A Starbucks bacon and Gouda sandwich is a popular menu item that combines smoky bacon with melted Gouda cheese. But like many indulgent foods, it does come with a high calorie count. Knowing the calorie content can help customers make informed choices about their Starbucks orders.
The Ingredients in a Starbucks Bacon and Gouda Sandwich
A Starbucks bacon and Gouda sandwich contains the following ingredients:
- Artisan roll
- Hickory-smoked bacon
- Gouda cheese
- Spread made with butter and canola oil
These high-calorie ingredients including bread, bacon, cheese, and spread all contribute to the sandwich’s total calorie count.
Nutrition Information for a Starbucks Bacon and Gouda Sandwich
According to Starbucks, here is the nutrition information for a bacon and Gouda sandwich:
| Serving Size | 1 sandwich (178g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 980mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 18g |
As you can see, one bacon and Gouda sandwich from Starbucks contains 450 calories. It also has 24g of total fat, 41g of carbohydrates, and 980mg of sodium.
Breaking Down the Calorie Count
What makes up the high 450 calorie count in a Starbucks bacon and Gouda sandwich? Here is a breakdown of where those calories come from:
- Bread: The artisan roll accounts for about 200 calories
- Bacon: The hickory-smoked bacon adds about 150 calories
- Cheese: The melted Gouda cheese contributes around 80 calories
- Spread: The butter and canola oil spread adds about 20 calories
So the combination of all these high-calorie ingredients leads to a sandwich that contains nearly half of the daily recommended 2000 calories for many adults in just one serving!
Comparing to Other Starbucks Sandwiches
The bacon and Gouda sandwich is on the higher end for calorie counts compared to other Starbucks lunch items. Here’s how it compares:
| Sandwich | Calories |
|---|---|
| Bacon & Gouda | 450 |
| Roasted Ham & Swiss Panini | 380 |
| Roasted Turkey & Havarti Panini | 370 |
| Chicken & Bacon Panini | 350 |
| Smokehouse Chicken Panini | 330 |
As you can see, most other hot sandwiches at Starbucks range from 330 to 380 calories. So at 450 calories, the bacon and Gouda option is one of the higher-calorie choices.
Low Calorie Alternatives at Starbucks
If you love the taste of Starbucks but want a lower calorie lunch option, here are some ideas:
- Protein Bistro Box (under 500 calories)
- Chicken & Quinoa Protein Bowl (around 400 calories)
- Chicken Caprese Pasta (around 320 calories)
- Egg salad sandwich on multigrain bread (around 300 calories)
- Turkey Rustico Panini (around 280 calories)
All of these provide fewer than half the calories of a bacon and Gouda sandwich. So there are definitely lighter alternatives you can choose from the Starbucks menu.
Tips for Enjoying a Bacon & Gouda Sandwich
If you do want to occasionally treat yourself to a Starbucks bacon and Gouda sandwich, here are some tips to help enjoy it without going overboard on calories:
- Opt for a tall coffee or small green tea as your beverage instead of a high-calorie Frappuccino.
- Choose a salad or fresh fruit as your side.
- Split the sandwich with a friend.
- Save half for another meal.
- Savor each bite, and stop eating when you feel satisfied.
Using portion control and balancing the sandwich with lower calorie items can help prevent overindulging when you grab this tasty sandwich.
Conclusion
A Starbucks bacon and Gouda sandwich contains a whopping 450 calories. This high calorie count comes from the bacon, cheese, bread, and creamy spread. While deliciously satisfying, it’s one of the higher-calorie options on the Starbucks menu.
Choosing this sandwich occasionally as a treat is fine for most healthy adults. But limiting portions, pairing with lighter items, and selecting lower calorie alternatives when possible can help prevent consuming too many calories in one meal.
Knowing the nutrition information allows customers to make informed choices about their Starbucks orders. While the bacon and Gouda sandwich does taste great, it packs nearly a full day’s worth of calories into one sandwich. So enjoy this menu item in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.