The Complete Guide to 7-Eleven Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito Calories (Everything You Need to Know!)

Are you a fan of 7-Eleven’s convenient hot food options? If you’ve ever grabbed a Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito during a quick stop, you might be wondering about the nutritional impact of this tasty treat. I’ve done all 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 grab-and-go snack.

What Exactly Is a 7-Eleven Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito?

Before we jump into the calories, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. The Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito from 7-Eleven is a rolled crispy tortilla filled with seasoned chicken and melty Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a hot food item that’s ready to eat and perfect when you’re on the go or need something quick to satisfy your hunger.

Calorie Count: The Bottom Line

According to the most recent nutritional information, a single 7-Eleven Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito contains 280 calories. This is for one taquito, which weighs approximately 3 ounces

Let’s put this in perspective

• That’s about 14% of a 2,000-calorie daily diet
• It’s equivalent to a small sandwich
• Less than many fast food burgers
• More than a plain bagel

Nutritional Breakdown of the Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito

The 280 calories in this taquito don’t tell the whole story. Here’s a complete breakdown of what you’re getting

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

The calorie source breakdown is also interesting:

• 46% of calories come from fat
• 44% of calories come from carbohydrates
• The remaining 10% comes from protein

Is the 7-Eleven Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito Healthy?

Well, that’s kinda subjective, but let’s look at the facts. According to consumer polls, only about 20% of people consider this taquito to be a healthy option. The high sodium content (33% of your daily value!) is probly the biggest concern here.

However, it does offer some nutritional benefits:

• Contains 7g of protein
• Provides 3g of dietary fiber
• Only 1g of sugar
• Contains vitamin A (120% of daily value according to one source)

How Long Would It Take to Burn Off These Calories?

If you’re curious about how much exercise it would take to burn off a taquito, here’s what the data shows:

• Swimming: About 23 minutes
• Running/Jogging: 25-32 minutes
• Cycling: 43 minutes
• Walking: 40-78 minutes

These estimates are based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs, so your actual numbers might vary depending on your body composition and activity intensity.

Weight Watchers Points

For those of you watching your points on Weight Watchers, here’s what you need to know:

• 9 WW SmartPoints
• 7 WW PointsPlus
• 7 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points

How Does It Compare to Other Fast Food Options?

I thought it would be helpful to see how this taquito stacks up against other common fast food items:

As you can see, the taquito is middle-of-the-road for calories, but significantly higher in sodium than many comparable items.

Customer Reviews and Taste Factor

While nutritional value is important, taste matters too! According to polls, a whopping 91% of customers think the Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito tastes good. That’s pretty impressive for a convenience store food item!

When Might a 7-Eleven Taquito Make Sense?

I think these taquitos can fit into certain situations in your life:

1. Quick lunch on the go: When you don’t have time for a sit-down meal
2. Late night snack: When options are limited
3. Road trip food: Convenient and less messy than many alternatives
4. Occasional treat: When you’re craving something warm and cheesy

Balancing Your Meal with a Taquito

If you do decide to enjoy a Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito, here are some tips to balance your meal:

• Add fresh produce: Grab some cut veggies or a piece of fruit
• Stay hydrated: Choose water instead of a sugary drink
• Watch your portions: One taquito might be enough when paired with healthier sides
• Balance your day: If you know you’ll be having a taquito for lunch, plan lighter meals for breakfast and dinner

The Sodium Situation

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – sodium. At 780mg per taquito, you’re getting 33% of your recommended daily intake in one small item. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300mg per day, with an ideal limit of 1,500mg for most adults.

High sodium intake is associated with:

• Increased blood pressure
• Greater risk of heart disease
• Water retention
• Kidney issues

This doesn’t mean you can’t ever enjoy a taquito, but be mindful of your overall sodium intake that day.

Making Better Choices at 7-Eleven

If you’re trying to make healthier choices but still want the convenience of 7-Eleven, consider:

• Fresh fruit cups
• Protein packs with nuts and cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Yogurt cups
• Vegetable snack packs

DIY Alternatives

If you love the taste of chicken and cheese taquitos but want a healthier version, why not try making your own at home? You can:

• Use whole grain tortillas
• Add more vegetables
• Control the sodium content
• Bake instead of frying

The Occasional Indulgence Perspective

We all need treats sometimes! If taquitos are your thing, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying them occasionally. Nutrition experts often recommend the 80/20 approach – eating nutritious foods 80% of the time and leaving 20% for treats and indulgences.

Wrapping It Up (Pun Intended!)

So there you have it – everything you need to know about the calories and nutrition in a 7-Eleven Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito. At 280 calories with 14g of fat and 780mg of sodium, it’s definitely not the healthiest option out there, but it can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed occasionally.

The biggest concerns are the relatively high fat and sodium content, but the protein and fiber do provide some nutritional value. As with most convenience foods, moderation is key!

FAQ About 7-Eleven Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito

Q: How many calories are in a 7-Eleven Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito?
A: Each taquito contains 280 calories.

Q: Are 7-Eleven taquitos a healthy option?
A: With high sodium and moderate fat content, they’re not considered a health food. Only about 20% of consumers rate them as healthy.

Q: What’s the sodium content of a Monterey Jack & Chicken Taquito?
A: Each taquito contains 780mg of sodium, which is 33% of the recommended daily value.

Q: How much protein is in a 7-Eleven chicken taquito?
A: Each taquito provides 7g of protein.

Q: Can I eat 7-Eleven taquitos on a diet?
A: While not ideal for weight loss, they can fit into calorie-controlled diets if accounted for. On Weight Watchers, they count as 9 SmartPoints or 7 Freestyle Points.

Q: How long do I need to exercise to burn off a taquito?
A: Depending on your body and the activity, it takes roughly 25-30 minutes of jogging, 40-78 minutes of walking, or 23 minutes of swimming.

Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to making food choices that align with your health goals and lifestyle. Now you can enjoy (or avoid) that taquito with full awareness of what you’re consuming!