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.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

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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