9 Cheesecake Factory Menu Choices to Skip, and 3 Alternatives to Consider

2025-03-21 08:24:20

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The Cheesecake Factory is a nationwide restaurant chain that’s beloved by many. When you walk in, you’re greeted by a polite waitstaff and a huge menu. There are countless items to choose from. You could go to The Cheesecake Factory every weekend and always have something different. However, not all dishes on that menu are created equal. There are many tasty dishes, but there are many other Cheesecake Factory menu items to avoid.

Many of the avoidable dishes on this list are here because they’re packed with fat, sugar, and calories. We’re talking about dishes like the barbecue ranch chicken salad, the bacon-bacon cheeseburger, and the macaroni and cheese. With that said, there are also many tasty meals and desserts to try, like the spicy chicken sandwich and fresh strawberry cheesecake. Use this list next time you go to The Cheesecake Factory and order with caution.

Steer clear of the Barbeque Ranch Chicken Salad.

One menu item from the Cheesecake Factory that you should steer clear of is the Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad. Don't be fooled by the inclusion of "salad" in its name; it doesn’t necessarily mean it's a healthy choice. In reality, it leans more towards the unhealthy side. Although it contains some nutritious ingredients like cucumber, lettuce, and avocado, the negatives outweigh the positives. With the ranch dressing and chicken, you’ll end up consuming a staggering 124 grams of fat, 1,980 calories, and 2,710 milligrams of sodium. If you do decide to order it, consider sharing it with others to lighten the load.

Steer clear of the Fried Shrimp Platter.

A person with good intentions might choose the fried shrimp platter, believing it's a nutritious option. They could be partially correct. Fresh shrimp are indeed low in calories and packed with antioxidants. However, as soon as the shrimp are coated in batter and fried, everything changes. This specific fried shrimp platter packs a staggering 104 grams of fat, 1,920 calories, and 3,140 milligrams of sodium. That's quite excessive for a dish of its size, so it's best to steer clear of it.

Steer clear of the Bacon-Bacon Cheeseburger.

©"Bacon" by cookbookman17 is available under BY 2.0 license. - Original / License

One more item to steer clear of on the Cheesecake Factory menu is the bacon-bacon cheeseburger. Unlike some of the misleading options listed here, this burger is straightforward about what it offers, and it's clear that it's not a healthy choice. It's important to be cautious with bacon, and this sandwich features it prominently. With the addition of bacon, cheese, and all the toppings, you're facing a whopping 1,680 calories and 116 grams of saturated fat—significantly more than a Big Mac from McDonald's.

Steer clear of the Ultimate Red Velvet Cake.

Indeed, it can be tough to visit the Cheesecake Factory and not indulge in a slice of cheesecake. However, it's wise to be cautious about your choices. Pay particular attention to desserts that include the word "Ultimate" in their name. This specific cheesecake is a blend of traditional cheesecake and red velvet cake, resulting in a staggering 1,580 calories, 122 grams of sugar, and 350 milligrams of cholesterol in just one slice. While it may appear delicious, don't let its looks deceive you.

Steer clear of the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta.

This is yet another dish where the name is a bit deceiving. Yes, it contains the word “broccoli,” but that doesn’t make it healthy. That part may be okay, but you have to be careful with pasta dishes. In this case, the dish has 22 grams of saturated fat, 1,360 calories, and an incredible 5,890 mg of sodium. That’s way more sodium than you should have in a single day. Doctors recommend 2,300 mg of sodium daily.

Steer clear of Sheila's Chicken and Avocado Salad.