How Many Carbs Are in a Del Taco Tostada? The Official Count
For those monitoring their carb intake, knowing the nutritional content of fast food is important. The Del Taco Crunchtada Tostada contains a specific amount of carbohydrates. A single Crunchtada Tostada has a total carbohydrate count of 44 grams, according to Del Taco's September 2025 nutritional list. This number includes all carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
Total vs. Net Carbs: What's the Difference?
It's important to distinguish between total and net carbs. Net carbs are the carbs the body digests and converts into glucose. Dietary fiber passes through the body undigested. To calculate net carbs, subtract dietary fiber from total carbs. The Del Taco Crunchtada Tostada has 9 grams of dietary fiber.
Calculation:
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 9g
- Net Carbs: 44g - 9g = 35g
The Crunchtada Tostada has 35 grams of net carbs, which may be too high for strict low-carb or ketogenic diets.
Carb Breakdown: Del Taco Tostada Ingredients
Understanding the components of the Crunchtada Tostada provides insight into its carbohydrate content.
- The Corn Shell: The base is a crunchy corn shell made primarily from corn masa flour. Corn is high in carbohydrates, and the frying process adds to the carb and calorie density.
- Slow-Cooked Beans: Del Taco uses slow-cooked pinto beans. Beans contain carbohydrates and protein and are a significant source of dietary fiber, which lowers the net carb count.
- Sauce and Toppings: The tostada includes Salsa Casera, lettuce, and cheese. While the lettuce and cheese have minimal carbs, the salsa may contain some sugar. The corn shell and pinto beans contribute the most carbs.
Crunchtada Tostada vs. Other Del Taco Items: A Comparison
Comparing the Crunchtada Tostada with other Del Taco menu items helps in making dietary choices. All figures are based on Del Taco's September 2025 nutritional guide.
| Menu Item | Total Carbs (g) | Dietary Fiber (g) | Net Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Calories (kcal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchtada® Tostada | 44 | 9 | 35 | 13 | 350 |
| Crunchy Snack Taco | 8 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 120 |
| Grilled Chicken Street Taco | 13 | 0 | 13 | 9 | 110 |
| The Del Taco (Crunchy) | 14 | 2 | 12 | 16 | 300 |
| Bean & Cheese Burrito (Green) | 80 | 15 | 65 | 24 | 500 |
The tostada has more carbs than simpler taco options like the Crunchy Snack Taco or Grilled Chicken Street Taco. This is due to the larger shell and beans. The Bean & Cheese Burrito has a higher total carb count.
How to Customize Your Del Taco Tostada for Fewer Carbs
To lower carb intake while still enjoying the Crunchtada Tostada, consider these modifications:
- No Beans: Remove the pinto beans to reduce carbs. This will lower the carbs in the item.
- Bowl Style: Ask for the toppings in a bowl instead of on the shell. This eliminates the shell's carbs.
- Extra Lettuce: Request extra lettuce to add bulk without adding significant carbs.
- Control Sauce: The Salsa Casera adds some sugar; ask for less or none.
For low-carb diets, order a grilled chicken or carne asada bowl and add low-carb vegetables, avoiding the shell and beans. Refer to Del Taco's nutrition guide for other low-carb options.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices at Del Taco
The Del Taco Crunchtada Tostada is a tasty option, but it is not a low-carb choice, containing 44 grams of total carbs per serving. Most carbs come from the corn shell and beans. Those on low-carb or keto plans should modify their order or choose a different item. Understanding the carb content helps in making choices that align with health goals. Always check the source for the most accurate data.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information may vary based on preparation. Consult the official source for the latest data.
