Table of Contents
Introduction
The KFC coleslaw is a significant part of the brand’s identity and a beloved side dish for many customers. It has been a staple on the KFC menu for decades and carries a sense of nostalgia for many individuals. However, considering its ingredients, many have wondered and questioned how healthy it is. The purpose of this article is to attempt to provide an answer to the question, “Is KFC Coleslaw Good for You?” by delving into the nutritional value and composition of this popular side dish.
What Is KFC Coleslaw?
If you haven’t tasted or heard of it before now, you may be wondering; “What is KFC Coleslaw and why is it a big deal? KFC coleslaw is a popular side dish offered by the renowned fast-food chain, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). It has been a mainstay in the restaurant chain for decades and is enjoyed by many. Several factors contribute to its reputation, the first being its iconic flavor. KFC’s coleslaw has a distinctive sweet and tangy flavor that many people find delicious. The combination of crisp cabbage, carrots, and creamy dressing creates a unique taste that stands out and they have managed to maintain consistent quality and taste over the years.
KFC Coleslaw Ingredients List
KFC lists the ingredients for its coleslaw as chopped cabbage; carrots; onions; soybean oil; food starch; whole eggs; sugar; water; salt; corn vinegar; spice; apple cider; vinegar; distilled vinegar; corn syrup; and paprika. It also contains natural and artificial flavors. Like most popular dishes, there have been many attempts to recreate the recipe at home. A number of the creators of the copycat recipes argue that the taste comes from other ingredients that are not listed on the KFC website namely buttermilk, lemon juice, and tarragon.
Is KFC Coleslaw Good For You?
While KFC Coleslaw contains many healthy ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and onions, it also contains many other ingredients like sugar and soybean oil that are not considered healthy. As a result, KFC Coleslaw tends to be high in sugar, fat, and calories and as such cannot be considered a healthy food. However, the question of whether KFC Coleslaw is good for you or not depends on your diet and preferences.
Why Is KFC Coleslaw Good For You?
KFC Coleslaw is a vegetable-based side dish, it is made with vegetables like cabbage, carrot, and onions that are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote good health.
Why Is KFC Coleslaw Bad For You?
Even though KFC Coleslaw is a vegetable-based side dish, its high fat and sugar content makes it less healthy.
How Bad is KFC Coleslaw?
The nutritional content of KFC coleslaw is a major point of consideration, especially for people who are mindful of their diet. It contains mayonnaise, sugar, soybean oil, and other ingredients that contribute to its crisp and flavorful taste but also add to its overall calorie, sugar, and fat content. A standard serving of KFC coleslaw contains a substantial load of calories and sugar so if you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions, it’s advisable to be mindful of portion sizes and consumption frequency or simply avoid it. As with any food, moderation is key, and individual nutritional needs can vary based on factors such as age, activity level, and overall health.
KFC Coleslaw Recipe
While the exact recipe remains a well-guarded secret, here is a copycat recipe that captures the essence of KFC’s famous coleslaw:
Ingredients:
● 1 medium-sized head of cabbage
● 1 carrot
● 1 medium-sized onion
● 1/2 cup mayonnaise
● 1/4 cup buttermilk
● 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
● 1/4 cup granulated sugar
● 1/4 teaspoon salt
● 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
● Finely shred the cabbage and grate the carrot and onions. Ensure they are of uniform size for a consistent texture.
● In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the sugar dissolves and the dressing achieves a smooth consistency.
● In a larger mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and minced onions.
● Pour the dressing over the vegetables then toss and mix thoroughly with the dressing.
● Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to chill.
● Once chilled, give the coleslaw a final toss and serve.
KFC Coleslaw Recipe by Ex-employee
Ingredients:
● 2lbs coleslaw mix (cabbage mix)
● 2 tablespoons of minced onions
● 1 cup Miracle Whip
● 1 cup sugar
● ¼ cup salad oil
● ¼ cup cider vinegar
Directions:
● Prepare the dressing by mixing all ingredients except the cabbage mix and onion.
● Pour the dressing mix over the cabbage mix.
● Toss and mix everything thoroughly, then refrigerate.
● Stir a few times before serving.
What Coleslaw Is Better Than KFC Coleslaw?
The base of any coleslaw is usually shredded vegetables – typically cabbage and carrot. This means that inherently coleslaw is vitamin- and fiber-packed and as such should be healthy and good for us. The issue is usually the dressing. Most traditional creamy coleslaw dressing is made with high-fat ingredients like mayo and has sugar added too. So the answer to what coleslaw is better than KFC coleslaw, the answer is any coleslaw with a dressing that contains less fat, sugar, and calories
How many calories are in a KFC coleslaw
A standard individual serving of KFC coleslaw contains approximately 160 calories.
Although KFC coleslaw is a delicious side dish, its nutritional content shows that it is not a very healthy choice because it is loaded with sugar, fat, and calories. But as long as you keep in mind to consume the coleslaw in moderation, KFC coleslaw is a good option if you occasionally want a tasty treat. The coleslaw at KFC is a better choice as a side dish than others, but salads are a much healthier option.
FAQ
Is KFC coleslaw high in carbs?
Yes, KFC coleslaw is high in carbs, primarily due to the presence of cabbage, which contains natural sugars, and the added sugar in the dressing.
Does coleslaw have a lot of sugar?
Yes, the sweetness of KFC coleslaw is a result of the amount of sugar that is added to the dressing.
What does coleslaw do for your body?
Coleslaw, when made with nutritious ingredients like cabbage and carrots, provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Is KFC coleslaw healthy?
While KFC coleslaw contains cabbage and carrots, it also includes ingredients like mayonnaise and sugar, which makes it high in calories, fat, and sugar content.
Does coleslaw lower blood sugar?
Coleslaw has a minimal impact on blood sugar.
Why is KFC coleslaw so sweet?
KFC coleslaw is sweet due to the addition of sugar in the dressing. The sweetness is a characteristic feature of this dish.
Can I eat KFC coleslaw on keto?
Coleslaw is not recommended for a strict keto diet due to its carb and sugar content.
Is KFC coleslaw vegan?
No, KFC coleslaw is not vegan as it often contains mayonnaise, which is made with eggs. It is suitable for vegetarians but not vegans.
