Denny's vs Bob Evans: Calorie Comparison (2026)

When it comes to casual dining, Denny's and Bob Evans each offer a wide variety of meals that cater to different tastes and preferences. However, if you're watching your calorie intake, understanding the nutritional differences between these two chains can help you make informed choices. Denny's boasts an average of 326 calories per item, while Bob Evans comes in significantly higher at 662 calories per item. This article will delve into the calorie counts and protein content of popular menu items from both restaurants.

Denny's vs Bob Evans: The Numbers

At a glance, Denny's provides a lighter menu compared to Bob Evans. This is evident in their average calorie counts and meal options.

Metric	Denny's	Bob Evans
Menu items analyzed	194	352
Average calories per item	326 kcal	662 kcal
Lightest real meal	Premium Chicken Apple Sausage (130 kcal)	2 Turkey Sausage Links (140 kcal)
Highest-protein item	Bourbon Chicken Skillet (65 g)	Broasted Chicken 12 Piece Mix, High Calorie (134 g)
Best protein-per-calorie	2 Egg Whites (21.7/100cal)	Diced Ham (17.1/100cal)
Calorie range	5-1840 kcal	5-4010 kcal

Denny's features an average of 326 calories across 194 items, with the lightest real meal being the Premium Chicken Apple Sausage at 130 calories. In contrast, Bob Evans averages 662 calories across 352 items, with the lightest real meal being 2 Turkey Sausage Links at 140 calories.

Average Calories by Category

Examining the protein content reveals further differences between the two chains.

Category	Avg cal, Denny's	Avg cal, Bob Evans
Desserts	811 kcal	1555 kcal
Sandwiches	1090 kcal	841 kcal
Entrees	531 kcal	809 kcal
Salads	438 kcal	717 kcal
Baked Goods	222 kcal	898 kcal
Fried Potatoes	327 kcal	655 kcal
Appetizers & Sides	312 kcal	411 kcal
Beverages	414 kcal	237 kcal
Soup	264 kcal	248 kcal
Toppings & Ingredients	145 kcal	173 kcal

Denny's highest protein item is the Bourbon Chicken Skillet, boasting 65 grams of protein. Meanwhile, Bob Evans' highest protein offering is the Broasted Chicken 12 Piece Mix, with a hefty 134 grams of protein.

Lightest Options at Denny's

Lightest at Denny's	Calories	Protein
2 Egg Whites	60 kcal	13 g
Grilled Ham Slice	90 kcal	15 g
4 Turkey Bacon Strips	110 kcal	12 g
Premium Chicken Apple Sausage	130 kcal	13 g
2 Eggs, Boiled	130 kcal	11 g
Chicken Noodle Soup, Cup	150 kcal	8 g

Lightest Options at Bob Evans

Lightest at Bob Evans	Calories	Protein
Diced Ham	70 kcal	12 g
Fresh Steamed Broccoli, Family	80 kcal	9 g
Hickory Smoked Ham	100 kcal	17 g
2 Turkey Sausage Links	140 kcal	18 g
Broasted Chicken 8 Piece Mix, Low Calorie	140 kcal	13 g
Chicken N Noodles	150 kcal	10 g

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The Verdict

In summary, Denny's is the lighter option with an average of 326 calories per item, making it suitable for those seeking to reduce calorie intake. However, for those prioritizing protein, Bob Evans offers significantly higher protein options, such as the Broasted Chicken 12 Piece Mix. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you are focused on calorie control or protein intake.

Methodology

Both chains are compared using verified calorie and macro data from published menu information. Averages cover all analyzed items and are a rough guide, not a claim that one chain is universally healthier, since your order and toppings drive the real number. Denny's averages 326 calories per item across 194 items; Bob Evans averages 662 across 352.