Applebee’s was one of the first casual dining restaurant chains to partner with Weight Watchers to offer healthy menu options for Weight Watchers members. The Weight Watchers partnership launched in 2011 and was a hit among Weight Watchers members looking for dining options that fit into their points system.
Does Applebee’s Still Offer a Weight Watchers Menu?
Yes, as of October 2023, Applebee’s still offers a Weight Watchers menu. The menu provides nutritional information for Weight Watchers members, including the SmartPoints value for each meal. Having this dedicated Weight Watchers menu makes it easy for members to find and track their dining options when eating at Applebee’s.
When the partnership first launched in 2011, Applebee’s offered a specific menu section with around 15 Weight Watchers approved entrees and snacks. Over the years, Applebee’s has expanded and adjusted the WW menu options. Currently, Applebee’s does not have a separate section labeled as the “Weight Watchers Menu.” Instead, WW point values are listed next to regular menu items that meet Weight Watchers guidelines.
By integrating the WW options right into the main menu, Applebee’s makes it easier than ever for Weight Watchers diners to find smart meal choices. Members don’t have to ask for a special menu or feel limited to certain diet-branded options. Any Applebee’s meal that fits into your daily SmartPoints budget is fair game!
What Types of Meals are Included in the Weight Watchers Options?
Applebee’s Weight Watchers menu spans all the restaurant’s main food categories, including appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, entrees, sides, and desserts. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find options to satisfy your appetite and stay on track with your Weight Watchers plan.
Here are some of the most popular picks for Weight Watchers meal options at Applebee’s:
Appetizers
- Weight Watchers Chili
- Crispy Chicken Bites with Honey Mustard Sauce
- Crispy Shrimp Bowl
- Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Salads
- Shrimp N’ Parmesan Sirloin Salad
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad
- House Salad with Light Italian, Ranch, or Vinaigrette Dressing
Burgers and Sandwiches
- 6 oz. Classic Patty Melt
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- BBQ Burger
- Bacon Cheeseburger
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Cajun Shrimp Linguini
Entrees
- Garlic Rosemary Chicken
- Cajun Shrimp Linguini
- Sizzling Skillet Fajitas
- Asiago Peppercorn Chicken
- Grilled Salmon
Sides
- Steamed Broccoli
- Seasonal Mixed Vegetables
- Apple Slices with Caramel Dip
- Cinnamon Apples
- Fresh Fruit Cup
And more!
How Does Applebee’s Calculate Weight Watchers Points?
Applebee’s uses the official Weight Watchers formula to calculate the SmartPoints values for each menu item. This considers the calories, saturated fat, carbs, fiber, protein and sugar in each meal.
Some key details on how WW SmartPoints are calculated:
- Fruits and non-starchy veggies have 0 SmartPoints.
- Lean proteins like chicken, seafood, eggs whites, etc. are lower in points.
- Healthy fats like olive oil and avocado are 0 SmartPoints.
- Whole grains are fewer points than refined grains.
- Meals high in calories, saturated fat, and sugars cost more SmartPoints.
Applebee’s kitchens follow detailed recipes to ensure accurate nutrition stats and SmartPoints values for WW options. Members can feel confident tracking and budgeting their points when dining at Applebee’s.
Does Applebee’s Accommodate Other Dietary Needs?
In addition to Weight Watchers meal options, Applebee’s also accommodates various other dietary needs and restrictions:
- Gluten Free – Applebee’s has a separate gluten-free menu with over 20 meal choices.
- Low-Carb – Order burgers without the bun, fajita veggies instead of rice, salads with dressing on the side.
- Vegetarian – Meatless pasta, salads, shakes, and sides.
- Vegan – Ask for dairy-free options with no eggs or cheese.
- Low Sodium – Request no added salt in cooking.
- Heart Healthy – Focus on grilled proteins and fresh veggie sides.
Be sure to mention any food allergies or dietary needs to your server when ordering. The chef can usually modify a meal or omit ingredients to suit your diet.
What are Some Healthy Hacks for Dining at Applebee’s on Weight Watchers?
Here are some smart tips to cut more calories, carbs, fat, and SmartPoints when eating at Applebee’s on the Weight Watchers diet:
- Share an appetizer or side dish instead of ordering a full entree.
- Request salad dressing on the side to control how much you use.
- Opt for grilled, broiled or steamed cooking instead of fried.
- Skip thebread basket and tortilla chips to save points.
- Order a broth-based soup or house salad as your meal.
- Sub a vegetable side dish instead of fries.
- Ask for sauces served on the side.
- Enjoy fresh fruit for dessert instead of cake or pie.
Taking advantage of these customizations and healthier swaps makes it easier to eat according to the Weight Watchers plan when dining at Applebee’s.
Does Applebee’s Offer Any Deals for Weight Watchers Members?
Unfortunately, Applebee’s does not offer special discounts or promotions exclusively for Weight Watchers members at this time. However, Applebee’s frequently runs general dining deals and coupons that any customer can use, regardless of dietary program.
Be sure to check for Applebee’s coupons online or sign up for emails to receive special discount codes. Typical offers may include:
- $5 off a $25 minimum purchase
- BOGO 50% off entrees
- Free appetizer with entree purchase
- Half-price drinks and appetizers during happy hour
- $1 margaritas on Fridays
Combining these general dining deals with Weight Watchers menu picks can help you save money while staying on track with points. Bargain deals like 2-for-1 entrees also allow you to get a second meal to enjoy as leftover later in the week.
Where Can I Find the Latest Applebee’s Weight Watchers Menu and Points?
The Applebee’s website and mobile app both offer access to the latest WW menu options and point values. You can view the full Applebee’s menu and sort for Weight Watchers point information.
Some other resources for finding Weight Watchers points at Applebee’s include:
- The Weight Watchers app’s dining out section
- Printable Applebee’s Weight Watchers PDF menus online
- Weight Watchers blogs and message boards
- Asking your Applebee’s server for a current menu with WW points listed
Applebee’s locations also have brochures available showing Weight Watchers points for menu items that you can take with you for reference.
Should You Rely on Customer-Tracked Points or Official Values?
When looking up Applebee’s Weight Watchers points online, you may find some user-generated databases listing values for WW points at Applebee’s. However, it’s best to rely on the official points values provided by Applebee’s itself, either through their website/app or in-restaurant menus.
While customer-calculated values can provide a general guideline, there are a few potential issues with relying on these unofficial points:
- Recipes and nutrition information may change, yielding incorrect points
- Customer calculations or tracking errors could log the wrong points
- Points may not factor in special requests, customizations, sauces, etc.
- Applebee’s has the most accurate, up-to-date info on WW points
Sticking with Applebee’s official current Weight Watchers points values for menu items will ensure you get the most precise SmartPoints calculations for accurate tracking and budgeting.
Tips for Accuracy When Tracking WW Points at Applebee’s
To get the most precise Weight Watchers SmartPoints totals when dining at Applebee’s, keep these tips in mind:
- Check Applebee’s menu for official WW points instead of guessing
- Account for any substitutions,customizations, sauces, dressings
- Scan bar code in Applebee’s app for accurate points
- Ask your server for points values if not clearly posted
- Weigh or measure menu items if possible for precision
- Overestimate points if you aren’t sure
- Save some weekly points for eating out flexibly
While Applebee’s takes steps to provide accurate points values on its WW friendly options, it’s still important to pay close attention to servings, ingredients, preparation methods, and additions to each meal. Double check any discrepancies with your server and when in doubt, round up on your tracking to stay on the safe side.
Does Applebee’s Accommodate the New PersonalPoints System?
In 2020, Weight Watchers introduced a new PersonalPoints system that provides customized daily SmartPoints budgets based on each member’s age, height, weight, lifestyle factors and goals. This replaces the previous Freestyle plan with fixed SmartPoints for all members.
The great news is that Applebee’s Weight Watchers menu options work seamlessly with this new PersonalPoints system! Applebee’s provides the SmartPoints value for each WW approved meal. You simply track the points just as you normally would based on your personal daily budget.
Some advantages of the PersonalPoints plan when eating at Applebee’s include:
- Points are tailored to your body and lifestyle needs
- You have more flexibility in point amounts
- No required “zero point” foods to track
- Weights healthy and filling foods with more points
- Makes tracking Applebee’s meals easy
The new PersonalPoints system aims to help Weight Watchers members eat according to their personal habits and nutrition needs. Applebee’s WW menu provides tasty options that can flexibly fit into your unique points allowance.
Sample Weight Watchers Meals at Applebee’s
To get a better idea of how you can build a Weight Watchers friendly meal at Applebee’s, here are a few sample smart menu picks with WW SmartPoints values:
Lunch Example
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Crispy Chicken Bites Appetizer | 6 |
| House Salad with Light Italian Dressing | 3 |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 10 |
| Broccoli Side | 0 |
| Unsweetened Iced Tea | 0 |
| Total Points: | 19 |
Dinner Example
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| 6 oz. sirloin steak | 7 |
| Baked sweet potato (no butter) | 5 |
| Steamed broccoli | 0 |
| Strawberry banana smoothie | 6 |
| Total Points: | 18 |
These sample meals provide a good representation of the type of hearty, nutritious meals you can create at Applebee’s while following Weight Watchers. Mix and match your favorites while keeping an eye on SmartPoints to find options that work for your daily budget and needs.
Conclusion
Applebee’s has remained committed to providing nourishing menu options for Weight Watchers members for over a decade now. While the specific WW menu has evolved, Applebee’s continues to mark SmartPoints values for their meals to accommodate the program.
Weight Watchers diners can feel good about choosing Applebee’s when eating out. You’ll never have to feel limited thanks to the wide range of appetizers, entrees, sides and more that align with the SmartPoints system. Be sure to check the latest Weight Watchers points either on the Applebee’s menu, website, or app when ordering so you can accurately track your meal.
With some basic planning and smart substitutions, you can eat both healthfully and deliciously at Applebee’s while meeting your Weight Watchers goals.