The Ultimate Calorie Breakdown: How Many Calories Are Really In A Doritos Locos Taco?

Contents

The Doritos Locos Taco (DLT) is one of Taco Bell’s most iconic and successful menu items, a perfect marriage of fast-food convenience and the unforgettable flavor of a Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch chip. As of December 23, 2025, understanding the nutritional profile of this crunchy indulgence is key for anyone tracking their daily intake, whether you're counting carbs, fat, or just overall calories.

This deep dive will break down the exact calorie count for every iteration of the Doritos Locos Taco, from the standard offering to the fully-loaded Supreme versions, giving you a clear picture of what you're consuming in every zesty bite. The good news? These fan-favorite tacos are surprisingly manageable from a caloric standpoint, making them an easy fit into a balanced meal plan.

Complete Nutritional Profile: Doritos Locos Taco (Standard vs. Supreme)

The core of the Doritos Locos Taco is consistent: a crunchy shell flavored with Doritos seasoning, seasoned beef, crisp shredded lettuce, and cheddar cheese. The difference between the standard and the "Supreme" version is the addition of two key ingredients: reduced-fat sour cream and diced tomatoes. This small addition is what accounts for the slight bump in calories and fat content.

Here is a detailed look at the nutritional facts for the most popular Doritos Locos Tacos currently available on the Taco Bell menu.

Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Calorie Count

The original and most famous DLT flavor, the Nacho Cheese, sets the baseline for the entire line. It’s a relatively low-calorie option, especially when compared to other fast-food offerings.

  • Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco (Standard): 170 Calories
  • Total Fat: 9g (50% of calories from fat)
  • Carbohydrates: 13g (10g Net Carbs)
  • Protein: 8g
  • Sodium: 330mg

The standard Nacho Cheese DLT is an excellent choice for a quick, flavorful snack that won't derail your diet. The macronutrient breakdown is fairly balanced for a fast-food item, with a good amount of protein from the seasoned beef.

Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme Calorie Count

The Supreme version adds a dollop of reduced-fat sour cream and fresh diced tomatoes, enhancing the flavor and texture. This small upgrade only increases the calorie count slightly, making it a worthwhile trade-off for many consumers.

  • Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme: 190 Calories
  • Total Fat: 11g (52% of calories from fat)
  • Carbohydrates: 14g–15g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Sodium: 350mg

The 20-calorie increase for the Supreme version primarily comes from the added fat in the reduced-fat sour cream. This is a minimal difference that provides a richer, creamier experience without a significant caloric penalty.

Cool Ranch and Other Doritos Locos Taco Variations

While Nacho Cheese remains the undisputed champion, the Cool Ranch flavor offers a tangy, unique alternative that also maintains a very similar nutritional profile. The "Fiery" flavor, while less common on the current permanent menu, also typically aligns closely with these figures when available.

Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco Calorie Count

For fans of the tangy, savory-sweet flavor of Cool Ranch Doritos, the taco version delivers the same taste experience with a nearly identical calorie count to its Nacho Cheese counterpart.

  • Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco (Standard): 170 Calories
  • Total Fat: 9g–10g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g–14g
  • Protein: 8g

Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco Supreme Calorie Count

Similar to the Nacho Cheese Supreme, the Cool Ranch Supreme adds the sour cream and tomatoes, bringing the total calories up by a modest amount.

  • Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco Supreme: 190 Calories
  • Total Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 8g

The consistency across the Doritos Locos Taco line is a major benefit for health-conscious consumers. Regardless of your flavor preference, you can budget approximately 170 to 190 calories per taco, making it easy to plan a meal of two or three DLTs.

Smart Strategies for Customizing Your DLT for Lower Calories

One of the best features of Taco Bell is the ability to customize almost any item to fit your dietary needs. By making a few simple modifications, you can enjoy the Doritos Locos Taco flavor while further reducing the calorie and fat content.

Here are several entities and modifications you can use to adjust the nutritional profile of your DLT:

1. Go Fresco Style for Significant Fat Reduction

The "Fresco Style" modification is Taco Bell's secret weapon for calorie control. When you order a taco "Fresco Style," the dairy-based ingredients (cheese, sour cream, and any creamy sauces) are replaced with a fresh pico de gallo.

  • Effect on Calories: A Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme ordered Fresco Style contains approximately 190 calories, but with a different macro breakdown, often lower in fat and higher in protein.
  • Key Entities Removed: Cheddar Cheese, Reduced-Fat Sour Cream.

2. Adjust the Protein Source

The standard DLT comes with seasoned beef, which is the main source of fat. You can swap this for a leaner protein option.

  • Grilled Chicken: Swapping seasoned beef for grilled chicken can slightly reduce the fat content while maintaining or increasing the protein. For example, a Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco Supreme with Grilled Chicken is reported to be around 170 calories.
  • Black Beans: Opting for a vegetarian version with black beans instead of beef will lower the fat and cholesterol content, though the calorie count will remain similar to the beef version.

3. Manage Toppings and Sauces

Be mindful of any additional toppings or sauces you might add to your taco, as these can quickly inflate the total calorie count.

  • Guacamole: Adding Guacamole is a healthy fat source, but it adds about 40 calories per serving.
  • Creamy Jalapeño Sauce: This popular sauce adds around 30 calories per serving.
  • Extra Cheese: Requesting extra cheese will add approximately 20-30 calories and additional fat.

By using these customization strategies, you can maintain the flavor profile that makes the Doritos Locos Taco so appealing while fine-tuning it to meet your specific nutritional goals.

Doritos Locos Tacos: A Macro-Friendly Fast Food Option

The Doritos Locos Taco, in all its variations, stands out as a surprisingly macro-friendly choice in the fast-food landscape. With the standard version clocking in at 170 calories and 8g of protein, it offers a satisfying balance of flavor and fuel.

For those looking to build a full meal, pairing two DLTs with a side of Black Beans (80 calories, 4g protein, 5g fiber) results in a meal of about 420 calories and 20g of protein. This is a highly efficient way to get a flavorful, filling meal without the high calorie and fat counts associated with many burger or fried chicken options.

The next time you’re at Taco Bell, you can indulge in the unique, zesty crunch of a Doritos Locos Taco with confidence. Whether you go for the original Nacho Cheese DLT, the tangy Cool Ranch, or the fully-loaded Supreme, you are choosing a relatively low-calorie item that provides a good protein boost.

The Ultimate Calorie Breakdown: How Many Calories Are Really in a Doritos Locos Taco?
how many calories in a doritos locos taco
how many calories in a doritos locos taco

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