Del Taco Menu Calories: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the calorie content of your Del Taco order can help align your meal with your dietary goals. The caloric values of their items differ significantly, from low-calorie street tacos to high-calorie Epic Burritos and loaded fries. Analyzing nutritional data for various menu categories allows for more informed decisions about what to order.
The 'Del Taco' and Taco Variations
The standard "Del Taco" with a soft shell has 300 calories, but other tacos offer different nutritional profiles based on their ingredients. For example, the 'Crunchy Value Taco', a smaller option with beef, lettuce, and cheese, contains a mere 130 calories, making it one of the most diet-friendly choices on the menu. In contrast, a 'Queso Crunch Taco', which includes queso and beef, clocks in at a higher 400 calories. The protein choice also impacts the calorie count; a 'Carne Asada Street Taco' has 180 calories, while a 'Beer Battered Fish Taco' has 230 calories. Choosing a grilled option like the 'Grilled Chicken Taco' will also add some calories, with a total of 220.
Burritos: Small Rollers vs. Epic Burritos
The burrito section of Del Taco's menu features a drastic range of options. On the lower end are the 'Rollers', which contain a modest amount of ingredients. An 'Original Chicken Roller' has 250 calories, while the 'Chipotle Chicken Roller' contains 280 calories. The larger, 'Epic Burritos' can easily exceed a significant portion of a person's daily calorie intake. For example, an 'Epic Steak & Potato Burrito' can have a staggering 1040 calories, while the 'Epic Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito' has 950 calories. A 'Macho Combo Burrito' is similarly high, with 950 calories. For vegetarians, the '8 Layer Veggie Burrito' is a substantial option at 540 calories.
Loaded Fries, Burgers, and Sides
Beyond the tacos and burritos, other menu items require attention. A small order of 'Crinkle-Cut Fries' is a relatively low 160 calories, but the calorie count increases dramatically for larger and loaded versions. The 'Queso Loaded Fries' pack 650 calories, and 'Chili Cheddar Fries' contain 570 calories. Burgers at Del Taco are also high in calories, with the 'Bacon Double Del Cheeseburger' reaching 740 calories. Sides and desserts, such as the 'Churro Dipper Shake', can also be a hidden source of high calories, with the large version containing 1010 calories.
Healthier Choices
Navigating the menu for healthier options is possible with a few strategies. Consider ordering the 'Crunchy Snack Taco' at 120 calories for a low-cal option. For burritos, choose a 'Roller' instead of an 'Epic Burrito' to keep calories in check. Additionally, opt for the salads, like the 'Taco Salad with Fresh Guac and Grilled Chicken' at 420 calories, and hold the sour cream to reduce fat content. You can also customize your order by swapping ingredients or asking for lighter sauces. Some items, like the 'Carne Asada Steak Street Taco Guac'd Up', offer a lower-calorie alternative to larger, fully loaded items. For example, swapping a flour tortilla for a corn tortilla generally lowers the calorie count.
Calorie Comparison Table
| Menu Item | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchy Value Taco | 130 | 6 | 8 | 9 |
| The Del Taco (Soft) | 300 | 18 | 18 | 17 |
| 8 Layer Veggie Burrito | 540 | 18 | 18 | 72 |
| Queso Loaded Fries | 650 | - | 42 | - |
| Bacon Double Del Cheeseburger | 740 | - | - | - |
| Epic Steak & Potato Burrito | 1040 | - | - | - |
Navigating the Menu
Sticking to a few key strategies is helpful for those watching their caloric intake. Start with inherently lower-calorie menu items, such as the Value Tacos or a street taco. When ordering a burrito, consider if a 'Roller' is sufficient for your meal, as they offer significantly fewer calories than the 'Epic' varieties. The salads can be a good option, especially when requesting modifications like less cheese or no sour cream. It's always best to check the most recent nutritional guide on the Del Taco website, as menu items and their ingredients can change over time.
Conclusion
Understanding how many calories are in a Del Taco 'Del Taco' and other menu items is the first step toward making more mindful choices. The calorie content varies dramatically across the menu, with options ranging from simple, low-calorie tacos to high-calorie, loaded meals. By opting for smaller items, choosing grilled proteins over fried, and customizing your order, you can enjoy Del Taco while staying on track with your nutritional goals. Remember to always consult the official nutritional information for the most accurate data.
