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How many calories are in a tornado from Speedway?

3 min read

According to official nutritional data from Ruiz Foods, the manufacturer, the standard-sized Tornadoes found at Speedway can range from 170 to 210 calories per serving. The exact number of calories are in a tornado from Speedway varies significantly depending on the flavor and any additional toppings added.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Speedway Tornado varies by flavor, with most standard options falling between 170 and 210 calories. Larger XL sizes are also available with higher calorie counts. Factors like ingredients, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content contribute to these nutritional differences.

Key Points

  • Calorie Range: Standard Speedway Tornadoes typically contain 170 to 210 calories per piece, varying by flavor.

  • Flavor Specifics: Flavors like Southwestern Style Chicken and Chicken Chile Verde are on the lower end, while Cheese & Pepperoni is on the higher end for standard sizes.

  • XL Options: Larger XL versions, such as the Cheesy Pepper Jack XL, can have significantly more calories (260 for the XL version).

  • Nutritional Breakdown: Beyond calories, Tornadoes are generally high in carbohydrates, fat, and sodium, and lower in fiber.

  • Informed Choice: Knowing the specific calorie and nutritional content helps with dietary planning and comparing Tornadoes to other available gas station snacks.

  • Manufacturer Information: The official nutritional data is provided by the manufacturer, Ruiz Foods, and is a reliable source for specific information.

In This Article

Speedway Tornado Calorie Breakdown by Flavor

Speedway offers a variety of Tornado flavors on its roller grills, all produced by Ruiz Foods. While the overall calorie range is relatively consistent for the standard size, knowing the specific breakdown for your favorite can help with dietary planning. Below is a list of common Tornado flavors and their approximate calorie information, based on manufacturer data.

Breakfast Tornadoes

  • Sausage, Egg, & Cheese: A classic breakfast option, this Tornado typically contains around 190 calories per piece. It provides a source of protein and carbohydrates to start the day.
  • Egg, Bacon, Cheese & Salsa: With a slightly different flavor profile, this breakfast Tornado contains approximately 180 calories per serving, offering a savory alternative.
  • Supreme Omelet: Another egg-based choice, the Supreme Omelet Tornado has about 190 calories, making it nutritionally similar to the sausage version.

Savory & Lunch Tornadoes

  • Cheesy Pepper Jack: For those who prefer a spicy kick, this flavor comes in at roughly 200 calories for the standard size.
  • Ranchero Beef & Cheese: A classic combination of beef and cheese, this option contains around 180 calories per Tornado.
  • Southwestern Style Chicken: A lighter, chicken-based alternative, this flavor is one of the lower-calorie options at about 170 calories per piece.
  • Cheese & Pepperoni: Resembling a pizza roll, this flavor contains 210 calories, the highest among the standard sizes.
  • Chicken Chile Verde: Another flavorful chicken-based option, with approximately 170 calories per serving.

XL Tornadoes: When More Means More

For those with a bigger appetite, Ruiz Foods offers XL versions of some of its most popular flavors, which naturally means a higher calorie count due to their larger size.

  • Cheesy Pepper Jack XL: The larger version of this spicy Tornado bumps the calories up to 260 per piece.
  • Ranchero Beef & Cheese XL: With a richer beef and cheese filling, the XL version contains around 250 calories.

Comparison of Tornado Flavors

Flavor Standard Calorie Count XL Calorie Count Primary Filling Key Nutritional Note
Cheese & Pepperoni 210 N/A Pepperoni & Cheese Highest standard size calorie count.
Cheesy Pepper Jack 200 260 Pepper Jack Cheese Spicy option, significant calorie jump in XL.
Sausage, Egg, & Cheese 190 N/A Sausage, Egg & Cheese Popular breakfast choice.
Supreme Omelet 190 N/A Egg & Cheese Breakfast alternative.
Egg, Bacon, Cheese & Salsa 180 N/A Bacon, Egg, Cheese & Salsa Savory breakfast option.
Ranchero Beef & Cheese 180 250 Beef Steak & Cheese Classic savory flavor.
Southwestern Style Chicken 170 N/A Chicken & Cheese One of the lowest calorie options.
Chicken Chile Verde 170 N/A Chicken, Tomatillo & Cheese Lighter, spicy choice.

Decoding the Nutritional Value

Beyond just calories, understanding the full nutritional profile of a Speedway Tornado can inform your food choices. The primary components contributing to the calorie count are the dough wrap, the filling, and the cooking oil. Tornadoes are typically deep-fried or roller-grilled, adding to their fat content.

Nutritional information from Ruiz Foods indicates that a standard Tornado contains a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, with minimal dietary fiber. The Cheese & Pepperoni flavor, for example, has 210 calories, with 9g of total fat, 23g of total carbohydrates, and 7g of protein. In contrast, the Southwestern Style Chicken has 170 calories, with 6g of total fat, 24g of total carbohydrates, and 6g of protein.

Making a Healthier Choice at the Gas Station

If you are on a specific diet, it's beneficial to compare the Tornado to other options available at a gas station. While a Tornado can be a quick and filling snack, it is generally higher in sodium and saturated fat compared to healthier alternatives like nuts, jerky, or fresh fruit. Considering the source of your food is also important. The manufacturer, Ruiz Foods, provides detailed information on their website, which you can use for a more comprehensive review before you head to the store.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your dietary goals. For a quick indulgence, a Tornado is a high-calorie, savory snack. For consistent, healthier eating, looking for a low-calorie gas station snack with more protein and fiber might be a better strategy.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a tornado from Speedway depends on the flavor, with most standard options falling between 170 and 210 calories. The XL versions are larger and contain more calories. While a convenient and tasty option, Tornados are generally high in sodium and fat and should be consumed in moderation, especially if you are watching your caloric intake. Understanding the specific nutritional information for each flavor can empower you to make the best decision for your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Tornado at Speedway is a rolled-up, deep-fried or roller-grilled snack with various fillings like cheese, meat, and eggs, sold on the store's roller grill. They are manufactured by Ruiz Foods.

A standard-sized Cheesy Pepper Jack Tornado contains 200 calories per piece. An XL version is also available, which has a higher calorie count of 260.

Tornadoes are not generally considered a healthy food choice. They are high in calories, fat, and sodium, and low in fiber. Healthier alternatives at gas stations typically include fresh fruit, nuts, or beef jerky.

Among the standard-sized Tornadoes, the Cheese & Pepperoni flavor is the highest in calories, with 210 calories per piece. The Cheesy Pepper Jack XL is the highest overall, with 260 calories.

The official nutritional facts for Tornadoes, including those sold at Speedway, can be found on the Ruiz Foods foodservice website. The information is also available on certain food and nutrition tracking websites.

A Tornado is comparable in calories to other hot, processed gas station foods, such as certain sandwiches or larger hot dogs. It is generally higher in calories than snacks like a protein bar, small bag of chips, or fresh fruit.

Based on the nutritional data from Ruiz Foods, both the Southwestern Style Chicken and the Chicken Chile Verde Tornadoes are among the lowest-calorie options, with 170 calories per piece.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.