How many calories are in KFC barbecue bites?

November 13, 2025 •

5 min read

While the exact calorie count can vary by region and specific product offering, a serving of KFC's Kansas BBQ Dipped Bites was reported to contain approximately 370 calories. This popular menu item is a subject of frequent inquiry, especially since its availability can be inconsistent across different markets and times of the year.

Quick Summary

This article details the specific calorie count and nutritional information for KFC's barbecue bites, focusing on regional variations and the item's historical availability. It provides a comprehensive guide for those tracking their fast food intake.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A serving of KFC's Kansas BBQ Dipped Bites contained approximately 370 calories.
Regional Variations: The calorie count and availability of barbecue bites differ significantly across various regions and markets.
Discontinued Item: The dedicated barbecue bites are largely discontinued, though KFC has recently brought back its Original Honey BBQ sauce for other menu items in some areas.
High Carbs: With 40g of carbohydrates per serving, the BBQ bites were a relatively high-carb menu choice due to their sugary sauce.
Protein Source: Despite the higher carb and fat content, the bites did offer a decent amount of protein, with 21g per serving.
Healthier Alternatives: To reduce calories, opt for un-sauced chicken options, manage portion sizes, and choose healthier sides and drinks.

What Were KFC's Barbecue Bites?

KFC's barbecue bites were a menu item beloved by many, often featured as a limited-time offering in various international markets. The exact name and preparation method could differ. For instance, in the UK, a version known as the "Kansas BBQ Dipped Bites" was available, consisting of small chicken bites drenched in a smoky barbecue sauce. These were distinct from other forms of KFC's chicken bites or nuggets due to their specific sauce coating, which contributed to their unique flavor profile and calorie count.

While the barbecue bites themselves may not be a permanent fixture on most menus, KFC has been known to reintroduce barbecue-flavored options. For example, the chain brought back its Original Honey BBQ sauce for a limited time in 2025, which customers could add to various menu items like fried chicken, tenders, and sandwiches. This can cause confusion for consumers looking for the original barbecue bites.

Calorie Details for the Kansas BBQ Dipped Bites

For those who enjoyed the Kansas BBQ Dipped Bites, nutritional data from sources like Nutracheck and MyNetDiary provide a clear picture of their calorie and macronutrient breakdown. A serving was typically estimated at around 370 kcal. This figure is composed of a mix of fat, carbohydrates, and protein, with the sauce playing a significant role in the overall sugar and carb content.

Serving size calories: 370 kcal
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 40g (including 25g of sugar)
Protein: 21g

It is important to note that these values correspond to the specific Kansas BBQ Dipped Bites and may not be accurate for other regional or time-limited barbecue-flavored products from KFC.

Why Do Calorie Counts Vary?

Calorie counts for fast food can fluctuate for several reasons, and this is particularly true for limited-time or regional products like KFC's barbecue bites. Here are some key factors:

Regional Recipes: KFC adapts its menu to local tastes. A BBQ sauce recipe in the UK or Australia will likely have different ingredients and nutritional values than one in the US or other markets.
Serving Size: A "serving" isn't universally consistent. The number of bites, the amount of sauce, and the size of the accompanying sides (if part of a combo) all impact the final calorie count.
Product Availability: If an item is discontinued, finding up-to-date nutritional information becomes difficult. Older data may be the only available source, representing a product that may have been slightly different from a modern iteration.
Supplier Changes: Ingredient sourcing and supplier variations over time can cause subtle changes in the nutritional composition of menu items.

Comparison Table: BBQ Bites vs. Other KFC Items

To put the barbecue bites' calories into context, here's a comparison with other popular KFC chicken menu items. Note that figures may vary by region and time of purchase.


Item	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Carbohydrates (approx.)	Protein (approx.)	Fat (approx.)
Kansas BBQ Dipped Bites	1 serving	370 kcal	40g	21g	14g
Original Recipe Bites	6 pieces	200 kcal	7g	22g	9g
Popcorn Chicken (Snack)	1 snack serving	1009 kcal (Aus)	-	-	-
Zinger Burger	1 burger	600-770+ kcal (Pak)	-	-	-
Original Tenders	1 tender	1597 kcal (Aus combo)	-	-	-

Note: The Popcorn Chicken and Zinger Burger calories are from international menus and can fluctuate significantly. It is clear that the barbecue bites, with their sugary sauce, carry a higher carb and overall calorie count compared to a simple serving of original bites. However, when comparing to larger items like a Zinger Burger combo, the bites are a more modest option.

Are KFC Barbecue Bites Still Available?

This is a common question, and the answer is not a simple yes or no. Based on recent reports, KFC has focused on bringing back its popular sauces, like the Original Honey BBQ sauce in 2025, which fans can add to other chicken products. However, the dedicated barbecue bites as a standalone item appear to be discontinued in many regions where they were previously offered. For accurate information on current menu items, it is always best to check with your local KFC outlet or their regional website, such as the KFC UK site, which has a nutrition portal.

Making Health-Conscious Choices at KFC

For those mindful of their calorie intake, enjoying fast food in moderation is key. Here are some tips for making healthier decisions at KFC, even if you can't get the original BBQ bites:

Opt for Un-sauced Items: Sauces, especially sweet ones like barbecue, significantly increase the sugar and calorie content. Choosing a simpler chicken option like Original Recipe or a grilled chicken item is a better choice.
Manage Portion Sizes: Ordering a smaller serving of chicken or sharing a larger item can help control your total calorie intake.
Select Lighter Sides: Instead of fries, opt for a side salad or corn on the cob (if available) to reduce the overall fat and carb load.
Skip the Sugary Drinks: A large soda can add hundreds of unnecessary calories. Choose water or a diet beverage instead.
Consider a 'Bowl': Some KFC markets offer bowls with rice or potatoes and chicken. While these can be high in calories, some versions might be balanced with vegetables, but always check the nutrition info.

The Evolution of KFC's Menu

KFC's menu has always been dynamic, with new items and old favorites coming and going. The cycle of introducing limited-time items like the barbecue bites is a marketing strategy to generate buzz and test new flavor profiles. The recent resurgence of the Original Honey BBQ sauce in some regions demonstrates that while the bites may be gone, the flavor lives on in different forms. For the most current information, consult the official KFC nutrition guides or inquire at your local restaurant.

Conclusion

In summary, a serving of KFC's Kansas BBQ Dipped Bites contained around 370 calories, a figure driven largely by its sweet, savory sauce. While this specific item is no longer widely available, KFC continues to offer barbecue-flavored options in certain regions and for limited periods. For health-conscious consumers, understanding the nutritional breakdown and making smart choices, like opting for un-sauced items and lighter sides, is crucial. Checking the official KFC website for local, updated nutritional information is the best way to stay informed about your favorite fast-food meals.

For more nutritional details from the UK market, you can explore the KFC UK nutritional information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the specific barbecue bites as a standalone item are mostly discontinued. However, KFC has brought back its Original Honey BBQ sauce in some regions for a limited time, which can be added to other menu items.

While a serving contained around 370 calories, a single Kansas BBQ Dipped Bite was estimated to be approximately 86 calories.

The main difference is the sauce. Barbecue bites were coated in a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, giving them a higher sugar and carbohydrate content compared to classic Original Recipe bites or other un-sauced options.

The reasons for discontinuation are varied but typically involve menu rotation, a strategy for introducing new products and creating limited-time buzz. Some items are just not popular enough to warrant permanent menu status.

This depends heavily on the portion size of the fries. While the bites have a higher sugar content due to the sauce, a large order of fries can contain a similar number of calories from fat and carbs. Always check specific regional nutritional information for an accurate comparison.

In some markets, you may be able to get barbecue-flavored items. For example, in 2025, some regions reintroduced the Original Honey BBQ sauce, which can be applied to other chicken products like tenders or sandwiches.

The best way is to visit your local KFC's official website or app, as nutritional data can differ significantly by country and specific product. Many KFC sites, like the one in the UK, provide detailed nutrition and allergen guides.

Yes, the Kansas BBQ Dipped Bites were a specific product item, while the Original Honey BBQ sauce is a topping or dip that can be added to various items. The Kansas bites were specifically coated in the sauce during preparation.