Popeyes Vs KFC: Which Chain Has The Healthier Biscuit?

With a wealth of fast food chicken chains to choose from, Popeyes and KFC are two standouts. Each serves its own style of fried chicken and sides, including classics such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and, of course, biscuits. If you're curious which chain has the healthier biscuits, you might be surprised to find out that KFC's offerings have an edge over Popeyes.

By the numbers, a single KFC biscuit has 180 calories compared to Popeyes' 230 calories. Comparing total fat, KFC's has 8 grams while a Popeyes biscuit has nearly double, at 14 grams. Though close in saturated fat, KFC's biscuit has 4 ½ grams compared to the 6 grams in a Popeyes biscuit. Taking everything into account, KFC biscuits are the healthier choice.

Notably, the biscuits from these two fast food chicken chains are evenly matched in a few areas. This includes trans fat and cholesterol, for which both biscuits contain 0 grams, and dietary fiber, for which both have 1 gram. As far as sodium content, the total for either biscuit is listed as 520 milligrams. When it comes to carbs, sugar, and protein, however, KFC clearly outperforms Popeyes.

When seeking out the healthiest choice from either chicken chain, remember that both biscuit options can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and in accordance with your needs. Comparing the carbohydrate count, for example, KFC's biscuits have only 22 grams versus Popeyes, which has 24 grams. KFC's biscuits have 1 gram of sugar to Popeyes' 2 grams, and KFC's biscuits also have 4 grams of protein compared to the Popeyes biscuits' 3 grams. 

Though the healthier option, KFC took fifth place in Tasting Table's rankings of chain restaurant biscuits. The writer praised the biscuits for their springy texture and fluffy inside balanced with a crispy exterior. Still, KFC's biscuits didn't quite measure up — Popeyes is still considered the chain restaurant with the actual best biscuits in the biz. 

Determining the optimal biscuit for you will come down to a matter of your preferences for flavor and texture, as well as your specific dietary needs. Consider also how these will complement your favorite fried chicken and other side dishes for a filling and fulfilling meal.