Quick Answer
A honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich meal from Whataburger contains approximately 1370 calories. This is based on a sandwich with 3 honey BBQ chicken strips, medium fries, and a medium soft drink. The calories break down as follows:
- Honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich (3 strips): 730 calories
- Medium fries: 350 calories
- Medium soft drink (Coca-cola): 290 calories
Detailed Calorie Count
Here is a more detailed look at the calorie count for each component of a Whataburger honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich meal:
Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich
A Whataburger honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich contains the following:
- Bun: 230 calories
- 3 Honey BBQ Chicken Strips: 450 calories
- Lettuce: 5 calories
- Tomato: 5 calories
- Spread: 40 calories
Total Calories: 730
The number of calories can vary slightly depending on factors like the exact size of the bun and chicken strips. But on average, a sandwich with 3 chicken strips contains about 730 calories.
Medium Fries
A medium order of fries at Whataburger contains about 350 calories. The exact calorie count can vary depending on factors like:
- Exact number/weight of fries
- Whether they are salted or not
- Any extra dipping sauces
But on average, a medium fries contains around 350 calories.
Medium Soft Drink
The calories for a medium soft drink at Whataburger can vary depending on the specific drink ordered. Here are the calories for some popular options:
| Drink | Calories (medium) |
|---|---|
| Coca-cola | 290 |
| Diet Coke | 0 |
| Sprite | 270 |
| Dr Pepper | 310 |
| Root beer | 290 |
A medium Coca-cola (a common choice) contains about 290 calories.
Total Meal Calories
Putting it all together, here are the total calories for a full honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich meal from Whataburger:
- Honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich: 730 calories
- Medium fries: 350 calories
- Medium soft drink: 290 calories
- Total: Approximately 1370 calories
So in summary, a meal with a honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich, medium fries and medium soft drink contains around 1370 calories. This number can vary slightly depending on the exact menu items chosen. But on average, that’s a reasonable estimate for the total calorie count.
Nutrition Facts
In addition to calories, here are some other key nutrition facts for a Whataburger honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich meal:
- Total Fat: 57g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 2710mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 153g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 36g
- Protein: 62g
As you can see, the meal is high in calories, fat, sodium, cholesterol and sugars. This is typical for a fast food fried chicken and fries meal. Getting a decent amount of protein, but lacking in fiber and other nutrients.
Daily Calorie Needs
To put the 1370 calories for this Whataburger meal into context, here is a look at recommended daily calorie intake based on age, gender and activity level according to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans:
| Age | Gender | Sedentary | Moderately Active | Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19-30 | Male | 2400-2600 | 2600-2800 | 3000 |
| 19-30 | Female | 2000 | 2200 | 2400 |
| 31-50 | Male | 2200-2400 | 2400-2600 | 2800-3000 |
| 31-50 | Female | 1800 | 2000 | 2200 |
As you can see, the 1370 calories in this one Whataburger meal represents over 50% of the recommended daily intake for many adults, especially women and less active individuals. Consuming these kinds of high calorie meals regularly can easily lead to overeating and weight gain over time. It’s best to balance out higher calorie fast food meals with lighter choices the rest of the day.
Ways to Make the Meal Healthier
If you want to enjoy a honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich meal from Whataburger but reduce the calories, fat and sodium, here are some modifications you can make:
- Order a smaller size sandwich with just 1-2 chicken strips instead of 3.
- Choose a smaller size of fries like a kids fry.
- Opt for a lower calorie drink like diet soda, unsweetened iced tea or water.
- Skip the mayo-based sandwich spread.
- Ask for fries with no salt.
- Share the fries or drink with a friend.
- Choose apple slices or a side salad instead of fries.
Making combinations of these swaps can easily shave 500+ calories off your meal. You can still enjoy the flavors you love while limiting calorie overkill.
Other Popular Whataburger Meals
To compare, here’s a look at the approximate calories for some other popular Whataburger meals:
| Whataburger Meal | Calories |
|---|---|
| #1 Whataburger Combo (burger, fries, drink) | 1150 |
| Bacon & Cheese Whataburger Meal | 1300 |
| Patty Melt Combo | 1300 |
| Chicken Club Salad | 730 |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich Meal | 800 |
The honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich meal is one of the higher calorie options, packing over 1300 calories. Going with a grilled chicken sandwich or salad can cut several hundred calories from your meal. But overall Whataburger’s combinations of burgers, fries and shakes tend to be on the higher calorie side compared to other fast food chains.
Calorie Cutting Tips
Here are some general tips to reduce calories when dining at Whataburger:
- Opt for grilled chicken sandwiches or salads rather than fried, crispy options.
- Choose junior, small or kids sized versions.
- Limit extras like bacon, avocado and cheese.
- Order sauces and dressings on the side.
- Skip fries for apple slices or other sides.
- Order water or diet soda instead of shakes and sugary drinks.
- Split meals or take half home.
Making combinations of these substitutes can save hundreds of calories per meal.
Should You Avoid Whataburger Due to Calories?
Whataburger meals are certainly higher in calories, fat and sodium compared to home cooked options. However, you don’t necessarily have to completely avoid fast food as long as you practice moderation. Here are some tips:
- Enjoy Whataburger as an occasional treat, not an everyday thing.
- Pay attention to portion sizes and choose smaller items or kids meals.
- Split or share meals to help control portions.
- Balance out higher calorie Whataburger meals with lighter choices the rest of the day.
- Don’t “drinks your calories” by avoiding shakes and sugary drinks.
- Opt for healthier preparations like grilled chicken sandwiches or salads.
- Mix and match menu items to create more reasonable combos.
As part of an overall balanced diet, you should be able to occasionally enjoy your favorite Whataburger craving while keeping your daily calorie intake under control. Just utilize portion control and make smart swaps to build meals that satisfy your tastebuds without sabotaging your health goals.
Conclusion
A Whataburger meal with a honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich, medium fries and medium soft drink contains approximately 1370 calories. While the occasional indulgence is fine, frequent consumption of such high calorie fast food meals can lead to weight gain over time. Use portion control, make healthy swaps, and balance out your choices to enjoy your Whataburger favorites as part of an overall nutritious diet. With some simple tweaks, you can still satisfy your cravings without overdoing it on calories.