How many calories are in KFC mashed potatoes? A nutritional breakdown

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

An individual serving of KFC mashed potatoes, without gravy, contains 110 calories. This creamy side dish is a staple for many customers, but its nutritional value varies significantly depending on the serving size and the addition of gravy, which is a key factor to consider for any diet.

Quick Summary

A guide detailing the calorie and nutritional content of KFC mashed potatoes for different serving sizes. It highlights the impact of gravy, breaks down macronutrients, and compares them with other popular side items on the menu.

Key Points

Individual Calories: A standard individual-sized serving of KFC mashed potatoes has 110 calories without gravy.
Gravy's Impact: Adding gravy to an individual serving increases the calorie count to 130 and boosts the sodium significantly, from 330mg to 520mg.
Family Size Nutrition: A family-sized portion with gravy contains a much higher 590 calories and a very high 2,590mg of sodium.
Sodium Level: The gravy is the main contributor to the high sodium content, which should be monitored, especially in larger servings.
Instant vs. Fresh: KFC's mashed potatoes are made from a powdered mix for consistent texture, not from fresh potatoes.
Famous Bowl Variation: As part of a Famous Bowl, the mashed potatoes contribute to a much higher total calorie count (e.g., 740 kcal for a regular bowl) due to the addition of chicken, corn, cheese, and more gravy.
Potential Allergens: The mashed potatoes contain milk and soy, and the gravy is not vegetarian due to ingredients that may be animal-derived.

Calorie Breakdown by Serving Size

When considering how many calories are in KFC mashed potatoes, it's important to differentiate between the various options offered on the menu. The calorie count is heavily influenced by both the portion size and whether or not the signature gravy is included. A small, individual-sized serving is a moderate addition to a meal, but the larger, family-sized portion has a much more substantial nutritional impact.

Individual Mashed Potatoes (No Gravy)

The most basic version of this side dish is the individual-sized mashed potatoes served without any gravy. This option is the least calorically dense and has a lower sodium count. According to nutritional data, this version contains approximately:

Calories: 110 kcal
Fat: 3.5-4g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 320-330mg

This makes the plain mashed potatoes one of the lighter side options on the menu, though its sodium content remains a consideration.

Individual Mashed Potatoes with Gravy

For many, KFC's mashed potatoes are incomplete without the savory gravy. Adding this topping increases both the calorie and sodium levels, but not as dramatically as one might expect for a single serving. An individual portion with gravy contains:

Calories: 130 kcal
Fat: 4.5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 520mg

The gravy adds a small number of calories but significantly increases the sodium, so those monitoring salt intake should be mindful.

Family-Sized Mashed Potatoes with Gravy

For larger meals or family-style dining, KFC offers a family-sized portion of mashed potatoes and gravy. This larger size, which typically comes with gravy included, has a much higher nutritional load that needs to be factored into a meal's overall intake. A family portion contains:

Calories: 590 kcal
Fat: 21g
Carbohydrates: 88g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 2,590mg

This family size far exceeds the daily recommended intake for sodium and contains substantial amounts of fat and carbohydrates.

KFC Mashed Potatoes Nutritional Information

For a clear comparison, the table below outlines the key nutritional differences between the common KFC mashed potato menu items, based on standard serving sizes in the U.S.


Item	Serving Size	Calories (kcal)	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Protein (g)	Sodium (mg)
Individual Mashed Potatoes	4.2 oz	110	3.5	17	2	330
Individual Mashed Potatoes with Gravy	5.5 oz	130	4.5	20	3	520
Family Mashed Potatoes with Gravy	26 oz	590	21	88	12	2,590
Famous Bowl (Regular)	1 order	740	35	81	26	2,350

How KFC's Mashed Potatoes Compare to Other Sides

When choosing a side, it's helpful to weigh the nutritional impact against other options on the menu. For instance, KFC's mashed potatoes are generally a lighter option than some other popular choices, but the sodium can be higher.

Mashed Potatoes vs. Coleslaw: An individual serving of KFC coleslaw contains 170 calories, which is more than an individual mashed potatoes with gravy. However, the coleslaw has less sodium than the mashed potatoes with gravy.
Mashed Potatoes vs. Fries: A side of Secret Recipe Fries contains 320 calories, significantly more than even the gravy-topped mashed potatoes.

Ultimately, a plain, individual mashed potato is a relatively low-calorie side. The calorie count, and especially the sodium, increases notably with the addition of gravy and other meal components like those found in the Famous Bowl.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

Contrary to a homemade dish, KFC's mashed potatoes are made from a powdered mix rather than fresh potatoes. This practice ensures consistent texture and speed of preparation across all restaurants. The ingredients list includes dehydrated potatoes, whey solids, nonfat milk, and various natural flavors and additives.

It's also important to note that the mashed potatoes themselves are generally gluten-free and MSG-free, but this is not the case for the gravy. The gravy contains MSG and other ingredients that should be considered for dietary restrictions. Vegetarians should also be aware that the mashed potatoes are not necessarily vegetarian, as some additives like mono and diglycerides or natural flavors may be derived from animal products, though they can also be plant-based.

The Bottom Line for Your Diet

Knowing how many calories are in KFC mashed potatoes allows for more informed food choices. For a lower-calorie, lower-sodium side, ordering the individual mashed potatoes without gravy is the best option. However, for those looking to indulge in the classic flavor combination, the individual size with gravy offers a moderate increase in calories and sodium. It's the family-sized portions and Famous Bowls that significantly elevate the calorie and sodium counts, making them less suitable for those on a restrictive diet. By paying attention to the portion size and the inclusion of gravy, you can better manage your intake while still enjoying this popular fast-food side. You can find additional facts about KFC mashed potatoes and other menu items at Tasting Table.

Frequently Asked Questions

An individual or small serving of KFC mashed potatoes contains 110 calories without gravy. The calorie count rises to 130 if gravy is included.

A large, family-sized portion of KFC mashed potatoes with gravy contains 590 calories. This option is considerably higher in calories and sodium than the individual servings.

While the calorie increase from gravy on an individual portion is modest (from 110 to 130 kcal), it drastically increases the sodium content. A family-sized portion with gravy has a very high calorie and sodium count.

KFC mashed potatoes are made from a powdered, instant potato mix for speed and consistency, not from freshly boiled and mashed potatoes.

KFC's mashed potatoes are generally not considered vegetarian. While the potato mix itself is often plant-based, some of the additives used, as well as the gravy, may contain animal-derived ingredients.

The mashed potatoes themselves are considered gluten-free. However, the gravy is not. People with gluten sensitivities should order the mashed potatoes without the gravy.

A plain individual serving of mashed potatoes (110 kcal) is lower in calories than an individual coleslaw (170 kcal). However, mashed potatoes with gravy have a higher sodium count than coleslaw.