Taco Bell vs Del Taco: Calorie Comparison (2026)

When it comes to fast food, Taco Bell and Del Taco offer a variety of options that appeal to different tastes. However, a closer look at their calorie counts reveals significant differences. Taco Bell averages 296 calories per item across 262 offerings, while Del Taco's average is considerably higher at 510 calories across 113 items. This comparison will help you make informed choices based on your dietary preferences.

Taco Bell vs Del Taco: The Numbers

At a glance, Taco Bell has a lower average calorie count than Del Taco. This could be a deciding factor for those watching their intake.

Metric	Taco Bell	Del Taco
Menu items analyzed	262	113
Average calories per item	296 kcal	510 kcal
Lightest real meal	Fresco Soft Taco w/ Steak (140 kcal)	Milk, 2% (130 kcal)
Highest-protein item	XXL Grilled Stuft Burrito w/ Chicken (38 g)	Carne Asada Wet Burrito Plato (55 g)
Best protein-per-calorie	Lowfat Milk, CA (9/100cal)	Milk, 2% (7.7/100cal)
Calorie range	5-940 kcal	35-2400 kcal

Taco Bell's lightest real meal, the Fresco Soft Taco with Steak, contains only 140 calories. In contrast, Del Taco's lightest real meal is Milk, 2% at 130 calories, showing that both chains offer lighter options, but Taco Bell generally maintains a lower average.

Average Calories by Category

Examining the protein content reveals further distinctions.

Category	Avg cal, Taco Bell	Avg cal, Del Taco
Salads	698 kcal	550 kcal
Entrees	436 kcal	670 kcal
Appetizers & Sides	364 kcal	710 kcal
Sandwiches	383 kcal	460 kcal
Fried Potatoes	368 kcal	407 kcal
Beverages	206 kcal	387 kcal
Baked Goods	370 kcal	180 kcal

Taco Bell's highest protein item is the XXL Grilled Stuft Burrito with Chicken, boasting 38 grams of protein. Meanwhile, Del Taco's highest protein offering is the Carne Asada Wet Burrito Plato with 55 grams, indicating that Del Taco may appeal more to protein-focused diners despite its higher calorie average.

Lightest Options at Taco Bell

Lightest at Taco Bell	Calories	Protein
Lowfat Milk, CA	100 kcal	9 g
Fresco Soft Taco w/ Steak	140 kcal	10 g
Fresco Soft Taco w/ Shredded Chicken	150 kcal	9 g
Fresco Soft Taco w/ Beef	160 kcal	8 g
Soft Taco w/ Chicken	170 kcal	10 g
Crunchy Taco	170 kcal	8 g

Lightest Options at Del Taco

Lightest at Del Taco	Calories	Protein
Milk, 2%	130 kcal	10 g
Salsa Chicken Taco	150 kcal	10 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

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The Verdict

In summary, Taco Bell is the lighter option with an average of 296 calories per item, making it a better choice for those looking to reduce calorie intake. However, if protein content is a priority, Del Taco offers higher protein items, which may be more appealing to those focused on muscle-building or satiety. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize lower calories or higher protein in your fast food selections.

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. Taco Bell averages 296 calories per item across 262 items; Del Taco averages 510 across 113.