How Many Calories Are in a Chipotle Steak?

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Chipotle's official nutrition information, a standard 4-ounce serving of their steak contains approximately 150 calories. This makes it one of the more lean and protein-rich meat options available on their menu, a fact that may surprise many fast-food customers.

Quick Summary

A standard 4-ounce serving of Chipotle's steak provides about 150 calories, 6.5 grams of fat, and 21 grams of protein. Its relatively low-calorie, high-protein profile makes it a popular choice for health-conscious diners.

Key Points

150 Calories: A standard 4-ounce serving of Chipotle steak contains approximately 150 calories, making it one of the leaner protein options.
High in Protein: Each serving provides 21 grams of protein, contributing significantly to muscle-building and satiety.
Low in Carbs: With only 1 gram of carbs per serving, the steak is an ideal choice for low-carb and keto diets.
Moderate Fat: A single serving contains 6.5 grams of total fat, which is moderate compared to other meat options like carnitas.
Toppings Can Change Everything: The final calorie count of a meal can drastically increase based on toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.
Choose a Lighter Base: Starting with a salad or bowl base instead of a large flour tortilla can significantly reduce overall calories and carbs.
Customize for Health: By strategically choosing toppings like fresh salsa and extra fajita veggies, you can boost flavor while keeping the meal light.

Demystifying the Chipotle Steak Calorie Count

For many health-conscious diners, a trip to a fast-casual restaurant like Chipotle can be a nutritional puzzle. With so many options, understanding the base components is the first step toward building a meal that aligns with your dietary goals. The steak at Chipotle is a popular and flavorful choice, but how many calories are actually in a standard serving? The official word from Chipotle is that a 4-ounce portion contains 150 calories, a figure that is often corroborated by third-party nutrition sites.

However, understanding the full nutritional picture requires looking beyond just the calorie count. This includes its macronutrient breakdown, how it compares to other protein options, and the impact that portion size can have on your total meal's nutritional value.

The Macronutrient Breakdown of Chipotle Steak

A single 4-ounce serving of Chipotle's steak offers a lean, high-protein profile that can be a great foundation for a filling meal. Here's a closer look at its typical macronutrient composition, based on Chipotle's nutrition facts:

Calories: 150
Protein: 21g
Total Fat: 6.5g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Sodium: 330mg

This nutritional breakdown shows that the majority of the calories in the steak come from its high protein content, followed by a moderate amount of fat. Its extremely low carbohydrate content makes it an excellent option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Comparing Chipotle Steak to Other Proteins

To put the Chipotle steak into perspective, it's helpful to compare its nutrition to the other protein choices on the menu. This can help you make an informed decision based on your specific dietary needs, whether you're prioritizing protein, cutting calories, or watching your fat intake.


Protein Option (4 oz serving)	Calories	Protein (g)	Total Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)
Steak	150	21	6.5	330
Chicken	180	32	7	310
Barbacoa	170	24	6.5	530
Carnitas	210	23	12	450
Sofritas	150	8	10	560
Carne Asada*	250	29	14	N/A

Note: Carne Asada is a limited-time offering, and its nutritional content may vary.

As the table shows, the steak is very comparable to the chicken in terms of calories and fat. However, it's significantly leaner than the carnitas and has a better protein-to-calorie ratio than the sofritas. For those watching sodium, the steak is a moderate choice, with Barbacoa and Sofritas being notably higher.

The Role of Toppings in Your Chipotle Meal

While the base protein is an important starting point, the total calorie count of your Chipotle meal can skyrocket with the addition of high-calorie toppings. Many people are surprised by how quickly these additions can increase their meal's overall nutritional impact. Here are some examples of popular toppings and their approximate calories per standard serving:

Guacamole: 230 calories (very popular, but calorie-dense)
Queso Blanco: 120 calories
Sour Cream: 90 calories
Cheese: 100 calories
Tortilla (Burrito): 320 calories
White Rice: 210 calories

To build a lower-calorie meal, consider substituting or eliminating some of these items. For instance, skipping the cheese and sour cream and adding extra fajita veggies and a fresh salsa can save hundreds of calories while boosting flavor and nutrients. For those on a low-carb diet, opting for a salad or a bowl without rice is the way to go.

How to Create a Healthier Steak-Based Meal

Building a healthy meal at Chipotle is all about making smart choices at each step. Here are some tips to maximize flavor and nutrients while keeping calories in check with your steak:

Start with a Salad or Bowl: Using a base of romaine lettuce, spinach, or a bowl without rice and beans can cut a significant number of calories and carbs.
Double Up on Veggies: Ask for double fajita vegetables. They are low in calories and add fiber and volume to your meal, helping you feel fuller longer.
Pick Your Salsa Wisely: Opt for the fresh tomato or tomatillo green chili salsa for minimal added calories. Corn salsa is a bit higher but still a good choice.
Go Easy on Dairy and Guac: Consider halving the portion of cheese, sour cream, or guacamole. Even better, skip them entirely to save a significant number of calories.
Customize Your Portion Size: Remember that a 4-ounce serving is standard, but you can always ask for less steak to further reduce calories or to better control your portions.

The Takeaway

The 150 calories in a Chipotle steak offer a solid base for a nutritious and delicious meal. However, the true impact on your diet depends on the other ingredients you choose. By being mindful of toppings and portion sizes, you can enjoy a flavorful steak meal that aligns with your health and wellness goals. Always use the official Chipotle nutrition calculator on their website to build and check the nutritional information for your exact meal combination.

Conclusion

The calories in a Chipotle steak are relatively low for a protein option, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal. The real variable in your final calorie count is the combination of extras, from the base of rice or tortillas to the toppings like cheese and guacamole. Making conscious choices about these additions is key to managing the overall nutritional impact of your Chipotle order. By opting for a salad base with plenty of vegetables and lighter salsas, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that keeps your health goals on track.

For more detailed nutritional information, visit the official Chipotle website's nutrition calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calories in a Chipotle burrito with steak can vary widely based on the ingredients. The steak itself is 150 calories, but adding a large flour tortilla (320 calories), rice (210 calories), beans (130 calories), and other toppings can easily push the total calorie count over 800.

In terms of calories per serving, Chipotle's steak (150 calories) is slightly lower than their chicken (180 calories). However, both are lean, high-protein options, and the difference is not substantial. The best choice depends on your preference and dietary needs.

No, the reported calories for the individual steak serving do not include toppings. The final calorie count of your meal is determined by all the ingredients, including your choice of base, toppings, and salsas.

Yes, Chipotle's steak is considered a relatively lean protein option on their menu. Its macronutrient profile shows a high protein-to-fat ratio, making it a good choice for those monitoring their fat intake.

A standard 4-ounce serving of Chipotle steak is very low in carbohydrates, containing only 1 gram. This makes it a popular protein choice for individuals following ketogenic or other low-carb diets.

Yes, you can easily build a low-calorie steak bowl. Order a bowl with a base of romaine lettuce instead of rice, add extra fajita veggies for volume and fiber, and top it with fresh tomato or tomatillo salsa instead of cheese, sour cream, or guacamole.

Chipotle's standard steak is lower in calories and fat than their Carne Asada. A serving of Carne Asada typically has 250 calories and 14 grams of fat, compared to the 150 calories and 6.5 grams of fat in the standard steak.