Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in Culver's small fries?

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the official Culver's menu, a small order of their crinkle-cut fries contains 220 calories. While this is a relatively moderate amount for a fast-food side, understanding the complete nutritional profile is key to integrating them into a balanced nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

A small order of Culver's crinkle-cut fries has 220 calories, with most energy coming from carbohydrates and fat. This nutritional breakdown and comparison to other menu items and healthier alternatives can help inform dietary choices.

Key Points

Official Calorie Count: A small order of Culver's crinkle-cut fries contains 220 calories, according to the official Culver's menu.
High in Fat and Carbs: The majority of the fries' calories come from fat and carbohydrates, with 9g of fat and 35g of carbohydrates in a small serving.
Significant Sodium Content: A small order also contains 350 mg of sodium, which is about 15% of the recommended daily value for an average diet.
Portion Size Matters: A medium order has 350 calories, and a large has 430, highlighting the importance of portion control when managing calorie intake.
Healthier Alternatives: Opting for a side salad or baked sweet potato fries offers significantly more nutrients and less fat than deep-fried options.
Moderation is Key: To fit fast food into a balanced diet, practice moderation, control portion sizes, and balance the rest of your meal with healthier food choices.

Understanding the Nutritional Breakdown of Culver's Small Fries

At 220 calories, a small order of Culver's famous crinkle-cut fries represents a portion of a typical daily calorie intake. However, a complete understanding of its place in a nutrition diet requires more than just the calorie count. The fries are made from potatoes grown in the Pacific Northwest and fried in canola oil. This preparation method significantly alters the nutritional composition of the humble potato, adding substantial fats and increasing the calorie density. The fries are also coated with a batter made with various ingredients, including modified food starch, rice flour, and different leavening agents, which contribute to the final crispy texture and add to the overall carbohydrate load.

The Macronutrient and Sodium Profile

Looking deeper into the nutritional details reveals that the 220 calories from the small fries are not derived from a balanced mix of macronutrients. The calories are primarily from carbohydrates and fats, with minimal protein. A small order contains approximately 9g of fat and 35g of carbohydrates. For context, this is over a third of the calories from fat. There is also a significant amount of sodium, around 350 mg, which is about 15% of the recommended daily value for an adult on a 2,000-calorie diet. Consuming high-sodium foods like these can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure if done in excess over a prolonged period.

Comparison with Other Culver's Options

To make a truly informed choice, it's useful to compare the small fries with other side options at Culver's. This puts the 220-calorie count into perspective. For example, a regular-sized order of fries has 350 calories, and a large has 430, demonstrating how portion size directly impacts calorie intake. Another popular side, the Wisconsin Cheese Curds, packs a much higher calorie punch. A regular order of cheese curds can contain over 500 calories, a substantial amount for a single side item.


Culver's Side Item	Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Fat	Sodium
Small Crinkle-Cut Fries	Small order	220	4g	9g	350mg
Medium Crinkle-Cut Fries	Medium order	350	-	-	-
Regular Wisconsin Cheese Curds	Regular order	510	20g	25g	1230mg
Side Salad (with fat-free dressing)	Single serving	Approx. 100-150	-	-	Low
Side of Steamed Vegetables	Single serving	Varies	-	-	Varies

Incorporating Fries into a Balanced Nutrition Diet

Enjoying fast food like Culver's small fries doesn't mean abandoning a healthy diet. The key lies in moderation, portion control, and mindful pairing. One approach is to treat the fries as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular side. Another strategy is to balance the rest of your meal to compensate for the higher fat and sodium content. For instance, you could pair the small fries with a grilled chicken sandwich instead of a double butterburger or choose a lighter topping for your frozen custard. Portion size is also critical. If you are sharing a larger order, you are consuming fewer calories than if you ordered and ate a large one by yourself.

Tips for a Balanced Fast-Food Experience

Share: Opt for a family-size order to share with friends or family instead of each person getting their own. This helps with portion control.
Choose Wisely: Pair your side of fries with a healthier main course, like a salad with a light vinaigrette or a grilled chicken breast sandwich.
Think Ahead: Plan your meals for the day to account for the calories and sodium in the fries. If you know you're having them for lunch, you can eat a lighter dinner.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water with your meal to help manage the sodium intake.

Healthier Alternatives to French Fries

For those who crave the savory, starchy crunch but want a more nutrient-dense option, several alternatives are available, both when eating out and cooking at home.

At-Home Alternatives

Baked Potato Fries: Slice potatoes (even better, sweet potatoes for added Vitamin A and fiber) and bake them in the oven with a light spritz of olive oil and spices.
Vegetable Fries: Experiment with baking or air-frying other vegetables cut into fry shapes, such as zucchini, carrots, or parsnips.
Kale Chips: For a nutrient-rich and crispy side, bake kale leaves with olive oil and salt until crunchy.

Culver's Menu Alternatives

Side Salad: A side salad with a lighter dressing like vinaigrette can provide vitamins and fiber with far fewer calories and fat than fries.
Steamed Vegetables: Some locations might offer steamed vegetables as a side. Ask at the counter for the most up-to-date options.

The Role of Cooking Method in Nutrition

The health impact of french fries is largely determined by their cooking method. Deep-frying potatoes in oil, as is standard practice for fast food, drastically increases the fat and calorie count. This process can strip the potatoes of some nutrients and is often associated with higher levels of trans fats, which are harmful to cardiovascular health. On the other hand, preparing fries at home by baking or using an air fryer with minimal oil can significantly reduce the overall calorie and fat content while preserving more of the potato's inherent nutritional value. A baked potato with the skin on retains beneficial fiber and nutrients, offering a truly healthy alternative.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in Culver's small fries? The definitive answer from Culver's is 220 calories. While this might seem moderate, it's important to view this within the larger context of your overall nutrition diet. The fries are high in fat, carbohydrates, and sodium, and should be considered an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. By practicing moderation, minding portion sizes, and exploring healthier alternatives, you can still enjoy these items as part of a balanced and health-conscious eating plan. Making small changes, like pairing with a lower-calorie main dish or trying homemade baked alternatives, makes a significant difference over time.

For more detailed nutritional information and tips for a heart-healthy diet, consult resources from authoritative health organizations like the UPMC HealthBeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the calorie count is relatively low compared to larger fast-food portions, the high fat and sodium content means they are not an ideal choice for a weight loss diet. They are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

A small order of Culver's fries has 220 calories, while the family-size has a much larger 1320 calories. The family size is designed for sharing to avoid excessive individual consumption.

Culver's fries are cooked in canola oil, which is a vegetable oil. However, the frying process adds substantial fat and calories to the final product.

A side salad with a light dressing is a healthier alternative, offering a lower calorie count and more nutrients. Some locations may also offer steamed vegetables.

The ingredients include potatoes, vegetable oil, and various additives like modified food starch, rice flour, dextrose, and salt. This combination enhances their texture and flavor but adds to their overall calorie density.

Homemade fries can be significantly healthier if prepared by baking or air-frying with minimal heart-healthy oil instead of deep-frying. This reduces the total fat and calorie count while preserving more nutrients.

To reduce calories, you can pair your fries with a lower-calorie main course, like a grilled chicken sandwich instead of a cheeseburger. You can also ask for water instead of a sugary drink and skip any high-calorie dipping sauces.