Fried chicken and waffles at Tastees bring soul food comfort alongside a substantial calorie load. If you are tracking your daily intake, understanding Tastees Nutrition and Calories before you order can save you from a surprise at the end of the day. This guide breaks down the menu numbers so you can make a smart choice without giving up flavor.
You don’t have to guess anymore. We looked at the standard serving sizes and typical preparation methods to give you a clear picture of what is really on your plate.
Tastees Nutrition And Calories
When you walk into Tastees, the smell of seasoned fried chicken and warm syrup fills the air. It is hard to think about numbers when your stomach is growling. But knowing the calorie range for their signature dishes helps you decide if you want a full feast or a lighter bite.
The menu is built around comfort food classics. That means the calorie counts are generally on the higher side compared to fast food salads or grilled options. Here is what you need to know about the main categories.
Signature Chicken And Waffles
The star of the show is the chicken and waffles. A typical order includes two pieces of bone-in fried chicken and one large Belgian waffle. This plate alone usually lands between 1,100 and 1,400 calories.
- Fried chicken breast: ~490 calories
- Fried chicken thigh: ~380 calories
- Belgian waffle with butter: ~450 calories
- Syrup (2 oz serving): ~150 calories
If you add extra syrup or a side of mac and cheese, you can easily push that number over 1,800 calories. That is almost a full day’s worth of food for many people.
Wings And Tenders
Wings are a popular pick for a quick meal. A six-piece order of classic buffalo wings comes in at about 700 to 850 calories. This number changes based on whether you get them fried hard or extra crispy.
Chicken tenders are a bit lighter. A three-tender meal with fries is usually around 900 calories. The dipping sauce you choose adds another 100 to 200 calories, so be careful with ranch or blue cheese.
Sides And Add-Ons
The sides at Tastees are not small. They are served in hearty portions that can rival the main dish in calories.
- Mac and cheese (regular): ~380 calories
- Collard greens: ~180 calories
- Seasoned fries: ~420 calories
- Cornbread (one piece): ~210 calories
You can save a lot of calories by swapping fries for greens. That simple change cuts about 240 calories from your meal without making you feel deprived.
Breakfast Plates
Tastees serves breakfast all day. The omelet plates are usually the best bet for protein without the fried coating. A veggie omelet with toast and home fries is around 650 calories. That is a reasonable number for a filling breakfast.
The biscuits and gravy plate is heavier. It comes in near 780 calories because of the sausage gravy and buttery biscuit. If you are watching sodium, this dish is also high on the salt scale.
How To Make Lighter Choices
You do not have to skip Tastees entirely to stay on track. There are a few practical swaps that keep the meal enjoyable.
- Choose grilled chicken instead of fried when available. This saves about 150 calories per piece.
- Ask for sauce on the side. You control how much you use, which cuts down on hidden fats and sugars.
- Split the chicken and waffles with a friend. Half of that plate is still a satisfying portion.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of soda. A large soda adds 300 empty calories.
These small changes do not ruin the experience. They just give you more room in your daily calorie budget.
Protein And Macros
If you are counting macros, the fried chicken provides a good amount of protein. A two-piece chicken and waffles meal gives you roughly 45 grams of protein. The downside is the fat content, which can reach 60 grams or more.
Carbohydrates are also high because of the waffle and any breading. You are looking at around 120 grams of carbs for the full plate. That is fine if you are active, but it might be too much for a sedentary day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest calorie item on the Tastees menu?
The grilled chicken salad is usually the lightest option. It comes in around 450 calories with dressing on the side. You can also order a side of collard greens and a boiled egg for a simple low calorie meal.
Are the calories listed on the Tastees menu accurate?
Most locations provide approximate numbers based on standard recipes. Actual calories can vary due to portion sizes and cooking methods. If you are strict about counting, ask for the nutritional guide at the counter.
Does Tastees offer any low carb options?
Yes, you can order the fried chicken without the waffle or bread. Pair it with collard greens or a side salad. This keeps the meal under 15 grams of carbs if you skip the sugary sauces.
How many calories are in the Tastees sauce?
The house sauce is sweet and sticky. A two tablespoon serving has about 90 calories. Most people use more than that, so ask for it in a separate cup to control the portion.
Is the nutrition info the same at every Tastees location?
Not exactly. Franchise owners sometimes tweak recipes or use different oil brands. The numbers we shared are a general guide, but your local store might differ slightly.
Keep in mind that Tastees nutrition and calories are not published on a national website. That makes it harder to track. Your best move is to ask the cashier for a printed brochure or check the in-store poster.
One more tip: the lemon pepper wings are a little lighter than the honey bbq ones. The dry rub adds flavor without the sugar coating. You save about 100 calories per six wings just by picking a different seasoning.
At the end of the day, Tastees is a treat. It is not meant for every single meal. But with these numbers in your head, you can enjoy your visit and still feel good about your choices. Just remember to watch the extras like syrup, butter, and sugary drinks. Those small additions are what turn a decent meal into a calorie bomb.
So next time you are at the counter, you will know exactly what you are getting. That knowledge is power. Use it to build a plate that fits your goals, whether that is maintenance, weight loss, or just having a great saturday lunch.