The Healthiest Options at Del Taco, Ranked (2026)
The Turkey Del Taco is the healthiest choice with 270 calories and 18 grams of protein, offering great protein efficiency.
Eating healthy at Del Taco is easier than you might think. With a variety of options that balance flavor and nutrition, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising your health goals. Whether you are looking for a quick snack or a filling meal, Del Taco has choices that cater to your dietary needs.
The Healthiest Options at Del Taco, Ranked by Protein Efficiency
In this article, we will rank the healthiest options based on protein efficiency per calorie. This metric helps to identify meals that provide the most protein for the least amount of calories.
| Rank | Menu Item | Calories | Protein | Protein/100cal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milk, 2% | 130 kcal | 10 g | 7.7 g |
| 2 | The Turkey Del Taco, Soft | 270 kcal | 18 g | 6.7 g |
| 3 | Salsa Chicken Taco | 150 kcal | 10 g | 6.7 g |
| 4 | Freshly Made Bean & Cheese Cup | 320 kcal | 20 g | 6.3 g |
| 5 | Breakfast Taco w/ Carne Asada Steak | 240 kcal | 15 g | 6.3 g |
| 6 | Chicken Cheddar Quesadilla | 550 kcal | 34 g | 6.2 g |
| 7 | Chicken Spicy Jack Quesadilla | 550 kcal | 34 g | 6.2 g |
| 8 | Mexican Chopped Chicken Salad | 510 kcal | 31 g | 6.1 g |
| 9 | Street Tacos, Carne Asada | 180 kcal | 11 g | 6.1 g |
| 10 | The Turkey Del Taco, Crunchy | 280 kcal | 17 g | 6.1 g |
| 11 | The Del Taco, Soft | 300 kcal | 18 g | 6 g |
| 12 | Street Tacos, Chicken | 170 kcal | 10 g | 5.9 g |
| 13 | Grilled Chicken Taco | 210 kcal | 12 g | 5.7 g |
| 14 | Epic Carne Asada Burrito | 750 kcal | 42 g | 5.6 g |
| 15 | Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito | 500 kcal | 28 g | 5.6 g |
The rankings reveal that some of the best choices are not only low in calories but also packed with protein. This makes them ideal for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying fast food.
Best Filling Meals Under 500 Calories at Del Taco
For those seeking filling high-protein meals under 500 calories, options like the Turkey Del Taco and Salsa Chicken Taco are excellent picks. These meals deliver a satisfying amount of protein without exceeding calorie limits.
| Menu Item | Calories | Protein | Protein/100cal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito | 500 kcal | 28 g | 5.6 g |
| Del Beef Burrito | 500 kcal | 27 g | 5.4 g |
| Queso Bean Burrito | 480 kcal | 23 g | 4.8 g |
| Spicy Jack Quesadilla | 460 kcal | 23 g | 5 g |
| Cheddar Quesadilla | 460 kcal | 22 g | 4.8 g |
| 1/2 lb Bean & Cheese Burrito w/ Red Sauce | 470 kcal | 21 g | 4.5 g |
| 1/2 lb Bean & Cheese Burrito w/ Green Sauce | 450 kcal | 21 g | 4.7 g |
| Egg & Cheese Burrito | 430 kcal | 20 g | 4.7 g |
| Freshly Made Bean & Cheese Cup | 320 kcal | 20 g | 6.3 g |
| Queso Crunch Taco | 400 kcal | 20 g | 5 g |
| The Del Taco, Soft | 300 kcal | 18 g | 6 g |
| The Turkey Del Taco, Soft | 270 kcal | 18 g | 6.7 g |
With 18 grams of protein for only 270 calories, the Turkey Del Taco stands out as a top choice. Similarly, the Salsa Chicken Taco offers a great protein-to-calorie ratio at just 150 calories.
Lightest Picks Under 250 Calories
| Menu Item | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 2% | 130 kcal | 10 g |
| Quesadilla, Kids | 130 kcal | 5 g |
| Value Taco | 130 kcal | 6 g |
| Mini Cheddar Quesadilla | 130 kcal | 5 g |
| Salsa Chicken Taco | 150 kcal | 10 g |
| Value Taco, Soft | 150 kcal | 7 g |
| Street Tacos, Chicken | 170 kcal | 10 g |
| Mini Bacon Quesadilla | 170 kcal | 8 g |
| Street Tacos, Carne Asada | 180 kcal | 11 g |
| Egg & Cheese Breakfast Taco | 190 kcal | 9 g |
| Grilled Chicken Taco | 210 kcal | 12 g |
| Vanilla Mini Shake | 220 kcal | 7 g |
If you're looking for lighter picks, the Street Tacos and Grilled Chicken Taco provide delicious flavors with fewer calories. These options are perfect for a quick bite without the guilt.
Del Taco vs. Other Chains: Healthiest Pick
When comparing Del Taco to other fast-food chains, it stands out for its variety of healthy options.
| Chain | Best Protein-Per-Calorie Pick | Calories | Protein | Per 100cal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Del Taco | Milk, 2% | 130 kcal | 10 g | 7.7 g |
| McDonald's | Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 380 kcal | 37 g | 9.7 g |
| Wendy's | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 360 kcal | 35 g | 9.7 g |
| Chick-fil-A | 6 Grilled Nuggets Kids Meal | 110 kcal | 13 g | 11.8 g |
Many other chains offer limited healthy choices, often loaded with calories and low in protein. Del Taco's commitment to providing nutritious meals allows you to enjoy fast food while staying on track with your health goals.
How to Track Del Taco in Nutrola
Eating well at Del Taco comes down to picking high-protein, moderate-calorie items and actually logging them. "A grilled something and a side" can hide 200 to 400 calories you did not plan for. Nutrola's verified restaurant database includes Del Taco with accurate calories and macros, so you are not relying on crowd-sourced numbers that can be off by 10 to 20 percent. Log your order before you eat to see exactly how it fits your day. The app uses AI photo recognition and voice logging, tracks 100+ nutrients, covers 100+ chains, and works in 15 languages with a 4.9 rating. After a free trial it is just 2.50 euros per month with no ads.
Del Taco Healthy Order Quick Reference
| Goal | Best Order | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best protein efficiency | Milk, 2% | 130 kcal | 10 g |
| Best filling meal under 500 cal | Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito | 500 kcal | 28 g |
| Lightest option | Milk, 2% | 130 kcal | 10 g |
How We Define "Healthiest"
This ranking defines "healthiest" as the best protein-per-calorie efficiency among substantial menu items (60 calories or more), using verified calorie and macro data. Protein density and calorie control are the two levers most useful for satiety and weight management. It does not score sodium, fiber, or additives, which are not part of this dataset, so pair it with your own dietary priorities.
The Bottom Line
In summary, Del Taco offers a range of healthy options that are both satisfying and nutritious. The Turkey Del Taco, with its impressive protein efficiency, is a standout choice. By making informed decisions, you can indulge in delicious meals without compromising your health. For more personalized nutrition guidance, consider trying Nutrola's free trial.
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