Buffalo Wild Wings, a popular sports bar and restaurant chain, is known for its flavorful chicken wings and indulgent menu items. While many patrons flock to this establishment for comfort food and game-day treats, those seeking healthier options need not despair. Buffalo Wild Wings offers several lighter choices that can satisfy cravings without derailing dietary goals.
The menu includes a selection of salads, grilled chicken dishes, and even a black bean burger for vegetarian diners. These items provide alternatives to the traditional fried fare. Salads can be customized with grilled chicken instead of crispy, and dressings can be ordered on the side to control portions. Portion sizes at Buffalo Wild Wings tend to be generous, so sharing a dish with a friend is a smart strategy for those watching their calorie intake.
It’s important to note that even seemingly healthy options like salads can become high-calorie meals when loaded with toppings such as breaded chicken, bacon, and cheese. Diners should review nutritional information and make informed choices. By selecting wisely and practicing moderation, it’s possible to enjoy a meal at Buffalo Wild Wings while maintaining a balanced diet.
Understanding the Menu
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a diverse menu with both indulgent and healthier options. The menu’s structure and available nutritional information can help diners make informed choices aligned with their dietary goals.
Nutritional Information Accessibility
Buffalo Wild Wings provides detailed nutritional information for menu items on their website. Diners can access calorie counts, macronutrients, and allergen information for each dish. This transparency allows customers to compare options and select meals that fit their nutritional needs.
The restaurant’s online nutrition calculator enables customization of orders. Users can add or remove ingredients to see how modifications affect the nutritional profile of their meal. This tool is particularly useful for those with specific dietary restrictions or calorie goals.
Menu Categorization
The Buffalo Wild Wings menu is organized into distinct sections for easy navigation. These typically include wings and tenders, appetizers, wraps and tacos, burgers, sandwiches, sides, salads, and desserts. Some locations also offer a breakfast menu.
Wings come in various flavors and heat levels. Grilled chicken options and naked tenders provide lower-calorie alternatives to breaded items. The salad section includes choices like grilled chicken salads, which can be nutritious when paired with lighter dressings.
Sides range from indulgent options like fries to healthier choices such as veggie sticks. The menu’s structure allows diners to mix and match items to create balanced meals that suit their preferences and dietary needs.
Health-Conscious Options
Buffalo Wild Wings offers several menu items for health-conscious diners. These options provide lower calorie and more nutritious alternatives while still delivering satisfying flavors.
Grilled Chicken Options
Grilled chicken dishes are some of the healthiest choices at Buffalo Wild Wings. The Grilled Chicken Sandwich features a tender chicken breast on a brioche bun with lettuce and tomato. It contains around 430 calories and 43g of protein.
For a lower-carb option, try the Grilled Chicken Tenders. These juicy strips of grilled chicken breast come with a side of celery sticks and light ranch dressing. With only 220 calories per serving, they’re an excellent lean protein choice.
Buffalo Wild Wings also offers a Grilled Chicken Wrap. It combines grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and light ranch in a whole wheat tortilla. This portable option provides about 330 calories and 27g of protein.
Salad Selections
Salads can be nutritious choices when ordered thoughtfully. The Grilled Chicken Salad is a popular health-conscious pick. It features mixed greens topped with grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Ask for light dressing on the side to keep calories in check.
The Garden Salad offers a vegetarian-friendly base of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and croutons. Add grilled chicken for extra protein without excessive calories.
For a twist, try the Southwest Chicken Salad. It combines grilled chicken, mixed greens, pico de gallo, and black bean corn salsa. Request light or no cheese to reduce calories further.
Veggie-Based Alternatives
Buffalo Wild Wings offers several vegetable-centric options for health-conscious diners. The Veggie Boat features crisp celery and carrot sticks with a side of light ranch dressing. It’s a low-calorie snack with only about 60 calories.
The Side Salad is another light choice, with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It provides fiber and nutrients for around 25 calories before dressing.
For a heartier veggie option, consider the Black Bean Burger. This plant-based patty comes on a wheat bun with lettuce and tomato. While higher in calories than some options, it offers protein and fiber from plant sources.
Navigating Sauces and Seasonings
Sauces and seasonings play a crucial role in the flavor profile of Buffalo Wild Wings dishes. Selecting wisely can significantly impact the nutritional value of your meal.
Low-Calorie Sauces
Buffalo Wild Wings offers several low-calorie sauce options for health-conscious diners. The Mild and Medium Buffalo sauces contain fewer calories compared to creamier alternatives. Lemon Pepper and Salt & Vinegar dry rubs provide flavor without adding extra calories.
For those seeking a tangy kick, the Hot Buffalo sauce is a relatively low-calorie choice. Opting for sauces on the side allows for better portion control.
Low-calorie sauce options:
- Mild Buffalo
- Medium Buffalo
- Hot Buffalo
- Lemon Pepper (dry rub)
- Salt & Vinegar (dry rub)
Sodium Content in Seasonings
Many seasoning blends at Buffalo Wild Wings can be high in sodium. The Desert Heat dry rub is noted for having the lowest sodium content among the dry seasoning options. Salt-based seasonings like Salt & Vinegar should be used sparingly.
When choosing seasonings, consider alternating between sodium-heavy options and lower-sodium alternatives. This approach helps maintain flavor while managing overall sodium intake.
Tips for managing sodium:
- Request seasonings on the side
- Use half the recommended amount
- Combine low-sodium options with small amounts of saltier seasonings
Smart Sides and Beverages
Choosing wisely from Buffalo Wild Wings’ side dishes and drink menu can help balance your meal. Opt for lighter options and consider portion sizes when selecting sides. For beverages, focus on low-calorie or unsweetened choices to avoid excess sugar and calories.
Side Dish Choices
Buffalo Wild Wings offers several healthier side options. Garden salads provide a nutritious mix of vegetables with minimal calories. Request dressing on the side to control portions. Carrot sticks and celery are excellent low-calorie choices that pair well with wings.
For a heartier option, consider the veggie boat. It includes an assortment of fresh vegetables perfect for dipping. Steamed broccoli is another nutritious side dish available at some locations.
If craving something warm, plain baked potato wedges offer a better alternative to french fries. Just be mindful of toppings. Avoid loaded options with cheese and bacon to keep calories in check.
Beverage Recommendations
Water is always the healthiest beverage choice. It’s calorie-free and helps balance out the salt content in many menu items. Unsweetened iced tea is another good option, providing flavor without added sugars.
For those seeking more flavor, light lemonade or diet sodas can satisfy cravings without excessive calories. Buffalo Wild Wings also offers flavored sparkling waters as a refreshing, zero-calorie alternative.
Beer enthusiasts might consider light beer options, which typically have fewer calories than regular brews. However, moderation is key, as alcohol can contribute significant calories to your meal.
Avoid sugary cocktails and oversized drink portions. Stick to standard serving sizes to keep calorie intake in check.
Customizing Your Meal
Buffalo Wild Wings offers several ways to tailor your order for a healthier dining experience. Customization allows you to control ingredients and portions to better align with your nutritional goals.
Special Requests
When ordering at Buffalo Wild Wings, don’t hesitate to make special requests. Ask for grilled chicken instead of fried on salads or sandwiches. Request sauces and dressings on the side to control portions. Opt for steamed vegetables as a side dish rather than fries. Choose dry rubs over sauces for wings to reduce calories and sodium. Request extra vegetables with your meal for added nutrients and fiber. Buffalo Wild Wings typically accommodates reasonable modifications, so speak up about your preferences.
Portion Control
Managing portion sizes is key to healthier eating at Buffalo Wild Wings. Order a small or regular size instead of large for wings, sides, and appetizers. Share larger dishes with friends to reduce individual intake. Consider ordering from the kids’ menu for smaller portions. Use the nutrition information provided to gauge appropriate serving sizes. Eat slowly and pay attention to fullness cues. Take leftovers home for another meal instead of overeating. Stick to one sauce or seasoning per dish to avoid excess calories.
Additional Tips for Healthy Eating
Choose grilled options over fried whenever possible. Grilled chicken tenders or wings provide lean protein without extra breading and oil.
Ask for sauces and dressings on the side. This allows you to control portions and reduce excess calories from heavy condiments.
Load up on veggies. Request extra celery and carrots with your wings or as a side dish to increase fiber and nutrients.
Opt for water or unsweetened iced tea instead of sugary sodas or alcoholic beverages. This cuts empty calories significantly.
Share appetizers or entrees with friends. Splitting dishes helps control portion sizes and allows you to sample different flavors.
Consider a side salad with light dressing as a healthier alternative to fries or other fried sides.
Buffalo Wild Wings offers customization options. Don’t hesitate to request modifications to make your meal healthier.
Choose dry rubs over saucy wings to reduce added sugars and calories while still enjoying bold flavors.
Eat slowly and mindfully. This helps with portion control and increases satisfaction from your meal.
Check nutrition information online before visiting. This allows you to plan your choices in advance and stick to healthier options.