Nutritional Breakdown: Mojo Roast Pork Entree Only
When you order the Mojo Roast Pork as an entree only (à la carte) from Pollo Tropical, you are getting a significant amount of flavor and protein with a specific calorie count. According to several nutrition tracking websites that source their data from Pollo Tropical, a single serving contains 370 calories. The majority of these calories come from protein and fat, with very few carbohydrates, making it a potentially suitable option for those on a lower-carb diet, such as ketogenic plans.
Macronutrient Profile for the Mojo Roast Pork (Entree Only)
For the 370 calories in one serving, the breakdown of macronutrients is as follows:
- Total Fat: 22g (approximately 54% of calories)
- Protein: 39g (approximately 43% of calories)
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g (approximately 3% of calories)
This high protein content (39g) is particularly noteworthy, as it provides a substantial portion of the recommended daily value. This makes the mojo roast pork a satiating option that can help manage hunger.
Comparison Table: Mojo Roast Pork vs. Other Pollo Tropical Options
To put the calorie count of the mojo roast pork into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other popular items on the Pollo Tropical menu. This table breaks down the nutritional differences for a clearer understanding.
| Menu Item | Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mojo Roast Pork (Entree Only) | 7.5 oz | 370 | 39g | 3g | 22g |
| Mojo Roast Pork Sandwich | 9 ⅜ oz | 620 | 45g | 31g | 34g |
| Grilled Chicken Breast (2 pcs) | 7 oz | 240 | 45g | 1g | 6g |
| Small Black Beans | 5 oz | 180 | 9g | 25g | 5g |
| Crispy Chicken Sandwich | 1 sandwich | 560 | 35g | 49g | 27g |
As the table indicates, the Mojo Roast Pork sandwich has significantly more calories due to the addition of bread and sauces. The grilled chicken breast entree is a lower-calorie alternative with a similar protein punch.
How Side Dishes and Sauces Affect the Total Calories
The standalone mojo roast pork entree is just one part of a meal. The final calorie count depends heavily on your choices for side dishes and sauces. A regular side of white rice adds 440 calories, while black beans add 280 calories. Sauces, too, can increase the calorie count quickly. For example, the Cilantro Garlic Sauce adds 160 calories per fluid ounce, and the Garlic Mojo Sauce adds 80 calories per fluid ounce. To build a healthier meal, opting for smaller sides or lower-calorie sauces is essential. For instance, combining the mojo roast pork with a side salad and a light dressing would be much lower in calories than a meal with white rice, black beans, and extra sauce.
The Healthier Elements of Mojo Marinade
The Mojo marinade itself offers some notable health benefits from its ingredients. Traditional Cuban mojo marinade features a base of sour orange juice, garlic, and spices. Garlic is well-known for its potential to boost the immune system and support heart health. Cumin provides a good source of iron and has antioxidant properties. While the pork is still high in fat, these marinade ingredients add flavor without adding excessive calories and offer some nutritional value. This highlights the importance of distinguishing between the components of the meal.
Customizing Your Pollo Tropical Order for Health
If you are aiming for a specific calorie or macronutrient goal, you can easily customize your order. Here are a few tips:
- Hold the Sautéed Onions: While not a huge calorie difference, holding the onions on the à la carte pork can remove some excess fat and sugar, depending on the preparation.
- Choose Lighter Sides: Instead of rice and beans, opt for a garden salad or romaine lettuce to significantly reduce your total calorie intake.
- Limit Sauces: The Garlic Mojo sauce, while delicious, adds extra calories. Use it sparingly or skip it entirely to keep the calorie count low.
- Consider Portions: The à la carte meat portion is often sufficient for a meal, but be mindful that the family-size portions will naturally have much higher totals.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
Knowing how many calories in Mojo Roast Pork at Pollo Tropical is the first step toward making a more informed dietary choice. While the entree-only portion is a relatively moderate 370 calories and packed with protein, combining it with certain sides and sauces can elevate the calorie count quickly. By being aware of the nutritional information for the entire menu, diners can customize their meal to fit their health and fitness goals. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or aiming for a complete, balanced meal, understanding the components allows you to enjoy the flavor of Pollo Tropical's food responsibly. For the most up-to-date information, it is always recommended to check the official Pollo Tropical nutritional data on their website or app.
