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Cracker Barrel is renowned for its family-friendly environment and country-style meals, but there are some menu items you might want to avoid for your health. We spoke to dietitians and nutrition experts to bring you a list of meals to avoid when eating at this chain. These meals were rated on total calories, sodium, saturated fat, and more. Whether you’re monitoring your blood sugar or worried about your heart health or blood pressure, these are the menu items to cross off your list the next time you’re at Cracker Barrel.
Some of the menu items may be obvious, such as fried dishes or extra large breakfast platters. However, some might surprise you. Remember that when you eat out, the food is almost always notoriously higher in sodium, fat, and calories, because that’s what makes restaurant food so good!
So, let’s find out exactly what items these nutrition experts are warning against, and keep in mind that this is a short list of menu items, and there are probably dozens more options. healthy foods to choose from at Cracker Barrel. Then, for even healthier restaurant-related tips, check out the 22 Unhealthiest Restaurant Salads in America.
Per mealCalories: 1040, 72g fat (17g saturated fat), 2400mg sodium, 43g carbs (3g fiber, 2g sugar), 53g protein
At 1,040 calories, Country Fried Pork Chops are one of the highest calorie options on the Cracker Barrel menu. If you consider that they are also served with two sides and buttermilk cookies or corn muffins, the total calorie count adds up very quickly.
Once in a while, a breakfast like this isn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of healthy eating. If you pair your pork chops with collard greens and pinto beans for a lighter edge, you can do pretty well overall. Your meal will still be high in sodium and added oils, but you can probably reduce your total calorie intake.
Per meal: 1,250 calories, 54 g fat (26 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 2,240 mg sodium, 152 g carbohydrate (2 g fibre, 73 g sugar), 27 g proteins
According Jocelyn Rodgriguez, RD, CLC. “Based on nutritional values, this breakfast item contains 73 grams of sugar. Although this item contains protein from eggs and bacon/sausage, the cream cheese and strawberry syrup pancakes do raise skyrocketed sugar and fat content of pancakes with a serving of eggs or another protein of choice to consume fewer calories from sugar,” says Rodriguez.
Sharon Puello MA, RD, CDN, CDCES agrees: “The all-day breakfast menu is most certainly appealing, but some of the items are almost a day’s worth of calories in one meal. The cheese and pancake-stuffed breakfast is a calorie-rich bomb. in sugar.At 1,250 calories before you even add a choice of sausage or bacon, this is a meal you’d want to consider sharing instead of enjoying it on its own.This is not a diabetic-friendly meal and, overall not a favorable choice for anyone who regularly eats at Cracker Barrel and monitors their heart and/or metabolic health.
Per mealCalories: 610, 40g fat (15g saturated fat), 1640mg sodium, 42g carbs (<1g fiber, 2g sugar), 19g protein
“Laden Potato Casserole Bites are a popular item to order as an appetizer. However, they are loaded with saturated fat and sodium. It would be better to skip the bites and save room for your meal, rather than stocking up before the entree arrives. . If you want something before the meal, consider a cup of their chicken noodle soup for a healthier option,” says Mandy Tyler, M.Ed., RD, CSSD, LD.
Per mealCalories: 980, 61g fat (25g saturated fat), 1820mg sodium, 59g carbs (6g fiber, 3g sugar), 49g protein
“The Bacon n’ Egg Hashbrown Casserole is one of the least healthy menu items available at Cracker Barrel,” says Amanda Lane, MS, RD, CSR, CDCES. Although this meal may seem high in protein, Lane reminds us that bacon is one of the least healthy breakfast protein options.
“The casserole starter is 980 calories and does not contain a noticeable amount of fiber. With over 1,800 mg of sodium, or almost 80% of the daily recommendation, this casserole is a choice to pass on to protect your heart. “, Lane tells us. Instead, she recommends choosing a breakfast sandwich with multigrain bread with a side of fruit instead.
Per mealCalories: 1180, 60g fat (13g saturated fat), 2560mg sodium, 106g carbs (4g fiber, 29g sugar), 55g protein
Kelly Springer MS, RD, CDN, gives us his take on the least nutritious option at Cracker Barrel. “Sunday Homestyle Chicken BLT is one of the unhealthiest options on the Cracker Barrel menu. It provides more than half of the recommended average calories at 1,180, almost all of the recommended fat at 60 grams, 13 grams of saturated fat, and 29 grams. Not to mention the 2,560 mg of sodium, which is more than the single recommended daily value of 2,300,” Springer notes.
“A diet high in blood pressure, cholesterol, and excess calories can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease over time,” Springer warns.
Per meal with ham and biscuits and sauceCalories: 1,310, 56 g fat (24.5 g saturated fat), 3,230 mg sodium, 77 g carbs (3 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 99 g protein
Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD recommend bypassing the Country Boy Breakfast at Cracker Barrel next time. “This meal is enough for 3 people. In addition to 3 eggs, you have a choice of ham, steak or pork chop, french fries, hash brown casserole, biscuits with butter and jam and sawmill sauce.”
Per mealCalories: 1640, 100g fat (23g saturated fat), 4730mg sodium, 78g carbs (9g fiber, 0g sugar), 108g protein
Kristin Draayer, MS, RDN explains his take on the Cracker Barrel menu. “Southern Fried Chicken is one of Cracker Barrel’s popular dishes, but unfortunately it’s also high in energy and high in sodium. Without the sides, the chicken alone has 1,640 calories, 100 grams of fat, 23 grams of saturated fat, and 4,730 milligrams of sodium Consuming high levels of saturated fat and sodium can increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems,” Draayer says.
She offers a solution: “While it’s certainly okay to eat food in moderation, this one probably won’t do you too much good. Consider sharing it with a friend and pairing it with some grilled vegetables. steam or fresh fruit to add micronutrients and fiber to the meal.”
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