Poquito Mas serves fresh Mexican fare, but the calorie count changes dramatically when you swap flour tortillas for corn. Understanding Poquito Mas Nutrition and Calories is key if you are tracking macros or just trying to eat lighter without giving up flavor. The menu is large, but the numbers are not always obvious, so we broke down the best options for you.
Poquito Mas Nutrition And Calories
Poquito Mas is a fast-casual spot that feels like a step above typical fast food. They use fresh ingredients, and they grill meats right in front of you. But “fresh” does not automatically mean “low calorie.” You need to look at the components, not just the name of the dish.
Why The Tortilla Choice Matters
The tortilla is your biggest lever for cutting calories. A standard flour tortilla used for a burrito can pack over 300 calories alone. A corn tortilla, on the other hand, is usually around 60 to 70 calories each. If you are ordering tacos, that swap saves you a ton of room in your daily budget.
- Flour tortilla (burrito size): ~320 calories
- Corn tortilla (street taco size): ~60 calories each
- Flour tortilla (taco size): ~150 calories
If you order a burrito, ask for it in a bowl instead. You will save roughly 300 calories instantly. You can also ask for extra lettuce to make the bowl feel bigger.
Protein Options And Their Calorie Load
Protein is where you get the most satisfaction for the calories. But not all proteins are equal here. The grilled chicken is your best bet. The carnitas are juicy but come with more fat. The carne asada is also a good middle ground.
- Grilled Chicken: ~140 calories per 4 oz serving
- Carne Asada: ~180 calories per 4 oz serving
- Carnitas: ~220 calories per 4 oz serving
- Al Pastor: ~200 calories per 4 oz serving
Be careful with the beans. Refried beans are often cooked with lard or oil. A half-cup of refried beans can run you 150 calories. Black beans are usually safer, coming in around 110 calories for the same amount. You can ask for black beans instead of refried at no extra cost.
Calorie Breakdown For Popular Menu Items
Here is a quick look at the typical calorie ranges for the items people order most. These numbers are based on standard preparation, without extra sour cream or cheese.
- Single Taco (corn tortilla, chicken): 150-180 calories
- Single Taco (flour tortilla, carnitas): 250-300 calories
- Burrito Bowl (chicken, black beans, rice, pico): 550-650 calories
- Burrito (flour, carne asada, rice, beans): 850-1,000 calories
- Quesadilla (chicken, flour tortilla): 600-700 calories
- Side of Chips and Guacamole: 450-550 calories
- Order a bowl, not a burrito.
- Ask for no rice or ask for half a scoop of rice.
- Choose black beans instead of refried beans.
- Pick grilled chicken or carne asada.
- Load up on fajita veggies, lettuce, and pico de gallo.
- Skip the cheese and sour cream, or ask for them on the side.
- Fried tortilla salad bowl: +250 calories
- Creamy dressings: +150 to +200 calories per packet
- Extra cheese: +110 calories per serving
- Sour cream: +60 calories per tablespoon
- Guacamole side: +150 calories
Notice that the chips and guac are almost a full meal by themselves. If you want to save calories, skip the chips or share them. The salsa bar is free and has almost no calories, so load up on pico de gallo and tomatillo salsa instead.
How To Order A Low Calorie Meal
You can easily build a meal under 500 calories if you follow a simple formula. Start with a base of lettuce or skip the rice. Then add a lean protein. Finish with fresh veggies and salsa.
This combo will usually land you between 400 and 500 calories. It is filling because of the protein and fiber. You will not feel like you are dieting, but you will be in a solid calorie range.
Hidden Calorie Traps At Poquito Mas
Some items look healthy but are not. The salads are a big trap. They come in a fried tortilla bowl, which adds hundreds of calories. The dressing packets are also heavy. A single serving of creamy cilantro dressing can be 200 calories or more.
If you want a salad, ask for it in a regular bowl. Use salsa as your dressing. That simple switch takes a 700-calorie salad down to about 400 calories.
Nutrition Beyond Calories
Calories are not the whole story. You also need to watch sodium. Poquito Mas food is flavorful, which usually means salt. A single burrito can contain over 1,500 mg of sodium. That is close to your entire daily limit. If you have high blood pressure, ask for sauce on the side and skip the salty chips.
The protein content is solid. Most bowls with chicken or steak give you 30 to 40 grams of protein. That is great for muscle maintenance and keeping you full. Fiber is also decent if you choose black beans and corn tortillas. You can get 10 to 15 grams of fiber in one meal, which is excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Poquito Mas healthy for weight loss?
Yes, but only if you choose wisely. Stick to bowls, corn tortillas, and grilled proteins. Skip the rice and fried items. You can easily eat a 450-calorie meal that is high in protein.
What is the lowest calorie item at Poquito Mas?
The lowest calorie item is usually a single chicken taco on a corn tortilla with just pico de gallo. That comes in around 150 calories. You can order two for a satisfying meal.
Are the beans at Poquito Mas vegan?
The black beans are typically vegan. The refried beans may contain lard or animal fat. Ask the staff to confirm, as preparation can vary by location.
How many calories are in the chips and salsa?
The chips alone are about 400 calories. The salsa is almost zero. If you share the chips with two or three people, it is not a big deal. Eating the whole basket by yourself will add up fast.
Does Poquito Mas post nutrition info online?
Yes, they have a nutrition calculator on their website. However, the numbers can vary by location and portion size. Use the online tool as a guide, but remember that real portions might be slightly bigger or smaller.
Ordering at Poquito Mas does not have to ruin your diet. The key is to keep it simple. Pick a bowl, choose lean protein, and use the salsa bar for flavor. If you do that, you will stay on track without feeling deprived. Just remeber to drink water instead of sugary sodas, as those add empty calories quickly.