Quick Answer
Chick-fil-A’s queso has approximately 140 calories per 2 oz serving. So a full 8 oz serving of Chick-fil-A queso contains about 560 calories. The queso is made with cheeses like Monterey jack, cheddar, and pepper jack, along with spices and other ingredients. It has a creamy, cheesy texture and flavor.
Detailed Nutrition Information
Here is more detailed nutrition information for Chick-fil-A’s queso according to the company’s website:
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 oz | 140 | 9 | 2 | 7 |
| 4 oz | 280 | 18 | 4 | 14 |
| 8 oz | 560 | 36 | 8 | 28 |
As you can see, a full 8 oz serving contains 560 calories. It also has 36g of fat, 8g of carbohydrates, and 28g of protein.
Calories in Queso Compared to Other Dips
Chick-fil-A’s queso has more calories than many other popular dips and sauces. Here’s how it compares per 2 oz serving:
| Dipping Sauce | Calories |
|---|---|
| Chick-fil-A Queso | 140 |
| Chick-fil-A Sauce | 140 |
| Ranch Dressing | 140-180 |
| Guacamole | 80-100 |
| Salsa | 10-30 |
| Hummus | 100-140 |
As you can see, Chick-fil-A’s queso has about the same calories as the chain’s signature Chick-fil-A sauce. It’s higher in calories than guacamole, salsa, or hummus for an equivalent serving size. So while the queso is very tasty, it does come with a higher calorie load than some other dips.
Ingredients in Chick-fil-A Queso
What makes Chick-fil-A’s queso so high in calories? It comes down to the main ingredients used to make it:
- Cheeses – The queso is loaded with high-calorie, high-fat cheeses like Monterey jack, cheddar, and pepper jack. The creamy melted cheese is the base of the queso.
- Oils – Ingredients like canola oil and soybean oil add more fat and calories to the queso.
- Milk – Whole milk gives the queso an extra creamy, rich texture.
- Spices – Ingredients like garlic and onion powder add flavor, but also a minimal amount of calories.
It’s the generous amounts of cheese, oil, and milk that make Chick-fil-A’s queso higher in calories than many other dips. The cheese alone provides a significant calorie load in each serving. So while the queso makes a tasty, cheesy dip, it’s certainly not a low-calorie option.
Nutrition Tips for Enjoying Queso
Here are some tips for enjoying Chick-fil-A queso in a healthy way:
- Stick to smaller serving sizes like 2-4 oz to keep calories under control.
- Pair it with lower calorie foods like grilled chicken breasts or fresh vegetables.
- Substitute queso for higher calorie sauces like ranch or mayo-based dips.
- Use queso as a topping rather than a dip to limit how much you eat.
- Order a side salad instead of fries and dip veggies in the queso.
- Share an order of queso as an appetizer if dining with others.
- Skip extra salty chips and opt for baked pita or corn chips instead.
- Enjoy queso as an occasional treat instead of a daily dip.
Using strategies like these can allow you to enjoy the delicious flavor of queso while limiting the calorie impact. Be mindful of servings and pair it with lighter foods to keep your meal balanced.
Healthier Queso Alternatives
If you love queso but want a lower calorie option, here are some ideas for healthier homemade recipes:
- Queso made with greek yogurt instead of whole milk.
- Queso made with reduced-fat cheese and low-fat milk.
- Queso made with avocado or mashed beans for added creaminess.
- Queso made with pureed vegetables like cauliflower or butternut squash.
- Queso made with non-dairy cheese alternatives like cashew cheese.
You can also spice up plain greek yogurt with taco seasoning and tomatoes for a tasty, tangy dip. Or stick to fresh guacamole, salsa, or hummus for more nutritious options. With some creative substitutions, you can enjoy the flavor of queso without all the extra calories.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A’s queso has around 140 calories per 2 oz serving. A full 8 oz serving contains about 560 calories. This is due to the high amounts of cheese, oils, and cream used to make the classic Tex-Mex style queso. While delicious, it’s one of the higher calorie dipping sauces on the menu. To enjoy queso in moderation, stick to smaller servings, pair with lighter foods, and find ways to lighten it up at home. Salsa, guacamole, hummus, and greek yogurt dips all make fresher, lower calorie alternatives to balance out your meal. With some adjustments, you can still enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of queso without going overboard on calories.