How many calories are in 1 taco de chorizo?

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a typical street-style taco de chorizo contains approximately 250 to 360 calories, but this can vary significantly. Knowing how many calories are in 1 taco de chorizo is crucial for those monitoring their dietary intake, as the final count depends heavily on ingredients, preparation, and portion size.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a single taco de chorizo varies based on chorizo quantity, tortilla type, and toppings. A homemade version can offer better control over ingredients and fat content, allowing for a healthier modification. Variations like added cheese, avocado, or crema significantly increase the caloric total.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: A single taco de chorizo typically ranges from 250 to over 400 calories, heavily influenced by ingredients and size.
Chorizo is the Main Factor: The fat content and quantity of the chorizo itself are the biggest drivers of the taco's total calories.
Toppings Add Up: Calorie-dense additions like cheese, sour cream, and avocado can significantly increase the final count.
Homemade Offers Control: Making tacos at home allows you to use leaner chorizo, less oil, and healthier toppings to manage calorie intake.
Healthier Alternatives: Reduce calories by using leaner chorizo varieties (chicken, turkey), opting for corn tortillas over flour, and loading up on fresh vegetables instead of fatty toppings.
Balance is Key: Despite being high in fat and sodium, chorizo can offer protein and B vitamins, making moderation the key to fitting it into a balanced diet.

The calorie count for a single taco de chorizo is not a fixed number; it is a spectrum influenced by several factors. While a basic street taco might be on the lower end, a larger or loaded version from a restaurant could easily push the calorie count higher. Understanding these variables is key to accurately estimating the nutritional impact of your meal.

Factors Influencing Chorizo Taco Calories

Chorizo Type and Quantity

Mexican chorizo, which is a fresh pork sausage, is the main caloric contributor. The fat content in the chorizo itself is the most significant variable. Store-bought brands can vary widely, with some being fattier than others. When cooking, the amount of chorizo used per taco and whether the excess fat is drained off will directly impact the total calorie count. For example, 2 ounces of chorizo can contain over 250 calories on its own.

Tortilla Type and Preparation

Most street-style chorizo tacos use small corn tortillas. One small corn tortilla typically contains around 50-60 calories. Flour tortillas are generally larger and have a higher calorie count, often over 100 calories per tortilla. The preparation method also matters: a tortilla that is fried or cooked with oil will have a higher fat and calorie content than one that is simply steamed or dry-toasted.

Toppings and Add-ons

The ingredients you add to your taco are powerful determinants of the final calorie count. While a simple topping of cilantro and onions adds minimal calories, popular additions can dramatically increase the total.

Common Caloric Toppings:

Shredded cheese: Adds creamy fat and calories.
Avocado or guacamole: Healthy fats, but calorie-dense.
Sour cream or crema: High in fat and calories.
Salsa: Some salsas, particularly creamy ones, can add a surprising amount of calories.

Comparing Calorie Counts: Homemade vs. Restaurant

There is a notable difference between a homemade taco and one from a restaurant or fast-food chain. A homemade taco offers full control over ingredients, from the lean-to-fat ratio of the chorizo to the amount of oil used. Restaurants, on the other hand, might use fattier chorizo and more oil to enhance flavor, and their portions might be larger than a standard street taco. A chain like 7-Eleven, for instance, reports their chorizo taco at 270 calories, while another restaurant might list a similar item at 360 calories or more depending on size and additions.

Table: Chorizo Taco Calorie Comparison


Component	Street-Style Taco Estimate	Loaded Restaurant Taco Estimate
Chorizo (2 oz)	~250 calories	~300+ calories (extra portion)
Tortilla (1)	~52 calories (corn)	~100+ calories (flour, larger)
Toppings (Onion, Cilantro)	~5 calories	~5 calories
Extra Toppings (Cheese, Crema)	0	~50-100+ calories
TOTAL	~307 calories	~455+ calories

How to Reduce the Calorie Count

For those who want to enjoy a taco de chorizo without the high calorie count, here are some strategies:

Choose Leaner Chorizo: Look for varieties made with turkey or chicken, or make your own with a leaner ground pork blend. Cooking chorizo and draining the fat is another excellent method.
Portion Control: Simply using less chorizo per taco can make a huge difference.
Swap Tortillas: Stick to small corn tortillas and warm them dry instead of frying them. For an even lower-calorie option, use lettuce wraps.
Be Mindful of Toppings: Opt for fresh, low-calorie toppings like pico de gallo, salsa verde, and fresh onions and cilantro. Limit or skip high-fat toppings like cheese and sour cream.
Add Vegetables: Bulk up your taco with sautéed peppers, onions, or other vegetables to feel fuller with fewer calories.

A Note on Overall Nutrition

While focusing on calories is important, consider the broader nutritional profile. Chorizo, despite being high in fat and sodium, can provide a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. A balanced taco includes protein, carbohydrates from the tortilla, and vital nutrients from the fresh vegetable toppings. Moderation is key to incorporating chorizo tacos into a healthy diet.

Conclusion

There is no single answer to how many calories are in 1 taco de chorizo. The calorie count is highly dependent on preparation style, ingredients, and portion size. A simple, homemade chorizo street taco can be a reasonable indulgence at around 300 calories, while a heavily loaded restaurant version can significantly exceed 400 calories. By controlling the type of chorizo, tortilla, and toppings, you can enjoy this flavorful dish while managing your caloric intake effectively. Being aware of these variables allows for smarter food choices and a more balanced diet.

Optional Outbound Link: Learn more about chorizo nutrition and its health considerations from a registered dietitian here: https://yourlatinanutritionist.com/blog/is-chorizo-healthy

Frequently Asked Questions

The average calorie count for a standard street-style chorizo taco is typically between 250 and 360 calories, depending on the amount of chorizo, tortilla type, and toppings used.

Yes, the type of tortilla significantly affects the calorie count. Small corn tortillas have fewer calories (around 50-60 calories) than larger flour tortillas (often over 100 calories).

To make a chorizo taco lower in calories, you can use leaner chorizo (like turkey or chicken), reduce the amount of sausage, steam corn tortillas instead of frying them, and top with fresh vegetables like onions and cilantro instead of high-fat items like cheese or sour cream.

Mexican chorizo is typically used for tacos. It is a fresh, uncooked sausage seasoned with chili peppers and spices, whereas Spanish chorizo is a cured, dried sausage more often used for charcuterie.

The calorie count for chorizo meat can vary, but a 2-ounce serving often contains over 250 calories due to its high fat content.

While high in fat and sodium, chorizo can be a good source of protein, vitamin B12, and iron. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Healthy topping options include pico de gallo, salsa verde, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime juice. These add flavor with minimal calories.