Demystifying the Calorie Count of a Small Barburrito Burrito
When grabbing a quick and satisfying meal from Barburrito, the calorie content of a small burrito can be a major factor for those monitoring their dietary intake. Unlike a one-size-fits-all product, a small burrito’s nutritional value is a direct reflection of its customizable ingredients. Understanding the calorie variations between different protein fillings is the first step toward making a more informed decision. The official Barburrito menu provides clear nutritional data for its standard offerings, which serves as a reliable starting point.
The Core Calorie Factors
At Barburrito, the base of your small burrito includes a tortilla, your choice of rice, beans, and salsa. However, the largest contributors to the total calorie count are typically the protein and any extra toppings. Here is a breakdown of how different protein choices affect the calorie count for a standard small burrito, based on data from the Canadian Barburrito menu:
- Mild Chicken: A small mild chicken burrito contains 320 calories.
- Spicy Chicken: A small spicy chicken burrito also comes in at 320 calories.
- Jerk Chicken: A small jerk chicken burrito is slightly higher at 330 calories.
- Ground Beef: Opting for ground beef results in a 300-calorie small burrito.
- Pulled Pork: A small pulled pork burrito contains 350 calories.
- Falafel: For a vegetarian option, a small falafel burrito has 280 calories.
- Veggie Ground: The veggie ground option is one of the lowest, at 260 calories for a small burrito.
- Steak: A small steak burrito contains 340 calories.
- Bean: A simple bean burrito is also a low-calorie choice, with 280 calories for the small size.
- Crunchy Chicken: A small crunchy chicken burrito contains 280 calories.
- Crunchy Fish: A small crunchy fish burrito is 410 calories.
Comparison Table: Small Burrito Calories by Filling
To give you a quick overview, here is a comparison of the calorie counts for various small burrito options at Barburrito:
| Filling | Calories (Small Burrito) |
|---|---|
| Mild Chicken | 320 |
| Spicy Chicken | 320 |
| Jerk Chicken | 330 |
| Steak | 340 |
| Ground Beef | 300 |
| Pulled Pork | 350 |
| Crunchy Chicken | 280 |
| Falafel | 280 |
| Veggie Ground | 260 |
| Bean | 280 |
| Crunchy Fish | 410 |
How Toppings and Add-ons Affect Your Total
The listed figures above represent the calorie count for the base protein filling in a small burrito. Your final calorie intake can increase significantly depending on the sauces, cheeses, and other add-ons you choose. For instance, high-fat ingredients such as cheese, sour cream, and guacamole can add hundreds of extra calories. Ingredients like salsa, lettuce, and onions add very few calories and are a good way to bulk up your meal without adding significant energy.
Example of how toppings add calories:
- Adding a dollop of sour cream can increase calories by approximately 20-50 calories, depending on the serving size.
- Guacamole is a healthy fat but also calorie-dense. A small scoop can add 50-100 calories.
- Cheese can add a substantial amount of saturated fat and calories.
Making Smart Choices for a Lower-Calorie Burrito
If you are aiming for a healthier, lower-calorie meal, consider these tips when ordering your small burrito:
- Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for grilled chicken, which is one of the leaner protein choices, or the veggie ground filling, which has one of the lowest calorie counts.
- Go Light on Cheese and Cream: Ask for less cheese and swap sour cream for a lighter salsa or skip it altogether.
- Load Up on Veggies: Pile on low-calorie options like lettuce, onions, and jalapenos to add crunch and flavour without the extra calories.
- Control Your Sauce: Many sauces and dressings are high in hidden calories. Stick to mild salsa or a hot sauce for flavour without the added fat and sugar.
Conclusion
The number of calories in a small burrito from Barburrito is not a single fixed number but a customizable total that depends entirely on your ingredient selections. While a simple veggie ground or bean burrito can be as low as 260-280 calories, adding fattier proteins and calorie-dense toppings can quickly push the total much higher. By being mindful of your choices, especially concerning the type of protein and the addition of cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that aligns with your dietary goals. For the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information, always consult the official Barburrito menu or use their online nutrition calculator.
