Nutrition Analysis: How many calories are in Nando's fully loaded chips?

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Nando's UK nutritional information, a sharing portion of their Fully Loaded Chips can contain over 1,100 calories. This popular side dish is packed with flavour but also a significant amount of fat and carbohydrates, making it a substantial part of a meal and an important consideration for anyone managing their caloric intake.

Quick Summary

A detailed look into the high calorie count of Nando's Fully Loaded Chips, examining its key components and comparing its nutritional value to other menu items. Offers healthier alternatives for a balanced approach to dining out.

Key Points

High Calorie Count: A sharing portion of Nando's Fully Loaded Chips contains over 1,100 kcal, a significant portion of an adult's daily allowance.
High Fat and Carbs: The dish is very high in fat from the creamy sauces and cheese, and high in carbohydrates from the chips.
Healthier Alternatives: Health-conscious diners can opt for sides like Spicy Rice, Macho Peas, or a simple Side Salad to drastically reduce calorie intake.
Significant Sodium: With over 4,000mg of sodium per serving, it's a very salty option that can impact dietary goals.
Moderation is Key: Due to the high energy density, this dish is best enjoyed occasionally rather than as a regular meal choice.
Homemade 'Fakeaway' Option: Recipes exist for creating a lower-calorie, high-protein version at home using an air fryer, lean chicken, and reduced-fat ingredients.

A Closer Look at the High Calorie Count

Nando's Fully Loaded Chips are a popular and indulgent side dish, featuring a generous pile of PERi-Salted Chips topped with pulled chicken, melted cheddar cheese, PERi-Tamer sauce, and a creamy dressing. Each component contributes significantly to the dish's overall caloric load. The combination of deep-fried potatoes (the chips), fatty cheese, and multiple creamy sauces results in a decadent but energy-dense dish. For context, the average daily calorie intake for an adult is around 2,000-2,500 kcal, meaning this single side can account for a large portion of a person's daily allowance.

Breaking Down the Macros

Understanding the macronutrient composition reveals why this dish is so calorie-heavy. As a sharing side, it contains a high percentage of carbohydrates from the chips and substantial fat from the cheese and creamy dressing. The addition of pulled chicken provides a good source of protein, but it is often overshadowed by the other, more energy-dense ingredients. The high sodium content is also notable, particularly for those monitoring their salt intake.

Here is a typical breakdown for a sharing portion:

Calories: 1102-1103 kcal
Total Fat: Approximately 52-55g
Saturated Fat: Approximately 11g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 110-126g
Protein: Approximately 33-37g
Sodium: 4,300mg

Comparison with Other Nando's Sides

To put the Fully Loaded Chips' nutritional impact into perspective, let's compare them with some of Nando's other popular side options. This highlights how a single choice can drastically change the total calories of your meal. The table below uses figures for a single-serving portion, where available, or smaller sharing sizes for comparison.


Side Dish	Calories (approx.)	Key Difference
Fully Loaded Chips (Sharing)	1102 kcal	Substantial portion size with cheese and multiple sauces contributing to a very high calorie count.
PERi-PERi Chips (Single)	294 kcal	Lower calories as it's a smaller portion of just chips, without the added toppings.
Spicy Rice (Single)	225 kcal	A much lighter, rice-based alternative with significantly less fat.
Coleslaw (Single)	200 kcal	Low in calories but the mayonnaise can add hidden fats.
Side Salad (Without Dressing)	50 kcal	The lowest-calorie, freshest option, ideal for a very light accompaniment.
Macho Peas	220 kcal	A nutrient-rich and low-fat choice, offering a healthy carb and protein boost.

Healthier Strategies at Nando's

For those who love Nando's but want to make more health-conscious choices, there are several ways to enjoy the food without compromising your diet. Here are some strategies:

Swap Your Side: Opt for the side salad (with balsamic dressing on the side), spicy rice, or macho peas instead of the chips. The roasted vegetables and corn on the cob are also great options.
Choose Wisely: Go for plain or PERi-PERi chips if you want fries, as these contain significantly fewer calories and fat than the loaded version.
Go Skinny: Stick to lean protein options like the chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs, which are lower in fat than skin-on versions or wings.
Adjust Your Spice: The basic PERi-PERi basting adds minimal calories, but extra creamy sauces like PERinaise can add a considerable amount.
Control Portions: If sharing the Fully Loaded Chips, consider the portion size and how much you consume relative to your overall daily intake.

Conclusion

While Nando's Fully Loaded Chips offer a tantalising treat, their high caloric, fat, and sodium content means they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. With over 1,100 kcal in a sharing portion, they represent a significant indulgence. However, Nando's menu offers plenty of healthier, lower-calorie side options that can satisfy your craving for flavour without derailing your nutritional goals. By making informed choices and being mindful of portion sizes, you can continue to enjoy your favourite PERi-PERi dishes in a more balanced way.

Making Your Own Lower-Calorie Version

For a homemade "fakeaway" that mimics the flavour with fewer calories, consider using an air fryer for the chips, opting for skinless chicken breast, and using a low-fat cheese alternative. Combining these with fresh spring onions and a yogurt-based sauce can significantly reduce the overall fat and calorie count while still providing a delicious meal.

For more healthy eating tips, you can explore the Nando's official website's nutrition section.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to Nando's nutritional data, a sharing portion of the Fully Loaded Chips contains approximately 1,102 to 1,103 kcal.

The high calorie count comes from the combination of deep-fried chips, melted cheddar cheese, a creamy dressing, and PERi-Tamer sauce.

Yes, Nando's offers several healthier sides, including Spicy Rice (approx. 225 kcal), Macho Peas (approx. 220 kcal), or a Side Salad (approx. 50 kcal without dressing).

A sharing portion of the Fully Loaded Chips contains a significant amount of fat, typically around 52 to 55 grams.

Yes, a homemade 'fakeaway' can be made by air-frying chips, using lean chicken breast, low-fat cheese, and a yogurt-based creamy sauce to reduce calories.

While the dish contains a decent amount of protein from the pulled chicken (around 33-37g), the high levels of fat and carbohydrates mean it's not a protein-efficient option. Better protein-to-calorie ratios can be found in other Nando's dishes.

The Fully Loaded Chips (sharing size) are significantly higher in calories (approx. 1102 kcal) compared to a single portion of regular PERi-PERi Chips (approx. 294 kcal), primarily due to the extra toppings.