Ruby Tuesday vs Applebee's: Calorie Comparison (2026)

When it comes to dining out, calorie counts can play a significant role in decision-making. Ruby Tuesday and Applebee's both offer a variety of menu items that appeal to different tastes. In this comparison, we will explore the average calories and protein content of meals from both chains. Let's dive into the numbers to see how these two popular restaurants stack up against each other.

Ruby Tuesday vs Applebee's: The Numbers

At a glance, Ruby Tuesday and Applebee's have similar average calorie counts. Ruby Tuesday stands at 414 calories per item while Applebee's is slightly lower at 404 calories.

Metric	Ruby Tuesday	Applebee's
Menu items analyzed	149	251
Average calories per item	414 kcal	404 kcal
Lightest real meal	Diced, Grilled Chicken, Add On (170 kcal)	4 oz Sirloin (140 kcal)
Highest-protein item	Sampler Trio (89 g)	Salsa Verde Beef Nachos (70 g)
Best protein-per-calorie	8 oz Top Sirloin w/ Liquid Margarine (17.1/100cal)	Chicken Grillers (20/100cal)
Calorie range	4-2451 kcal	5-1990 kcal

With Ruby Tuesday offering 149 items and Applebee's providing 251 items, both chains have a diverse menu. The calorie range for Ruby Tuesday spans from 4 to 2451 calories, while Applebee's ranges from 5 to 1990 calories.

Average Calories by Category

Let's take a closer look at the lightest and highest protein meals from each chain.

Category	Avg cal, Ruby Tuesday	Avg cal, Applebee's
Burgers	894 kcal	1110 kcal
Entrees	787 kcal	836 kcal
Desserts	755 kcal	842 kcal
Salads	885 kcal	698 kcal
Appetizers & Sides	521 kcal	490 kcal
Fried Potatoes	403 kcal	420 kcal
Soup	234 kcal	261 kcal
Toppings & Ingredients	106 kcal	176 kcal

Ruby Tuesday's lightest real meal is the Diced, Grilled Chicken, Add On at 170 calories, while Applebee's offers a 4 oz Sirloin at 140 calories. On the protein front, Ruby Tuesday's Sampler Trio boasts an impressive 89g of protein, compared to Applebee's Salsa Verde Beef Nachos at 70g.

Lightest Options at Ruby Tuesday

Lightest at Ruby Tuesday	Calories	Protein
Shredded Mozzarella Blend, for Fresh Garden Bar	90 kcal	8 g
Add 2 Grilled Shrimp Skewers	107 kcal	12 g
Edamame, for Endless Garden Bar	107 kcal	10 g
Diced, Grilled Chicken, Add On	170 kcal	20 g
Grilled Chicken	191 kcal	26 g
Crispy Cheese Chips	228 kcal	22 g

Lightest Options at Applebee's

Lightest at Applebee's	Calories	Protein
Milk, Kids	110 kcal	8 g
Grilled Shrimp Skewer	110 kcal	8 g
4 oz Sirloin	140 kcal	23 g
Chocolate Milk, Kids	160 kcal	8 g
Swiss Cheese	160 kcal	11 g
Fried Shrimp	170 kcal	9 g

Track Ruby Tuesday and Applebee's in Nutrola

Averages only tell you so much; your actual order is what counts. Nutrola's verified restaurant database includes both Ruby Tuesday and Applebee's with accurate calories and macros, so you can compare your real order side by side instead of guessing. Log it before you eat with AI photo recognition, barcode, or voice logging. After a free trial it is 2.50 euros per month with no ads.

The Verdict

In terms of average calories, Ruby Tuesday has a slight edge with 414 calories per item compared to Applebee's 404. However, if you are looking for higher protein options, Ruby Tuesday's Sampler Trio is the clear winner. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize lower calorie meals or higher protein content in your dining experience.

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. Ruby Tuesday averages 414 calories per item across 149 items; Applebee's averages 404 across 251.