McAlister’s Deli is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain that offers a wide range of food options, including sandwiches, salads, soups, and baked potatoes. However, for people following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, finding suitable options at McAlister’s Deli can be challenging.
Fortunately, McAlister’s Deli does offer some keto-friendly options on its menu. These options include salads, soups, and bunless sandwiches that are high in healthy fats and low in carbs. However, it’s important to note that most of the items on the menu are not keto-friendly and may require some modifications to fit into a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
In this article, we will explore whether McAlister’s Deli is keto-friendly and provide a comprehensive guide to help you make informed choices when eating at this restaurant. We will also provide a list of keto-friendly options on the menu and offer some tips on how to modify certain dishes to fit your dietary needs.
So, whether you’re a seasoned keto dieter or just starting out, read on to learn more about eating keto at McAlister’s Deli.
Is McAlister’s Deli Keto-Friendly?
McAlister’s Deli offers a variety of keto-friendly options on their menu, making it a great choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet. With a little bit of planning, it’s easy to find options that are both delicious and fit within the standard keto diet guidelines.
One of the best things about McAlister’s Deli is that they provide nutritional information for all of their menu items, making it easy to calculate net carbs, calories, and sodium. Their nutrition calculator is available online and allows you to customize your order to fit your dietary needs.
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, there are several options available at McAlister’s Deli. Some of the best options include salads, soups, and bunless sandwiches. They also have a variety of high-fat, low-carb meats and cheeses that you can combine any way you want.
If you’re looking for a keto-friendly salad, the grilled chicken caesar salad is a great option. It’s low in net carbs and high in fat, making it perfect for those in ketosis. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, the garden salad with harvest chicken is a great choice.
When it comes to soups, the chili is a keto-friendly option that is low in carbs and high in fat. It’s important to note that McAlister’s Deli does offer other soups that may not be as keto-friendly, so be sure to check the nutritional information before ordering.
McAlister’s Deli Menu
McAlister’s Deli offers a wide range of food options, including sandwiches, salads, soups, sides, giant spuds, fresh salads, clubs, beverages, and desserts. While the majority of their menu is not keto-friendly, there are a few options that you can enjoy while sticking to your ketogenic diet.
Sandwiches
Most of the sandwiches on McAlister’s Deli menu are made with bread, which is high in carbs. However, they do offer a few low-carb options that you can enjoy, such as the Spicy Southwest Chicken, which has only 9 grams of net carbs. You can also try the Jalapeño Turkey Crunch, which has 10 grams of net carbs, or the Ham & Cheese Melt, which has 11 grams of net carbs.
Salads
McAlister’s Deli has a variety of salads on their menu, but not all of them are keto-friendly. You can enjoy the Grilled Chicken Salad, which has 8 grams of net carbs, or the Harvest Chicken Salad, which has 9 grams of net carbs. You can also add olive oil and balsamic vinegar, buttermilk ranch, or Caesar dressing, which are all low in carbs.
Soups
McAlister’s Deli offers a few soups that are keto-friendly, such as the Chili, which has 11 grams of net carbs, and the Broccoli and Cheddar Soup, which has 12 grams of net carbs. However, you should avoid their other soups, which are high in carbs.
Sides
Most of the sides on McAlister’s Deli menu are not keto-friendly, as they are made with potatoes or bread. However, you can enjoy the Steamed Broccoli, which has only 4 grams of net carbs, or the Side Salad, which has 2 grams of net carbs.
Giant Spuds
Unfortunately, the Giant Spuds on McAlister’s Deli menu are not keto-friendly, as they are made with potatoes and topped with high-carb ingredients.
Fresh Salads
McAlister’s Deli has a few fresh salads on their menu that are keto-friendly, such as the Caesar Salad, which has 6 grams of net carbs, and the Garden Salad, which has 5 grams of net carbs.
Clubs
Most of the clubs on McAlister’s Deli menu are not keto-friendly, as they are made with bread. However, you can try the Club Wrap, which has only 7 grams of net carbs.
Beverages
McAlister’s Deli offers a variety of beverages, but most of them are high in carbs. You can enjoy their unsweetened iced tea or water, which are both keto-friendly.
Desserts
Unfortunately, there are no desserts on McAlister’s Deli menu that are keto-friendly. You should avoid their cookies, brownies, and other sweet treats.
Overall, McAlister’s Deli is not the most keto-friendly restaurant, but there are a few options that you can enjoy while sticking to your ketogenic diet.
Keto Options at McAlister’s Deli
If you’re following a keto diet, McAlister’s Deli has some options that you can choose from. Here are some keto-friendly items that you can order at McAlister’s Deli:
Salads
McAlister’s Deli has a few salads that are keto-friendly. The Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a great option, but be sure to ask for it without croutons. The Savannah Chopped Salad and Chef Salad are also good options, but you should ask for them without the honey mustard dressing.
Sandwiches
If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, there are a few options that you can choose from. The Grilled Chicken Club and Black Angus Club are good choices, but make sure to ask for them without the bread. The Italian and Memphian sandwiches are also keto-friendly if you ask for them without the bread.
Soups
McAlister’s Deli has a few soups that are low in carbs and high in fat. The Fire Roasted Vegetable, Broccoli Cheddar, and Cheesy Chicken Tortilla soups are all good options. The Vegetarian Chili is also a good choice, but be sure to ask for it without the blue corn tortilla chips.
Sides
If you’re looking for a side to go with your meal, the Tomato and Cucumber Salad is a good option. The Blue Corn Tortilla Chips and Crispy Onions are also keto-friendly, but be sure to eat them in moderation.
Beverages
McAlister’s Deli is known for its sweet tea, but unfortunately, it’s not keto-friendly. Instead, opt for unsweet tea or water.
McAlister’s Deli Nutritional Information
If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional information of the food you’re consuming. McAlister’s Deli offers a nutrition guide and calculator on their website to help you make informed decisions about your meal choices.
Using the nutrition calculator, you can select an item from the menu and see the estimated nutritional values based on standard serving portions. Keep in mind that variations in serving sizes, preparation techniques, and regional differences may affect the nutrition values for each product.
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, McAlister’s Deli offers several options that fit within these guidelines. They offer a variety of salads, sandwiches, soups, and sides that can be customized to fit your specific dietary needs.
Here are a few options that are low in net carbs and high in fat:
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (without croutons): 7g net carbs, 34g fat
- Chef Salad (without croutons): 7g net carbs, 37g fat
- BLT + Avocado (without bread): 6g net carbs, 57g fat
- Chili: 15g net carbs, 22g fat
It’s important to note that while these options may fit within the standard keto diet guidelines, they may not be suitable for everyone. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet.
In addition to their low-carb and keto-friendly options, McAlister’s Deli also offers vegetarian options. Their website provides a list of allergens and ingredients for each item on the menu, making it easy for those with specific dietary restrictions to make informed choices.
Tips for Ordering Keto at McAlister’s Deli
McAlister’s Deli is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain that offers a variety of menu items, including sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked potatoes. If you’re following a keto diet, it can be challenging to find suitable options.
However, with a few tips, you can still enjoy a delicious meal at McAlister’s Deli while staying on track with your keto goals.
Here are some tips for ordering keto-friendly meals at McAlister’s Deli:
- Choose salads: Salads are an excellent option for keto dieters. McAlister’s Deli offers a variety of salads that can be customized to fit your dietary needs. Opt for salads with leafy greens, grilled chicken, bacon, cheese, and avocado. Avoid croutons, tortilla strips, and sweet dressings.
- Skip the bread: Bread is a significant source of carbs, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. When ordering sandwiches, ask for them to be served as lettuce wraps or in a bowl without the bread.
- Be mindful of sauces: Sauces and dressings can be high in carbs and sugar. Choose dressings that are low in carbs, such as ranch or Caesar. Avoid sweet dressings like honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette.
- Add healthy fats: Healthy fats are an essential part of the keto diet. Add avocado, cheese, or bacon to your salad or sandwich to increase your fat intake.
- Check the nutrition facts: McAlister’s Deli provides nutrition information for all of its menu items on its website. Check the nutrition facts before ordering to ensure that you’re staying within your daily carb limit.
Ordering keto-friendly meals at McAlister’s Deli is possible with a little bit of planning. Choose salads, skip the bread, be mindful of sauces, add healthy fats, and check the nutrition facts before ordering. By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal while staying on track with your keto goals.