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How Many Calories are in Chili's Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

3 min read

According to a Chili's nutrition menu, a cup of their loaded baked potato soup contains 260 calories, while a full bowl provides 520 calories. This hearty appetizer or entrée is a rich dish, and understanding its nutritional impact can help with informed dining choices.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Chili's loaded baked potato soup varies significantly by size, with a cup at 260 calories and a bowl at 520 calories. It is high in fat and sodium, primarily from its creamy base and toppings.

Key Points

  • Cup Calories: A cup of Chili's loaded baked potato soup contains 260 calories.

  • Bowl Calories: The larger bowl size of the soup contains 520 calories.

  • High in Fat: Both servings are high in fat and saturated fat, primarily due to the creamy base and toppings.

  • High in Sodium: The bowl contains 1860 mg of sodium, which is over 80% of the recommended daily intake.

  • Lighter Alternatives: Homemade versions can use low-fat dairy and extra vegetables to significantly reduce calories and fat.

  • Topping Control: Reducing toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream can lower the calorie count of both the restaurant and homemade versions.

  • Portion Size Matters: Choosing the smaller cup size over the bowl is a simple way to cut calories and fat in half.

In This Article

The appeal of Chili's loaded baked potato soup is undeniable, a creamy, comforting bowl topped with cheese, bacon, and chives. However, for those monitoring their diet, understanding the full nutritional profile is essential. The calorie and macronutrient distribution varies depending on the serving size, with the bowl being a significant meal option on its own.

Chili's Loaded Baked Potato Soup Nutritional Details

For most diners, the soup is ordered either as a cup or a bowl, and the nutritional difference is substantial. The primary contributors to the high calorie count are the fats from the creamy base and the various indulgent toppings.

Per Serving Breakdown

  • Cup of Loaded Baked Potato Soup: This smaller portion is often chosen as an appetizer or a soup-and-salad combo. It contains 260 calories, 18 grams of total fat, and 930 mg of sodium. The fat content is particularly noteworthy, with 11 grams coming from saturated fat. The soup also provides 9 grams of protein, primarily from the cheese and bacon.

  • Bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup: The larger bowl size is often a full meal. A bowl contains 520 calories, 35 grams of total fat, and 1860 mg of sodium. The saturated fat content is even higher at 21 grams, and the bowl offers 19 grams of protein. The sodium level in a single bowl represents over 80% of the daily recommended intake, making it a high-sodium item.

Why the High Calorie Count?

The rich flavor and texture of Chili's potato soup are derived from its signature ingredients. The base is typically a combination of cream, cheese, and potatoes. On top of this, the generous toppings of shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and sour cream elevate the fat and calorie content. All these components contribute to a high density of fats, particularly saturated fats, which are calorie-dense.

Comparison Table: Chili's vs. Other Potato Soups

Restaurant Serving Size Calories Total Fat Sodium
Chili's Cup 260 18g 930mg
Chili's Bowl 520 35g 1860mg
Perkins Cup 280 17g Not specified
Perkins Bowl 460 26g Not specified
Whole Foods Market 24 oz 400 Not specified Not specified

How to Enjoy a Lighter Loaded Baked Potato Soup

For those who love the taste of loaded baked potato soup but want to reduce the calorie and fat intake, a homemade version is the best solution. Many copycat recipes exist that use healthier substitutions without sacrificing flavor.

Healthier Preparation Tips

  • Use lower-fat dairy products: Swap heavy cream for 2% milk, unsweetened almond milk, or even plain Greek yogurt to achieve a creamy texture with fewer calories.
  • Incorporate more vegetables: Add puréed cauliflower or extra onions to the base. This increases the volume and nutrients while decreasing the amount of high-starch potato needed.
  • Choose leaner proteins: Use turkey bacon or a small amount of lean ham in place of traditional bacon. These options offer a similar salty, smoky flavor with less saturated fat.
  • Control toppings: Instead of piling on toppings, use them sparingly. A sprinkle of reduced-fat cheddar cheese, a dollop of fat-free sour cream or Greek yogurt, and plenty of fresh chives can provide flavor without a significant calorie boost.
  • Keep the potato skin: Leaving some of the potato skin on when mashing adds dietary fiber and nutrients.

Conclusion

In summary, Chili's loaded baked potato soup is a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium dish, particularly when ordered in a bowl. While a delicious comfort food, it is not an ideal choice for regular consumption for those focused on weight management or low-sodium diets. By understanding the nutritional breakdown, diners can make informed decisions, such as opting for the smaller cup size or making a healthier, homemade alternative. The richness of the soup comes from ingredients that are easily modified in a home recipe, allowing for all the flavor with less of the guilt. For more on making mindful choices at your favorite restaurant, consider exploring other nutrition guides online. Learn more about making healthy restaurant choices

Frequently Asked Questions

A full bowl of Chili's loaded baked potato soup contains 520 calories, based on Chili's official nutrition menu.

Due to its high fat, saturated fat, and sodium content, Chili's loaded baked potato soup is not considered a healthy meal, especially the bowl size. It is best enjoyed in moderation.

A cup of the soup has 260 calories, 18 grams of total fat, 11 grams of saturated fat, and 930 mg of sodium.

The high calorie and fat content primarily come from the cream-based soup and the generous toppings, including cheese, bacon, and sour cream.

For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with lower-fat milk or Greek yogurt, use turkey bacon, reduce the amount of cheese, and incorporate more vegetables.

Based on a comparison table, Chili's cup (260 calories) has a similar calorie count to other restaurant versions like Perkins' (280 calories), while the bowls also align, though exact nutrition varies.

Yes, opting for fewer or no toppings such as bacon and cheese will significantly lower the calorie, fat, and sodium content of the soup.

The sodium content is high, with a cup containing 930mg and a bowl containing 1860mg.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

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