Cracker Barrel, known for its delicious Southern-style comfort food, is a favorite spot for many. However, while their menu offers a variety of hearty meals, not all of them are the best choices for your health. Some dishes are packed with excessive calories, unhealthy fats, high sodium, and sugar.
If you’re trying to eat healthier or watch your diet, there are certain menu items you should definitely avoid. Here’s a breakdown of the five Cracker Barrel menu items you should stay away from.
1. Country Boy Breakfast
The Country Boy Breakfast is one of the largest and most indulgent meals on the Cracker Barrel menu. It includes three eggs, fried apples, hashbrown casserole, and your choice of country ham, pork chops, or steak. On top of that, it’s served with grits, biscuits, and gravy.
Depending on what protein you choose, this meal can easily exceed 1,500 calories and over 60 grams of fat. What’s more alarming is the sodium content – this meal can surpass the daily recommended limit of 2,300 mg of sodium in just one sitting. If you’re watching your weight or heart health, this is one meal you might want to skip.
2. Sunday Homestyle Chicken
Sunday Homestyle Chicken is a popular favorite, but unfortunately, it’s also one of Cracker Barrel’s unhealthiest options. This dish features two large, breaded, and deep-fried chicken breasts. It is usually served with two sides, biscuits, or corn muffins.
The chicken alone contains around 1,200 calories and over 60 grams of fat. When you add mashed potatoes with gravy or macaroni and cheese, you’re looking at an even higher calorie and fat count. It’s a mouth-watering choice, for sure, but it’s not one you should make if you’re concerned about your health.
3. Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast
Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast is another hefty meal that can do more harm than good. It includes either country-fried steak or fried chicken tenders smothered in sawmill gravy, eggs, hashbrown casserole, grits, biscuits, and more gravy.
Depending on what protein you choose, this meal can easily top 1,300 calories and more than 70 grams of fat. The combination of fried meats, creamy gravy, and butter-loaded sides makes it an unwise choice for anyone watching their heart health or calorie intake.
4. Macaroni n’ Cheese
While Macaroni n’ Cheese is often seen as a simple side dish, it’s actually one of the most calorie-dense items on Cracker Barrel’s menu. A single serving of this dish can contain over 500 calories and 30 grams of fat. This is due to the rich cheese sauce and the heavy use of butter in preparation. While it’s a comforting choice for many, it’s not the healthiest option, especially if you’re trying to keep your calorie count in check.
5. Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake
For those with a sweet tooth, Cracker Barrel’s Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake may seem like the perfect treat. However, it’s loaded with sugar, fat, and empty calories. A single slice of this indulgent cake packs over 800 calories, 90 grams of sugar, and nearly 40 grams of fat.
If you pair it with ice cream, as suggested, the calorie count climbs even higher. While it may satisfy your sweet cravings, it’s not something you should consume regularly if you’re trying to maintain a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel’s menu offers comfort food that many love, but not all of its dishes are healthy choices. From massive breakfasts to rich desserts, some menu items are packed with excessive calories, unhealthy fats, and high sodium, which can negatively affect your health.
If you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s wise to steer clear of the Country Boy Breakfast, Sunday Homestyle Chicken, Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast, Macaroni n’ Cheese, and the Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. Instead, opt for lighter menu options or consider sharing these heavier dishes with others.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
