Del Real Foods Birria Calories Breakdown
Del Real Foods offers several prepared birria products, and the calorie count differs for each. The base birria stew is a great starting point, but the additions of cheese, tortillas, and consomé for dipping significantly alter the final nutritional value. Understanding the caloric breakdown of each product is essential for those monitoring their intake.
Birria Product-Specific Nutritional Information
- Birria Taco Kit: A single serving from this kit is listed at only 100 calories. This provides a lean foundation for building your meal. The kit contains the seasoned meat, allowing you to add your own tortillas and toppings, giving you full control over the final calorie count.
- Birria Con Consomé: This 5 oz serving of seasoned beef and sauce birria with consomé contains 150 calories. The calorie content comes from both the shredded beef and the richly flavored cooking liquid. This is typically used for dipping tacos or for serving as a stew.
- Birria, Seasoned Beef and Sauce: A standard 5 oz portion of this product also contains 150 calories. The macronutrient profile of this beef and sauce is primarily protein (47%) and fat (47%), with only 5% of calories coming from carbohydrates.
- Birria & Cheese Pupusa: This item, available in both standard and mini sizes, has a different calorie profile due to the added cheese and corn dough. The standard pupusa has 240 calories, while the mini version has 130 calories per pupusa.
Why Homemade Birria Calories Differ
Homemade birria can have a vastly different calorie count than the pre-packaged Del Real options. Several factors contribute to this, including the cut of meat, added fat, and ingredients in the consomé. For instance, a traditional birria made with fatty beef chuck roast or bone marrow will naturally have a higher fat and calorie content than the leaner prepared versions. The cooking process itself, where fat renders into the consomé, also impacts the final numbers.
Here are some common variables that affect the calorie count in homemade birria:
- Type of Meat: Traditional birria can be made with goat, which is leaner than beef, potentially lowering the total fat and calories. Using a leaner cut of beef can also reduce the calorie load.
- Cheese: Adding cheese to make quesabirria tacos can add 50-100 calories or more per taco, depending on the type and amount used.
- Oil Used: The amount of oil used to fry the chiles and sear the meat affects the calorie content. In homemade recipes, this is entirely customizable.
- Consomé: The richness and fat content of the consomé vary significantly. Some versions might have a higher fat content from the rendered meat, while others are lighter. A cup of consomé could range from 50 to over 100 calories, depending on its composition.
Birria Calorie Comparison: Del Real vs. Homemade
To illustrate the calorie differences, here is a comparison table showing various birria preparations.
| Item | Serving Size | Approximate Calories | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Del Real Birria Taco Kit | 1 serving | 100 calories | |
| Del Real Birria con Consomé | 5 oz | 150 calories | |
| Homemade Beef Birria (Stew) | 1 cup (approx. 305g) | ~400 calories | |
| Single Homemade Birria Taco | 1 taco | ~250-350 calories | |
| Three Homemade Birria Tacos | 3 tacos | ~750-1050 calories |
Customizing Your Birria Meal for Better Nutrition
Whether using Del Real or a homemade recipe, several tips can help you create a more balanced meal without sacrificing flavor. These small adjustments allow you to enjoy birria while staying mindful of your health goals.
How to Create Healthier Birria Dishes
- Serve as a Stew: Instead of tacos, eat the birria as a stew in a bowl. This eliminates the calories from tortillas, allowing you to control your portion sizes more easily.
- Use Leaner Meat: When making birria from scratch, opt for a leaner cut of beef or use goat meat, which has less saturated fat.
- Manage Toppings: Be mindful of high-calorie additions like excessive cheese and sour cream. Opt for fresh toppings like cilantro, chopped onion, and a squeeze of lime juice for flavor without adding significant calories.
- Balance your Macronutrients: Incorporate low-calorie sides like a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. This adds fiber and other nutrients to your meal, promoting fullness and a more balanced plate.
- Skim the Fat: If making birria at home, you can chill the consomé after cooking to allow the fat to solidify at the top. Skimming off this layer of fat can significantly reduce the total calories.
Conclusion
While the specific number for "how many calories are in birria del real" is straightforward and depends on the product chosen (typically 100-150 calories per serving), the total calorie count for your meal is highly variable. The final figure depends on the preparation method, toppings, and portion size, especially when assembling tacos with cheese and extra consomé. By understanding the different components and making mindful choices, you can easily fit this delicious dish into your dietary plan.
For more detailed nutritional information on ingredients, you can check databases like Nutritionix.