KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl Calories: What You Need to Know Before Ordering

Have you been eyeing that delicious-looking KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl but worried about the calorie count? I totally get it. As someone who loves comfort food but tries to keep track of nutrition, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to!

The Short Answer: 660 Calories

The KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl contains 660 calories per serving. This bowl combines KFC’s creamy mac and cheese topped with their famous Popcorn Chicken and a three-cheese blend.

If you’re counting calories or tracking your nutritional intake here’s everything you need to know about this popular menu item.

KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl: Complete Nutritional Breakdown

Let’s break down exactly what you’re getting in terms of nutrition when you order this comfort food favorite

*Percent daily values based on a 2.000 calorie diet

Looking at this breakdown, we can see that most of the calories come from fat (49%) and carbohydrates (35%). The protein content is decent at 27g per bowl.

Spicy Version: More Calories to Consider

KFC also offers a spicy version of their Mac and Cheese Bowl that comes with Nashville Hot Sauce. This version contains approximately 790 calories, which is 130 calories more than the original version. The extra calories come from the added sauce, which you might want to consider if you’re watching your calorie intake.

How Long Would It Take to Burn Off?

To put these calories in perspective:

• You’d need to run for about 58 minutes to burn off the 660 calories in an original Mac and Cheese Bowl
• Or walk for approximately 94 minutes

Is the KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl Healthy?

According to customer ratings, only about 18% of people consider the Mac and Cheese Bowl to be a healthy choice. This isn’t surprising given its nutritional profile.

The bowl does have some nutritional benefits:

• Good source of protein (27g)
• Contains some dietary fiber (4g)

However, there are some nutritional concerns:

• High in sodium (2270mg, which is 95% of recommended daily intake)
• High in fat (36g, which is 55% of daily recommended intake)
• Relatively high in calories for a single item

Allergen Information

If you have food allergies or sensitivities, be aware that the KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl contains:

• Gluten
• Wheat
• Eggs
• Milk
• MSG
• Soy

It does NOT contain:

• Fish
• Peanuts
• Shellfish
• Tree nuts

The $5 Fill-Up Meal: Even More Calories

It’s worth noting that the Mac and Cheese Bowl is often sold as part of KFC’s $5 Fill-Up meal, which also includes:

• A medium drink
• A chocolate chip cookie

If you order the complete meal, you could be looking at over 1,000 calories total, depending on your beverage choice.

Weight Watchers Points

For those following Weight Watchers, here’s the points breakdown:

• 19 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points
• 20 WW SmartPoints
• 18 WW PointsPlus

What’s Actually In It?

The KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl combines:

1. KFC’s creamy macaroni and cheese
2. Popcorn chicken pieces on top
3. A three-cheese blend sprinkled over everything

The ingredients list is quite lengthy (as with most fast food items), but the main components include enriched macaroni, skim milk, cheddar cheese product, breaded chicken, and various flavorings and preservatives.

How Does It Compare to Other KFC Menu Items?

The Mac and Cheese Bowl falls somewhere in the middle of KFC’s menu in terms of calories:

• It has more calories than a piece or two of Original Recipe chicken
• It has fewer calories than larger family meals or buckets
• It’s comparable to some of their other bowl offerings

My Personal Take

I’ve tried the KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl a few times, and while it’s definitely a tasty comfort food option, I’m always surprised by how filling it is for one meal. The combination of carbs from the mac and cheese plus the protein from the chicken makes it pretty satisfying.

If I’m being honest, I usually can’t finish the whole thing in one sitting! So if you’re worried about the calories, you could always split it with someone or save half for later.

Tips for Making It Lighter

If you love the idea of the Mac and Cheese Bowl but want to reduce the calorie impact, here are some suggestions:

• Skip the $5 Fill-Up and just order the bowl alone
• Choose water instead of a sugary drink if getting the meal
• Share it with a friend and add a side salad
• Ask for the three-cheese blend on the side and use less

What People Are Saying

Customer opinions on the Mac and Cheese Bowl are mixed when it comes to nutrition, but positive regarding taste:

• Only 18% of surveyed customers consider it healthy
• However, 79% say it tastes good

This suggests that most people view it as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular meal option.

When Did KFC Introduce the Mac and Cheese Bowl?

KFC introduced the Mac and Cheese Bowl as an entrée option a few years ago. It was part of their strategy to expand beyond just chicken pieces and offer more complete meal options. The bowl format has been popular across fast food chains as it combines multiple components in one convenient container.

Final Thoughts

At 660 calories for the original version (or 790 for the spicy version), the KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl definitely isn’t a low-calorie option. However, it does provide a good amount of protein and can be a satisfying meal.

Like most fast food, it’s probably best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake or sodium consumption.

The next time you’re craving this cheesy, chicken-topped comfort food, at least you’ll be making an informed choice! Sometimes knowing the nutritional facts ahead of time helps us plan the rest of our day’s meals accordingly.

FAQs About KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl Calories

Q: How many calories are in the regular KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl?
A: The original version contains 660 calories per bowl.

Q: How many calories are in the spicy KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl?
A: The spicy version with Nashville Hot Sauce contains approximately 790 calories.

Q: Is the KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl high in protein?
A: Yes, it contains 27g of protein, which is a good amount for one meal.

Q: Is the KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl high in sodium?
A: Yes, it contains 2270mg of sodium, which is 95% of the recommended daily intake.

Q: Can I get the KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl by itself?
A: While it’s often promoted as part of the $5 Fill-Up meal, you can request just the bowl at most locations.

Q: How many Weight Watchers points is the KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl?
A: It’s 19 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points, 20 WW SmartPoints, or 18 WW PointsPlus.

Q: Does the KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl contain allergens?
A: Yes, it contains gluten, wheat, eggs, milk, MSG, and soy.

Remember, enjoying your favorite foods is all about balance. Even when indulging in comfort food like the KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl, being aware of the nutritional content can help you make informed choices about the rest of your day’s meals!