Let’s face it – we’ve all had those days when only Taco Bell can satisfy our cravings And when it comes to their menu, the Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme with Grilled Chicken is definitely one of those items that catches your eye. But if you’re watching your calories (like I am most days.. well, some days), you might be wondering exactly what you’re getting yourself into when you order this colorful creation.
I’ve done the research so you don’t have to! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the calories and nutrition facts of this popular Taco Bell item
The Basic Calorie Count: What You’re Really Getting
According to multiple reliable sources, the Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme with Grilled Chicken contains 170 calories per taco. This is actually lower than the regular Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme (with seasoned beef), which comes in at 190 calories.
That 20-calorie difference might not seem like much, but it adds up if you’re ordering multiple tacos! Plus, the grilled chicken version gives you more protein with fewer calories – a win-win for those of us trying to make slightly better choices while still enjoying our Taco Bell fix.
Macronutrient Breakdown
Let’s break down what’s actually in those 170 calories
Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Total Fat | 8g | 12% |
Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
Trans Fat | 0g | – |
Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
Sodium | 380mg | 16% |
Total Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
Dietary Fiber | 2g | 8% |
Sugars | 2g | – |
Protein | 12g | 24%** |
*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
**Daily Value for protein not established on most food labels, but estimated
The regular beef version, for comparison, contains:
- 11g of fat (vs. 8g in chicken)
- 15g of carbs (vs. 13g in chicken)
- 8g of protein (vs. 12g in chicken)
So basically, by choosing the grilled chicken version, your getting more protein and less fat for fewer calories. Not too shabby!
What’s Actually In This Taco?
The Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme with Grilled Chicken includes:
- The iconic Doritos Locos Nacho Cheese shell
- Grilled chicken
- Reduced-fat sour cream
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Cheddar cheese
The regular version uses seasoned beef instead of grilled chicken, which accounts for the differences in nutrition.
How Long Will It Take To Burn Those Calories?
According to CalorieKing, to burn off the 170 calories in a Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme with Grilled Chicken, you’d need to do one of the following:
- Swimming: 14 minutes
- Jogging: 20 minutes
- Cycling: 26 minutes
- Walking: 47 minutes
(These calculations are based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs.)
How Does It Compare To Other Taco Bell Items?
If you’re trying to decide what to order, here’s how this taco stacks up against some other popular Taco Bell items:
- Regular Crunchy Taco: ~170 calories
- Soft Taco: ~180 calories
- Crunchwrap Supreme: ~530 calories
- Bean Burrito: ~350 calories
So the Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme with Grilled Chicken is actually one of the lower-calorie options on the menu, especially when compared to burritos and Crunchwraps!
Is It Actually Healthy?
Let’s be real – “healthy” and “fast food” don’t usually go hand in hand. But as far as fast food choices go, this isn’t the worst option out there.
The positives:
- Good amount of protein (12g)
- Relatively low in calories
- Contains some vegetables (lettuce and tomatoes)
- Lower in fat than the beef version
The negatives:
- Still pretty high in sodium (380mg)
- Contains processed ingredients
- The Doritos shell adds artificial colors and flavors
According to the customer ratings on FastFoodNutrition.org, about 62% of voters consider the regular Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme (with beef) to be healthy. Take that with a grain of salt, though – these are fast food enthusiasts voting, not nutritionists!
Allergen Information
If you have food allergies or sensitivities, here’s what you need to know:
The Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme contains:
- Milk
- MSG
- Soy
It does NOT contain:
- Egg
- Fish
- Gluten
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
But remember, Taco Bell (like most fast food restaurants) prepares food on shared equipment, so cross-contamination is always possible.
My Personal Experience
I gotta say, I’ve ordered this taco more than a few times when I’m trying to make a “better” choice at Taco Bell. The Doritos shell gives it that extra crunch and flavor that makes it feel like a treat, even though it’s actually one of the lower-calorie options on the menu.
The grilled chicken version is my go-to because I feel like I’m getting more protein for my calorie buck. Plus, it just sits a little lighter in my stomach than the beef version.
Is it gonna win any nutrition awards? Nah. But when you’re on a road trip or having one of those days where only Taco Bell will do, it’s not a bad choice.
How To Make It Even Healthier
If you wanna customize your order to make it even healthier, here are some tips:
- Ask for “fresco style” – this replaces the cheese and sour cream with pico de gallo, cutting calories and fat
- Request extra lettuce and tomatoes for more veggies
- Skip the cheese to save on fat and calories
- Order it without the sour cream
Just be aware that these customizations will change the calorie count and nutritional info.
The Bottom Line
At 170 calories, the Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme with Grilled Chicken is actually one of the more reasonable fast food options out there. It’s got a decent amount of protein, isn’t too carb-heavy, and satisfies that Taco Bell craving without completely derailing your nutrition goals.
If you’re counting calories or trying to make better fast food choices, this could be a decent option. Just don’t fool yourself into thinking it’s health food – it’s still fast food with processed ingredients, sodium, and those bright Doritos colors that probably aren’t found in nature!
FAQ About Taco Bell’s Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme with Grilled Chicken
How many Weight Watchers points is the Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme?
The beef version has 6 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points, 6 WW SmartPoints, and 5 WW PointsPlus. The chicken version likely has slightly fewer points, but exact numbers aren’t provided.
Is the Doritos shell gluten-free?
According to allergen information, the Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco shell does not contain gluten or wheat.
How does the calorie count compare between the chicken and beef versions?
The chicken version has 170 calories, while the beef version has 190 calories.
Is this a limited-time item or a regular menu item?
The Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme is a regular menu item, and the grilled chicken option is typically available as a protein substitution.
Can I order this item in a combo meal?
Yes, Taco Bell typically offers this as part of various combo meals, though the exact combinations may vary by location.
So next time you’re hitting the Taco Bell drive-thru and trying to make a somewhat sensible choice, the Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme with Grilled Chicken might just be your best bet. At 170 calories with 12g of protein, it’s definitely one of the better options for satisfying that Taco Bell craving without completely blowing your calorie budget for the day.
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