Your Guide to Chick-fil-A's Soup Calories
Chick-fil-A offers two popular soup options, though one is available on a seasonal basis. Understanding the calorie and nutritional content of each can help you manage your dietary goals. Both the Chicken Noodle Soup and the seasonal Chicken Tortilla Soup provide warmth and comfort, but their nutritional profiles differ based on ingredients and portion size.
Chicken Noodle Soup Calorie Breakdown
Chick-fil-A's Chicken Noodle Soup is a popular menu item featuring shredded chicken breast, chopped vegetables, and egg noodles in a hearty broth. The calorie count varies by size:
- Cup: 170 calories
- Bowl: 280 calories
Beyond just calories, here is a more detailed breakdown of the cup size's nutritional content, according to official data:
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 1220mg
And for the larger bowl size, the nutrition increases proportionally:
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 17g
- Sodium: 2060mg
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
The Chicken Noodle Soup contains classic ingredients like shredded chicken breast, egg noodles, carrots, and celery in a savory broth. The higher sodium content is a notable factor for both sizes, which is common in many restaurant-prepared soups. While chicken provides lean protein, the overall profile is fairly balanced, with carbs coming from the noodles and vegetables.
The Seasonal Chicken Tortilla Soup
Available only during the colder months, the Chicken Tortilla Soup offers a different flavor profile with spicy chicken, beans, corn, and creamy broth. Unlike the year-round noodle soup, it typically comes in a standard bowl size.
- Bowl: 340 calories
This higher calorie count compared to the chicken noodle bowl is due to its creamier base and more substantial ingredients. A typical nutritional breakdown includes:
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 1050mg
What's in the Tortilla Soup?
The Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and complex dish. The broth is a creamy base flavored with spicy and original chicken, navy and black beans, corn, and green chilies. It is then topped with seasoned corn tortilla strips for added texture. The inclusion of beans boosts both the fiber and protein content, making it a filling meal option. The creaminess, however, contributes to its higher fat content.
Comparing Chick-fil-A's Soups
To give you a clearer picture, here is a comparison table of the nutritional information for Chick-fil-A's soups. All figures are based on a standard bowl size for both types.
| Nutritional Value | Chicken Noodle Soup (Bowl) | Chicken Tortilla Soup (Bowl) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280 | 340 |
| Total Fat | 6g | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 38g |
| Protein | 17g | 24g |
| Sodium | 2060mg | 1050mg |
Potential Allergens and Dietary Concerns
It's important to note that neither of Chick-fil-A's soups is gluten-free. This is due to the egg noodles in the Chicken Noodle Soup and the creamy, thick base of the Chicken Tortilla Soup, which often contains flour-based thickeners. Chick-fil-A also uses 100% refined peanut oil for frying, and shared cooking spaces mean that cross-contamination with allergens like milk, egg, soy, and wheat is a possibility, even for items not explicitly containing them.
Tips for a Healthier Chick-fil-A Meal
For a more health-conscious meal, consider these tips when ordering your soup:
- Choose the smaller size: A cup of Chicken Noodle Soup is a lower-calorie, lower-sodium option than a bowl.
- Pair with a salad: Instead of a heavy side, combine your soup with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Drink plenty of water: The high sodium content in the soups means it's a good idea to stay hydrated to help balance your intake.
- Customize your toppings: If ordering the Chicken Tortilla Soup, you can often opt out of toppings like cheese or sour cream to reduce fat and calories. Check with your local restaurant for customization options.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A's soups offer a comforting and delicious menu choice, but they have distinct nutritional profiles. The Chicken Noodle Soup is the lighter option, especially the cup size, while the seasonal Chicken Tortilla Soup is heartier and higher in calories due to its creamier base and mix of ingredients. By reviewing the nutritional information provided on Chick-fil-A's official website, you can confidently include their soups in your diet while staying mindful of your overall calorie and sodium intake.
For more detailed nutritional information and a full menu breakdown, you can visit Chick-fil-A's official nutrition page at www.chick-fil-a.com/nutrition-allergens.
