A Detailed Look at Del Taco's Soft Taco Calorie Counts
For those managing their dietary intake, the calorie content of fast-food items is a frequent consideration. Del Taco offers a variety of soft tacos, and the number of calories can differ significantly depending on the specific product and its fillings. From the simple Snack Soft Taco to the heartier The Del Taco (Soft) with seasoned beef, understanding the breakdown is key to making a well-informed choice.
The Calorie Breakdown by Soft Taco Type
Del Taco's menu features several soft tacos, each with a unique calorie count. Here is an overview of the most common options and their approximate nutritional values, based on official nutritional lists.
- Snack Soft Taco: This is typically the lowest-calorie soft taco option on the menu, containing around 150 calories. Its basic build includes seasoned beef, lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
- The Del Taco (Soft): A step up in size and calorie count, this taco contains about 300 calories. It features a larger portion of seasoned beef, along with more lettuce, tomato, and cheese than the snack version.
- Grilled Chicken Soft Taco: Chicken is often perceived as a leaner protein choice, and the Grilled Chicken Taco reflects this, though its calorie count is influenced by other ingredients. It typically contains around 210-220 calories. The taco includes marinated grilled chicken, lettuce, and cheese, but sometimes also includes a sauce that can add to the total.
- Carne Asada Steak Street Taco: This item is another option for those looking to change up their protein. The Carne Asada Steak Street Taco is reported to have around 120 calories. This includes grilled steak, onion, and cilantro on a small tortilla.
Factors Influencing Your Taco's Calorie Count
The final calorie count of your Del Taco soft taco can be influenced by several customization options. Being aware of these can help you manage your meal's nutritional impact.
Meat and Protein Choices: The type and amount of protein are the biggest variables. Seasoned beef can be higher in saturated fat and calories than grilled chicken. Other specialty meats like Carne Asada steak also have their own specific values.
Toppings and Sauces: While a simple taco comes with standard toppings, adding extras will increase the calorie load. Items like sour cream, guacamole, or various sauces can significantly raise the fat and calorie content. For instance, a Chipotle Crispy Chicken Taco with its sauce is notably higher in calories than a standard grilled chicken version.
Customization is Key: Most fast-food restaurants, including Del Taco, allow for some customization. You can ask to omit cheese or heavy sauces, or opt for extra lettuce and tomato to add volume without excessive calories.
Comparison of Del Taco Soft Tacos
To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison table of several Del Taco soft taco options. All figures are approximate and based on standard preparation.
| Item | Approximate Calories | Protein (g) | Total Fat (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snack Soft Taco | 150 | 7 | 7 | 15 |
| The Del Taco (Soft) | 300 | 18 | 18 | 17 |
| Grilled Chicken Taco | 210-220 | 12 | 12 | 16 |
| Carne Asada Street Taco | 120 | 10 | 3.5 | 14 |
| Chipotle Crispy Chicken Taco | 240 | 9 | 12 | 22 |
How to Make a Healthier Choice
Choosing a healthier option at Del Taco is entirely possible with a few simple modifications. By understanding the nutritional impact of different ingredients, you can build a meal that aligns with your dietary goals. Here are some strategies:
- Select Grilled Chicken: Opting for the grilled chicken over seasoned beef or crispy chicken can significantly reduce calories and fat.
- Go Light on the Cheese: Cheese adds saturated fat and calories. Requesting "light cheese" or no cheese is an easy way to trim the count.
- Hold the Creamy Sauces: Creamy ranch and chipotle sauces are high in calories and fat. Skipping them or asking for a lighter, spicier alternative like a green sauce can make a big difference.
- Consider the Taco al Carbon: For a simple, low-fat option, the Taco al Carbon with grilled chicken is a good choice. It features grilled chicken with onion and cilantro, minimizing extra calories.
- Look for Street Tacos: The street taco options are often smaller and more focused on the core ingredients, making them a great lower-calorie choice.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Del Taco Soft Taco Calories
The number of calories in a Del Taco soft taco is not a single number, but rather a range dependent on the specific type of taco and any customizations. From the 120-calorie Carne Asada Street Taco to The Del Taco (Soft) with 300 calories, the menu offers a spectrum of options. By paying attention to the protein choice and managing toppings, you can enjoy a satisfying fast-food meal while staying mindful of your nutritional goals. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always best to consult the official Del Taco nutrition guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the lowest calorie soft taco at Del Taco? A: The Carne Asada Steak Street Taco is among the lowest-calorie options, containing around 120 calories per serving. The Snack Soft Taco is another low-calorie contender at approximately 150 calories.
Q: Is a grilled chicken soft taco healthier than a beef one? A: Generally, yes. Del Taco's Grilled Chicken Taco has fewer calories and less fat than The Del Taco (Soft) with seasoned beef, making it a healthier choice.
Q: Can I reduce the calories in my Del Taco soft taco order? A: You can easily reduce calories by requesting light or no cheese, omitting creamy sauces like ranch or chipotle, and adding more vegetables like lettuce and tomato.
Q: Are the Crispy Chicken Tacos a high-calorie option? A: Yes, the crispy (breaded) chicken tacos, such as the Chipotle Crispy Chicken Taco, tend to be significantly higher in calories and fat than the grilled chicken options due to the breading and added sauces.
Q: Where can I find the most accurate Del Taco nutrition information? A: The most authoritative source for nutritional information is the official Del Taco website, where they provide a comprehensive nutritional list for their menu items.
Q: Do modifications like adding guacamole increase the calorie count? A: Yes, adding toppings such as guacamole will increase the calorie count. For example, the Grilled Chicken Street Guac'd Up Taco has 20 calories more than the standard version.
Q: Is there a vegetarian soft taco option at Del Taco? A: While Del Taco's main soft tacos contain meat, they have other vegetarian-friendly options. You can sometimes substitute beans for meat in a soft taco, or choose from their designated veggie menu items.
