nutritional breakdown for the older offering, which had a higher calorie count:

8-Piece Loaded Tater Tots

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Sodium: 640mg

Comparing BK tots to other popular side items

How do the calorie counts of Cheesy Tots stack up against other Burger King favorites? Let's take a look at a comparison table for a clearer picture. Keep in mind that calorie counts can vary slightly by location and product formulation changes.

Side Item Serving Size Calories (approx.) Notes
Cheesy Tots 8 pieces 310 kcal Limited-time offer
French Fries Small 300 kcal Permanent menu item
Onion Rings Small 280 kcal Permanent menu item
Whopper Jr. 1 burger 300 kcal A small sandwich is comparable

Tips for managing calories when ordering BK tots

If you enjoy Cheesy Tots but are mindful of your calorie intake, here are some strategies:

  • Choose the smaller portion: The 4-piece serving offers a significant calorie reduction compared to the 8-piece. It can satisfy a craving without a large impact on your daily calorie budget.
  • Skip the sauces: Dipping sauces, especially those with creamy or sugary bases, can add a surprising number of calories. Eating the tots plain is the best way to keep the count down.
  • Balance your meal: Pair your tots with a lower-calorie main, such as a plain Whopper Jr. or a side salad (if available), instead of a larger burger or other high-calorie menu items.
  • Track your intake: Use a food logging app to accurately track the calories, fats, and sodium from your meal. This helps ensure you stay within your nutritional goals for the day.
  • Consider sharing: If you opt for the larger 8-piece tot order, consider sharing it with a friend to halve your intake and enjoy the treat in moderation.

Understanding the ingredients

Burger King's Cheesy Tots are made from a mix of potatoes and cheese, coated in a crispy batter and deep-fried. The specific cheese type is usually a cheddar blend, which contributes to the gooey center. The combination of potato and cheese, along with the deep-frying process, is what results in the crunchy texture and appealing flavor profile, as well as the calorie density. While the occasional splurge is fine, the sodium and fat content should be considered, especially for those with specific dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

While no longer a permanent fixture on the menu, Burger King's Cheesy Tots are a popular limited-time side item with specific calorie counts: 150 kcal for a 4-piece serving and 310 kcal for an 8-piece serving. These are comparable in calorie density to other small sides like fries and onion rings, but higher than smaller burgers like the Whopper Jr. By being mindful of portion size and making smart choices with sauces and other menu items, fans can enjoy this nostalgic treat in moderation when it returns. For the most up-to-date nutritional information, it is always a good idea to check Burger King's official nutrition guide or use a reliable food database like Nutritionix, especially since recipes and availability can change. An interactive nutrition menu can be found on the Nutritionix website at https://www.nutritionix.com/burger-king/menu/premium?desktop.

Keypoints

  • Cheesy Tots calories: An 8-piece serving of BK Cheesy Tots contains 310 calories, while a 4-piece contains 150 calories.
  • Loaded Tater Tots: A past version, Loaded Tater Tots, had 380 calories for an 8-piece serving, a higher amount due to additional toppings.
  • Availability: BK Cheesy Tots are a limited-time promotional item and are not always on the menu.
  • Comparison to fries: A small order of Cheesy Tots is comparable in calories to a small order of BK's classic fries or onion rings.
  • Nutritional trade-offs: While tasty, Cheesy Tots are high in sodium and fat, and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Faqs

What are Cheesy Tots from Burger King? Cheesy Tots are a limited-time side dish offered by Burger King, featuring bite-sized pieces of deep-fried potato mixed with a cheese blend inside.

Are BK tater tots currently available? Availability of Cheesy Tots varies as they are a promotional item. They periodically return to the menu for a limited time, most recently in late 2023. Check with your local Burger King for current availability.

How do Cheesy Tots compare to standard tater tots? Standard tater tots from other brands typically contain only shredded potatoes. BK's Cheesy Tots include cheese mixed into the potato filling, giving them a distinct flavor and texture.

Is there a lower-calorie alternative at Burger King? For a lower-calorie side, options like the garden side salad (without dressing) or potentially a smaller serving of onion rings might be considered, depending on current menu offerings.

What is the fat content in BK Cheesy Tots? An 8-piece serving of Cheesy Tots contains 15 grams of fat, while a 4-piece serving contains 6 grams.

Can you order a healthier version of the Cheesy Tots? Since Cheesy Tots are a pre-prepared, deep-fried item, there is no healthier preparation option available at Burger King. The best strategy is to opt for the smaller serving size.

What was the difference between Cheesy Tots and Loaded Tater Tots? Loaded Tater Tots were a past offering from Burger King that included bacon and other toppings, resulting in a higher calorie and fat count than the standard Cheesy Tots.

How much sodium is in an order of Cheesy Tots? An 8-piece serving of Cheesy Tots contains 780mg of sodium, and a 4-piece serving has 510mg.

Where can I find the most accurate nutritional info for BK items? For the most reliable and up-to-date nutritional information, it is best to check Burger King's official nutrition information page or a regularly updated database like Nutritionix.

Why are tater tots not a permanent item at Burger King? Fast-food restaurants often use limited-time items to generate excitement and drive customer interest. The periodic return of popular items like Cheesy Tots can attract nostalgia-driven demand.

Are Cheesy Tots vegetarian-friendly? Because they contain cheese, Cheesy Tots are vegetarian. However, they are cooked in oil that is likely used for other meat products like chicken, so they are not vegan and may not be suitable for strict vegetarians concerned about cross-contamination.

Are there any allergens in Burger King Cheesy Tots? The cheese and batter ingredients in Cheesy Tots can contain common allergens such as milk and wheat (gluten). Those with allergies should always check the most current allergen information provided by Burger King.

Citations

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Burger King tater tots, specifically the Cheesy Tots version, are a limited-time offer. They have returned to the menu periodically for special promotions but are not a permanent item.

Cheesy Tots feature a cheese and potato filling in a fried nugget. Loaded Tater Tots, a previous limited-time offer, included additional toppings like bacon and cheese sauce, making them higher in calories and fat.

An 8-piece serving of Burger King Cheesy Tots contains 34g of total carbohydrates, while a 4-piece serving has 20g.

No, Cheesy Tots are a poor choice for a low-sodium diet. An 8-piece serving contains 780mg of sodium, which is a significant portion of a person's recommended daily intake.

The calorie count of an 8-piece Cheesy Tots (310 kcal) is very similar to a small order of Burger King fries (300 kcal). The specific fat and sodium content may differ slightly, but both are considered indulgent sides.

Yes, some nutrition databases and archives track past menu items. For example, some sources list an 8-piece Loaded Tater Tots serving as having 380 calories.

Yes, checking the Burger King app is one of the best ways to see if limited-time promotional items like Cheesy Tots are currently available at participating locations.

No, the Cheesy Tots contain wheat in their batter and are also fried in shared oil, so they are not suitable for a gluten-free diet.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

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