Craving a delicious fish sandwich but watching your calorie intake? Arby’s iconic fish sandwich is a popular menu item, combining crispy fish with tartar sauce and lettuce on a bun But is it a healthy option or diet trap? Let’s break down the nutritional facts and calorie count of Arby’s fish sandwich
An Overview of Arby’s Fish Sandwich
Arby’s fish sandwich features a crispy, breaded whitefish fillet topped with tartar sauce and shredded lettuce on a toasted sesame seed bun. The fish is breaded and fried until golden brown and crispy.
The tartar sauce adds a tangy creamy flavor while the lettuce provides fresh crunch. Some locations may allow customizations like opting for light tartar sauce or no tartar sauce.
It’s one of the few seafood options on the otherwise meat-heavy Arby’s menu. For fish sandwich fans, it’s a nice break from the typical roast beef and deli options.
Calculating Calories in the Fish Sandwich
So how many calories are actually in an Arby’s fish sandwich? According to Arby’s website nutrition calculator, a regular size fish sandwich contains 580 calories
This base calorie count includes the fish fillet, bun, lettuce, and tartar sauce. It does not account for any additional customizations or sauces.
To get a more detailed view, let’s break it down by individual components:
- Fish fillet (breaded and fried) – Approximately 370 calories
- Sesame seed bun – Around 240 calories
- Tartar sauce – Roughly 60 calories
- Shredded lettuce – Less than 10 calories
As you can see, the two biggest calorie culprits are the fried fish fillet and the bun, accounting for over 500 calories alone.
Tartar sauce and lettuce provide flavor and texture with minimal caloric impact. Add-ons like cheese or extra sauce will quickly drive up the total calorie count of your sandwich.
How Does It Compare to Other Sandwiches?
Arby’s is known for its stacked roast beef sandwiches, so how does the fish sandwich compare calorie-wise?
Here’s a quick calorie breakdown of some popular Arby’s sandwiches:
- Arby’s Fish Sandwich – 580 calories
- Arby’s Roast Beef Classic – 440 calories
- Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar Classic – 760 calories
- Arby’s Chicken Cordon Bleu – 640 calories
- Arby’s Buffalo Chicken Slider – 420 calories
As you can see, the fish sandwich lands around the middle of the calorie range. It has fewer calories than heavy options like the Beef ‘n Cheddar but more than lighter sandwiches like the roast beef.
When comparing fish sandwiches from other chains, Arby’s is similar:
- Arby’s Fish Sandwich – 580 calories
- McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish – 380 calories
- Burger King Fish Sandwich – 670 calories
- Wendy’s North Pacific Cod Sandwich – 510 calories
So Arby’s fish sandwich has more calories than McDonald’s but less than Burger King. For a crispy, breaded fish fillet, the calorie count is reasonable.
Tips for Creating a Healthier Fish Sandwich
If you want to lighten up your fish sandwich, there are easy ways to subtract calories:
- Ask for light tartar sauce or get it on the side – You’ll slash 60 calories just from tartar sauce reduction.
- Opt for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun – Saves you 240 carb-heavy calories!
- Skip the cheese – At around 50 calories per slice, this can make a difference.
- Choose water or diet soda – Regular soft drinks add up fast at 200+ calories per serving.
- Pair it with a side salad – Helps balance the meal, adding nutrients without extra calories.
You can also request smaller sandwich portions, swap fries for apple slices, and use lighter condiments like mustard instead of mayo.
With smart customizations, you can enjoy the tasty fish sandwich while making it work with your dietary needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still hungry for details on Arby’s fish sandwich nutrition, here are answers to some common questions:
Is the fish sandwich breaded and fried?
Yes, Arby’s fish fillet is coated in a crispy breading and deep fried until golden brown. This adds great texture but also calories and fat.
What are some healthier sides to choose?
Great lower calorie sides include the apple slices, Side Garden Salad, Side Caesar Salad, and Bacon Cheddar Wedge Salad. Steer clear of fries and shakes.
Does the fish sandwich have any special deals?
Arby’s frequently offers discounts or coupons on their fish sandwich through their app. Check for current promotions to save money.
Can I get the sandwich in a smaller size?
Yes, some locations may accommodate requests for smaller or junior sized portions. Just ask! Portion control can make a dent in calories.
What are the sources of protein and carbs?
Protein comes from the fish fillet at 23g. Carbs are mainly from the bun at 65g net carbs. Tartar sauce and lettuce provide negligible protein or carbs.
How high is the sodium content?
The fish sandwich contains 910mg sodium, which is 39% of the daily recommended value. Limiting sauces and condiments helps reduce sodium intake.
Are there any allergens?
The fish sandwich contains fish (obviously!), wheat, and soy. Anyone with related food allergies or sensitivities should take caution.
Enjoy Your Fish Sandwich, Your Way!
At the end of the day, Arby’s fish sandwich can be a crave-worthy treat in moderation. While not the lowest calorie menu option, it offers a crispy, filling fish meal on-the-go.
We recommend customizing your sandwich to cut unnecessary calories by:
- Asking for light tartar sauce or no tartar sauce
- Opting for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun
- Choosing water or a side salad as your pairings
With smart choices, you can satisfy your fish sandwich fix while sticking to your nutritional and weight goals. The option to customize makes it easy to subtract calories and balance your meal.
So next time you’re craving Arby’s, don’t be afraid to order the fish sandwich – just be mindful with your modifications. With the right balance, you can enjoy this fast food classic as part of a healthy lifestyle.
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