A Closer Look at the Calorie Count
When enjoying a meal at Smokey Bones, their smoked wings are a popular choice. Understanding the nutrition facts, especially the calorie count, is helpful for those tracking their dietary intake. An 8-piece serving of Smokey Bones' standard smoked wings comes in at 820 calories. This number is based on the base wing offering before adding any extra sauces, which can significantly alter the total nutritional profile.
The calories in these wings are primarily derived from a high protein and fat content. A standard 8-piece serving contains 82 grams of protein and 47 grams of total fat. This makes them a high-protein, energy-dense meal. Carbohydrates are relatively low, with only 12 grams in the same serving. However, the calorie content can easily increase depending on your choice of sauce and dipping options.
The Role of Sauce in Calorie Addition
The biggest variable in the total calorie count of Smokey Bones' smoked wings is the sauce. The nutritional data for the base wings, as referenced above, does not account for the additional ingredients found in the many sauce options. Some sauces, like sweet BBQ or rich garlic parmesan, can add a substantial number of calories from sugar and fat. Other options, like a classic buffalo sauce, will also contribute to the final tally but typically offer less sugar than sweeter glazes. It's crucial to factor in these additions when calculating your total intake.
For example, Smokey Bones lists their Spicy Garlic Buffalo Sauce at 80 calories per 2oz serving, while a Sweet & Tangy Sauce adds 200 calories for the same portion. Opting for a dry rub over a heavy sauce can be one way to control the extra calories and keep the focus on the flavor of the smoked chicken itself.
Comparing Smoked vs. Fried Wings
Smokey Bones specializes in smoked wings, but it's useful to compare their nutritional profile to traditional fried chicken wings to understand the differences. Generally, the smoking process, which involves slow-cooking the chicken wings over wood smoke, can lead to a slightly lower calorie count compared to deep frying, which saturates the meat with oil. However, the final numbers are heavily influenced by preparation and sauces. While a standard fried wing might come in around 80-90 calories per piece, a smoked wing is typically lower before sauce.
Here is a comparison table illustrating the nutritional differences between Smokey Bones Smoked Wings and a typical serving of fried wings (8 pieces):
| Nutrient | Smokey Bones Smoked Wings (8-piece) | Typical Fried Wings (8-piece) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 820 | ~700-800* |
| Total Fat | 47g | ~55-65g* |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | ~15-20g* |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | ~15g* |
| Protein | 82g | ~65-75g* |
| Sodium | 1620mg | ~1500-2000mg* |
*Estimates based on typical fried wing data and can vary widely.
This comparison shows that while both are calorie-dense, smoked wings generally contain less fat and more protein than their fried counterparts, making them a potentially more nutrient-dense option. The key takeaway is to remain mindful of what you add to your wings after they're cooked.
List of Factors Influencing Calorie Count
Several factors can alter the calorie count of your order, including:
- Serving Size: The 8-piece serving is the baseline, but Smokey Bones also offers larger orders, such as the 16-piece, which contains 1640 calories before sauce.
- Sauce Choice: As discussed, a simple dry rub or a vinegar-based sauce will be less calorically dense than a creamy garlic parmesan or a sugary BBQ glaze.
- Dipping Sauces: Sides of ranch or blue cheese dressing add significant calories and fat. For example, two tablespoons of blue cheese can add 150-250 calories.
- Preparation Method: While the base wings are smoked, additional cooking steps for certain flavors might slightly affect the final numbers. For instance, being fried after smoking could increase calories.
- Side Dishes: Your choice of sides, such as french fries or loaded baked potatoes, will heavily influence the total meal calories. Opting for a healthier side like a garden salad can help offset this.
Conclusion
Smokey Bones smoked wings are a flavorful, protein-rich entree, with an 8-piece serving clocking in at 820 calories, which is a substantial number. While smoking is a healthier cooking method than deep-frying, the overall nutritional impact largely depends on your choice of sauces and sides. By being mindful of these additions, you can enjoy this smoky BBQ treat while keeping your dietary goals in mind.
For the most up-to-date and complete nutritional information, you can always refer to the official Smokey Bones website or their in-store nutritional guides.
