How Many Calories Are in Stove Top Chicken or Turkey Stuffing Mix?

Understanding Calories in Stove Top Chicken and Turkey Stuffing Mix (Dry)

If you’re planning a holiday feast or simply craving a comforting side dish, Stove Top Stuffing Mix is likely on your shopping list. This classic pantry staple makes preparing delicious stuffing quick and easy. But if you’re watching your calorie intake or tracking your nutrition, you might be wondering: How many calories are actually in dry Stove Top Chicken or Turkey Stuffing Mix?

Calories in Stove Top Stuffing Mix (Dry)

Let’s get straight to the numbers. For both the Chicken and Turkey varieties, the standard serving size is 1/6 of the dry mix box, which is about 28 grams (1 ounce). According to the official nutrition label, here’s what you’ll find in one dry serving:

• Calories: 110 per 28g dry serving
• Total Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 440mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 3g

This information applies to both the Chicken and Turkey flavors, as their nutritional profiles are nearly identical.

Calories in the Whole Box (Dry)

A standard box of Stove Top Chicken or Turkey Stuffing Mix weighs about 170 grams (6 ounces). That means there are about 6 servings per box. Multiply the calories per serving by six, and you get:

• Total Calories (per box, dry): approximately 660 calories

Calories After Preparation

The above numbers are for the dry mix only. Once you prepare the stuffing according to package instructions—usually by adding water, butter or margarine—the calorie count will increase.

• Prepared Serving (with water & butter): about 150 calories per serving

This increase is mainly from the added butter or margarine. If you want to make your stuffing lighter, try using less butter, swapping for a lower-calorie spread, or skipping it entirely.

What Ingredients Are in Stove Top Stuffing Mix?

The main ingredients in Stove Top Stuffing Mix include:

• Dried bread crumbs (enriched wheat flour)
• Sugar
• Soybean oil
• Sodium (salt)
• Spices and seasonings (onion, celery, parsley, etc.)
• Natural flavors (including chicken or turkey flavor for respective varieties)

This blend of ingredients gives Stove Top its classic taste and texture. However, it also means that stuffing mix is relatively high in sodium—something to keep in mind if you’re monitoring your salt intake.

How to Make Stove Top Stuffing Healthier

If you love the convenience of Stove Top but want to make it a bit healthier, here are some easy tips:

• Use Less Butter: Cut down on calories by reducing the amount of butter or margarine. Try half the recommended amount, or use a light spread.
• Add Veggies: Toss in chopped celery, onions, carrots, mushrooms, or even spinach for extra fiber and nutrients.
• Swap Water for Broth: Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor without extra fat.
• Bulk It Up: Stir in cooked lean ground turkey or chicken for extra protein without a lot of added fat.

Why Does the Calorie Count Matter?

If you’re counting calories for weight management or health reasons, knowing exactly what’s in your favorite foods helps you stay on track. Stuffing is often seen as an “indulgent” side dish, but when portioned and prepared thoughtfully, it can fit into a balanced diet.

Comparing Stove Top to Homemade Stuffing

You might wonder how Stove Top compares to homemade stuffing. Homemade recipes can vary widely depending on ingredients—especially if you use sausage, nuts, eggs, or lots of butter. On average:

• Homemade stuffing: Often ranges from 180-250+ calories per serving (prepared), depending on ingredients.
• Stove Top (prepared): About 150 calories per serving with standard prep.

This makes Stove Top a lighter option compared to many homemade versions—especially if you tweak the recipe to use less butter.

Nutritional Value Beyond Calories

While calories are important, it’s also good to consider what else you’re getting. Stove Top Stuffing Mix is low in saturated fat and provides a small amount of protein and fiber. However, it’s also high in sodium and doesn’t offer significant vitamins or minerals. If nutrition is a top priority, try adding vegetables or pairing with lean protein.

Serving Suggestions and Portion Control

The key to enjoying stuffing while managing calories is portion control. Here are some practical tips:

• Stick to the serving size: One sixth of a box (about half a cup prepared) is a reasonable portion.
• Add volume with veggies: Mixing in vegetables lets you eat a larger portion with fewer calories per bite.
• Avoid double servings: It’s easy to go back for seconds—be mindful if you’re watching your intake.

FAQs About Stove Top Stuffing Calories

Is Stove Top Stuffing high in calories?

No, not compared to many other side dishes. A prepared serving is about 150 calories—less than mashed potatoes with butter or most mac and cheese recipes.

Does the calorie count change if I don’t use butter?

Yes! Skipping or reducing butter will lower the calorie count. Each tablespoon of butter adds about 100 calories per batch.

Is there a difference between Chicken and Turkey flavors?

Nutritionally, they are almost identical—both have about 110 calories per dry serving.

How much sodium is in Stove Top Stuffing?

A dry serving contains about 440mg sodium. Prepared with salted butter, this number goes up slightly. Opt for unsalted butter or low-sodium broth if you’re concerned about salt intake.

Can I make Stove Top Stuffing gluten-free?

The original mix contains wheat, but there are gluten-free stuffing mixes available from other brands if needed.

The Bottom Line

Stove Top Chicken and Turkey Stuffing Mixes offer a convenient side dish with moderate calories per serving—about 110 when dry and around 150 when prepared as directed.

If you want to lighten up your meal, adjust the recipe by reducing butter and adding veggies. Enjoy your favorite comfort food while keeping your nutrition goals in check!