How Many Carbs in Kentucky Fried Chicken Coleslaw? The Creamy Truth Revealed

Ever found yourself staring at that small container of KFC coleslaw, wondering if it fits into your low-carb lifestyle? I’ve been there too! As someone who tries to watch my carb intake while still enjoying my favorite treats, I wanted to get the facts straight about this popular side dish.

The Quick Answer: KFC Coleslaw Carb Count

According to the nutritional information from Carb Manager, a single package (112g) of Kentucky Fried Chicken coleslaw contains:

• Total Carbs: 17.5g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Net Carbs: 15.3g
• Sugar: 15.2g

That means if you’re counting net carbs (total carbs minus fiber), you’re looking at 15.3g for a single serving of this creamy, tangy side.

KFC Coleslaw Complete Nutritional Breakdown

Let’s find out more about what’s in that little tub of coleslaw. Beyond just carbs, here’s the complete nutritional profile per package:

Is KFC Coleslaw Keto-Friendly?

I have some bad news for you if you are on a strict keto diet: With 15. Given that KFC coleslaw has 3g of net carbs per serving, it may not be the best choice for you. Keto dieters try to keep their daily net carbs below 20 to 25 grams. This side dish would give you most of your daily carbs!

The high sugar content (15.2g) is also problematic for keto followers. That sweet taste comes at a carb cost!

Why Is KFC Coleslaw So High in Carbs?

You might be wondering why coleslaw, which is mostly made of cabbage, has so many carbs. The simple answer is the dressing! KFC’s coleslaw dressing has a lot of sugar in it, which makes the carb count much higher.

Traditional coleslaw recipes often include:

• Sugar
• High fructose corn syrup
• Sweet pickle relish

All of these ingredients help give it that signature sweet taste we love, but they also add a lot of carbs.

Micronutrients in KFC Coleslaw

It’s not all bad news! Despite the carb content, KFC coleslaw does offer some nutritional benefits:

• Vitamin C: 16.4mg
• Vitamin K: 79.4mcg
• Calcium: 31.4mg
• Potassium: 156.8mg

The cabbage base provides these nutrients making it not just empty calories. Vitamin K, in particular, is found in good amounts thanks to the leafy green base.

Comparing KFC Coleslaw to Other Fast Food Sides

How does KFC coleslaw stack up against other popular fast food sides? Let’s see

• KFC Coleslaw: 17.5g total carbs, 161 calories
• KFC Mashed Potatoes (no gravy): About 15g total carbs, 110 calories
• McDonald’s Small Fries: About 30g total carbs, 220 calories
• Wendy’s Side Salad: About 7g total carbs, 35 calories

So while KFC coleslaw isn’t the lowest-carb option available, it’s certainly not the worst offender on fast food menus.

Can You Fit KFC Coleslaw Into a Low-Carb Diet?

If you’re not on strict keto but following a more moderate low-carb approach, you might be able to include KFC coleslaw occasionally. Here are some strategies:

• Portion control: Split the serving with someone else
• Budget your carbs: If you know you’ll be having KFC, save your carbs from other meals
• Make it a treat: Consider it an occasional indulgence rather than a regular side

Homemade Lower-Carb KFC Coleslaw Alternative

If you’re craving that KFC coleslaw taste without all the carbs, why not try making a lower-carb version at home? Here’s a simple recipe I use that tastes pretty darn close:

Low-Carb KFC-Style Coleslaw

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons erythritol or other keto-friendly sweetener
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix all dressing ingredients (everything except cabbage, carrot, and onion) until smooth
2. Combine with vegetables and toss well
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving (overnight is even better!)

This version has approximately 4-5g net carbs per serving, a significant reduction from the original!

Other Nutritional Considerations About KFC Coleslaw

Beyond carbs, there are other nutritional aspects to consider:

Sodium Content

At 211.7mg of sodium per serving, KFC coleslaw isn’t extremely high in salt compared to many fast food items, but it’s still something to be aware of if you’re monitoring sodium intake.

Fat Content

With 9.7g of fat per serving, KFC coleslaw isn’t a low-fat food. However, most of the fat comes from the mayonnaise-based dressing, which includes both polyunsaturated (5.5g) and monounsaturated fats (2.2g), which are considered healthier than saturated fats.

Protein Content

With only 1g of protein, KFC coleslaw isn’t going to contribute much to your daily protein goals. If you’re looking for protein-rich sides, you might want to look elsewhere.

Who Should Avoid KFC Coleslaw?

Given its nutritional profile, these groups might want to limit or avoid KFC coleslaw:

• Strict keto dieters: The carb count is simply too high
• Diabetics: The high sugar content could cause blood sugar spikes
• Those on very low-calorie diets: At 161 calories per small serving, it’s relatively calorie-dense
• People with high blood pressure: While not extremely high in sodium, it does contribute to daily sodium intake

Final Thoughts: Is KFC Coleslaw Worth the Carbs?

The answer to this question is super personal and depends on your dietary goals. If you’re strictly counting carbs, probably not – there are lower-carb sides available. But if you’re more flexible and really love that tangy, sweet KFC coleslaw taste, perhaps it’s worth the occasional splurge.

For me, I’ve mostly switched to making my lower-carb version at home, but I’ll still occasionally treat myself to the real thing when I’m at KFC. Life’s about balance, after all!

Remember that no single food makes or breaks a diet – it’s the overall pattern that matters. So whether you decide to enjoy that coleslaw or pass it up, make the choice that works best for YOUR health goals.

Have you tried making a lower-carb version of KFC coleslaw at home? What’s your favorite fast food side that fits your dietary needs? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many carbs are in a large KFC coleslaw?
A: A large KFC coleslaw contains approximately double the carbs of a regular serving, so around 35g total carbs and 30.6g net carbs.

Q: Is KFC coleslaw gluten-free?
A: KFC doesn’t officially certify their coleslaw as gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination in their kitchens.

Q: Can I eat KFC coleslaw on a diabetes-friendly diet?
A: Due to its high sugar content (15.2g per serving), KFC coleslaw may not be the best choice for those managing diabetes. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Q: How long does KFC coleslaw last in the refrigerator?
A: If you have leftover KFC coleslaw, it typically stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Q: What makes KFC coleslaw different from other coleslaws?
A: KFC coleslaw is known for its finely chopped texture and sweet, tangy dressing. Many other coleslaws have larger pieces of cabbage and a less sweet flavor profile.