How Unhealthy is a Philly Cheesesteak?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a typical large Philly cheesesteak can contain well over 1,000 calories and exceed the daily recommended sodium intake. This article explores just how unhealthy a Philly cheesesteak is, examining its key nutritional components and offering practical ways to reduce its impact on your diet.

Quick Summary

A traditional Philly cheesesteak is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium due to its fatty ribeye steak, cheese, and large hoagie roll. Its nutritional profile can vary significantly based on ingredients and portion size. While a delicious indulgence, it is generally considered an unhealthy option that should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Key Points

High in calories: Traditional Philly cheesesteaks often contain over 1,000 calories due to fatty ribeye steak and cheese.
Loaded with saturated fat: The use of ribeye and processed cheese can push the saturated fat content to over 100% of the daily value.
Excessive sodium content: Many large cheesesteaks exceed the daily recommended sodium intake in a single meal, contributing to high blood pressure.
Can be made healthier: Swapping ingredients for leaner meat, less cheese, and a whole-grain roll can significantly improve its nutritional profile.
Moderation is key: When consumed occasionally and in reasonable portion sizes, a cheesesteak can be part of a balanced diet.
Nutritional variations exist: The healthiness depends on preparation, with restaurant versions often being much less healthy than homemade ones with controlled ingredients.

The Core Components of a Philly Cheesesteak's Unhealthiness

A traditional Philly cheesesteak is not renowned for its health benefits, and its high nutritional values stem directly from its core ingredients. A standard preparation features thinly sliced ribeye steak, a significant amount of melted cheese (either Cheez Whiz or provolone), and sometimes fried onions and peppers, all served on a long, soft hoagie roll.

High Calorie Count

The most immediate concern is the calorie load. While smaller, 6-inch versions may hover around 500-600 calories, a larger sandwich, especially from a restaurant or food chain, can easily exceed 1,000 calories. This caloric density is primarily driven by the high-fat ribeye and rich cheese, which are energy-dense ingredients.

Excessive Saturated Fat

Saturated fat is a major contributor to the unhealthiness of this popular sandwich. Sources like ribeye steak and processed cheese products like Cheez Whiz are high in saturated fat. Some analyses show that a single cheesesteak can contain 23 grams of saturated fat, which is over 100% of the recommended daily value for many individuals. High intake of saturated fat can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Sky-High Sodium Levels

Another significant health concern is the sodium content. Salt is added during the cooking process and is present in high amounts in both the beef and the cheese. Some larger cheesesteaks contain well over 1,400 mg of sodium, approaching or even exceeding the daily recommended limit of 2,300 mg in a single meal. Excessive sodium intake is a known contributor to high blood pressure.

Refined Carbohydrates

The classic hoagie roll, while delicious, is typically made from refined white flour. This type of carbohydrate is digested quickly, leading to spikes in blood sugar. It offers little fiber, contrasting with healthier whole-grain options. This contributes to the sandwich's high overall carbohydrate count, which can be over 80 grams in a large size.

Comparison Table: Standard vs. Healthier Cheesesteak


Nutritional Aspect	Traditional Philly Cheesesteak	Healthier Cheesesteak Modification
Calories	Often over 1,000 kcal	Approximately 500-600 kcal
Saturated Fat	High (20+ grams)	Moderate (10-15 grams)
Sodium	Extremely High (1,400+ mg)	Reduced (700-900 mg)
Carbohydrates	High (80+ grams), refined roll	Moderate (40-50 grams), whole-grain roll
Fat Source	Fatty ribeye, Cheez Whiz	Lean beef (sirloin), less cheese
Preparation	Cooked in oil/butter	Cooked with less oil, or lean cooking method

Strategies for a Healthier Cheesesteak

For those who love the taste but want to mitigate the unhealthy aspects, several modifications can be made. These adjustments don't sacrifice flavor but significantly improve the nutritional profile.

Choose a leaner cut of meat. Swapping fatty ribeye for a leaner cut like sirloin, flank steak, or even thinly sliced chicken breast can drastically cut down on saturated fat. Lean ground beef can also be a healthier option.
Modify the cheese. Instead of high-fat Cheez Whiz, opt for a smaller amount of provolone or a part-skim mozzarella. Using less cheese or a lighter variety reduces both fat and sodium. Some recipes even use a low-calorie cottage cheese and American cheese blend.
Load up on vegetables. Add extra sautéed onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers. These vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and bulk, making the sandwich more filling and nutrient-dense without increasing the calorie count significantly.
Select a better roll. Replace the standard white hoagie roll with a whole-grain or whole-wheat roll. This substitution increases the fiber content, which helps with digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Low-carb rolls are another option.
Control the portion size. A simple strategy is to opt for a smaller sandwich or even consume only half of a large one and save the rest. Portion control is key to managing calorie and nutrient intake.
Adjust cooking methods. Instead of cooking the meat and veggies in excess oil or butter, a minimal amount of olive oil can be used. Grilling the ingredients can also be a healthier alternative.

The Role of Moderation in Your Diet

Ultimately, the unhealthiness of a Philly cheesesteak depends on the frequency of consumption. As with many indulgent foods, enjoying a cheesesteak in moderation as an occasional treat is unlikely to have a major impact on overall health. The danger arises when it becomes a regular staple of one's diet, contributing consistently high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and calories.

Conclusion

While a traditional Philly cheesesteak is undeniably a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium meal, it doesn't have to be entirely off-limits. By understanding its core nutritional drawbacks and implementing strategic modifications, you can enjoy a healthier version. Making smart choices, from leaner meat and less cheese to more vegetables and a whole-grain roll, transforms this classic from a dietary splurge into a more balanced indulgence. The ultimate health impact hinges on portion control and moderation, allowing you to savor the experience without undermining your wellness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count of a Philly cheesesteak varies widely based on size and ingredients. A small 6-inch sandwich can have around 500-600 calories, while a larger, traditional one can easily exceed 1,000 calories.

The high saturated fat in a cheesesteak, which comes from fatty meat and cheese, can be detrimental to health if consumed excessively. High intake of saturated fat is linked to elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease.

To reduce the sodium, you can use less processed cheese, a lean cut of meat, and limit additional salt during cooking. Using a smaller portion of meat and adding extra low-sodium vegetables also helps.

Yes, many healthy alternatives exist. You can make a cheesesteak at home using lean sirloin or chicken breast, lots of sautéed vegetables like onions and peppers, and a whole-grain roll with less cheese.

Yes, but moderation is key. A cheesesteak should be considered an occasional treat rather than a regular meal due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content. For regular consumption, it's best to prepare a healthier, modified version.

For a healthier option, choose provolone or a part-skim mozzarella cheese instead of Cheez Whiz. Use a smaller amount than a traditional recipe calls for to reduce fat and sodium.

Lean cuts of beef like sirloin or flank steak are better choices than the fattier ribeye. Sliced chicken breast is an even leaner option that still provides excellent flavor.