BWW Lemon Pepper Wings Calories: Breaking Down the Nutrition
When ordering at Buffalo Wild Wings, the type of wing and the specific lemon pepper flavoring you choose have a major impact on the final calorie count. The key distinction is between the dry seasoning and the creamy, buttery lemon pepper sauce. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the nutrition to help you understand what you are consuming.
Traditional Wings with Lemon Pepper Seasoning
For those who prefer the authentic wing experience, traditional (bone-in) wings with the dry lemon pepper seasoning are a popular choice. The caloric impact from the seasoning itself is minimal, adding only about 5 calories per 6-wing serving. The bulk of the calories comes from the wing meat and the frying process.
Here is a breakdown for a 6-count serving of traditional wings with the dry seasoning:
- Total Calories: Approximately 435 calories (430 for plain wings + 5 for seasoning)
- Protein: 53g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg (160mg for plain wings + 290mg for seasoning)
Traditional Wings with Lemon Pepper Sauce
The creamy lemon pepper sauce at BWW contains a significant amount of fat and added calories, dramatically increasing the total nutritional values. This is because the sauce is made with ingredients like soybean oil, butter, and distilled vinegar, creating a rich and flavorful but high-calorie topping.
Here is a comparison for a 6-count serving of traditional wings with the lemon pepper sauce:
- Total Calories: Approximately 610 calories (430 for plain wings + 180 for sauce)
- Protein: 53g
- Fat: 43g (24g for plain wings + 19g for sauce)
- Saturated Fat: 11g (8g for plain wings + 3g for sauce)
- Sodium: 850mg (160mg for plain wings + 690mg for sauce)
Boneless Wings with Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Boneless wings at BWW are breaded and fried, which impacts their nutritional profile. A 6-count order of plain boneless wings (no sauce or seasoning) starts at 360 calories. The dry lemon pepper seasoning adds minimal calories to this base, similar to the traditional wings.
Here is the breakdown for a 6-count serving of boneless wings with the dry seasoning:
- Total Calories: Approximately 365 calories (360 for plain wings + 5 for seasoning)
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 1550mg (1260mg for plain wings + 290mg for seasoning)
Boneless Wings with Lemon Pepper Sauce
Adding the creamy lemon pepper sauce to boneless wings significantly boosts the calorie count. The combination of the breaded chicken and the fatty sauce results in a more calorie-dense meal.
Here is a breakdown for a 6-count serving of boneless wings with the lemon pepper sauce:
- Total Calories: Approximately 630 calories (360 for plain wings + 270 for sauce)
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 47g (19g for plain wings + 28g for sauce)
- Saturated Fat: 11.5g (7g for plain wings + 4.5g for sauce)
- Sodium: 2270mg (1260mg for plain wings + 1010mg for sauce)
Making Healthier Choices
While wings are often considered an indulgence, a few mindful choices can make a significant difference in your total calorie and fat intake. Choosing dry seasoning over a wet sauce is the most impactful decision, but other modifications can also help.
- Stick to Dry Rubs: Opting for the lemon pepper dry rub saves hundreds of calories and a substantial amount of fat per order compared to the sauce.
- Go Boneless: While breaded, a 6-count of boneless wings has fewer base calories than traditional wings, though the sauce calories are still high.
- Order Smaller Quantities: A 6-count or 10-count is a more manageable portion size than larger party platters. Consider sharing a larger order to split the calories.
- Focus on Flavor, Not Drenching: If you prefer the sauce, ask for it on the side and use it sparingly. This allows you to control the exact amount of fat and sodium you add to your meal.
- Eat Your Veggies: The carrots and celery sticks served with wings add fiber and volume without many calories, helping you feel full.
Comparison Table: BWW Lemon Pepper Calorie Breakdown
| Wing Type & Size | Preparation | Approximate Calories | Approximate Total Fat | Approximate Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Wings (6 count) | Dry Seasoning | 435 | 24g | 450mg |
| Traditional Wings (6 count) | Lemon Pepper Sauce | 610 | 43g | 850mg |
| Boneless Wings (6 count) | Dry Seasoning | 365 | 19g | 1550mg |
| Boneless Wings (6 count) | Lemon Pepper Sauce | 630 | 47g | 2270mg |
| Traditional Wings (10 count) | Dry Seasoning | 725 | 41g | 560mg |
| Traditional Wings (10 count) | Lemon Pepper Sauce | 990 | 69g | 1330mg |
The Final Word on BWW Lemon Pepper Wings Calories
The calorie count for BWW lemon pepper wings depends heavily on whether you choose the dry seasoning or the sauce. The creamy lemon pepper sauce adds significant fat and calories, making the total count much higher than the simple dry rub version. For those watching their intake, the dry rub is the clear winner. Ultimately, it’s about making an informed decision based on your dietary goals, whether that's a lighter option or a full-flavor indulgence. Enjoying wings in moderation and being aware of the nutritional differences is the best approach.
Sources for BWW nutritional information:
- Buffalo Wild Wings official nutrition guide provides detailed information on all menu items.
- For a deeper look into the difference between dry rubs and sauces, Verywell Fit offers a comprehensive breakdown of healthier options at BWW.
- Information from the official BWW website also outlines the specific nutrition for different wing counts and preparations.
Helpful tip: Remember that portion sizes matter. Consider starting with a smaller order or pairing your wings with a side of carrots and celery to increase fiber and manage your overall intake.
Conclusion
Buffalo Wild Wings' lemon pepper flavor offers a wide range of calories depending on the preparation method. For a 6-count serving, dry seasoned traditional wings are the lowest calorie option, at approximately 435 calories, while the creamy lemon pepper sauce increases that to about 610 calories. Understanding this key difference allows customers to align their choices with their personal dietary goals, whether they are focused on reducing calories or enjoying a more indulgent treat. By opting for the dry rub or asking for sauce on the side, it is possible to enjoy the signature flavor while maintaining better control over nutritional intake.