How Many Calories Are in One Taquito?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a single average-sized beef or chicken taquito contains approximately 120 calories. The final calorie count, however, can vary significantly depending on preparation method (baked vs. fried), filling, and serving size, making it a nuanced subject for calorie counters. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how many calories are in one taquito across different preparations.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a single taquito depends heavily on its ingredients, cooking method, and whether it is homemade or frozen. Homemade baked versions are typically lower in calories than their deep-fried or frozen commercial counterparts. The type of filling, such as chicken, beef, or cheese, also influences the nutritional profile and total calorie count per piece.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in a taquito varies significantly based on preparation, from homemade baked versions to deep-fried commercial ones.
Homemade vs. Frozen: Homemade taquitos typically offer a lower calorie count and greater ingredient control, while frozen options often contain more fat and calories from deep-frying.
Cooking Method Matters: Baking or air-frying is a much healthier alternative to deep-frying, drastically reducing the fat and calorie content.
Filling and Toppings: The choice of filling (lean chicken vs. fatty beef) and toppings (salsa vs. sour cream) has a major impact on the final calorie total.
Read Nutrition Labels: For frozen products, checking the specific nutrition label is the most accurate way to determine the calorie count per serving.
Customization for Health: For a healthier option, use lean fillings, bake instead of fry, and choose low-calorie toppings like salsa or plain Greek yogurt.

Taquitos are a popular Mexican-American dish, consisting of a small corn tortilla wrapped around a filling and fried until crispy. The word "taquito" literally translates to "little taco". While undeniably delicious, understanding their nutritional value is key for anyone watching their caloric intake. The range of calories per taquito can be wide, so it is essential to consider the factors that affect it.

The Calorie Breakdown of an Average Taquito

To understand the caloric content of a taquito, you must first break down its components. A typical taquito consists of three primary elements: the tortilla, the filling, and the oil used for cooking. Each contributes to the final calorie total.

The Tortilla: Most traditionally, taquitos are made with corn tortillas. A single corn tortilla is relatively low in calories, but the calorie density increases significantly when deep-fried. The amount of oil absorbed during frying is the primary driver of extra calories.
The Filling: Common fillings include shredded chicken, ground beef, or cheese. Leaner protein sources like shredded chicken result in fewer calories than fatty cuts of beef. Adding cheese also increases the fat and calorie content.
The Cooking Method: This is perhaps the most significant factor. Deep-frying a taquito can add a substantial amount of fat and calories compared to oven-baking or air-frying. Baked versions are often recommended for a healthier option.

Frozen vs. Homemade Taquitos

Comparing frozen, store-bought taquitos to a homemade version reveals distinct differences in calorie content. Frozen taquitos are designed for convenience and often deep-fried before being packaged, contributing to a higher fat content. Homemade versions, on the other hand, offer full control over the ingredients and cooking process, allowing for healthier modifications.

Frozen Taquitos: A frozen chicken taquito, oven-heated, can contain approximately 119-120 calories per piece, based on standard serving sizes of about 42 grams. This can vary by brand, so checking the nutrition label is crucial.
Homemade Taquitos: The calorie count for homemade taquitos can vary drastically. For instance, a baked homemade chicken taquito might have around 83 calories per serving when made with lean ingredients. Frying at home, however, could increase this number significantly depending on the oil used and how well the taquito is drained.

How to Reduce the Calorie Count in Your Taquitos

If you love taquitos but want to make them healthier, there are several simple swaps and preparation methods you can use to lower the calorie count.

Bake or Air-Fry Instead of Frying: This is the most effective way to reduce calories. Air frying or baking with a light spray of oil replicates the crispy texture without the excess fat. A baked version can easily have half the calories of its deep-fried counterpart.
Use Leaner Fillings: Opt for lean shredded chicken breast or extra-lean ground beef. You can also use fillings like beans, tofu, or extra vegetables to add volume and nutrients without piling on the calories.
Choose the Right Tortilla: Stick to traditional corn tortillas over flour, as they are often smaller and contain fewer calories. For a boost in fiber, consider using high-fiber tortillas if available.
Mind Your Toppings: Toppings are a common source of hidden calories. Use fresh salsa instead of sour cream, and consider a small amount of guacamole instead of high-fat cheese sauces.

Comparison Table: Calories in Different Taquito Varieties


Taquito Type	Preparation Method	Approximate Calories per Piece	Key Factor	[Source Index]
Frozen Beef Taquito	Deep-Fried (Commercial)	~120 calories	Commercial frying and portion size
Frozen Chicken Taquito	Oven-Heated (Commercial)	~119 calories	Commercial processing and ingredients
Homemade Chicken Taquito	Baked (Lean Ingredients)	~83 calories	Lean protein and no deep-frying
Homemade Beef Taquito	Baked (Lean Ingredients)	Varies, typically <100	Lean beef and healthier cooking	N/A
Restaurant Taquito	Deep-Fried (Typical)	150-200+ calories	High fat from deep-frying and toppings	N/A

The Role of Toppings and Condiments

While the taquito itself is a major factor, the accompanying toppings can significantly inflate the total calorie count. For example, a generous dollop of sour cream or a scoop of creamy cheese sauce can easily add 50-100 calories or more. A side of guacamole, while healthy, also adds calories due to its high fat content. A mindful approach to toppings includes using fresh, vegetable-based salsas or a simple, fat-free Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

In short, there is no single answer to how many calories are in one taquito. It is a highly variable number influenced by the taquito's ingredients, cooking method, and whether it is a mass-produced frozen product or a homemade creation. The calorie count can range from under 100 for a lean, homemade, baked version to over 200 for a restaurant-style, deep-fried option with rich toppings. For those looking to control their calorie intake, homemade baked versions with lean fillings and fresh, low-calorie toppings offer a healthier path without sacrificing the satisfying crunch and flavor of this classic dish. By understanding these factors, you can enjoy taquitos as a delicious part of a balanced diet.

To learn more about the nutritional differences in various Mexican dishes, explore resources like the Continental Hospitals blog on healthy taco choices.

Note: Calorie counts for homemade items are estimates and will depend on specific ingredients and cooking techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

A commercially deep-fried beef taquito can contain around 120 calories, but this can vary depending on the size, brand, and cooking method. Homemade, baked beef taquitos will likely be lower in calories.

Taquitos can be high in fat, especially if they are deep-fried, which is a common preparation method. The oil used for frying significantly increases the fat content. Healthier versions are often baked or air-fried.

For reducing calories, it is significantly better to bake or air-fry taquitos. These methods use very little oil, drastically cutting down on the fat and overall calorie content compared to deep-frying.

Homemade taquitos, when prepared with lean ingredients and baked, are typically lower in calories than most frozen, commercially prepared versions. You have full control over the ingredients and cooking process, allowing for healthier adjustments.

The calorie difference depends on the leanness of the meat and the overall preparation. Generally, a taquito filled with lean shredded chicken might have slightly fewer calories than one with ground beef, but the cooking method and portion size are more significant factors.

Adding sour cream can increase the calorie count, with a typical dollop adding 25-60 calories depending on the serving size and fat content. Using fat-free Greek yogurt is a low-calorie alternative.

Taquitos can be a healthier snack option if prepared mindfully. Choosing baked or air-fried versions with lean protein fillings and minimal, low-calorie toppings can make them a more nutritious choice.