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

When it comes to fast-casual dining, Qdoba and Moe's Southwest Grill are two popular choices for those craving Mexican-inspired flavors. Both chains offer a variety of customizable options, but how do they stack up in terms of calories? This comparison will explore the average calorie counts and nutritional highlights of each menu, helping you make an informed choice for your next meal.

Qdoba vs Moe's Southwest Grill: The Numbers

At a glance, Moe's Southwest Grill stands out with a lower average calorie count per item. Qdoba, while offering a broader range of items, has a higher average calorie count.

Metric	Qdoba	Moe's Southwest Grill
Menu items analyzed	71	124
Average calories per item	195 kcal	120 kcal
Lightest real meal	Pinto Beans (130 kcal)	Pinto Beans, for Nachos (120 kcal)
Highest-protein item	Spicy Chicken Nachos (48 g)	Fish, Double (40 g)
Best protein-per-calorie	10 Fire Roasted Shrimp (17.8/100cal)	Fish, Double, for Kids (28.9/100cal)
Calorie range	10-1310 kcal	1-848 kcal

Moe's Southwest Grill averages 120 calories per item across 124 menu options, while Qdoba averages 195 calories across 71 items. This significant difference makes Moe's a more appealing option for those looking to reduce calorie intake.

Average Calories by Category

Both chains feature similar menu items, but their nutritional profiles differ.

Category	Avg cal, Qdoba	Avg cal, Moe's Southwest Grill
Desserts	310 kcal	224 kcal
Soup	100 kcal	280 kcal
Appetizers & Sides	50 kcal	312 kcal
Toppings & Ingredients	117 kcal	109 kcal

For instance, the lightest real meal at both chains is Pinto Beans, but Qdoba's is 130 calories compared to Moe's 120 calories. Additionally, the highest protein items differ, with Qdoba's Spicy Chicken Nachos boasting 48g of protein, while Moe's Fish, Double provides 40g.

Lightest Options at Qdoba

Lightest at Qdoba	Calories	Protein
5 Fire Roasted Shrimp	45 kcal	8 g
Pulled Pork, Kids	80 kcal	10 g
Grilled Marinated Chicken, Kids	80 kcal	11 g
Grilled Marinated Steak, Kids	90 kcal	13 g
10 Fire Roasted Shrimp	90 kcal	16 g
Tequila Lime Chicken	100 kcal	10 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

In summary, Moe's Southwest Grill is the lighter option with an average of 120 calories per item, making it a suitable choice for calorie-conscious diners. However, Qdoba offers higher protein options, which may appeal to those looking to increase their protein intake. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your nutritional goals and preferences.

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. Qdoba averages 195 calories per item across 71 items; Moe's Southwest Grill averages 120 across 124.