Applebee's touts itself as the largest casual dining chain in the world and offers a signature bar and grill menu featuring American cuisine. With hundreds of locations and its Carside to Go service, Applebee's offers convenient dining options for busy people. Those who dine at this restaurant should know the nutrition facts for Applebee's in order to make healthy dietary decisions.
Significance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends a daily intake of 2,000 calories and 65 g of fat for most adults. "Washington Post" journalist Rachel Saslow reports in a 2010 article that Applebee's and other American restaurants offer menu items that come close to fulfilling or exceeding that recommendation in a single meal. For example, the New England Fish and Chips offered by Applebee's contains 1,910 calories and more than twice the amount of fat recommended for daily consumption.
Nutrition Facts
A number of the dishes at Applebee's contain more than 1,000 calories and high levels of fat and sodium. Appetizers with more than 1,000 calories include Cheeseburger Sliders, the Chicken Quesadilla Grande, Crunchy Onion Rings, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Chili Cheese Nachos and Potato Skins. These appetizers contain 59 to 107 g of fat. Main dishes with more than 1,000 calories include the Riblets Platter, Double-glazed Baby Back Ribs, Sizzling Steak and Cheese, and Chicken Parmesan. Even some of the salads at Applebee's have more calories than you might expect. These high-calorie main dishes contain anywhere from 61 to 88 g of fat. The Crispy Shrimp Caesar salad contains 1,060 calories and 78 g of fat, while the Grilled Steak Caesar Salad has 900 calories and 66 g of fat.
Less Than 550 Calories
Applebee's offers five dishes that contain less than 550 calories. These dishes include the Spicy Shrimp Diavolo, Grilled Shrimp and Island Rice, Grilled Dijon Chicken and Portobellos, Asian Crunch Salad and Asiago Peppercorn Steak. These meals have fewer calories because they feature grilled meats and steamed vegetables instead of fried meats and sides covered with high-calorie sauces.
Allergen Information
Applebee's offers allergen information for eight common allergies, making it easier to dine out if you experience allergic reactions to some foods. Soy-free items include Chicken Tenders, Fried Chicken Salad, Fried Shrimp, Fish and Chips, Potato Skins, Mozzarella Sticks and Pasta Marinara. Dishes prepared without eggs include the House Sirloin, New York Strip Steak, New England Fish and Chips, Garlic Herb Salmon, Apple Walnut Salad and Smothered Grilled Chicken. Those with dairy allergies can choose the Riblets Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Sizzling Asian Shrimp and BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. Because shared food preparation and cooking areas pose a risk of cross-contamination with allergens, use caution when ordering any of these items if you have a known food allergy.
Considerations
You can take several steps to reduce the amount of calories and fat you consume by eating at Applebee's. If you order an appetizer, share it with several dining companions instead of eating the whole thing yourself. If you order a salad, skip the dressing or ask for a small container of dressing on the side. Ordering the Crispy Shrimp Caesar Salad without dressing will cut the calorie count from 1,060 to 610. Instead of ordering side dishes with butter and cheese, eat them plain or ask for a small container of fat-free Italian dressing. The dressing adds flavor without adding hundreds of calories or additional fat to your meal.
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