Marie Callender’s chicken pot pies are a popular frozen food item that can be found in most grocery stores across the United States. They provide a quick and easy meal, but many consumers are curious about the calorie content of these convenient pies. With rising rates of obesity and diet-related diseases, more people are paying closer attention to the nutritional value of the foods they eat. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the calories and other nutrition facts for a Marie Callender’s chicken pot pie.
Calories in a Full Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie
According to the nutrition facts label on the packaging, one full 9-inch Marie Callender’s chicken pot pie contains the following calorie and nutrient information:
| Calories | 760 |
| Total Fat | 39g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 930mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 82g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 19g |
So a full 9-inch Marie Callender’s chicken pot pie contains 760 calories. This is quite a high calorie count for a single frozen meal.
Calories from Fat vs. Carbs vs. Protein
Of the total 760 calories in a Marie Callender’s chicken pot pie, the calories are derived from the following macronutrient sources:
- Total fat: 39g x 9 calories/g = 351 calories from fat
- Carbohydrates: 82g x 4 calories/g = 328 calories from carbs
- Protein: 19g x 4 calories/g = 76 calories from protein
This breakdown shows that almost half of the calories come from fat (351 of the 760 total calories). Carbohydrates make up a sizeable portion at 328 calories, while protein accounts for only 76 calories.
High Saturated Fat and Sodium Content
In addition to the high overall calorie count, some other nutrition facts stand out on the Marie Callender’s chicken pot pie label.
First, it contains 14g of saturated fat, which is 70% of the daily value intake based on a 2000 calorie diet. Consuming too much saturated fat has been linked with raising LDL “bad” cholesterol levels, increasing risk of heart disease.
The sodium content is also concerning at 930mg, or 40% of the daily recommended limit. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, another risk factor for cardiovascular issues.
Calories in Half a Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie
Since the full pie contains a hefty 760 calories, some consumers may opt to only eat half the pie. Leftovers can be refrigerated for later.
If you were to consume just half the pie, the calorie count would be:
- Full pie: 760 calories
- Half pie: 380 calories
The other nutrients would be similarly reduced by roughly half:
| Total Fat | 19.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 465mg |
| Carbs | 41g |
| Protein | 9.5g |
So while still high in calories and fat, consuming just half the pot pie would be a slightly more diet-friendly option.
Calories Compared to Other Frozen Meals
How does the 760 calorie Marie Callender’s chicken pot pie stack up against other popular frozen meals? Here is a comparison:
| Marie Callender’s chicken pot pie (whole) | 760 calories |
| Lean Cuisine chicken with broccoli & cheese | 290 calories |
| Lean Cuisine herb roasted chicken | 350 calories |
| Healthy Choice cajun style chicken | 300 calories |
| Amy’s cheese enchilada | 340 calories |
Marie Callender’s contains more than double the calories of most other frozen meal options. The only way it compares more favorably is to half of the pot pie, putting it in the same calorie range as the Lean Cuisines and Healthy Choices.
Ways to Reduce Calories in Marie Callender’s Pot Pie
If you want to enjoy the flavor of Marie Callender’s chicken pot pie but cut down on the calories, here are some tips:
- Eat only half the pie and save remaining half for another meal
- Replace half the filling with extra vegetables like peas, carrots, broccoli to reduce fat/calories
- Enjoy pie with a side salad instead of vegetable side dish included
- Eat more slowly and mindfully to feel full on smaller portion
- Split pie and share with a friend or loved one
Making some simple modifications can go a long way towards lightening up this indulgent comfort food.
Nutrition Facts for Other Marie Callender’s Pot Pies
Marie Callender’s offers chicken pot pies in other flavors besides the standard chicken. Here is the nutrition data for a few other varieties:
Chicken Pot Pie with Golden Corn Crust
| Calories | 760 |
| Total Fat | 39g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Crust
| Calories | 800 |
| Total Fat | 44g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
Turkey and Stuffing Pot Pie
| Calories | 760 |
| Total Fat | 39g |
| Sodium | 910mg |
The calorie count remains largely the same across the different flavors, ranging from 760-800 calories for a whole pie. Fat content is slightly higher for the chicken pot pie with puff pastry crust. Sodium is also elevated in all varieties.
Health Impact of Frequent Marie Callender’s Pot Pie Consumption
What are the potential health implications if Marie Callender’s chicken pot pies are eaten on a regular basis? Here are some considerations:
- Weight gain: At 760 calories each, frequent pot pie meals could easily lead to weight gain over time, especially if activity level remains low.
- High cholesterol: The high saturated fat content (14g per pie) could drive up “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and increase risk of heart disease.
- High blood pressure: A high sodium intake is associated with elevated blood pressure, which also amplifies heart disease risk.
- Nutritional deficits: These frozen pot pies are extremely low in nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber that are important for good health.
- Limited protein: With only 19g of protein per pie, these meals are low insatisfying protein compared to fat and carbs.
Overall, enjoying Marie Callender’s chicken pot pies occasionally is fine, but these high-calorie, nutritionally-lacking meals are best limited in a healthy diet, especially for those with heart disease risk factors.
Healthier Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
For a lower calorie chicken pot pie that still satisfies, consider making a homemade version with simple ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can low-fat cream of chicken soup
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
Instructions:
- Cook chicken seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Shred or dice chicken.
- In bowl, mix chicken, vegetables, cream soup and herbs.
- Pour mixture into baking dish, top with puff pastry.
- Brush pastry with beaten egg and cut vents to allow steam to escape.
- Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden brown.
- Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
This healthier homemade version cuts the calories nearly in half compared to Marie Callender’s pot pie. Feel free to use reduced sodium soup and swap in different veggies and herbs.
Conclusions
Marie Callender’s chicken pot pies are a convenient frozen dinner option, but each 9-inch pie contains a hefty 760 calories. Nearly half those calories come from the high fat content. Saturated fat and sodium levels are also high per pie. Consuming these pies regularly can lead to weight gain and negatively impact heart health. Those looking for a lower calorie, more nutritious alternative can make their own healthier chicken pot pie at home. Overall, Marie Callender’s chicken pot pies should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an balanced diet, not as a diet staple.