Navigating the Del Taco Menu for Low-Carb Options
Eating fast food while following a low-carb diet can be challenging, but it is achievable with some simple adjustments. The key to maintaining a low-carb intake at Del Taco is to focus on the protein and vegetable fillings while avoiding the high-carb starches like tortillas, chips, and rice. This involves thinking of your meals as bowls or salads rather than traditional tacos or burritos. By understanding the core components of the Del Taco menu, you can build a satisfying and flavorful meal that aligns with your dietary needs.
The 'Taco Cup' Secret Menu Hack
One of the most effective low-carb strategies is to use the "Burrito or Taco Cup" secret menu hack. This involves ordering any standard menu item, such as a Del Taco or a burrito, and asking for it to be served in a cup or bowl without the tortilla. This immediately eliminates a significant source of carbohydrates and allows you to enjoy the delicious fillings. You can then add low-carb extras like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa to build a complete meal. For example, order a Grilled Chicken Taco without the shell, and ask for it in a bowl with extra lettuce. This provides a customizable base for a filling and low-carb meal.
Customizing Salads for a Low-Carb Meal
Del Taco's salads offer another solid low-carb foundation, as long as you make a few modifications. The Signature Taco Salad is a great example. While the standard version comes with tortilla chips, you can ask for it without them to save on carbs. You can choose a protein like carne asada or grilled chicken to load up on protein, then top it with fresh guacamole, cheese, and salsa. This approach provides the flavors of a taco salad without the added carbohydrates from the fried shell or tortilla strips.
Ordering for Breakfast and Beyond
Breakfast at Del Taco can also be low-carb friendly. Instead of a breakfast burrito, consider ordering the ingredients in a bowl. For instance, an Egg & Cheese Breakfast Roller, ordered without the tortilla and with additional toppings like bacon or salsa, can make for a great low-carb start to your day. It is important to specify that you want it served as a scramble in a bowl to the cashier. For other meal times, the Grilled Chicken Street Taco and the Carne Asada Steak Street Taco are naturally lower in carbs compared to many other options, as long as you omit the tortilla.
Comparison of Low-Carb Del Taco Options
| Item | Standard Preparation Carbs | Low-Carb Hack | Estimated Carbs (Modified) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchy Snack Taco | 8g | No modifications needed. | 8g |
| Grilled Chicken Taco | 15g | Ordered as a bowl with no tortilla. | ~5g |
| Carne Asada Street Taco | 14g | Ordered as a bowl with no tortilla. | ~4g |
| Del Classic Chicken Burrito | High (due to tortilla) | Ordered as a bowl with no tortilla and no rice. | Low |
| Signature Taco Salad | High (due to tortilla chips) | No tortilla chips, use protein like grilled chicken. | Low |
Ingredients to Minimize or Avoid
To effectively eat low-carb, it's crucial to know which ingredients to avoid. The most obvious culprits are the tortillas and chips. But you should also be mindful of other items that can add hidden carbs:
- Rice and Beans: These are often high in carbohydrates. While beans do offer fiber, they will increase your overall carb count. To keep it low-carb, you should skip the rice and minimize the beans.
- Creamy Sauces: Be cautious with certain sauces, as some can contain hidden sugars and starches. Simple salsas, guacamole, and sour cream are generally safer choices. Always check the latest nutritional information on the official Del Taco website if you are unsure.
- Crispy/Breaded Items: The crispy chicken options are breaded, which significantly increases their carbohydrate content. Stick to grilled protein options instead.
By being diligent about customization and understanding the basic carb content of the ingredients, you can confidently enjoy a tasty, low-carb meal at Del Taco. The key is to prioritize protein and fresh vegetables while eliminating starchy fillers.
Conclusion
Eating low carb at Del Taco is a straightforward process when you know what to order and what to avoid. By opting for "taco cups" or customized salads, you can enjoy flavorful meals without the high-carb foundations of tortillas, rice, and chips. Simple swaps like choosing grilled proteins over breaded ones and sticking to simple toppings like cheese, guacamole, and salsa will help you stay on track. Del Taco's menu is more accommodating than it appears for those following a low-carb diet, proving that fast food doesn't always have to be a diet-breaker. With a little creativity, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that fits your lifestyle. For more specific ingredient details, you can always consult the official Del Taco nutrition page.
