Okay, let’s be real – the Doritos Locos Tacos (DLT) is tempting. But before you indulge, let’s explore the nutritional landscape of this Taco Bell favorite. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about DLT nutrition, from calories and macros to ingredients and allergens, empowering you to make informed choices.
Decoding the DLT: Calories, Macros, and More
A regular Nacho Cheese DLT contains approximately 170 calories, roughly equivalent to a small banana and a handful of almonds. However, over half of those calories likely come from fat (around 9g), alongside 13g of carbs and 8g of protein. The Nacho Cheese Supreme version contains around 190 calories. These values might vary slightly depending on the source, highlighting the importance of checking official Taco Bell nutritional information. Cool Ranch DLT calorie counts are harder to track down, but online estimates suggest somewhere around 160 calories.
| DLT Type | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nacho Cheese | ~170 | ~9 | ~13 | ~8 |
| Nacho Cheese Supreme | ~190 | ~11 | ~15 | ~8 |
| Cool Ranch | ~160 | ~10 | TBD | TBD |
Important Note: These are estimates. Verify with official sources for precise values. The elusive nutritional details of the Cool Ranch DLT demonstrate the challenge of obtaining complete information.
What’s Inside? Ingredients, Allergens, and Potential Concerns
The DLT story isn’t complete without examining the ingredients. Key allergens include milk, MSG, and soy. For those with severe allergies, cross-contamination from shared equipment is a valid concern. Another ingredient, sodium, is present at approximately 360mg per taco—about 15% of the recommended daily intake.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Seasoned Beef: Beef, water, cellulose, chili pepper, maltodextrin, salt, oats, soy lecithin, spices, tomato powder, sugar, onion powder, citric acid, natural flavors (smoke flavor), torula yeast, cocoa, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, dextrose, lactic acid, modified corn starch, sodium phosphates. (Contains Soy)
- Doritos® Locos Taco Shell (Nacho Cheese): See full ingredient list below.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, annatto, anti-caking agent. (Contains Milk, Certified Vegetarian)
Doritos® Locos Taco Shell (Nacho Cheese) Ingredients: Ground corn, vegetable oil (sunflower, canola, corn, and/or soybean oil), corn flour, maltodextrin, salt, cheddar cheese, whey, monosodium glutamate (MSG), buttermilk, romano cheese, whey protein concentrate, onion powder, disodium phosphate, natural and artificial flavor, dextrose, tomato powder, lactose, spices, turmeric, annatto, lactic acid, citric acid, sugar, garlic powder, nonfat milk, red and green bell pepper powder, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, yellow 5 & 6, caramel color, red 40. (Contains Milk)
Public Perception vs. Nutritional Reality
Interestingly, public perception of DLT healthiness can be quite optimistic. Some surveys suggest over half of respondents consider the Nacho Cheese DLT a healthy choice, a figure that increases for the Supreme despite its extra toppings. This optimistic view contrasts with the nutritional data. While not entirely unhealthy, DLTs are not health food.
Weight Watchers and the DLT
For those following Weight Watchers, a regular DLT is likely around 5 Freestyle and SmartPoints or 4 PointsPlus. The Supreme comes in slightly higher, at approximately 6 Freestyle and SmartPoints or 5 PointsPlus. Data for the Cool Ranch variety is less readily available.
The DIY DLT: A Healthier Alternative?
Craving the DLT experience without the nutritional baggage? Consider a homemade version! Baking your own seasoned tortilla chips reduces fat, using lean ground turkey or diezmillo meat boosts protein, and adding fresh veggies increases fiber and nutrients. This transforms a potential indulgence into a more balanced, epicurian meal.
The Ongoing DLT Investigation
Research on DLT nutrition is ongoing. Further investigation is needed regarding the Cool Ranch DLT, long-term health effects of regular DLT consumption, and comparisons to other fast-food tacos.
Nacho Cheese vs. Cool Ranch: A Nutritional Showdown
Let’s compare the nutritional content of Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch DLTs:
| Feature | Nacho Cheese DLT | Cool Ranch DLT | Nacho Cheese DLT Supreme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 170 | 160 | 190 |
| Total Fat (g) | 10 (9*) | 10 | 11 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 25 (20*) | 20 | N/A |
| Sodium (mg) | 360 | N/A | N/A |
| Total Carbohydrates (g) | 12 (13*) | 13 | 15 |
| Dietary Fiber (g) | 3 | N/A | N/A |
| Sugars (g) | 1 | N/A | N/A |
| Protein (g) | 8 (9*) | 9 | N/A |
| Vitamin A (%DV) | 13% | 13% | N/A |
*Values in parentheses represent varying data from different sources. N/A indicates unavailable data. These inconsistencies highlight the complexities of nutritional information gathering.
Unwrapping the Ingredients: A Deeper Look
While seasoned beef and the nacho cheese shell are the core components, the full ingredient list includes various flavor enhancers and preservatives. The use of artificial colors and MSG is a point of ongoing discussion regarding potential health impacts. Further research may clarify these concerns.
Weight Watchers and Burning it Off
A Nacho Cheese DLT costs approximately 5 Freestyle/SmartPoints or 4 PointsPlus, with the Supreme being slightly higher. Burning off a 170-calorie Nacho Cheese DLT might take around 45 minutes of brisk walking for a 140lb person. Individual results will vary.
Customization Considerations
Adding extra cheese, sour cream, or other toppings significantly impacts the nutritional profile of your DLT, increasing calories and fat content.
Healthier Hacks: The Homemade DLT
Creating DLTs at home provides control over ingredients, allowing for healthier substitutions like baked tortilla chips and leaner meats.
How Many Calories in 2 Doritos Locos Tacos Supreme?
Two Doritos Locos Tacos Supreme total approximately 380-420 calories – comparable to a large sandwich or a couple of pizza slices. This represents a significant portion of daily calorie intake. Over half of these calories come from fat. Two Supremes also deliver around 740mg of sodium, a substantial amount considering the recommended daily intake is typically around 2,300mg. Customizations further increase calorie and fat content. “Fresco” options or sharing a smaller portion offer lower-calorie alternatives.
Doritos Locos Tacos vs. Supreme: What’s the Difference?
The core difference between regular and Supreme DLTs boils down to toppings. The Supreme adds diced tomatoes and reduced-fat sour cream to the regular DLT’s seasoned beef, lettuce, and cheddar cheese. This impacts flavor, potentially mellowing the Doritos taste. The Supreme also costs more. Both versions can be customized. Ultimately, choosing between them is a matter of personal preference and budget.
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