Nutritional Breakdown of the Mr Hero Chicken Philly
The calorie content of a Mr Hero chicken Philly is directly tied to the size of the sandwich ordered. The franchise offers various sizes, each with its own specific nutritional profile. Beyond the calories, it's also important to consider other macronutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and fats, to get a complete picture of its dietary impact.
The Standard Ingredients
To understand the full nutritional profile, it helps to break down the standard components of a Mr Hero chicken Philly sub:
- Grilled chicken: Lean protein source, though overall calories can be affected by preparation methods.
- Swiss American cheese: Adds flavor, fat, and calories. The quantity increases with sandwich size.
- Sautéed mushrooms and onions: Add flavor and some nutritional value without significantly raising the calorie count.
- Green peppers: Provide vitamins and fiber, with a minimal impact on calories.
- Mayo: A significant source of fat and calories that can be adjusted or omitted.
- Sub roll: The bread accounts for a large portion of the sandwich's carbohydrate and calorie content.
Calorie and Macronutrient Comparison by Sub Size
The biggest factor affecting the nutrition of your chicken Philly is the size. Here is a direct comparison of the calorie and macronutrient content for the common sub sizes, based on official nutritional information from Mr. Hero.
| Nutrient | 7" Regular (approx. 9.5 oz) | 10" Medium (approx. 14.3 oz) | 14" Large (approx. 19.2 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 510 | 772 | 1021 |
| Total Fat | 21.5 g | 32.2 g | 43.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45.0 g | 68.6 g | 89.9 g |
| Protein | 34.2 g | 50.9 g | 68.4 g |
| Sodium | 1552 mg | 2354 mg | 3105 mg |
It is clear from this table that the jump from a regular to a large sub almost doubles the total calorie intake. The sodium levels are also notable, with the large version exceeding the recommended daily limit for many individuals.
Tips for a Lighter Chicken Philly Experience
If you're watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy a Mr Hero chicken Philly, there are several modifications you can make to reduce the nutritional impact. Small changes can add up to a significant difference in the final count.
To reduce calories, consider these options:
- Hold the mayo: Mayonnaise is a primary source of fat and calories. Removing it or asking for a light portion can cut dozens, if not hundreds, of calories.
- Ask for half the cheese: Swiss American cheese is a rich and caloric ingredient. Reducing the amount will lower both the fat and calorie count without sacrificing all the flavor.
- Use a different bread: While Mr. Hero's signature roll is part of the appeal, opting for a lower-calorie or whole-wheat option if available can be a smart move.
- Focus on vegetables: Ask for extra sautéed mushrooms, onions, and green peppers to fill the sandwich out with more nutritionally dense, lower-calorie components.
Comparison with Other Mr. Hero Subs
To put the chicken Philly's nutrition into perspective, let's compare it with other popular Mr. Hero subs. This helps customers make a more informed choice based on their dietary goals.
- Hot Buttered Cheesesteak (Regular 7"): At approximately 653 calories, this is a more caloric option than the chicken Philly, largely due to the beef and butter used.
- Romanburger (Regular 7"): With around 806 calories, this sandwich is a much heavier, fat- and calorie-dense choice, featuring burger patties and grilled deli meats.
- Smoked Turkey (Regular 7"): This is one of the lighter options on the menu, containing only about 330 calories for a regular size, making it a better choice for those on a strict calorie budget.
Calculating Customizations and Their Effects
For those who prefer a customized sandwich, calculating the precise calorie count can be challenging. Each additional topping and condiment contributes to the total. Here's a quick guide to estimating the impact of common customizations:
- Extra Cheese: Adding more Swiss American cheese will increase calories, likely by 50-100 calories per extra slice or serving.
- Added Bacon: The Chicken Bacon & Ranch sub shows that adding bacon significantly increases the calorie count. For example, a large chicken bacon and ranch sub has 1180 calories, compared to the large chicken Philly's 1021.
- Side Sauces: Dipping sauces like ranch add calories. A cup of ranch, for instance, contains around 140 calories.
By keeping these additions in mind, you can better manage your meal's nutritional impact. For precise information, it's always best to consult the company's official nutritional documentation, such as the PDF found on the Mr. Hero website.
Conclusion
The number of calories in a Mr Hero chicken Philly ranges from around 510 for a regular 7-inch sub to over 1020 for a large 14-inch sub. This wide variance underscores the importance of being aware of portion sizes and ingredients. By choosing a smaller size, opting for less cheese and mayo, or focusing on extra vegetables, you can significantly reduce the calorie and sodium content without sacrificing the delicious flavor. Being mindful of these details allows you to enjoy this popular sandwich as part of a balanced diet.
For more detailed nutrition information, refer to the official Mr. Hero website: Mr. Hero Nutritional Information
