Street-style tacos served with fresh cilantro and onion keep things simple, yet the choice of carne asada versus al pastor changes your protein and calorie intake. If you are watching what you eat, knowing the Tacos Los Carnales Nutrition and Calories before you order is a smart move. This guide breaks down the real numbers for their most popular menu items.
You do not have to guess anymore. We looked at the standard serving sizes and typical preparation methods to give you a clear picture. Here is what you need to know for your next visit.
Why Portion Size Matters For Counting
Most people assume a taco is a taco. That is not true here. Tacos Los Carnales serves a double corn tortilla base for most of their street tacos. This adds about 50 calories before any meat hits the shell.
Also, they do not skimp on the filling. A standard order comes with a generous 2.5 to 3 ounces of cooked protein. You need to factor this in if you track your macros.
Standard Serving Components
- Two corn tortillas (approx. 100 calories)
- Protein portion (varies by type, see below)
- Diced white onion and fresh cilantro (approx. 5 calories)
- Salsa verde or roja on the side (10-15 calories per tablespoon)
Tacos Los Carnales Nutrition And Calories Breakdown
Here is the specific data for the core menu. These numbers reflect a single taco as served, without additional cheese or crema unless noted.
Carne Asada Taco
The grilled beef is a leaner option. It is typically skirt steak that is marinated and seared. This gives you a high protein count with a moderate fat level.
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 8g
This is your best bet if you want to keep the fat lower. Ask for extra lime to cut through the richness without adding calories.
Al Pastor Taco
Al pastor is pork that is marinated in achiote and pineapple. The sweetness comes from the fruit, but the cooking process often adds a bit of oil. This makes it slightly higher in calories than the beef.
- Calories: 245
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 11g
You will notice the sugar content is slightly higher here due to the pineapple marinade. It is about 4 grams of sugar per taco.
Chicken Taco (Pollo Asado)
Chicken seems like the safe choice, but it depends on the cut. They use thigh meat often, which keeps the meat moist. This means the calorie count is similar to the beef.
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 7g
If you are looking for the leanest option, ask if they have breast meat available. The thigh version is still good for a high-protein diet.
Carnitas Taco
Carnitas is pork that is braised or simmered in fat. This process makes it incredibly tender but also increases the calorie density. It is often the highest calorie option on the menu.
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 15g
You are getting a lot of flavor here, but you are also getting a significant amount of saturated fat. Limit this to one if you are watching your heart health.
How To Order Lower Calorie Options
You can easily cut 100 calories or more from your meal without losing flavor. The kitchen is usually happy to accommodate simple requests.
- Ask for a single tortilla instead of double. This saves about 50 calories per taco.
- Request the salsa on the side. This prevents the kitchen from adding extra oil-heavy sauces.
- Skip the crema or sour cream. This saves 30-60 calories depending on the portion.
- Choose the Carne Asada or Chicken for the best protein-to-calorie ratio.
Side Dishes And Their Impact
Your taco is only part of the meal. The sides can double your calorie intake if you are not careful. Here is what to expect from the common add-ons.
Rice And Beans
A standard side of rice and beans is about 1 cup total. This is usually cooked with lard or oil.
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
This is a heavy addition. If you are hungry, it is fine, but it turns a light meal into a heavy one.
Chips And Guacamole
This is the biggest calorie trap. A small order of chips is often 300 calories alone. The guacamole adds another 150-200 calories.
If you want to snack, ask for a side of raw vegetables or just limit yourself to a few chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the tortillas fried or grilled?
They are grilled on the flat top. They are not fried, which keeps the calorie count lower than crispy versions.
Does the nutrition change if I get a “supreme” taco?
Yes. The supreme style adds shredded cheese and crema. This will add roughly 90-120 calories per taco.
Is the al pastor high in sugar?
It has more sugar than the other meats due to the pineapple. However, it is still only about 4-5 grams per serving.
Can I get a low carb option?
Yes, you can order any taco as a “protein bowl” without the tortilla. This cuts the carbs down to under 5 grams.
What is the sodium level like?
The marinated meats are high in sodium. A single taco can range from 400 to 600 mg. If you are sensitive to salt, drink extra water.
Now you have the facts. You can enjoy your meal without the stress of guessing. Just keep your portions in check and skip the extra toppings if you are counting every calorie.
Remember that these numbers are estimates based on standard recipes. The actual calorie count can vary slightly depending on the cook and the exact portion size that day. If you have specific dietary needs, it is always best to ask the staff about the preparation method.
Your best strategy is to stick to two tacos and a water. That keeps your meal under 500 calories while still giving you that full flavor experience. Go ahead and order with confidence.