Quick Answer
A Cracker Barrel buttermilk biscuit contains approximately 310 calories. The exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on the size of the biscuit. A standard biscuit at Cracker Barrel weighs around 2 oz (57 g) and provides 310 calories, 13 g fat, 36 g carbs, 2 g protein, and 730 mg sodium.
Calorie and Nutrition Information for Cracker Barrel Biscuits
Cracker Barrel offers warm, freshly baked buttermilk biscuits as a side with many of their breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees. Here is the basic nutrition information for their biscuits:
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
The calories come mostly from carbohydrates (36g), which accounts for about 144 calories. The 13 grams of fat adds another 117 calories. The 2 grams of protein contributes only 8 calories.
This nutrition information is based on a standard 2 oz (57 g) biscuit. However, biscuit sizes can vary slightly, so the calorie count may be a little more or less depending on the exact size of the biscuit.
Cracker Barrel Biscuit Ingredients
Cracker Barrel makes their famous buttermilk biscuits using simple ingredients including:
- All-purpose flour
- Buttermilk
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Shortening (vegetable oil)
The buttermilk gives the biscuits their tangy flavor and contributes to their fluffiness when baked. The baking powder and baking soda help the biscuits to rise. The shortening adds tenderness and flakiness.
Reasons for Calorie Differences in Biscuits
While an average Cracker Barrel biscuit contains around 310 calories, the specific calorie count can vary slightly from one biscuit to another for several reasons:
- Size variations – Since biscuits are handmade, there will be slight differences in dough portion sizes and baking rises.
- Ingredient ratios – Minor natural fluctuations in ingredient ratios like buttermilk, shortening, and flour can impact calorie densities.
- Cooking methods – Differences in frying vs baking can create calorie differences between locations.
- Baking times and temperatures – Extended or higher temperature baking may result in more fat rendering out, changing the calorie profile.
While Cracker Barrel aims for consistency with their biscuits, some minor variability is inevitable which will lead to slightly higher or lower calorie counts from one batch to another. However, the average of 310 calories per biscuit provides a good basis for nutrition planning.
How Biscuit Nutrition Compares to Other Sides at Cracker Barrel
To put the calorie count of Cracker Barrel’s biscuits into context, here is a comparison of the nutrition facts for some of their other popular side dishes:
| Side Dish | Calories | Total Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk Biscuit | 310 | 13g | 36g |
| Hashbrown Casserole | 530 | 37g | 36g |
| Mac & Cheese | 460 | 24g | 44g |
| Baked Sweet Potato Casserole | 340 | 13g | 50g |
As you can see, Cracker Barrel’s biscuits are one of the lowest calorie options compared to heavier sides like hashbrown casserole and mac & cheese. The biscuits make a lighter complement to many of Cracker Barrel’s classic country dishes.
Tips for Enjoying Cracker Barrel Biscuits as Part of a Healthy Diet
Cracker Barrel’s tasty buttermilk biscuits can absolutely be part of an overall balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation alongside nutritious meal options. Here are some tips for healthy ways to work biscuits into your diet:
- Stick to 1 biscuit and fill up on lower cal veggies like green beans or broccoli.
- Avoid adding extra pats of butter or preserves which will drive up calories.
- Pair your biscuit with a lighter protein like grilled chicken or salmon.
- Split a biscuit with a friend or family member.
- Take a biscuit to-go and save half for a small treat the next day.
- Substitute a side salad and dressing in place of the biscuit to save about 200 calories.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary soft drinks.
One Cracker Barrel biscuit has 310 calories which is around 15% of a standard 2000 calorie daily diet. So by managing biscuit portion sizes and making filling nutritious choices for the rest of your meal, it’s easy to enjoy these tasty Southern-style biscuits even when watching your calorie intake.
Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Biscuits
Like most foods, Cracker Barrel biscuits have both pros and cons when it comes to your health:
Potential Benefits:
- Provide energy from carbohydrates.
- Contain small amounts of protein.
- Offer calcium and iron.
- Can be part of balanced diet.
Potential Drawbacks:
- High in refined flour and fat.
- Low in fiber, vitamins, minerals.
- Contribute empty calories if overeaten.
- May contribute to weight gain in large amounts.
Ultimately, Cracker Barrel biscuits, like most comfort foods, are best enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall nutrient-dense diet, and balanced with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
Comparing Biscuit Nutrition at Other Restaurant Chains
To provide additional context, here is a look at the calorie and fat stats for biscuits served at some other popular chain restaurants:
| Restaurant | Biscuit Calories | Total Fat |
|---|---|---|
| Cracker Barrel | 310 | 13g |
| Red Lobster | 420 | 19g |
| Popeyes | 460 | 23g |
| KFC | 210 | 9g |
| Bojangles’ | 450 | 19g |
Cracker Barrel’s biscuits are on the lower end for calories and fat compared to most other major chains. Only KFC’s biscuits provide fewer calories than Cracker Barrel’s version. So Cracker Barrel’s biscuits can be considered one of the more balanced options out there when seeking a restaurant biscuit.
Healthy and Creative Ways to Customize Biscuits at Cracker Barrel
Part of the appeal of Cracker Barrel’s biscuits is customizing them with different add-ons like sawmill gravy, apple butter, jam, or jelly. While loading up the biscuit can quickly drive up calories, there are some healthier customization options:
- Ask for sugar-free jam or jelly.
- Try a smear of mashed avocado instead of butter.
- Opt for a thin layer of light cream cheese.
- Drizzle with a small amount of honey.
- Top with fresh sliced strawberries or blueberries.
These choices provide extra flavor and moisture while adding minimal extra calories and fat compared to pour-on gravy or thick preserves. Get creative with healthy biscuit toppings to keep your meal nutritious.
Should You Avoid Cracker Barrel Biscuits If You’re On A Diet?
When trying to lose weight or eat healthier, is it necessary to avoid Cracker Barrel biscuits entirely? Not necessarily.
Here are some tips for enjoying biscuits in moderation on a diet:
- Order just 1 biscuit and focus on lighter sides and main dishes.
- Split a biscuit with someone else at the table.
- Take half the biscuit to-go for another meal.
- Substitute a side salad instead of the biscuit.
- Ask for light butter spread or skip it.
- Balance it out by cutting extra calories elsewhere in your day.
- Save biscuits for an occasional treat or cheat meal.
While it’s smart to limit biscuit intake when dieting due to the carb and fat content, you don’t necessarily have to avoid them completely. With mindful portion control and smart substitutions, you can still work biscuits into your meal plan.
Low Carb and Keto Options for Enjoying Cracker Barrel Biscuits
For those following low-carb, ketogenic, or other low or no sugar diets, Cracker Barrel biscuits present more of a challenge due to their high refined carbohydrate content. Here are some tips for keeping your carb count low:
- Order an omelet or eggs with meat side like bacon or sausage instead of biscuits.
- Choose a low-carb lunch option like smoked turkey & avocado salad.
- Order grilled chicken or steak and double up on low carb sides like broccoli and green beans.
- Request an extra side salad instead of the biscuit.
- Ask for sugar-free jelly with your biscuit to cut about 2g net carbs.
- Spread your biscuit with a keto-friendly option like whipped cream cheese.
While biscuits will still be too high carb to fit keto macros, these substitutions can help minimize carbs. Getting creative with assembling a low or no carb meal can allow an occasional biscuit treat.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel’s fluffy, warm buttermilk biscuits are a staple accompaniment to their hearty down-home cooking. While these classic Southern-style biscuits are an indulgent treat at 310 calories each, they can be integrated into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation alongside nutritious main dishes and side dishes. With mindful portion sizes, smart swaps, and creative low carb customizations, biscuit lovers can find healthy ways to work these menu favorites into their meal plan. So if you love starting your Cracker Barrel meal with a piping hot biscuit straight from the oven, don’t feel too guilty – just be conscious of your overall calorie intake for the day. One biscuit as part of well-rounded nutrition offers a perfect little taste of comfort food happiness.
