The Golden Rule of Ordering: Ditch the Carbs
Fast food Mexican items are often built on high-carb foundations like flour tortillas, corn shells, rice, and beans. To make your Del Taco order low-carb, the first and most critical step is to eliminate these core carb sources. This means ordering a 'burrito bowl' instead of a wrapped burrito or asking for a 'taco cup'. Similarly, opt for a taco salad but request no chips or a taco shell. This simple principle opens up a wide array of possibilities for a satisfying meal that aligns with your dietary needs.
Building a Custom Low-Carb Bowl
The most flexible and reliable way to ensure a low-carb meal at Del Taco is to build your own bowl. Simply order any burrito or taco and specify "no tortilla, in a bowl". You can then customize the contents to your liking.
Protein Power
Protein is the star of a low-carb meal, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. Del Taco offers several great, un-breaded options:
- Grilled Chicken: A reliable and lean protein choice.
- Carne Asada Steak: Flavorful grilled steak with minimal carbs.
- Seasoned Beef: Their classic ground beef can be included in moderation, but check the nutrition for exact carb counts.
Load Up on Healthy Fats and Veggies
Once you have your protein, load up on the fillings that provide flavor and healthy fats without the carbs:
- Cheese: Add shredded cheddar or queso for extra richness.
- Guacamole: A fantastic source of healthy fats and flavor, typically low in carbs.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy creaminess with minimal carbs.
- Pico de Gallo/Salsa: Provides fresh flavor, but use standard tomato-based salsa sparingly as carbs can add up.
- Lettuce: A base of shredded lettuce is a great way to add volume and crunch.
- Jalapeños: Add a spicy kick with no carbs.
Low-Carb Del Taco Menu Hacks
The Low-Carb Taco Salad
Del Taco offers a standard Taco Salad, but it comes with high-carb elements. To make it low-carb, order the Taco Salad and request "no shell, no chips." What you'll get is a hearty bowl of seasoned beef (or your choice of protein), lettuce, cheese, and salsa. Add guacamole and sour cream to enhance the flavor and fat content.
Breakfast Burritos, Deconstructed
If you're visiting Del Taco during breakfast hours, you have several low-carb options. Order the Egg & Cheese Breakfast Burrito or the Bacon Breakfast Burrito but ask for it without the tortilla and hash brown sticks. You will receive a scramble of eggs, bacon, and cheese that can be enjoyed with salsa or sour cream.
The "Secret Menu" Taco/Burrito Cup
For those in the know, you can simply ask for the fillings of any regular menu burrito or taco to be served in a cup. This bypasses the carb-heavy tortilla and gives you a delicious, high-protein meal on the go. This is an especially popular hack for ordering a low-carb version of the Classic Grilled Chicken Burrito.
Comparison: Standard vs. Low-Carb Orders
Here's a side-by-side look at a typical Del Taco order versus its low-carb customized alternative.
| Item | Standard Order (High Carb) | Low-Carb Customization |
|---|---|---|
| Burrito | Epic Loaded Queso Burrito with Carne Asada (Burrito, rice, beans, creamy sauces) | Del Classic Chicken Burrito, in a bowl, no tortilla (Grilled chicken, cheese, sour cream, salsa) |
| Salad | Taco Salad with Fresh Guac (Large shell, chips) | Taco Salad with Fresh Guac, no shell, no chips (Lettuce, beef, cheese, guac) |
| Breakfast | Bacon Breakfast Burrito Meal (Tortilla, bacon, eggs, hash browns) | Bacon Breakfast Burrito, no tortilla, no hash browns (Eggs, bacon, cheese, salsa) |
| Taco | Crispy Chicken & Guac Stuffed Quesadilla Taco (Fried chicken, cheesy tortilla shell) | Two Carne Asada Steak Street Tacos, no tortillas (Steak, cilantro, onion, salsa) |
Navigating the Condiments and Sauces
Be mindful of the sauce you choose, as some can contain hidden sugars and carbs. Stick to the basics that are generally safe for low-carb diets.
- Safe Bets: Sour cream, guacamole, and plain salsa. Check the ingredients for added sugars if you are very strict.
- Avoid: Sweet and creamy sauces or any sauces that are not explicitly a simple salsa. These are more likely to contain added sugars or thickeners.
Conclusion: Enjoying Del Taco on Your Low-Carb Diet
Following a low-carb or keto diet doesn't mean you have to skip out on fast-food favorites like Del Taco. The secret lies in customization: removing the high-carb starches like tortillas and rice and focusing on the delicious, flavorful fillings. By building a custom bowl or modifying a salad, you can easily create a satisfying, low-carb meal that keeps you on track. Just remember the golden rule: hold the bread, rice, and beans, and load up on the protein and veggies. For more in-depth nutritional information, always consult the restaurant's official website. This proactive approach ensures you can enjoy Del Taco while staying true to your dietary goals.
Authoritative Outbound Link
For the latest nutritional information directly from the source, you can visit the official Del Taco nutrition page.
