Raclette meal's hidden calorie boost

A raclette dinner, while seemingly simple, can be unexpectedly high in calories due to common additions people might not realize contribute significantly to the meal's overall caloric load.

False friends on the raclette table

According to dietitian-nutritionist Vanessa Bedjaï-Haddad, interviewed by Santé Magazine, the real calorie contributors in a raclette meal are not just the cheese and potatoes, but other items often added without much thought, which she calls "false friends."

Caloric range of a raclette meal

The same publication reports that a single raclette meal can range from 710 to 1,300 calories, with the difference largely attributed to the additional items that are commonly included without much awareness.

Fatty cured meats as a major contributor

Fatty cured meats such as sausage, bacon, chorizo, and industrial bacon are often found on raclette tables. These items are high in salt and saturated fats, and they are not very filling, which can lead to overeating during the meal.

Healthier alternatives suggested

Vanessa Bedjaï-Haddad suggests reducing the variety of cured meats offered and choosing lighter options such as white ham, Grison meat, or chicken breast to make the meal more balanced and less calorie-dense.