Skip to content

How Many Calories Are in Texas Roadhouse Fries?

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a side order of Texas Roadhouse steak fries contains 360 calories. This figure is part of a larger nutritional profile that includes a significant amount of sodium and carbohydrates, making them a delicious but indulgent side dish.

Quick Summary

A side of Texas Roadhouse steak fries contains 360 calories, with substantial fat and sodium content. This guide provides a full nutritional breakdown, examines the difference between plain and cheese fries, and suggests healthier options.

Key Points

  • Standard Calories: A side order of Texas Roadhouse steak fries contains 360 calories.

  • Macronutrient Breakdown: The fries are primarily carbohydrates (59%) and fat (35%), with a small amount of protein (6%).

  • High Sodium Content: The sodium content in one side order is very high, at 1970mg, representing a significant portion of the daily recommended intake.

  • Cheese Fries Calories: The popular cheese fries contain a much higher calorie count of 860 for a small order, substantially increasing fat and sodium.

  • Healthier Alternatives: A baked potato, side salad, or green beans are better nutritional choices, offering fewer calories and less fat.

  • Fried Status: The fries are not made from scratch and arrive at the restaurant frozen before being deep-fried.

  • Not Gluten-Free: Due to cross-contamination from shared fryers, the fries are not considered a gluten-free option.

  • Enjoy in Moderation: Given their high calorie and sodium count, Texas Roadhouse fries are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular side dish.

In This Article

Texas Roadhouse Steak Fries: A Nutritional Deep Dive

Texas Roadhouse's legendary steak fries are a popular menu item, but like many fried side dishes, they pack a significant caloric punch. Understanding the nutritional breakdown is essential for anyone monitoring their diet. For a single side order, the total calorie count is 360. However, this number can vary depending on toppings or customizations, such as ordering the loaded cheese fries. Let's explore what makes up these calories and how it fits into a balanced meal.

The Macronutrient Breakdown

The 360 calories in a side of steak fries are comprised of a mix of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. According to nutritional analysis, the macronutrient percentages are roughly 59% carbs, 35% fat, and 6% protein. This reflects the nature of fried potatoes, where the high starch content from the potato and the oil used for frying contribute the most to the calorie count. The low protein percentage is typical for vegetable-based sides.

Other Key Nutritional Factors

Beyond calories, several other nutritional components are worth noting. The sodium content is particularly high, with one side order containing a whopping 1970 mg, which accounts for a significant portion of the recommended daily intake. While the fries contain some dietary fiber (6g), the high sodium and saturated fat (3g) content are important considerations for those managing their cardiovascular health. Trans fats are listed as 0g, which is a positive point for heart health.

What About the Cheese Fries?

If you choose to upgrade to the cheese fries, the nutritional values increase dramatically due to the added cheese and bacon. A small order of Texas Roadhouse cheese fries contains 860 calories, which is more than double the plain version. This significantly boosts the fat, saturated fat, and sodium, so it's a menu choice that should be planned for carefully within any diet.

Making Healthier Choices at Texas Roadhouse

For those looking to enjoy a meal at Texas Roadhouse without a high-calorie side, the restaurant offers several healthier alternatives. Opting for a side that isn't deep-fried can save you hundreds of calories and a significant amount of fat and sodium.

Healthier Side Alternatives:

  • Baked Potato: A plain baked potato is a much healthier option, offering more nutritional value and fiber from the skin. You can load it with healthier toppings like fresh vegetables instead of high-fat butter or sour cream.
  • Side Salad: A house salad with a light dressing, such as oil and vinegar, can provide nutrients and fill you up with far fewer calories. Just be mindful of high-calorie dressings.
  • Green Beans: Texas Roadhouse offers green beans as a side, which are a simple, low-calorie choice. They can be seasoned for flavor without adding excessive fat.
  • Steamed Vegetables: The menu may offer other steamed vegetable options. These are typically low in calories and high in vitamins and fiber.

Comparison Table: Steak Fries vs. Other Sides

To put the steak fries' nutritional content into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular Texas Roadhouse side dishes.

Side Dish Calories Total Fat Sodium Carbs
Steak Fries (Side) 360 14g 1970mg 53g
Baked Potato 380 N/A N/A N/A
Sweet Potato 350 N/A N/A N/A
Mashed Potatoes 220 N/A N/A N/A
Green Beans 100 N/A N/A N/A
Side Salad 230 N/A N/A N/A

Note: The nutritional information for the Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and Side Salad is based on plain, un-modified versions from available data. Calorie and other values can increase substantially with added toppings or dressings.

Can You Make Texas Roadhouse Fries Healthier?

While the restaurant's fries are frozen and deep-fried, some modifications can slightly improve their nutritional profile. One strategy is simply to eat a smaller portion. Sharing the side with a dining companion or saving some for a later meal can help manage calorie intake. You can also request them without additional seasoning, although this may not significantly reduce the overall calorie and sodium count as the oil and initial seasoning contribute most.

Conclusion

Texas Roadhouse fries, while a tasty and classic side, are a high-calorie, high-sodium option. A standard side order contains 360 calories, and the cheese fry version jumps to 860 calories. For those watching their diet, opting for a baked potato, side salad, or green beans provides a much healthier alternative. Being aware of these nutritional facts allows you to make more informed choices while still enjoying a delicious meal at the restaurant. It’s all about balance and understanding what you’re consuming, so you can indulge in moderation.

Further Reading

For more in-depth information about the nutritional content of menu items, you can explore detailed food and nutrition databases online. These resources provide a comprehensive look at the calories, macronutrients, and potential allergens in various restaurant meals, empowering you to make the best choices for your diet. For more nutritional details, visit Eat This Much.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small order of Texas Roadhouse cheese fries contains 860 calories, which is considerably higher than the standard steak fries due to the added cheese and bacon.

No, Texas Roadhouse fries are not considered gluten-free. Although the potatoes themselves are naturally gluten-free, they are cooked in a shared fryer with other breaded items, which causes cross-contamination.

A side order of Texas Roadhouse steak fries has a high sodium content, with 1970mg per serving. This is a significant amount and should be considered when monitoring daily sodium intake.

Yes, several healthier alternatives are available. Options include a plain baked potato, a side salad with a light dressing, or green beans, all of which have a lower calorie and fat content.

No, unlike some other side dishes, Texas Roadhouse fries are not made from scratch. They are delivered to the restaurants frozen and then deep-fried.

To reduce calorie intake, you can opt for a smaller portion size, share the side with someone else, or choose a healthier alternative entirely, like a baked potato or green beans.

While it may be possible to request fries with no added salt, some of the seasoning is likely part of the pre-prepared product. You can ask your server, but the sodium and fat from frying will still be present.

A side order of Texas Roadhouse steak fries contains 14g of total fat, with 3g of that being saturated fat. There is no trans fat.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Medical Disclaimer

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