7-Eleven Taquito Calorie and Nutritional Overview
When you grab a hot, crispy taquito from the rollers at 7-Eleven, the calorie count is not a single, fixed number. Instead, it varies based on the specific flavor, reflecting differences in the fillings and cheese content. For anyone watching their calorie intake, understanding these variations is crucial. The primary factor influencing the total is the filling, with cheese-heavy options generally clocking in higher than leaner chicken varieties.
Common 7-Eleven Taquito Flavors and Their Calories
- Monterey Chicken Taquito: Often one of the lighter options, the Monterey Chicken taquito typically contains around 180 calories per 3 oz (85g) serving. This makes it a comparatively lower-calorie choice for a quick snack. The nutritional profile also includes about 7g of fat, 22g of carbohydrates, and 7g of protein.
- Steak & Cheese Taquito: The addition of cheese and different beef preparations increases the calorie count. A Steak & Cheese taquito often has approximately 210 calories per 3 oz serving. This version provides slightly more fat and comparable carbohydrates and protein to the chicken options.
- Taco & Cheese Taquito: This flavor packs a bit more of a punch due to its beef and cheese filling. It can contain around 250 calories per serving, along with higher fat and sodium levels. This is a good example of how a different filling can alter the nutritional impact. A serving may contain 11g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 7g of protein.
- Jalapeno Cream Cheese Taquito: For those who enjoy a spicy, creamy kick, the Jalapeno Cream Cheese taquito comes in at roughly 240 calories per serving. Its fat content is often higher, around 13g, while providing 27g of carbohydrates and 5g of protein.
- Buffalo Chicken Taquito: Another popular chicken variant, the Buffalo Chicken taquito, is known to have about 180 calories per 3 oz serving. Similar to the Monterey Chicken, this flavor is a more modest caloric option.
Macronutrient Breakdown and Sourcing
Beyond just calories, the distribution of macronutrients in 7-Eleven taquitos provides insight into what makes them a high-fat snack. The majority of the calories come from a combination of fat and carbohydrates, with moderate protein. The ingredients list often reveals a highly processed food product, using various additives to enhance flavor and shelf life. The fat content is generally from the deep-frying process and the cheese or creamy fillings. High sodium levels are also a characteristic of many taquito varieties, contributing to their flavor but also to their less-than-healthy status.
How Taquitos Stack Up: A Comparison Table
To put the 7-Eleven taquito into perspective, here's how it compares nutritionally to a few other common convenience store snacks per single item (assuming an average size):
| Snack Item | Typical Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven Taquito (Avg.) | 225 | 6 | 11 | 450 |
| Standard Beef Hot Dog | 150 | 5 | 13 | 490 |
| Small Bag of Chips (1 oz) | 160 | 2 | 10 | 170 |
| Chicken Caesar Salad (small) | 250 | 20 | 15 | 600 |
| 7-Eleven Pizza Slice | 350-450 | 15+ | 15+ | 800+ |
This comparison highlights that a single taquito is comparable in calories and fat to other popular quick snacks, but can be higher in sodium. However, it's generally a more moderate option than a larger item like a pizza slice. The exact nutritional impact largely depends on how many taquitos are consumed in one sitting.
Calorie Expenditure and a Balanced Approach
For those concerned about their caloric intake, understanding what it takes to burn off a taquito can be helpful. A 180-calorie taquito might take a 150-pound person about 20-25 minutes of brisk walking to burn off, while a 250-calorie taquito could require closer to 30-35 minutes. Of course, this is a generalization and depends on many individual factors. While an occasional indulgence won't derail a healthy lifestyle, recognizing that these items are designed as high-calorie treats is key to a balanced diet.
Conclusion
In summary, the calorie count for 7-Eleven taquitos varies by flavor, with most options falling between 180 and 280 calories per taquito. The Monterey Chicken is typically the lowest in calories, while the Taco & Cheese and Monterey Jack & Chicken are among the highest. These snacks are generally high in fat and sodium, and should be considered an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. Paying attention to the specific flavor chosen and consuming in moderation is the best approach for anyone mindful of their nutrition. Always check the official 7-Eleven nutritional information, or on platforms like CalorieKing or Eat This Much, for the most accurate and up-to-date data available.
