It’s not every day that a fast-food chain reinvents the nugget—but Arby’s just did. Its new Steak Nuggets swap breaded chicken for marinated, seasoned pieces of smoked steak served in bite-sized portions.
The launch taps into a bigger dining trend: America’s growing interest in increasing protein intake. From Starbucks’ protein-boosted lattes to protein-packed snack foods, people are seeking foods that feel more satisfying and “functional.” Arby’s is clearly paying attention—and betting that steak will stand out in a sea of chicken.
There’s no denying these nuggets deliver on protein: the 5-piece order has 17 grams, while the 9-piece version offers 30 grams. But the calories and sodium aren’t exactly low compared to other menu items. So are they a smart pick?
We looked at the nutrition facts and asked Kayla Reynolds, MS, NASM-CPT, Director of Knowledge, Learning & Behavior at Noom, how these new Steak Nuggets can fit into a balanced lifestyle.
What are the new menu items that include Arby’s Steak Nuggets?
You can order Arby’s Steak Nuggets in a few different ways: as nuggets, in a sandwich, or in a bowl.
- 5-piece or 9-piece Steak Nuggets: Bite-sized pieces of marinated, smoked steak. They’re served with a dipping cup of barbecue sauce like traditional chicken nuggets.
- Steak Nugget Sandwich: This version serves up the steak pieces in a toasted bun with Havarti cheese, crispy onions, pickles, and mayonnaise.
- Steak Nugget Bowl: For this item, the nuggets are served over macaroni and cheese and topped with crispy onions.
Arby’s Steak Nuggets menu items: Nutrition info
Arby’s new Steak Nuggets lineup delivers serious protein, but that’s not the whole story. Like many fast-food proteins, they’re high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories. If you’re trying to make an informed choice, here’s how each menu item stacks up:
| Menu item | Calories | Total fat (g) | Saturated fat (g) | Sodium (mg / %DV) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-piece Steak Nuggets | 340 | 27 | 4.5 | 670 mg (29%) | 17 |
| 9-piece Steak Nuggets | 600 | 49 | 8 | 1,210 mg (53%) | 30 |
| Steak Nugget Sandwich | 720 | 42 | 10 | 1,520 mg (66%) | 30 |
| Steak Nugget Bowl | 880 | 60 | 17 | 2,130 mg (93%) | 34 |
- Calories: The 5-piece serving is the lowest in calories, 340 calories, and the best option if you’re looking to reduce your calorie intake. The bowl tops the list at 880, which is roughly one-third to almost half of what many people might eat in a day. If you pair any of these meals with sauces, fries, or sugary drinks, calories add up quickly.
- Protein: All options are high in protein, ranging from 17 to 34 grams per serving. “Protein is key to satiety and can help reduce hunger between meals, especially when paired with fiber and healthy fats,” says Reynolds.
- Fat and saturated fat: The 5-piece has 4.5 grams, the 9-piece has 8 grams, and the bowl doubles that with 17 grams, already exceeding the American Heart Association’s (AHA) recommended daily limit of 13 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet. “The menu items all contain saturated fat. While fat is important for hormone health and nutrient absorption, foods that are high in saturated fat are linked to increased LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increased heart disease risk over time, says Reynolds.”
- Sodium: These menu items are also high in sodium. Even the smaller 5-piece order has 670 mg of sodium—about 29% of the daily value (DV)—and the 9-piece climbs to 1,210 mg (53% DV). The bowl, at 2,130 mg (93% DV), nearly reaches the daily maximum recommended by the AHA (2,300 mg).
- Carbohydrates: On their own, the nuggets are low-carb. The bowl and the sandwich will have higher carb counts. And if you’re using sweet barbecue sauce, you’ll add some extra sugar.
Taken together, these numbers highlight a familiar pattern with fast-food proteins: You get plenty of protein and flavor, but you’ll also get higher levels of saturated fat, sodium, and calories. The 5-piece serving is the smartest protein option of the group—it satisfies hunger while leaving room in your day for more nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Are Arby’s Steak Nuggets healthier than chicken nuggets?
If you’re wondering how Arby’s new Steak Nuggets stack up against a familiar favorite, here’s how they compare side by side:
| Nugget type (Serving size) | Calories | Total fat (g) | Saturated fat (g) | Sodium (%DV) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arby’s Steak Nuggets (5-pc) | 340 | 27 | 4.5 | 670 mg (29%) | 17 |
| McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets (6-pc) | 250 | 15 | 2.5 | 500 mg (22%) | 14 |
Both options deliver similar amounts of protein—17 g for Arby’s and 14 g for McDonald’s—but they differ in total fat, saturated fat, and sodium.
- Fat and calories: The steak nuggets are higher in both total and saturated fat, with almost double the fat per serving. They also have 90 more calories per serving.
- Sodium: Both are salty, but Arby’s is also higher at 670 mg compared to McDonald’s 500 mg.
- Protein: You’ll get a little extra protein from the steak version.
McDonald’s McNuggets are lighter overall than Arby’s Steak Nuggets.
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Are Arby’s Steak Nuggets healthy?
When it comes to nutrition, no single food defines your health—what matters most is your overall pattern of eating.
“We encourage people to move away from labeling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’” says Reynolds. “Instead, we encourage people to focus on two questions: ‘How does this food serve my goals? How does this food make me feel?
Here’s how that applies to Arby’s Steak Nuggets:
✅ What’s healthy about them:
- Solid protein source: The 5-piece serving has 17 grams of protein, while the 9-piece packs 30 grams—enough to help you stay full and support muscle health. “Having a high-protein option on the go can be a good way to meet your daily goals,” Reynolds says.
- Made with real steak: The nuggets are made from marinated pieces of USDA Choice steak, so they provide a satisfying texture and flavor.
⚠️ What to watch out for:
- Sodium: Even the smaller 5-piece serving contains 670 mg (29% DV), while the 9-piece hits 1,210 mg (53% DV)—more than half the daily ideal limit.
- High in saturated fat: The 5-piece has 4.5 grams of saturated fat and the 9-piece has 8 grams, which adds up quickly if your other meals are also rich in animal fats or fried foods.
The bottom line: Arby’s Steak Nuggets are a high-protein option, but they come with trade-offs.
If you’re craving something savory and high in protein, Arby’s Steak Nuggets can fit into your plan—especially the 5-piece. The smaller portion delivers a solid protein boost with fewer calories, saturated fat, and sodium, making it a better-for-you choice than the larger serving or the sandwich and bowl versions.
That said, both sizes are still relatively high in sodium and saturated fat, so it’s best to treat them as an occasional choice rather than a go-to meal.
At Noom, all foods have a place in a healthy lifestyle—it’s the how often and how much that matter most.
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