How many calories are in menudo with tripe?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single one-cup serving of menudo with tripe typically contains between 180 and 200 calories, though this can vary widely. The precise calorie count for menudo with tripe depends heavily on whether it's a homemade recipe or a commercially prepared product, as well as the portion size and specific ingredients used.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of menudo with tripe varies based on the recipe and preparation. Canned versions can range from 180 to 200 calories per cup, while homemade versions depend on the ingredients like tripe, hominy, and added fats. Overall, it's a dish rich in protein and nutrients like Vitamin B12 and zinc.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A 1-cup serving of menudo with tripe typically contains 180-200 calories, though this depends on preparation.
Homemade vs. Canned: Homemade menudo offers greater control over ingredients and calorie count, while canned versions have a standardized but often higher sodium level.
Ingredient Impact: The ratio of tripe to hominy and the amount of fat used significantly affect the final calorie count.
Nutritional Value: Menudo is a rich source of protein, collagen, and essential nutrients like Vitamin B12 and zinc.
Lower-Calorie Options: To reduce calories, use lean tripe, less cooking fat, and opt for fresh, low-calorie garnishes.
Comparisons: Menudo is generally moderate in calories compared to other hearty soups, with its unique nutritional benefits stemming from the tripe.

Menudo Calorie Breakdown: Homemade vs. Canned

When considering how many calories are in menudo with tripe, it's crucial to differentiate between commercial products and homemade recipes. Canned versions, while convenient, often contain higher sodium levels and more standardized calorie counts due to consistent manufacturing. For example, one brand reports 180 calories for a 1-cup serving. Homemade menudo, on the other hand, allows for more control over ingredient quality and portion sizes, which can significantly alter the final nutritional profile. The overall calorie count is influenced by several factors, including the ratio of tripe to hominy and the amount of fat used in cooking.

The Impact of Ingredients on Calorie Count

To understand the caloric makeup of menudo, you must look at its primary components. Beef tripe, the main protein source, is relatively lean but rich in nutrients like protein and collagen. The amount of tripe used will directly impact the total protein and fat content. Hominy, the traditional corn product used in menudo, contributes carbohydrates and fiber. Additionally, any added oils, lard, or toppings like avocado will increase the total fat and calorie content. Garnishes such as cilantro, onions, and lime juice add flavor without significantly raising the calorie count, making them excellent, low-calorie additions. For those monitoring sodium, canned versions can be quite high, with some exceeding 900mg per cup, while homemade versions can be made with less salt.

A Closer Look at the Nutritional Value of Menudo

Beyond just calories, menudo offers a wealth of other nutritional benefits, largely due to the tripe. Tripe is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue. It is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B12, Niacin, Choline, and Zinc, which support nerve, immune, and brain health. Collagen is another notable component of tripe, which is beneficial for skin, joint, and bone health. The addition of hominy provides carbohydrates for energy and dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.

Controlling Calories in Homemade Menudo

For those seeking a lower-calorie version of menudo, several adjustments can be made. Start by thoroughly trimming any excess fat from the tripe before cooking. Reducing the amount of oil or lard used in the initial browning of aromatics is another effective strategy. You can also increase the ratio of hominy to tripe to create a more carb-heavy, but potentially less calorically dense, dish. Serving the menudo with lighter, fresh garnishes like cilantro and onion instead of heavier additions like sour cream or cheese will also help manage the total calorie count.

Menudo vs. Other Soups: A Calorie Comparison

To put menudo's calorie count into perspective, it's helpful to compare it with other popular soups. While a generic beef soup might offer fewer calories, it may also lack the nutritional richness and dense protein found in menudo. Another Mexican soup, pozole, which also contains hominy, can have a different caloric profile depending on whether it's made with pork, chicken, or beef.


Feature	Menudo with Tripe	Beef Pozole Soup (Beef-based)	Pork Menudo (Filipino-style)
Typical Calories per Cup	180-200	~284 (per recipe, may vary)	~265 (per recipe, may vary)
Primary Protein	Beef Tripe	Beef	Pork
Traditional Grain	Hominy	Hominy	None (typically has potatoes)
Key Nutritional Benefit	High protein, collagen	Protein, carbohydrates	Protein, vitamins
Potential Saturated Fat	Lower (leaner meat)	Moderate	Higher (pork)

Lists for Calorie Management

Toppings for Lower-Calorie Menudo:

Freshly chopped white onion
Cilantro
Lime wedges
Shredded cabbage
Jalapeños

Higher-Calorie Toppings to Use in Moderation:

Sour cream
Shredded cheese
Avocado
Tortilla chips
Extra oil or lard

Conclusion: Understanding the Variables

Ultimately, understanding how many calories are in menudo with tripe requires acknowledging the variability in recipes and preparation. A standard, canned 1-cup serving typically hovers around the 180-200 calorie mark, making it a moderately caloric dish. However, homemade versions can be adjusted to fit individual dietary needs. By controlling ingredients and portion sizes, you can enjoy this flavorful and nutritionally rich soup without compromising your health goals. Focusing on the high protein and collagen content from the tripe, and balancing it with fresh, low-calorie garnishes, ensures a delicious and wholesome meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Menudo with tripe is not considered a low-calorie dish, typically containing 180-200 calories per cup, which is moderate for a soup. However, its caloric density can be managed with portion control and ingredients.

The primary sources of calories in menudo are the protein from the beef tripe and the carbohydrates from the hominy. Any added fats from cooking or toppings also contribute significantly to the total.

To make menudo lower in calories, you can trim all visible fat from the tripe before cooking, reduce the amount of oil or lard used, and use fresh, low-calorie garnishes like onions, cilantro, and lime juice instead of sour cream or cheese.

Not necessarily more calories, but canned menudo often has a higher sodium content than homemade versions. The calorie count can be similar, but homemade allows for greater control over all ingredients, including fat and salt.

Yes, beef tripe is a high-protein ingredient. It is also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids needed by the body.

Beyond calories, menudo is a good source of protein, collagen, and several essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12, Niacin, Choline, and Zinc.

The calorie count for menudo and pozole can be comparable, but it depends on the specific recipe. Menudo with tripe is often slightly lower in calories than a hearty pork pozole but can vary based on preparation.