Restaurant Snack Menus Decoded

CookingLight.com


Snack menus are popping up at restaurants everywhere. But how healthy are they? We reveal the best and worst picks. By: Karen Ansel, MS, RD

Move over appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Thanks to our love affair with snacking, restaurants everywhere are now offering snack menus. In the last four years the number of snack foods on restaurant menus has exploded 170% and that growth is expected to continue to skyrocket. While snack menus might sound like a great way to get a grip on between-meal hunger, most of their offerings aren't always healthy (think sliders, quesadillas and wings), often packing enough calories and sodium to qualify as a meal.

Our guide to the best and the worst of the new snack menus will keep you on the right track.

See More: Superfast Appetizers

McDonald's

Thumbs up: Grilled Chipotle BBQ Snack Wrap (pictured)
They sound so small and innocent, but many of McDonald's Snack Wraps hardly qualify as snacks. With 10 varieties to choose from these mini wraps range from 260 to 430 calories. When only a snack wrap will do, curb your hunger with the Chipotle BBQ Snack Wrap and walk away for 260 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 830 milligrams of sodium.

Thumbs down: Angus Mushroom & Swiss Snack Wrap
The dubious distinction of most dangerous snack wrap goes to the Angus Mushroom & Swiss Snack Wrap. Weighing in with a whopping 430 calories, 26 grams of fat, and 10 grams of saturated fat this "snack" has more fat and calories than a medium order of fries.

See More: Food Court Survival Guide

California Pizza Kitchen

Thumbs up: Asparagus & Arugula Salad (pictured)
The offerings on CPK's Small Cravings menu run the gamut from healthy to hefty. On the healthy end, this snack menu also boasts several snack-sized salads. Our top pick is the Asparagus & Arugula Salad with 173 calories and 2 grams of fiber. Packed with good-for-you asparagus, arugula, and sun-dried tomatoes, it's an easy way to score a serving of veggies. Honorable mention goes to the 280-calorie Wedge Salad.

Thumbs Down: Spicy Chicken Tinga Quesadilla
It was neck and neck, but the Spicy Chicken Tinga Quesadilla tips CPK's snack menu scales with 455 calories. Finishing close behind are the 454-calorie Korean BBQ Steak Tacos.

See More: Best (and Worst) Restaurant Salads

Uno Chicago Grill

Thumbs Up: Housemade Guacamole and Chips (pictured)
Late afternoon is prime snack time and Uno's Snack Hours Menu steps up to the plate. Available from 4 to 7pm (and again after 10pm), you'll find munchies like mini deep-dish pizzas, nachos, and crispy cheese dippers, all guaranteed to set you back some serious calories. Play it safe with the Housemade Guacamole and Chips for 230 calories.

Thumbs Down: Buffalo Chicken Wings
The granddaddy of the Snack Hours Menu, these wings sport an over-the-top 990 calories, 84 grams of fat, and more sodium than you should eat in a day.

See More: 25 Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes

McCormick & Schmick's

Thumbs Up: Peel & Eat Shrimp
McCormick & Schmick's is famous for its budget-friendly bar menu. But just because the prices are low doesn't mean the food is low-calorie. Buried at the bottom of the menu is one true calorie bargain: the steamed Peel & Eat Shrimp with six plump, large shrimp plus cocktail sauce for a shockingly low 45 calories.

Thumbs Down: Half-Pound Cheeseburger
It may only cost $2.95, but this burger is more of a meal than a snack. Served with a side of fries it will set you back an ugly 1,120 calories and 57 grams of fat.

See More: "Guy Foods" Lightenened

KFC

Thumbs Up: Honey BBQ Snacker (pictured)
With five different varieties, the bite-sized snacker is one of KFC's most popular sandwiches. But just because it's petite doesn't mean it's slimming. Your best bet: the all-white meat Honey BBQ Snacker for just 210 calories and a respectable 3 grams of fat.

Thumbs Down: Fish Snacker
Breaded, fried, and bathed in tartar sauce, this little fish-witch sports 320 calories and 14 grams of fat.

Continue Reading: 3 More Restaurant Snack Menus Decoded

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