Skip to content

How Many Calories Are in Captain D's Fish Sandwich?

3 min read

The Captain D's Giant Fish Sandwich contains 790 calories, based on the official nutrition information chart released by the company. When considering your meal choice, it's important to know not only how many calories are in Captain D's fish sandwich but also its full nutritional profile, especially when paired with side dishes.

Quick Summary

A detailed nutritional guide on Captain D's fish sandwiches, focusing on calorie content, macronutrient breakdown, and tips for making informed choices. It covers the Giant and Great Little Fish Sandwich options.

Key Points

  • Giant Sandwich Calories: The Giant Fish Sandwich has 790 calories and is the higher-calorie option of the fish sandwiches.

  • Little Sandwich Calories: The Great Little Fish Sandwich is a slightly lighter option at 610 calories but is higher in sodium than the Giant.

  • Frying Adds Calories: The battering and deep-frying process significantly increase the fat and calorie content of the fish sandwiches.

  • Sides Add Up: Side dishes like fries and macaroni & cheese can add hundreds of extra calories, often pushing the total meal well over 1,200 calories.

  • Grilled is Healthier: Opting for grilled fish alternatives, such as the Grilled White Fish or Wild Alaskan Salmon, drastically reduces the calorie and fat content.

  • Sauce Matters: A single serving of tartar sauce contributes 100 calories, which quickly adds up.

In This Article

Captain D's Fish Sandwich Calorie Breakdown

When you're curious about the calorie content of a fast-food meal, it's essential to specify which item you mean, as Captain D's offers a few fish sandwich options. The most popular and highest-calorie choice is the Giant Fish Sandwich, while a lighter alternative exists in the Great Little Fish Sandwich.

The Giant Fish Sandwich: A Nutritional Look

According to Captain D's official 2024 nutrition chart, the Giant Fish Sandwich is a significant meal on its own, containing 790 calories. A deep dive into the nutritional specifics reveals:

  • Total Fat: 57g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Sodium: 1450mg

It's important to note that these values represent the sandwich alone and do not include any sides, sauces, or other additions that would be part of a combo meal. This makes it a substantial portion of the average daily calorie and fat intake recommendations.

The Great Little Fish Sandwich: A Lighter Option

For those seeking a less caloric option, Captain D's also offers the Great Little Fish Sandwich, though it is still a high-calorie item. It weighs in at 610 calories, with the following general breakdown:

  • Total Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 79g
  • Sugars: 7g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Sodium: 1530mg

While this sandwich is lower in calories and fat than its 'Giant' counterpart, its sodium content is slightly higher, which is a key factor to consider for those monitoring their salt intake.

Calorie Comparison: Captain D's Fish Items

Here is a comparison table to help put the fish sandwiches in perspective with other Captain D's fish-based menu items. These are based on single portions and do not include sides.

Menu Item Calories Fat (g) Protein (g)
Giant Fish Sandwich 790 57 15
Great Little Fish Sandwich 610 36 17
1 pc Batter Dipped Fish 230 15 11
1 filet Grilled White Fish 180 3 25
Wild Alaskan Salmon Filet 240 10 31

Factors Influencing the High Calorie Count

Several elements contribute to the significant calorie count of Captain D's fish sandwiches:

  • Battering and Frying: The fish is breaded and deep-fried, which adds a substantial amount of fat and calories compared to grilled or baked preparations. The oil used for frying is a major contributor to the overall fat content.
  • Sauce and Condiments: Tartar sauce, a classic pairing with a fish sandwich, is typically high in fat and calories. A standard serving of tartar sauce at Captain D's adds 100 calories to the meal.
  • Bun and Toppings: The bun and any additional toppings like cheese or sauces will increase the total calories and carbohydrates. The bread, especially if it is a large, enriched variety, can be a notable source of calories.

How Side Dishes Impact Your Total Meal

Ordering a fish sandwich on its own is rare, as most people pair it with side dishes. Here is a list of popular side dishes from Captain D's and their respective calorie counts, which can significantly affect your total meal intake:

  • French Fries (regular order): 330 calories
  • Macaroni & Cheese: 170 calories
  • Coleslaw: 180 calories
  • Fried Okra: 320 calories
  • Hushpuppies (1 piece): 80 calories

A Giant Fish Sandwich with a side of fries and two hushpuppies would be well over 1,200 calories, a full meal for most individuals. Opting for healthier sides like steamed broccoli (20 calories) or a side salad (20 calories, no dressing) can make a huge difference.

Healthier Alternatives at Captain D's

If you are watching your caloric intake but still crave seafood, consider these options:

  • Grilled Fish: Opt for grilled fish instead of the battered and fried varieties. For example, a single grilled white fish filet is only 180 calories.
  • Choose Wisely: A Wild Alaskan Salmon Filet has 240 calories and is rich in nutrients.
  • Smart Sides: Pair your main entree with lighter sides such as steamed broccoli or green beans.

For more detailed nutrition information, including full allergens and nutrient breakdowns, you can always refer to the official Captain D's documentation.

Conclusion

Captain D's fish sandwich is a classic fast-food favorite, but it comes with a high-calorie price tag, especially the Giant Fish Sandwich at 790 calories. The high-fat content from frying and high-sodium levels are key nutritional factors to be aware of. By understanding the nutritional breakdown and making smarter choices regarding your fish option (grilled vs. fried) and side dishes, you can enjoy a more balanced meal that fits your dietary goals. The next time you're at Captain D's, you'll be armed with the information to make an informed decision.

Here is a link to the Captain D's Core Nutrition Chart for further reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Giant Fish Sandwich contains 790 calories, based on Captain D's official 2024 nutrition information.

The Great Little Fish Sandwich contains 610 calories, a lower-calorie option compared to the Giant sandwich.

No, the calorie counts for the sandwiches themselves do not include any side dishes. The addition of sides like fries or coleslaw will increase the total meal's calorie content.

You can reduce calories by choosing a grilled fish entree instead of a fried one and selecting healthier sides like steamed broccoli or a side salad.

The Giant Fish Sandwich has a total fat content of 57 grams, which is a substantial portion of the average daily recommended intake.

There is a significant difference. For example, a single piece of battered and fried fish contains 230 calories, while a grilled white fish filet has only 180 calories. The sandwiches amplify this difference with added buns and sauces.

Yes, both fish sandwiches are relatively high in sodium. The Giant Fish Sandwich contains 1450mg of sodium, and the Great Little Fish Sandwich has 1530mg.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Medical Disclaimer

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