Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks are a tasty accompaniment to any meal. But many diners wonder just how many calories are in each breadstick. In this article, we’ll break down the calorie count so you know exactly what you’re eating.
The Basic Nutrition Facts
According to Olive Garden, each standard breadstick contains the following nutrition facts:
- 140 calories
- 5g fat
- 18g carbs
- 2g protein
- 380mg sodium
So in short, each breadstick clocks in at 140 calories. That’s a fairly decent amount for just one component of a meal. To put it in perspective, here are the calories for some other common breads:
| Bread Item | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|
| 1 slice white bread | 75 |
| 1 slice whole wheat bread | 69 |
| 1 small dinner roll | 76 |
As you can see, Olive Garden’s breadsticks contain almost double the calories of regular bread slices. So while they’re delicious, it’s smart to be mindful of portion sizes.
Factors That Impact Calories
While the basic nutrition facts provide a good benchmark, the actual calorie count can vary slightly depending on these factors:
- Size: Breadsticks may vary slightly in size, impacting the calories.
- Additions: Toppings like garlic butter or cheeses will add calories.
- Cooking method: How the breadsticks are prepared affects their calorie content.
- Sides for dipping: Dipping sauces like salad dressing or marinara sauce contribute extra calories.
So the more toppings and dips you add, the higher those calorie counts will climb. What you see on the nutrition label is for a standard breadstick without any extras.
Popular Additions
Here are some common Olive Garden breadstick additions and how many extra calories they contain:
| Addition | Extra Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp garlic butter | 70 |
| 2 tbsp marinara sauce | 30 |
| 2 tbsp Alfredo sauce | 90 |
| Sprinkle of Parmesan cheese | 22 |
As you can see, those butters and sauces add a hefty amount of extra calories. So opt for lighter dipping options like balsamic vinegar or chicken broth to keep your breadstick calories a bit lower.
Tips for Monitoring Your Calorie Intake
Here are some tips to keep your breadstick calories in check:
- Ask for olive oil and herbs rather than garlic butter.
- Dip in vinegars rather than creamy sauces.
- Share an order of 5 breadsticks instead of eating the whole basket.
- Focus your meal on lower calorie dishes like salads and lean proteins.
- Take home leftovers to enjoy later.
Olive Garden’s breadsticks check in around 140 calories each. But toppings, dips, and portions can send that number upward. By making smart choices, you can still enjoy these tasty breadsticks while maintaining your daily calorie goals.
Conclusion
Olive Garden’s breadsticks are an iconic, beloved appetizer, each one packing about 140 calories. However, it’s easy to bump up the calorie count with generous servings, garlic butter, creamy dipping sauces, and cheese toppings. To keep your total calorie intake in check, opt for lighter dips like vinegar and share an order rather than indulging in a whole basket yourself. Focus the rest of your meal on lighter options to balance out the breadsticks. With some mindfulness about portions and toppings, you can still enjoy Olive Garden’s signature breadsticks without going overboard on calories.