Ever found yourself rushing through Walmart, stomach growling, and grabbing that convenient Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap? I’ve been there too! But then comes the inevitable question – just how many calories am I actually consuming? If you’re watching your waistline but still want something tasty and convenient, you need the real facts about this popular grab-and-go option.
The Calorie Breakdown – 480 Calories That Matter
Let’s cut straight to the chase – the Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap contains 480 calories per wrap (9 oz serving) But calories don’t tell the whole story! Here’s what you’re really getting with each bite
- Total Fat: 17g (26% of daily value)
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g (23% of daily value)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg (15% of daily value)
- Sodium: 1,520mg (63% of daily value) – whoa, that’s high!
- Total Carbohydrate: 54g (18% of daily value)
- Dietary Fiber: 8g (32% of daily value)
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 27g
What jumps out at me is the protein content – 27g is actually pretty impressive for a grab-and-go meal! The fiber content isn’t too shabby either at 8g which is about 32% of your daily needs.
What’s Actually in This Wrap?
I was curious about what makes up this southwestern-style wrap, so I dug into the ingredients list. The Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap contains:
- Grilled chicken breast with rib meat
- Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
- Lettuce
- Fried red bell peppers
- Jalapeños
- Chipotle ranch dressing
Plus a bunch of other ingredients I can’t even pronounce! The chipotle ranch dressing gives it that southwestern kick we all love, while the jalapeños add some spice. Several reviewers on Walmart’s site mention that it can be quite spicy – one reviewer even said their wrap was “hotter than Hades”!
How Long Will It Take to Burn Off?
If you’re like me and immediately think “how long on the treadmill to work this off?”, CalorieKing provides some helpful context:
- Swimming: 40 minutes
- Jogging: 55 minutes
- Cycling: 73 minutes
- Walking: 134 minutes
That’s based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs. Your actual burn time might vary depending on your own body composition and fitness level.
Is It Worth the Calories?
At $5.64 per wrap, the Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap isn’t the cheapest lunch option, but it’s far from the most expensive. So is it worth the calories and cost? Let’s consider:
Pros:
- Convenience: Ready to eat right out of the package
- Protein-packed: 27g of protein helps keep you full
- Decent fiber: 8g helps with digestion and satiety
- Resealable container: Good for saving half for later
- Flavor: Many reviewers praise the taste (especially if you like spicy food)
Cons:
- High sodium: At 1,520mg, that’s 63% of your daily value in one meal!
- Moderate calories: 480 calories isn’t terrible, but it’s not a low-cal option either
- Spice level varies: Some wraps might be significantly spicier than others
- Quality inconsistency: Some reviewers mentioned issues with wilted lettuce or inconsistent quality
How It Stacks Up Against Other Grab-and-Go Options
To put the 480 calories in perspective, let’s compare the Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap to some other popular grab-and-go options you might find at Walmart:
| Food Item | Calories | Protein | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap | 480 | 27g | $5.64 |
| Marketside BBQ Chicken Wrap | Similar | Similar | $5.64 |
| Marketside Turkey Bacon Wrap | Similar | Similar | $5.64 |
| Marketside Italian Hero Sub (Half) | Lower | Lower | $4.97 |
| Hot Pockets (1 pocket) | ~300-350 | ~10-12g | ~$1.22 per pocket |
What Customers Are Saying
The Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap has an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars from 468 ratings on Walmart’s website. Here’s what some verified purchasers had to say:
“Spicy. Delicious. I truly enjoy this sandwich. A few years ago, it would be delivered with wilted lettuce, out of date, ect. This has immensely improved. Love jt. It has changed, but delicious Now is really spicy with jalapeños. Delish.” – Leslie (5/5 stars)
“I Like All The Market Side Chicken Wraps, But The South West Chicken Wrap Is My Absolute Favorite. Its Tasty, And Inexpensive. I Buy The Wraps Every Chance I Get. They Are Delicious.” – Lynn257 (5/5 stars)
“Great but hot! I have loved these for a while and they always have a little bit of spice. I got one today that was hotter than Hades. These are great I enjoy the spice but maybe tone it down a bit thanks.” – Stefani (5/5 stars)
It’s worth noting that while 53% of reviewers gave it 5 stars, about 25% gave it only 1 star – suggesting that quality or taste can be inconsistent.
Making It a Balanced Meal
If you’re grabbing this wrap for lunch or dinner, you might want to balance out the meal. Here are some suggestions:
- Add fruit: A banana (only about 100 calories) would add more fiber and essential vitamins
- Skip the soda: That Pepsi people often buy with it adds another 250 calories!
- Choose water: Helps offset the high sodium content
- Add veggie sticks: Raw veggies can add more fiber and nutrients with minimal calories
Who Should Consider This Wrap?
The Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap might be a good choice for:
- Busy professionals who need a quick lunch at their desk
- Students grabbing a meal between classes
- Protein-seekers who want a decent amount of protein without cooking
- Spice lovers who enjoy a kick with their meal
It might NOT be ideal for:
- People on low-sodium diets (that 1,520mg is no joke!)
- Those watching calories closely (though 480 isn’t terrible for a full meal)
- People with wheat, milk, or egg allergies (contains all three)
- Those who dislike spicy food (many reviews mention it’s quite hot)
DIY Alternative to Save Calories
If you love the taste but want to cut some calories, you could try making your own version at home:
- Use a low-carb wrap (saves ~100 calories)
- Use grilled chicken breast without additives
- Make your own chipotle sauce with Greek yogurt instead of mayo-based ranch
- Load up on extra veggies like lettuce, bell peppers, and onions
- Control the spice level to your preference
A homemade version could potentially drop the calories to around 350-400 while reducing sodium and preservatives.
The Bottom Line
At 480 calories, the Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap isn’t a diet-buster if it’s your main meal of the day. The protein content (27g) is impressive, and the fiber (8g) is decent too. However, be mindful of the high sodium content (1,520mg) and consider balancing your other meals throughout the day accordingly.
For a convenient grab-and-go option that will keep you full for hours, it’s not a bad choice! Just maybe skip the Pepsi and chips that Walmart’s “frequently bought together” section suggests to keep the total meal calories in check.
Have you tried the Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap? I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether you think it’s worth the calories and price tag. Drop a comment below!
FAQ About Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap
Q: Is the Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap healthy?
A: With 480 calories, 27g protein, and 8g fiber, it can fit into a balanced diet. However, the 1,520mg sodium is concerning, representing 63% of daily recommended intake.
Q: Can I eat half and save half for later?
A: Yes! The wrap comes in a resealable container specifically designed to keep your wrap fresh after every snack.
Q: How spicy is this wrap?
A: According to reviews, the spice level varies but tends to be moderate to high. The jalapeños definitely provide a kick!
Q: Is this wrap available for pickup or delivery?
A: Yes, Walmart offers both pickup and delivery options for the Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap.
Q: Does it contain any allergens?
A: Yes, it contains milk, eggs, and wheat, so it’s not suitable for people with these allergies.
So next time you’re rushing through Walmart wondering if that Southwest Chicken Wrap is a good choice – now you know exactly what you’re getting into! It ain’t perfect, but it might just be the convenient protein boost you need to power through your day.
How Does It Compare to Other Pre-made Wraps?
In the world of grab-and-go wraps, there’s significant competition. How does the Marketside Southwest Chicken Wrap stack up against alternatives?
Compared to similar products from competitors like Trader Joe’s, Target’s Good & Gather, or Kroger’s Private Selection, the Marketside wrap holds its own quite well. It’s generally:
- More substantial than many competitors
- More generous with the chicken portion
- Competitively priced
- Available more widely due to Walmart’s extensive network
When compared to wraps from fast-casual restaurants like Panera or Chipotle, the Marketside option is significantly less expensive, though it lacks the made-to-order freshness and customization options these restaurants provide.
Against gas station or convenience store wraps, there’s simply no competition—the Marketside wrap offers superior ingredient quality and flavor.
Vegetarian Alternatives: Options for Non-Meat Eaters
If you don’t eat meat but are intrigued by the flavor profile of the Southwest Chicken Wrap, you might be wondering if there are vegetarian alternatives. Marketside does offer several vegetarian options, though the exact selection varies by store.
Some Walmart locations carry a Marketside Veggie Wrap that features similar Southwestern flavors without the chicken. These typically include ingredients like black beans, corn, bell peppers, and sometimes a plant-based protein substitute.
If your store doesn’t carry a vegetarian version, another option is to look at their salad selection. Marketside often offers Southwest-style salads that can be vegetarian or easily modified to be so by removing the meat component.
For those who prefer to make their own, you could purchase a similar tortilla and Southwestern dressing, then add your own combination of black beans, corn, peppers, cheese (or vegan cheese), and perhaps some meat alternatives like seasoned tofu or commercial plant-based chicken strips.