Understanding the Calories in BWW Fries
Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) is a popular destination for wings and other American-style bar food. For those monitoring their dietary intake, understanding the calorie and macronutrient content of menu items is important. The French fries, a classic side, are no exception. The official nutritional data provides clear figures for both the regular and large sizes, which can vary significantly.
The restaurant lists a regular side of French fries as containing 420 calories. The total macronutrient breakdown for this size is approximately 11 grams of fat, 78 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein. This side contains a significant amount of sodium, providing 730 mg per regular serving.
When you upsize to a large, the caloric load doubles to 840 calories. The other nutritional values also increase proportionally. For instance, the large serving has 22 grams of fat, 155 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of protein. The sodium level in a large portion is 1460 mg, which is a considerable amount for a single side dish.
A Closer Look at the Macronutrients
Beyond just the total calories, the distribution of macronutrients—fat, carbohydrates, and protein—reveals more about the fries' nutritional impact. BWW's fries are primarily a source of carbohydrates and fat. The fat content, particularly saturated and trans fats, is worth noting. The fries are cooked in beef tallow, which contributes to their fat content.
The Impact of Toppings and Seasonings
Adding toppings or specific seasonings can further alter the total calorie and nutrient count. BWW offers a variety of additions, each with its own profile.
- Cheese: Adding cheddar jack cheese to a regular order adds approximately 110 calories.
- Hatch Queso: A side of queso adds another 110 calories and a significant amount of sodium.
- Chili: Adding chili increases the calories by about 110 and adds more protein.
- Bacon: Sprinkling bacon on top will add around 60 calories to your regular fry order.
- Dry Seasonings: While some dry seasonings like Buffalo or Chipotle BBQ only add a minimal 5 calories, they can increase the sodium content substantially. Lemon Pepper and Salt & Vinegar seasonings add little to no calories but contain high sodium.
Comparison of BWW Fries and Other BWW Sides
It can be helpful to compare the caloric content of the French fries to other side items on the menu to make more informed choices. For context, let's look at a quick comparison.
| Side Item | Regular Calories | Main Macronutrient | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Fries | 420 | Carbohydrates & Fat | Higher in carbs and fat compared to healthier sides. |
| Potato Wedges | 370 | Carbohydrates | Slightly lower calorie count than regular fries. |
| Tots | 620 | Carbohydrates & Fat | Much higher calorie count and substantial fat content. |
| Garden Side Salad | 90 | Negligible | Healthiest option, very low in calories (without dressing). |
| Mac & Cheese | 540 | Fat & Carbs | Higher calorie and saturated fat content. |
| Beer-Battered Onion Rings | 810 | Fat & Carbs | Very high in calories and fat due to batter and frying. |
Making Health-Conscious Choices
For those who enjoy BWW but want to manage their calorie intake, there are a few strategies. Simply opting for the regular side of fries instead of the large can cut 420 calories from your meal. Consider splitting a regular order with a friend to halve your portion size. You can also ask for seasonings on the side, like the Lemon Pepper, to control the amount of sodium you consume.
Another approach is to substitute the fries with a lower-calorie side. A Garden Side Salad, with only 90 calories before dressing, is the most calorie-friendly option. Alternatively, the Potato Wedges offer a slightly different texture and flavor profile with fewer calories than the fries. The most impactful change, however, involves avoiding the high-calorie sides altogether. If a potato side is a must, sticking to the standard offering is a better choice than the Tots or Onion Rings.
Conclusion
When asking how many calories are in BWW fries, the answer depends on the portion size, with a regular order containing 420 calories and a large order containing 840 calories. As with many restaurant items, the full picture includes high levels of fat, carbohydrates, and sodium, particularly when factoring in additional toppings. By understanding these nutritional facts, customers can make informed decisions and find a balance between enjoying their meal and maintaining their health goals. Exploring lighter side options or controlling portion sizes can help reduce the overall calorie and sodium intake from your Buffalo Wild Wings visit.
Resources
For additional nutritional information and resources, you can consult Buffalo Wild Wings' official menu and nutrition guide, which is often found online on their corporate website or specific country sites like the one for Saudi Arabia or UAE, which reflect global product variations.
