Andy Montoya
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and Chick-fil-A has added it to its menu as a side dish. The calorie count of this dish is a topic of interest for many, especially those watching their weight. The calorie count of Chick-fil-A's mac and cheese varies depending on the portion size. A medium-sized cup, for example, contains 450 calories, while a large portion can contain up to 840 calories. When paired with 20 grilled chicken nuggets, the meal totals 650 calories, with 69 grams of protein. Chick-fil-A's mac and cheese is made with a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, Romano, and American cheeses, resulting in a creamy and indulgent side dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-840 |
| Protein | 69g |
| Fat | High |
| Sodium | High |
| Carbohydrates | High |
| Cheese | Parmesan, Cheddar, Romano, American |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, Salt, Sugar, Milk, Flour, Macaroni Noodles |
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What You'll Learn
Calorie count: 450-840 calories
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and Chick-fil-A offers its own take on this dish with a blend of cheeses, including Parmesan, Cheddar, and Romano. While it may be tempting to indulge in this creamy treat, it's important to be mindful of the calorie count, which can vary between 450 and 840 calories depending on the serving size.
A medium-sized serving of Chick-fil-A's mac and cheese contains approximately 450 calories. This option is ideal for those watching their weight or aiming for a more moderate calorie intake. However, it's important to note that the portion size may not be sufficient for a filling meal, especially for those with larger appetites.
On the other hand, Chick-fil-A also offers a larger serving of their mac and cheese, which comes in at 840 calories. This option is significantly more indulgent and may be more suitable for those with heartier appetites or those looking for a more substantial side dish. It's important to remember that while larger portions can be satisfying, they can also tip the scales towards excessive calorie consumption.
When considering the calorie count, it's worth noting that macaroni and cheese is generally not considered a healthy option by dietitians due to its high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. As such, it's often recommended to pair it with a leaner main course, such as a salad, to balance out the nutritional profile of your meal. Additionally, opting for the small or medium portion over the larger one can help manage your overall calorie intake.
While Chick-fil-A's mac and cheese may be a tasty treat, it's important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For those watching their weight or maintaining a low-calorie diet, the calorie count of this dish can be a significant consideration, especially when paired with other menu items such as grilled nuggets, which can add an additional 650 calories to your meal.
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High in saturated fat, sodium, and carbs
Chick-fil-A's macaroni and cheese is a side dish featuring a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, Romano, and American cheeses, baked in-restaurant to form a crispy top layer of baked cheese. While it may be a delicious addition to your meal, it is important to be mindful of its nutritional content.
The mac and cheese is high in saturated fat, sodium, and carbs. These nutrients can have negative health impacts when consumed in excess. For example, saturated fat can increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Similarly, high sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure, and a diet high in carbohydrates can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar spikes.
When pairing this side dish with a main course, it is recommended to choose a leaner option, such as the Market Salad, to balance out the high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and carbs in the mac and cheese. This way, you can still enjoy the indulgent side dish while being mindful of your overall nutrient intake.
While the exact nutritional values of the mac and cheese may vary depending on the portion size, a medium-sized cup typically contains around 450 calories. When paired with other menu items, such as grilled chicken nuggets, the total calorie count can reach 650 or more. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the portion sizes and the overall nutritional content of your meal to make informed choices.
In summary, while Chick-fil-A's macaroni and cheese may be a tasty treat, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. By pairing it with healthier options and being mindful of portion sizes, you can enjoy this indulgent side dish while maintaining a nutritious and balanced diet overall.
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Best paired with a leaner main
Chick-fil-A's macaroni and cheese is a highly processed dish with a high amount of saturated fat, sodium, and carbs. It contains around 450 calories per cup, with a medium portion totalling 1125 calories. A large mac and cheese could contain up to 840 calories. Given its nutritional profile, it is best paired with a leaner main option.
The Market Salad is a good choice, as it is one of the lowest items on the Chick-fil-A menu in terms of carbohydrates, sodium, and saturated fat. This option will balance out the high amounts of fat, salt, and carbs in the mac and cheese. If you are looking for a more indulgent option, the iconic Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich is a good pairing. While the sandwich is not as lean as the Market Salad, it is a classic choice and will satisfy your cravings.
For those who are not big fans of chicken, the kids' meal offers a good deal. It includes five grilled nuggets, a small mac and cheese, a drink, and ice cream. This option allows you to indulge in the mac and cheese without consuming a large portion. The grilled nuggets are a lean protein source, providing a good balance to the dish's high fat and carb content.
If you're looking for a more substantial main, the Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets can be a great choice. Twenty grilled nuggets, paired with the mac and cheese, come in at around 650 calories. This option provides a good balance of protein and indulgent comfort food. It's a satisfying and relatively lower-calorie way to enjoy Chick-fil-A's mac and cheese.
Remember, mac and cheese is a creamy, highly processed side dish that is considered an occasional indulgence. When pairing it with a leaner main, opt for smaller portions and balance it with healthier choices to ensure a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
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A rare non-chicken addition to the menu
Chick-fil-A's macaroni and cheese is a rare non-chicken addition to the menu. The side dish is a classic macaroni and cheese recipe featuring a special blend of cheeses, including Parmesan, Cheddar, and Romano, baked in-restaurant to form a crispy top layer of baked cheese. The small macaroni and cheese option contains around 450 calories, while the large option contains 840 calories. For those looking for a leaner meal, it is suggested to pair the side with the Market Salad, which is one of the lowest items on the menu in terms of carbohydrates, sodium, and saturated fat.
The recipe for Chick-fil-A's macaroni and cheese is said to have been in the works since 2017, and it marks the first permanent side menu addition in three years. The dish is highly processed, containing a high amount of saturated fat, sodium, and carbs. However, it can be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence, with the dietitian recommending sticking to small portions.
The macaroni and cheese can be ordered as part of the kid's meal, which includes five grilled nuggets, a small mac and cheese, a drink, and ice cream, totalling around 650 calories. This option is ideal for those who are not big fans of chicken and are looking for a deal.
While the exact recipe is not publicly available, the ingredient list on Chick-fil-A's website confirms that it includes macaroni noodles, butter, salt, sugar, milk, flour, and more. The blend of cheeses and baked cooking method creates a warm, gooey, and crispy dish that has become a popular addition to the menu.
As with any macaroni and cheese, it is uncommon to find a dietitian who would consider it a healthy option. However, when paired with the right main course and enjoyed in moderation, Chick-fil-A's macaroni and cheese can be a delicious treat.
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Contains a blend of four cheeses
Chick-fil-A's macaroni and cheese is a highly-processed dish that contains a blend of four cheeses: Parmesan, Cheddar, Romano, and American. It is a rare non-chicken addition to the menu and has been available nationwide since 2019.
The calorie count of Chick-fil-A's macaroni and cheese varies depending on the portion size. A medium-sized portion, equivalent to one cup, contains 450 calories. A large portion contains 840 calories. When paired with 20 grilled chicken nuggets, the meal totals 650 calories, with 69 grams of protein.
Given the high amounts of saturated fat, sodium, and carbs in macaroni and cheese, it is recommended to pair it with a leaner main option, such as the Market Salad. Dietitians rarely consider creamy sides like macaroni and cheese a healthy option. However, Chick-fil-A's macaroni and cheese can be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence, with smaller portions being a better choice.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of calories in Chick-fil-A's Macaroni and Cheese varies depending on the size of the portion. A small portion has 650 calories when paired with 20 grilled nuggets. A medium portion has 450 calories per cup, which amounts to 1125 calories for 2.5 cups. A large portion has 840 calories.
The ingredients in Chick-fil-A's Macaroni and Cheese include a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, Romano, and American cheeses, macaroni noodles, butter, salt, sugar, milk, and flour.
Yes, there is a kids' meal option that includes five grilled nuggets, a small mac and cheese, a drink, and ice cream. The exact number of calories in this meal is unclear, but it is likely to be less than the adult portions.
Chick-fil-A's Macaroni and Cheese is high in saturated fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. It is not considered a healthy option by dietitians and is best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.
If you are looking for a healthier option, the Market Salad is one of the lowest items on the Chick-fil-A menu in terms of carbohydrates, sodium, and saturated fat. Waffle fries are also a slightly healthier alternative to the mac and cheese, as they contain lower amounts of sodium and saturated fat.
