How many calories are in 100g of menudo? The surprising nutritional variations explained

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 100g serving of Mexican-style beef tripe menudo can contain as few as 43 calories, though this number varies dramatically depending on the specific recipe and ingredients. This highlights why knowing precisely how many calories are in 100g of menudo is more complex than it appears.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 100g of menudo depends significantly on its ingredients and preparation method. Major differences exist between Mexican beef tripe menudo and Filipino pork menudo versions.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: The calorie count for menudo varies greatly depending on the recipe, particularly whether it is Mexican or Filipino.
Mexican Menudo is Lighter: A 100g serving of Mexican beef tripe menudo can be as low as 43 calories, as beef tripe is a lean protein.
Filipino Menudo is More Caloric: Filipino pork menudo is more calorie-dense, often exceeding 100 calories per 100g, due to fattier pork cuts and other ingredients.
Ingredients Matter: Factors like the type of meat, additional vegetables, and use of cooking oils directly impact the final calorie count.
Canned vs. Homemade: Canned versions of menudo are often higher in sodium compared to homemade, which allows for better nutritional control.
Packed with Nutrients: Beyond calories, menudo offers nutritional benefits like collagen from tripe, protein, and vitamins such as B12 and zinc.

The question of how many calories are in 100g of menudo does not have a single, universal answer. The calorie content is highly dependent on whether it is the Mexican beef tripe soup or the Filipino pork stew, as well as specific ingredients, preparation methods, and whether it is homemade or canned. Understanding these variations is key to a more accurate nutritional assessment.

The Calorie Breakdown for 100g of Menudo

Mexican Menudo (Beef Tripe and Hominy)

Traditional Mexican menudo, made primarily with beef tripe and hominy, is a relatively low-calorie dish. Beef tripe is a lean organ meat, and the hominy and broth contribute minimally to the overall energy count. Data aggregated by FatSecret for a standard menudo lists approximately 43 calories per 100g. For commercially canned versions, such as a beef tripe and hominy stew, the calories can be slightly higher due to processing and added ingredients. For example, a 250g serving containing 200 calories equates to roughly 80 calories per 100g. Homemade versions, depending on the richness of the broth and fat content, will fall somewhere within this range.

Filipino Menudo (Pork Stew)

In contrast, Filipino menudo is a pork stew with a much higher calorie density. One source lists Filipino-style pork menudo at around 115 calories per 100g. This difference is largely due to the ingredients used. The dish typically features fatty cuts of pork, often includes pork liver for flavor, and is loaded with other ingredients like potatoes, carrots, chickpeas, and hotdogs. The use of soy sauce, vinegar, and sometimes sugar also adds to the overall caloric profile. The preparation involves sautéeing, which uses oil and contributes to the fat content.

Homemade vs. Canned Menudo

The method of preparation is a major determinant of a dish's nutritional value. Homemade menudo gives you complete control over ingredients, allowing for healthier choices. Canned menudo, while convenient, often contains higher levels of sodium and can have a different macronutrient breakdown. For instance, a canned beef tripe menudo listed on one nutrition site contains significantly higher sodium than a homemade version. If you're watching your sodium intake, opting for a homemade recipe is a better choice.

What Influences Menudo's Calorie Content?

Several factors can swing the calorie count of menudo up or down. A seemingly small change can have a significant impact:

Type and cut of meat: Using leaner beef tripe versus fattier cuts of pork will drastically change the fat and calorie content per 100g.
Added fats: The amount of cooking oil used to sauté the base ingredients, especially in Filipino versions, directly increases calories.
Ingredient additions: Optional ingredients like raisins, potatoes, and liver in Filipino menudo, or the specific fat rendering in Mexican menudo, add to the caloric value.
Toppings: The garnishes you add can make a difference. High-calorie toppings like avocado or sour cream will add more calories than a sprinkle of fresh onions and cilantro.

Comparison Table: Mexican vs. Filipino Menudo (per 100g)


Feature	Mexican Menudo (Beef Tripe)	Filipino Menudo (Pork Stew)
Main Protein	Beef tripe	Pork and liver
Estimated Calories	~43–80 kcal (varies)	~115+ kcal (varies)
Key Carbohydrates	Hominy	Potatoes and carrots
Flavor Profile	Spicy, earthy, chile-based broth	Savory, sweet, and tangy, tomato-based sauce
Additional Ingredients	Onions, garlic, Mexican oregano	Soy sauce, vinegar, raisins, hotdogs (optional)

Making Your Menudo Healthier

Creating a lighter version of menudo is achievable with a few simple adjustments:

Use leaner cuts of meat or trim excess fat from pork before cooking.
Reduce the amount of cooking oil used during the sautéing process.
Increase the proportion of non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or cabbage.
Add water and use less canned broth to control sodium content, then season with herbs and spices.
Go easy on high-calorie garnishes and focus on fresh ingredients like cilantro and lime juice.

Beyond Calories: Menudo's Nutritional Value

Menudo is more than just a calorie count; it offers significant nutritional benefits. Both tripe and liver are organ meats rich in vitamins and minerals. Tripe, specifically, is a source of collagen, a protein that supports skin elasticity and joint health. It also contains essential vitamins like B12, crucial for preventing anemia, and zinc, which is vital for immune function.

Conclusion

The calorie content of 100g of menudo is not a fixed number and depends heavily on the recipe's origin and preparation. While Mexican beef tripe menudo can be quite low in calories (as low as 43 kcal per 100g), Filipino pork menudo is more calorie-dense (around 115 kcal per 100g). By understanding the different factors that influence its nutritional profile—from the type of meat to homemade versus canned preparation—you can better assess the meal's impact on your diet. Regardless of the recipe, menudo can offer a nutrient-rich and satisfying meal, and there are many ways to prepare it to align with your health goals.

Visit Nutrition con Sabor for more insights on the health benefits of menudo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, menudo can be a very nutritious meal, especially when made at home. It is a good source of protein, B vitamins, and collagen, which is beneficial for skin and joint health.

Menudo and pozole have different nutritional profiles due to their core ingredients. Calorie content varies widely for both, but menudo, especially Mexican beef tripe, can be significantly lower in calories than some pork-based pozole recipes.

To reduce calories, you can use leaner meat, limit the amount of cooking oil, and increase the proportion of low-calorie vegetables in the recipe. Skipping high-fat ingredients like hotdogs or extra fat trimmings is also effective.

Not necessarily more calories, but canned menudo is often higher in sodium due to preservatives. The calorie count per 100g can vary, and homemade versions give you precise control over ingredients.

The color of the menudo (red from chiles, or white) does not inherently change the calories. The key factors are the meat, hominy, and other ingredients, not the type of chile used for coloring the broth.

Yes, menudo is a good source of protein due to the inclusion of tripe or pork and hominy. Protein is essential for building and repairing body tissues.

The calorie count of menudo varies because recipes can differ dramatically across regions and cultures. Differences in the type of meat (beef tripe vs. fatty pork), inclusion of vegetables like potatoes, and other ingredients like raisins and sauces significantly impact the caloric density.