Chipotle vs Moe's Southwest Grill: Calorie Comparison (2026)

In the battle of fast-casual Mexican dining, Chipotle and Moe's Southwest Grill stand out as popular choices. Both chains offer a variety of customizable meals that cater to different dietary needs. However, when it comes to calorie counts, there is a notable difference between the two. This article will explore the calorie averages and meal options to help you make an informed choice.

Chipotle vs Moe's Southwest Grill: The Numbers

At a glance, Chipotle averages 199 calories per item across 63 menu options. In comparison, Moe's Southwest Grill averages a lighter 120 calories per item across 124 items.

Metric	Chipotle	Moe's Southwest Grill
Menu items analyzed	63	124
Average calories per item	199 kcal	120 kcal
Lightest real meal	Black Beans (130 kcal)	Pinto Beans, for Nachos (120 kcal)
Highest-protein item	Large Chips & Large Queso (36 g)	Fish, Double (40 g)
Best protein-per-calorie	Steak, for Kids Build Your Own (28.6/100cal)	Fish, Double, for Kids (28.9/100cal)
Calorie range	5-1270 kcal	1-848 kcal

Chipotle's calorie range spans from 5 to 1270 calories, while Moe's offers a more modest range from 1 to 848 calories. This indicates that Moe's may provide more options for those looking for lighter meals.

Average Calories by Category

Examining the lightest real meals from both chains reveals interesting insights.

Category	Avg cal, Chipotle	Avg cal, Moe's Southwest Grill
Appetizers & Sides	501 kcal	312 kcal
Toppings & Ingredients	113 kcal	109 kcal

Chipotle's lightest real meal, Black Beans, contains 130 calories. Meanwhile, Moe's lightest real meal, Pinto Beans for Nachos, is at 120 calories, showcasing Moe's advantage in this category.

Lightest Options at Chipotle

Lightest at Chipotle	Calories	Protein
Steak, for Kids Build Your Own	70 kcal	20 g
Barbacoa, for Kids Build Your Own	80 kcal	12 g
Chicken, for Kids Build Your Own	90 kcal	15 g
Carnitas, for Kids Build Your Own	110 kcal	12 g
Black Beans	130 kcal	8 g
Pinto Beans	130 kcal	8 g

Lightest Options at Moe's Southwest Grill

Lightest at Moe's Southwest Grill	Calories	Protein
Fish, Regular, for Kids	38 kcal	11 g
Grilled Steak, Regular, for Kids	46 kcal	8 g
Fish, Regular, Tacos	55 kcal	11 g
Adobo Chicken, Regular, for Kids	56 kcal	8 g
Grilled Steak, Regular, Tacos	71 kcal	12 g
Pork Carnitas, Regular, Tacos	71 kcal	10 g

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The Verdict

Overall, Moe's Southwest Grill emerges as the lighter option with an average of 120 calories per item, appealing to those who prioritize lower calorie meals. However, Chipotle offers higher protein options, like their Large Chips & Large Queso with 36g of protein, which may attract those seeking more substantial meals. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual dietary preferences and nutritional goals.

Methodology

Both chains are compared using verified calorie and macro data from published menu information. Averages cover all analyzed items and are a rough guide, not a claim that one chain is universally healthier, since your order and toppings drive the real number. Chipotle averages 199 calories per item across 63 items; Moe's Southwest Grill averages 120 across 124.