Cracker Barrel is a popular restaurant chain known for its Southern homestyle cooking. One of the side dishes offered at Cracker Barrel is greens, which typically refers to collard greens or a mix of collard and turnip greens. As a healthy vegetable side, greens can be a nutritious addition to a meal. But how many calories are actually in Cracker Barrel’s greens?
Quick Answer
A 1/2 cup serving of Cracker Barrel’s steamed greens contains approximately 60 calories.
Detailed Nutrition Information
Here are the full nutrition facts for Cracker Barrel’s steamed greens according to the company’s website:
| Serving Size | 1/2 cup (about 85g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 790mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Protein | 3g |
As you can see, a half cup serving contains 60 calories, with 12g of carbohydrates and 4g of fiber. There is minimal fat, no sugar, and 3g of protein.
Factors Affecting Calorie Count
When looking at the calorie content of Cracker Barrel greens, keep in mind that the exact amount can vary depending on:
- Serving size – The nutrition information is based on a 1/2 cup serving. Consuming a larger portion would increase the calories.
- Cooking method – Greens are steamed at Cracker Barrel, which adds minimal calories. Greens cooked with added oil or meat would have more calories.
- Additions – Plain steamed greens have fewer calories than greens with added bacon, vinegar, or other flavorings.
- Side dishes – If the greens come as part of a meal with higher calorie sides like mac and cheese or cornbread, the total meal would contain more calories.
- Individual batch – There may be small variations in calories depending on the specific batch of greens.
Nutritional Benefits
Despite their low calorie content, Cracker Barrel greens provide a variety of nutritional benefits:
- Fiber – The 4g of fiber per serving aids digestion and gut health.
- Vitamin A – Greens are high in vitamin A, important for immune function and eye health.
- Vitamin C – Greens contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that promotes skin health and iron absorption.
- Vitamin K – Necessary for proper blood clotting, greens provide a good amount of vitamin K.
- Antioxidants – Greens contain antioxidant compounds that help protect cells from damage.
- Anti-inflammatory – Compounds in greens may help reduce inflammation in the body.
So while low in calories, greens deliver a nutritious punch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Calories in Other Cracker Barrel Sides
To put the 60 calories per 1/2 cup serving of greens in context, here are the calorie counts for some other popular Cracker Barrel side dishes:
| Side Dish | Calories (1/2 cup) |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | 150 |
| Green Beans | 55 |
| Applesauce | 65 |
| Corn | 105 |
| Hashbrown Casserole | 260 |
| Fried Apples | 95 |
| Mac and Cheese | 260 |
| Cole Slaw | 115 |
As you can see, greens are on the lower end of the calorie spectrum compared to starchier sides like mashed potatoes or higher fat sides like mac and cheese or hashbrown casserole. Steamed greens are a good option if you are looking for an extra vegetable serving without a lot of additional calories.
Steamed Greens as Part of a Healthy Meal
When planning your meal at Cracker Barrel, steamed greens can be part of an overall balanced and healthy plate:
- Pair greens with a sensible protein like grilled chicken or salmon to add staying power.
- Balance the greens with a modest portion of a starchier side like rice or potatoes.
- Watch high calorie add-ons like gravy, cheese, or bacon bits which can send calories soaring.
- Complete the meal with a side salad with light dressing for additional veggies.
- Ask for any sauces or dressings on the side to control how much you use.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary soda for calorie-free hydration.
While steamed greens contain only 60 calories per serving at Cracker Barrel, they provide an abundance of valuable nutrition. Work them into your meal for vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants without excess calories. Greens are a healthy complement balanced with sensible portions of other sides and proteins.
Comparisons at Other Restaurant Chains
To give more context, here is how the calorie content of Cracker Barrel’s steamed greens compares to similar items at other popular restaurant chains:
| Restaurant | Greens Side | Calories (1/2 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Cracker Barrel | Steamed Greens | 60 |
| Applebee’s | Steamed Broccoli | 50 |
| Olive Garden | Steamed Broccoli | 40 |
| Outback Steakhouse | Steamed Veggies | 45 |
| Red Lobster | Steamed Broccoli | 40 |
| Texas Roadhouse | Green Beans | 55 |
Steamed vegetable sides tend to range from 40-60 calories per half cup serving among most major chains. So Cracker Barrel’s steamed greens nutrition information is very comparable and in line with similar options at other restaurants.
Tips for Ordering Greens When Dining Out
Some tips for getting steamed greens as a healthy side when eating out include:
- Ask if plain steamed greens are available. Many restaurants now offer basic steamed vegetable sides.
- Request greens without any added butter or oils to avoid extra calories.
- Avoid greens cooked with meat or heavy sauces which can drive up calories.
- Aim for greens as a substitute for more calorie-dense fried or starchy sides.
- Get a side of greens in place of chips, fries, or onion rings with your sandwich.
- Order a double serving of greens instead of higher calorie sides if still hungry.
- Ask for lemon wedges and use sparingly instead of heavy sauces or dressings.
Greens are usually one of the lowest calorie vegetable sides available at most restaurants. Keeping them plain and simple is key to getting all of the nutritional benefits without unnecessary calories.
Are Cracker Barrel’s Greens Healthy?
Overall, Cracker Barrel’s steamed greens can be a healthy side option as part of a balanced meal:
- Low calorie – At just 60 calories per serving, greens add bulk without excess calories.
- High in nutrients – Greens provide vitamins A, C, and K along with antioxidants.
- Good source of fiber – The 4g of fiber improves digestion and heart health.
- Anti-inflammatory benefits – Compounds in greens may reduce inflammation.
- Promote satiety – The fiber and bulk help you feel full on fewer calories.
- Versatile – Greens pair well with many entrees from seafood to barbecue.
While fried, buttery, or sauce-laden sides may taste good, choosing steamed greens can provide maximum nutrition for minimal calories. They make a healthy choice as your vegetable side when dining at Cracker Barrel.
Conclusion
When looking for green vegetable sides at restaurants, opting for simple steamed greens is a great choice. At Cracker Barrel, a 1/2 cup serving of steamed greens contains about 60 calories. Though low in calories, greens supply an array of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Steamed greens provide a tasty way to add nutrition to your meal without overdoing it on calories or other unhealthy additions like fat, salt, and sugar. Pay attention to portion size, and enjoy Cracker Barrel’s greens as a healthy complement to the rest of your meal.