Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in half a cup of stove top stuffing?

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data and manufacturer information, a standard half-cup serving of prepared Kraft Stove Top Stuffing Mix contains approximately 107 calories. For those mindful of their intake, knowing how many calories are in half a cup of stove top stuffing? is a key step towards making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

A half-cup serving of prepared Stove Top stuffing contains around 107 calories, predominantly from carbohydrates. The dish is also notably high in sodium, with smaller amounts of fat and protein included in its nutritional profile.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A half-cup of prepared Stove Top stuffing (chicken flavor) contains approximately 107 calories.
High Sodium Content: This pre-made mix is high in sodium, with a single serving containing over 400 mg.
High in Carbs: The majority of the calories in Stove Top stuffing come from carbohydrates.
Healthier Modifications: Reduce calories and sodium by using less butter, a lower-sodium broth, and adding extra vegetables.
Portion Control is Key: To stay within your dietary limits, pay close attention to the standard half-cup serving size.
Homemade vs. Boxed: Homemade stuffing provides greater control over ingredients and nutrition, allowing for lower sodium and higher fiber content.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Stove Top Stuffing

Stove Top stuffing is a popular, convenient side dish, but its nutritional content is an important consideration for anyone managing their calorie or sodium intake. Understanding the complete picture beyond just the calorie count can help you integrate it into a balanced nutrition diet.

Calorie and Macronutrient Information

The most common and well-cited figure for prepared Stove Top chicken-flavored stuffing is approximately 107 calories per half-cup serving. This caloric value is primarily derived from its macronutrient composition, which breaks down as follows:

Carbohydrates: Roughly 20 grams, making up the bulk of the calories. This includes a small amount of sugar (around 3 grams) and a minimal amount of dietary fiber (less than 1 gram).
Protein: Approximately 3.5 to 4 grams per serving.
Fat: Around 1 to 1.2 grams of total fat.

A Deeper Look at Sodium

One of the most significant nutritional facts to note about Stove Top stuffing is its sodium content. A single half-cup serving can contain over 400 mg of sodium, which is a considerable amount and can contribute to a high-sodium diet. This is a crucial factor for individuals monitoring their blood pressure or those with sodium-sensitive health conditions.

Making Healthier Stuffing Choices

While Stove Top stuffing offers convenience, several modifications can reduce its caloric and sodium load. These adjustments can help you enjoy a classic comfort food while staying aligned with your nutrition goals.

Reduce Added Fats: The standard preparation calls for butter or margarine. Simply using less of these or omitting them entirely can shave off calories and saturated fat. Instead, you can sauté vegetables in a small amount of olive oil for added flavor and healthy fats.
Load up on Vegetables: Increase the volume and nutritional value of your stuffing by mixing in extra fresh vegetables. Finely chopped onions, celery, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can add fiber, vitamins, and minerals with minimal calories.
Use Lower-Sodium Broth: The mix itself contains sodium, but using a low-sodium or no-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of water can significantly lower the final dish's overall sodium content.
Control Portion Sizes: A standard serving is only half a cup. By using a measuring cup to portion out your serving, you can prevent accidental overeating and keep your calorie intake in check.

Comparison: Store-Bought vs. Homemade Stuffing

For those who prefer to make stuffing from scratch, there are notable differences in nutritional content that can impact a diet plan. Homemade stuffing offers more control over ingredients and nutrition.


Feature	Prepared Stove Top Stuffing (Chicken Flavor)	Homemade Stuffing (DIY Recipe)
Calories (per 1/2 cup)	~107 kcal	Varies widely, can be lower or higher
Sodium (per 1/2 cup)	~429 mg	Can be significantly lower depending on added salt and broth
Carbohydrates	~20g	Varies depending on bread and added ingredients
Saturated Fat	~0.2g	Varies depending on fat source (e.g., butter, olive oil)
Fiber Content	Low (<1g)	Can be higher with whole wheat bread and added vegetables
Control over Ingredients	Limited to adding ingredients	Full control over every ingredient

Integrating Stuffing into Your Diet Plan

Incorporating a side like Stove Top stuffing into a balanced diet is all about mindful eating and context. It's perfectly fine to enjoy on occasion, particularly during a holiday meal, as long as it fits into your overall calorie goals. For daily consumption, prioritizing homemade, vegetable-rich versions is a much more nutrient-dense and health-conscious choice.

To make Stove Top a healthier option for a regular dinner, consider the aforementioned modifications, such as reducing fat and sodium. Pairing it with a lean protein source (like roasted chicken or turkey breast) and a large portion of non-starchy vegetables (like green beans or a salad) can create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in half a cup of stove top stuffing? The answer for the most common flavor is about 107 calories, along with a significant amount of sodium. However, this doesn't mean it must be avoided. By understanding its nutritional profile and employing simple strategies like portion control, using less fat, and adding more vegetables, you can enjoy this classic side dish without derailing your nutrition goals. Whether you opt for the convenience of a boxed mix or the control of a homemade recipe, moderation and thoughtful preparation are the keys to a healthier plate.

A Note on Healthier Ingredient Swaps

Use low-sodium broth to cut down on excessive salt.
Opt for whole-wheat bread crumbs if making homemade stuffing for more fiber.
Replace some of the bread base with finely diced vegetables for a lower-calorie, higher-nutrient density dish.
Add fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary instead of relying on the seasoning packet for flavor, allowing you to use less salt.
Incorporate lean ground turkey or sausage (if desired) to boost protein and make it a more substantial, balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for Stove Top stuffing increases with added butter. The exact amount depends on how much is used, but a standard recipe includes a small amount of margarine or butter, which is factored into the prepared calorie count.

Yes, there can be slight variations in calorie and nutrient content between different flavors like chicken, turkey, or cornbread. For example, chicken flavor is listed around 107 calories, while turkey flavor might be 110 calories per half-cup prepared.

While Stove Top stuffing does contain some protein, typically around 3-4 grams per serving, it is not considered a significant source. It is primarily a carbohydrate-rich food.

To lower the sodium, you can use unsalted butter and a low-sodium or no-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. This will help counteract the high sodium content already in the stuffing mix.

Stove Top stuffing is a convenient and tasty side dish, but it can be high in calories and sodium, especially when consumed in large portions. For a healthier option, consider adding more vegetables and controlling portion sizes. For the healthiest choice, a homemade version is best.

The typical serving size listed on the nutrition label is a half-cup, or approximately 28 grams of the prepared stuffing.

Homemade stuffing can be significantly healthier as you have full control over the ingredients. You can reduce sodium, use healthier fats like olive oil, and increase fiber by using whole-grain bread and adding more vegetables, creating a more nutrient-dense dish.