The Absolute Lowest Calorie Choices at BWW
When it comes to the lowest calorie options at Buffalo Wild Wings, you must often look beyond the main entrees. The absolute lowest calorie item is the humble side of carrots and celery. A simple serving of these veggie sticks provides a mere 130 calories and is packed with nutrients, making it an excellent starter or side dish to a meal.
For a protein-packed meal, the winner is the 3-piece Naked Chicken Tenders. These un-breaded, grilled chicken strips contain only 160 calories per small order, offering a high-protein, low-fat foundation for a satisfying meal. This item is a prime example of how a simple modification—removing the breading—can dramatically reduce the calorie count of a dish.
Navigating the Wings Menu for Fewer Calories
Wings are what BWW is known for, and while they can be high in calories, there are ways to make them healthier. Your choice of sauce and wing type is critical. Sauces, especially those that are creamy or sugar-heavy, can add hundreds of calories to your meal. Dry seasonings, on the other hand, add very few calories and can still deliver a powerful flavor punch.
Dry Seasonings vs. Sauces
Instead of ordering wings drenched in a high-calorie sauce, ask for a dry rub instead. For example, the Desert Heat or Lemon Pepper dry seasonings add only 5 calories to a 6-piece wing order. This is a massive saving compared to sauces like Asian Zing (90 calories per serving for a 6-piece) or Parmesan Garlic (130 calories per serving for a 6-piece).
Customizing Your Order for a Healthier Meal
Customization is your best friend when trying to eat healthy at Buffalo Wild Wings. Here are a few tips to build a lower-calorie meal:
- Choose grilled chicken: When ordering wraps, sandwiches, or salads, always opt for the grilled chicken breast over the hand-breaded, fried version. This simple swap can save you hundreds of calories.
- Modify your salad: Salads at BWW can be calorie traps due to cheese, fried toppings, and heavy dressings. To build a healthier salad, ask for no croutons or cheese and order a vinaigrette dressing on the side. You can then use it sparingly to control the flavor and calorie intake.
- Share your meal: Portion sizes at BWW can be very large. Consider splitting a larger entree with a friend to manage your calorie consumption and avoid overeating.
Side Dishes and Sauces: What to Choose
Beyond the protein, your choice of side can make or break your calorie count. Your best bet is always the carrots and celery sticks, which are a crisp, fresh, and healthy addition to any meal. When it comes to dipping sauces for your tenders or wings, stick to dry seasonings or the spicier, lower-calorie options. The Blazin' Carolina Reaper sauce adds a kick with minimal calories. For those who prefer a creamy dip with their veggies, ask for a small portion of bleu cheese or ranch on the side and use it sparingly.
Comparing BWW Menu Items
To put these choices into perspective, the table below compares the calories of some common BWW menu items and their healthier counterparts.
| Item | Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots and Celery | 130 | The lowest calorie item on the menu. |
| 3-piece Naked Tenders | 160 | Lowest calorie protein entree. |
| 6-piece Plain Traditional Wings | 430 | Solid protein choice before adding high-calorie sauces. |
| 6-piece Plain Boneless Wings | 360 | Breaded, but lower initial calories than traditional wings. |
| Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad | 1180 | A misleadingly high-calorie salad due to fried chicken and creamy dressing. |
| Cheese Curd Bacon Burger | 1210 | One of the most calorie-dense items on the menu. |
Official BWW Nutrition Information
For the most up-to-date and complete nutritional information, including detailed breakdowns for every menu item, you can consult the official BWW nutrition page. This is the most accurate resource for making informed dietary decisions.
Conclusion
While a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings is often seen as an indulgence, it is entirely possible to enjoy a low-calorie meal. The key is to choose your items carefully, prioritize protein from grilled or naked chicken, and minimize high-fat sauces and breading. The Naked Chicken Tenders, served with a side of carrots and celery and a dry rub, represent the best strategy for a satisfying, low-calorie experience at BWW.
