How Many Calories Are In Chick-fil-A Small Fries? A Nutritional Breakdown

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to recent nutrition data, a standard small order of Chick-fil-A's signature Waffle Potato Fries contains 320 calories. This article provides a comprehensive look at the full nutritional breakdown of those waffle fries and offers comparisons and healthier eating tips.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an in-depth nutritional analysis of Chick-fil-A's small fries, covering their calorie count, macronutrients, and comparative data to help consumers make informed dietary decisions.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A small order of Chick-fil-A waffle fries contains approximately 320 calories.
Higher Fat Content: The waffle cut's larger surface area allows it to absorb more oil during frying, contributing to a higher fat and calorie density.
Mindful Pairing: To make a more balanced meal, consider pairing your fries with a grilled chicken sandwich or nuggets instead of a fried one.
Consider Healthier Sides: For fewer calories, opt for a side like the Kale Crunch Side or a Fruit Cup, which contain significantly less fat and sodium.
Sodium Content: A small serving of fries contains 190mg of sodium, so be mindful of additional sauces, which can increase the total sodium.
Freshness Guarantee: Chick-fil-A's 5-minute rule ensures fresh fries, but the frying process means they are a moderate-calorie indulgence.

The Nutritional Profile of Chick-fil-A Small Fries

As of recent reports, a small serving of Chick-fil-A's Waffle Potato Fries contains approximately 320 calories. It is worth noting that some older nutritional guides or different reporting systems might list a slightly lower figure, such as 280 calories, but 320 appears to be the most current figure for a 96-gram serving. These unique waffle-cut fries are a fan favorite, but understanding their full nutritional profile is key to incorporating them into a balanced diet.

Beyond just the calories, here is a detailed macronutrient breakdown for a small order:

Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 190mg

The frying process, which occurs in peanut oil, is a major contributor to the fat and calorie content. The waffle shape itself, with its increased surface area, has also been noted to absorb more oil during cooking compared to a standard straight-cut fry, which can contribute to its higher calorie density.

Comparing Waffle Fries to Other Fast Food Options

Understanding the nutritional context of Chick-fil-A's fries requires comparing them to their fast-food counterparts. This table offers a generalized comparison, though exact nutritional values can vary by location and preparation.


Item	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Total Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Sodium (mg)
Chick-fil-A Small Fries	96g	320	19	35	190
Chick-fil-A Medium Fries	129g	360	18	43	280
Chick-fil-A Large Fries	165g	460	24	56	370
McDonald's Small Fries	~71g	230*	11*	30*	150*
Wendy's Small Fries	~85g	260*	13*	32*	370*

Note: Nutritional information for competing brands is based on general information and is subject to change.

Healthier Alternatives and Mindful Eating Strategies

If you are a regular Chick-fil-A customer but want to reduce your calorie intake, there are several ways to enjoy the restaurant's offerings more mindfully.

Here is a list of simple swaps and strategies:

Choose a lighter side. Opt for a Kale Crunch Side (140 calories) or a Fruit Cup (50 calories) instead of the fries to significantly cut down on calories and fat.
Consider portion control. If you must have fries, consider sharing a small order with a friend or ordering a kid's meal, which offers a smaller, more controlled portion size.
Pair with grilled protein. Combine your fries with a lower-calorie, high-protein main course like grilled chicken nuggets instead of a fried sandwich. Grilled nuggets contain 140 calories and 25g of protein, providing a more balanced meal.
Check the sauces. Be mindful of your dipping sauce choices, as many can add a surprising number of extra calories. Stick to lower-calorie options like Zesty Buffalo or simply use a smaller amount of your favorite sauce.

The Preparation Process: A Factor in Nutrition

Chick-fil-A’s famous fries are prepared using a specific process that impacts their final nutritional content. The potatoes are pressure-cooked in 100% refined peanut oil, which contributes to their distinct flavor and crispy exterior. A key part of the quality control process is the '5-minute rule,' which dictates that fries must be served within five minutes of cooking to ensure maximum freshness. While this ensures a perfect, hot fry every time, the cooking method and oil absorbency are why they contain a moderate amount of calories.

Conclusion

While a small order of Chick-fil-A fries, at 320 calories, fits within a balanced diet for many, it's important to be aware of its place in your overall nutritional intake. The fries are higher in fat and carbs compared to healthier side options available on the menu. By understanding the calorie and macronutrient breakdown, and by making strategic choices, you can still enjoy your favorite fast-food treat in a way that aligns with your health goals. For a complete look at all Chick-fil-A menu items, you can reference the official nutrition guide on their website.

For more detailed nutritional information and ingredients for all menu items, you can visit the official Chick-fil-A website.

Official Chick-fil-A Nutrition Information

Visit the official Chick-fil-A nutrition page for full menu details.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small order of Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries contains approximately 320 calories.

A small serving of Chick-fil-A fries has 19 grams of total fat, including 3 grams of saturated fat.

While the potatoes themselves are naturally gluten-free, the fries are cooked in a shared fryer with other items, which means there is a risk of cross-contamination for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. A past source also noted they can be a decent gluten-free option for those without severe sensitivities.

To reduce calories, you can choose alternative sides like a Kale Crunch Side or Fruit Cup, opt for grilled chicken options instead of fried, and be mindful of high-calorie sauces and dressings.

Per gram, Chick-fil-A fries can be slightly higher in calories due to the waffle cut absorbing more oil. For instance, a small order from Chick-fil-A (320 calories) is higher in calories than a small order from McDonald's (~230 calories).

A small order contains 320 calories, a medium has 360 calories, and a large has 460 calories, based on standard nutritional data.

Yes, Chick-fil-A fries are pressure-cooked in 100% refined peanut oil, which contributes to their unique flavor.