Nachos vs Quesadilla: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Quesadilla is higher in protein at 16.9 g compared to Nachos at 4.3 g. Nachos are lower in calories with 343 calories versus 394 calories in Quesadilla.

Nachos and Quesadilla are popular Mexican dishes that differ in ingredients and preparation. This comparison highlights their nutritional profiles, focusing on calories, protein, and other key metrics.

What Is the Difference Between Nachos and Quesadilla?

Nachos are a dish consisting of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and various other toppings. They are often served as a snack or appetizer. A Quesadilla is a tortilla filled with cheese and sometimes other ingredients, then folded and cooked until the cheese melts. It is commonly served as a main dish or snack.

Nachos vs Quesadilla: Nutrition Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the nutritional values of Nachos and Quesadilla.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Nachos with cheese	Cheese quesadilla
Calories	343 kcal	394 kcal
Protein	4.3 g	16.9 g
Carbs	34.9 g	24.3 g
Sugar	2.2 g	2.0 g
Fat	21.5 g	25.5 g
Fiber	3.2 g	2.2 g
Sodium	313 mg	677 mg

Which Is Better, Nachos or Quesadilla?

For weight loss: Nachos contain 343 calories, making them lower in calories compared to Quesadilla, which has 394 calories.

For muscle and protein: Quesadilla has significantly more protein at 16.9 g, while Nachos only provide 4.3 g.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Nachos have higher carbohydrates at 34.9 g compared to Quesadilla's 24.3 g, and their sugar content is similar, with Nachos at 2.2 g and Quesadilla at 2.0 g.

How to Track Nachos and Quesadilla Accurately

Portion sizes and macronutrient content can be easy to misjudge, affecting dietary choices. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use only, and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a professional for dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Quesadilla has more protein at 16.9 g, while Nachos have 4.3 g.

Which has fewer calories?

Nachos have fewer calories at 343, compared to Quesadilla's 394.

What is the fat content in Nachos?

Nachos contain 21.5 g of fat per 100 g.

What is the sodium content in Quesadilla?

Quesadilla has a sodium content of 677 mg per 100 g.

How much sugar is in Nachos?

Nachos contain 2.2 g of sugar per 100 g.

What is the fiber content of Quesadilla?

Quesadilla has 2.2 g of fiber per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

• Nachos have 343 calories per 100 g.
• Quesadilla has 394 calories per 100 g.
• Nachos provide 4.3 g of protein per 100 g.
• Quesadilla offers 16.9 g of protein per 100 g.
• Nachos contain 34.9 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.
• Quesadilla has 24.3 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.