Understanding Sodium at Del Taco
Fast food, including many Mexican-inspired chains, is notorious for its high sodium content due to brined meats, salty seasonings, and cheese. Del Taco is no exception, and a standard order can quickly exceed a day's recommended sodium limit. However, by knowing which items to choose and how to modify them, you can enjoy a meal with significantly less salt. The key is to be selective and informed, using the official nutritional information provided by Del Taco.
Your Lowest Sodium Menu Item Picks
While a truly 'low' sodium fast-food meal is a rare find, some options at Del Taco are relatively better than others. Focusing on simple, less-processed items is a good strategy. Here are some of the standout choices for minimizing sodium:
- Crunchy Snack Taco: This simple combination of seasoned beef, lettuce, and cheese in a hard shell is one of the lowest sodium items on the menu, containing only 140mg per taco.
- Mini Cinnamon Churros (2 pc.): Surprisingly, this small dessert contains only 125mg of sodium, making it a lower-sodium sweet treat option.
- Crinkle-Cut Fries (Small): A small order of these fries has 190mg of sodium, which is modest for a fast-food side item.
- Chicken Del Carbon Taco: This item features chicken, onion, cilantro, and sauce, offering a more balanced sodium count of 300mg.
- Breakfast Roller (Egg & Cheese): With 600mg of sodium, this breakfast item is a better choice compared to other options on the breakfast menu.
Strategic Modifications for Lower Sodium
Customizing your order is the most effective way to manage sodium intake at Del Taco. Here's how you can make a difference:
- Hold the cheese and queso: Cheese and queso are significant sources of sodium. Asking for no cheese or queso can drastically reduce the sodium count of burritos, nachos, and tacos.
- Skip salty sauces and dressings: Creamy, cheese-based, and seasoned sauces add hidden sodium. Choose fresh alternatives like pico de gallo, mild salsa, or fresh guacamole.
- Opt for grilled chicken or steak: Fried, breaded, and processed meats are often high in sodium. Grilled chicken or steak are leaner, less-processed options.
- Choose corn tortillas over flour: Corn tortillas are generally lower in sodium compared to their flour counterparts, which contain more preservatives.
- Order sides wisely: Instead of refried beans (which are often high in sodium), opt for slow-cooked pinto beans or plain black beans, if available.
Comparison of Del Taco Items
To put things into perspective, compare some of the lower sodium items with some of the higher ones. This table highlights how ingredient choices impact sodium levels.
| Menu Item | Sodium (mg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crunchy Snack Taco | 140 mg | A simple, low-sodium option. |
| Mini Cinnamon Churros | 125 mg | A surprising low-sodium dessert. |
| Small Crinkle-Cut Fries | 190 mg | Good for a side item. |
| Chicken Del Carbon Taco | 300 mg | A solid choice for a main item. |
| Egg & Cheese Breakfast Roller | 600 mg | A better-for-you breakfast. |
| Ranch Crispy Chicken Taco | 700 mg | Higher sodium due to breading and sauce. |
| Crispy Chicken & Guac Stuffed Quesadilla Taco | 1,180 mg | Very high in sodium from cheese, breading, and guac. |
Making Healthier Decisions Beyond the Order
Beyond just choosing specific menu items, a few additional strategies can help maintain a heart-healthy diet while enjoying fast food occasionally:
- Practice portion control: Instead of a combo meal, order a single taco or a side item. The smaller Crunchy Snack Taco or a Chicken Del Carbon Taco are great choices for this strategy.
- Balance with other meals: If you eat at Del Taco, plan for low-sodium meals for the rest of the day. Incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to balance your intake.
- Utilize the online nutritional calculator: Del Taco's official website offers a nutritional guide that can help you customize and calculate the exact sodium content of your order before you even visit the restaurant.
Conclusion: Can You Eat Low Sodium at Del Taco?
While Del Taco's menu, like most fast-food chains, is generally high in sodium, it is possible to make smarter, lower-sodium choices. The key is to be mindful of your selections and willing to customize your order. By opting for simple, grilled items, skipping salty add-ons like cheese and rich sauces, and practicing portion control, you can navigate the menu more healthily. The Crunchy Snack Taco and Chicken Del Carbon Taco are excellent starting points for a lower-sodium meal. As always, reviewing the restaurant's nutritional information online is the most proactive step you can take for your dietary goals.
Visit Del Taco's Official Nutritional Guide to view specific item details
