Madeleine Hull
El Pollo Loco is a fast-food chain that offers a variety of Mexican-style cuisine options. The restaurant has gained popularity for its keto-friendly options, including keto tacos and burritos. While the keto taco has received positive reviews for its taste and filling portions, there are mixed responses regarding its gluten-free options. Some customers have praised El Pollo Loco for its gluten-free menu, while others have expressed concerns about cross-contamination and staff knowledge regarding gluten-free practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Fat | 17g |
| Protein | 19g |
| Total Carbs | 14g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Net Carbs | 5g |
| Gluten-Free | Yes |
What You'll Learn
El Pollo Loco's keto taco nutritional information
El Pollo Loco's keto taco is a delicious and convenient option for those following a keto diet. The taco is certified keto, although some may consider it "dirty keto". It is made with a variety of fresh ingredients, including chopped chicken, pico de gallo salsa, avocado, shredded lettuce, creamy cilantro dressing, and jack cheese, all wrapped in a high-fibre, low-carb flour tortilla.
Nutritionally, the keto taco is a good source of protein and healthy fats, with a relatively low carbohydrate content. Each taco contains 260 calories, 17 grams of fat, 19 grams of protein, 14 grams of total carbohydrates, 9 grams of fibre, and 5 grams of net carbs.
The keto taco is a popular choice among customers, with some praising its flavourful ingredients and filling portion size. The taco's nutritional profile also makes it a convenient option for those on the keto diet, as it fits within the typical macronutrient distribution of a ketogenic meal plan.
In addition to the keto taco, El Pollo Loco offers other keto-friendly options, such as the Keto Burrito and the Double Chicken Avocado Salad. The Keto Burrito, also served in a high-fibre/low-carb tortilla, contains 440 calories, 28 grams of fat, 31 grams of total carbs, 21 grams of fibre, 3 grams of sugar, 35 grams of protein, and 10 grams of net carbs. The Double Chicken Avocado Salad, without corn, has 330 calories, 15 grams of fat, 12 grams of total carbs, 5 grams of fibre, 3 grams of sugar, 39 grams of protein, and 7 grams of net carbs.
El Pollo Loco's website provides a helpful nutrition guide that allows customers to view and adjust the nutritional information for each entree, making it easier to make informed choices when following a keto diet or any other specific dietary plan.
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El Pollo Loco's gluten-free menu
El Pollo Loco has a variety of gluten-free options, but they do not claim to be a gluten-free restaurant. They prepare all their food on the same surfaces with the same utensils, so there is a risk of cross-contamination. If you have celiac disease or a high gluten intolerance, it is recommended to eat somewhere else. However, for those looking to simply minimise their gluten intake, El Pollo Loco's gluten-free menu is worth considering.
- Fire-Grilled Chicken, including bone-in, breast, wing, thigh, and leg options
- Skinless Chicken Breast
- Ultimate Double Bowl – Chicken or Shrimp
- Classic Salad (with dressing) – Chicken or Shrimp
- Mexican Cobb Salad (with dressing) – Chicken or Shrimp
- Ultimate Double Chicken Salad
- Grilled Chicken Salad (No Dressing)
- Corn and Red Pepper Blend
- Loco Side Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing
- Mashed Potatoes without Gravy
- Various dressings, sauces, and dips, including Creamy Cilantro Dressing, Light Creamy Cilantro Dressing (Packet), Low Fat Citrus Vinaigrette, Ranch Dressing (Packet), Creamy Cilantro Dip Cup, and Jalapeño Hot Sauce (Packet)
- Fresh Buttery Spread and Sliced Jalapeño Peppers
- A range of drinks, including Hi-C Flashin' Fruit Punch, Minute Maid Lemonade, Gold Peak Fresh Brewed Mango Passion Tea, and Fresh Brewed Sweetened Tea (Texas only)
In addition to these options, El Pollo Loco also offers keto-friendly menu items, such as their Keto Taco and Keto Burrito. These dishes are low-carb and high-fat, making them suitable for those following a ketogenic diet.
While El Pollo Loco provides a range of gluten-free choices, it is always a good idea to check the latest allergen information and ingredients list before ordering, as menus and preparation methods may change.
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El Pollo Loco's keto-friendly extras
El Pollo Loco offers a variety of keto-friendly extras to accompany your meal. Here are some options to consider:
Keto-Friendly Sides
Sides are an excellent way to enhance your keto meal and ensure it is more filling and flavourful. Here are some keto-friendly sides offered by El Pollo Loco:
- Broccoli: A healthy and keto-friendly option with only 4g net carbs.
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice: A delicious and innovative way to enjoy rice while on a keto diet. The small portion has 3g net carbs, while the large has 8g.
- Guacamole: Freshly made and a perfect addition to your chicken or salad. It has 3g net carbs per serving.
Keto-Friendly Sauces and Condiments
Sauces and condiments can add a burst of flavour to your meal without adding too many carbs. Here are some keto-friendly options:
- Pico de Gallo Salsa: A fresh and tangy salsa with only 2g net carbs.
- Avocado Salsa: Indulge in the creaminess of avocado with just 2g net carbs.
- House Salsa: Enjoy the unique flavour of El Pollo Loco's house salsa with 2g net carbs.
- Salsa Roja: Spice up your meal with this salsa, containing only 2g net carbs.
- Jalapeno Hot Sauce: Add a kick to your food with minimal carbs, as it has less than 1g net carb.
- Creamy Cilantro Dressing: This dressing pairs well with salads and has 2g net carbs.
- Sour Cream: A classic condiment for a reason, sour cream has only 1g net carb.
- Queso: Enjoy the creamy and cheesy goodness of queso, with 3g net carbs.
Customisation Tips
When ordering at El Pollo Loco, remember that customisation is key to keeping your meal keto-friendly. Here are some tips:
- Skip the Carbs: Avoid rice, beans, and tortillas/wraps to keep your carb count low.
- Go with Chicken: El Pollo Loco is known for its chicken, and it's a great keto option. Choose from fire-grilled chicken thighs, legs, wings, or breasts.
- Be Sauce Savvy: Many sauces and dressings contain carbs, so be mindful when ordering. Ask for dry or plain chicken to avoid unexpected carbs from marinades.
- Check the Nutrition Guide: El Pollo Loco provides a helpful nutrition guide on their website, allowing you to view and customise your meal to fit your keto needs.
Remember, when ordering keto at El Pollo Loco or any restaurant, it's essential to be mindful of ingredient substitutions and always ask if you're unsure about a dish's keto-friendliness.
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El Pollo Loco's keto dining guide
El Pollo Loco Keto Dining Guide
El Pollo Loco has a variety of keto-friendly options to choose from, making it a great choice for those following a keto diet. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the keto options available at El Pollo Loco.
Keto Tacos and Burritos
El Pollo Loco offers the world's first keto-certified taco and burrito. The Keto Taco includes chopped chicken, pico de gallo salsa, avocado, shredded lettuce, creamy cilantro dressing, and jack cheese, all wrapped in a high-fiber, low-carb flour tortilla. It contains 260 calories, 17g of fat, 19g of protein, 14g of total carbs, 9g of fiber, and 5g of net carbs.
The Keto Burrito, on the other hand, is a more filling option. It includes chopped chicken, red cabbage, cotija cheese, creamy cilantro dressing, organic spinach, avocado slices, and pico de gallo salsa, also wrapped in a high-fiber/low-carb flour tortilla. This burrito has 440 calories, 28g of fat, 31g of total carbs, 21g of fiber, 3g of sugar, 35g of protein, and 10g of net carbs.
Keto Salads and Bowls
For a refreshing keto option, try the Double Chicken Avocado Salad without corn. This salad includes pico de gallo salsa, avocado slices, cilantro, cotija cheese, chopped chicken breast, and sour cream. The creamy cilantro dressing adds a couple of extra carbs, so you may want to stick with the sour cream. Remember to ask for no corn to keep it keto-friendly!
If you're looking for a bowl option, the Double Protein Avocado Pollo Fit Bowl is a great choice. It's made with organic super greens and lettuce, topped with cilantro lime cauliflower rice and a double portion of chopped fire-grilled chicken breast. It also includes hand-sliced avocado, queso fresco, pico, and Tapatio seasoning, providing a whopping 50 grams of protein!
The Double Protein Mexican Caesar Pollo Fit Bowl is another excellent keto bowl option. It features organic super greens and lettuce topped with a double portion of chopped fire-grilled chicken breast, sliced radishes, hand-sliced avocado, cotija cheese, Tapatio seasoning, and a lemon wedge. Ordering it without dressing keeps the net carbs at just 3 grams!
Keto Chicken Meals and Sides
El Pollo Loco's famous chicken meals can also be made keto-friendly. Opt for the 2-Piece Chicken Meal, choosing a breast and a thigh, along with broccoli and no tortillas. You can mix and match breasts, wings, thighs, or legs to suit your preferences and keep the fat count higher by choosing thighs and breasts.
For a side, the Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is an excellent keto option. It's a healthy and tasty substitute for rice in your bowls.
Other Keto Hacks
El Pollo Loco's menu is quite flexible, allowing you to hack it for even more keto-friendly options. For example, you can order the Chicken Nachos without tortilla chips and add lettuce instead for a low-carb nacho experience.
The Baja Shrimp Tostada Salad can also be made keto-friendly by skipping the high-carb beans, rice, and shell. Ask for avocado or guacamole to add some extra healthy fats!
Remember to check the nutrition guide on their website, which allows you to adjust the nutritional info based on the items you add or remove from each entree.
Enjoy your keto journey with El Pollo Loco!
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El Pollo Loco's keto burrito
El Pollo Loco is a fast-food restaurant that serves handcrafted L.A. Mex food, a creative blend of traditional Mexican cuisine with healthier options. They are known for their fire-grilled chicken and mission to bring people together around food, family, and culture.
El Pollo Loco offers a variety of keto-friendly options, including their Keto Burrito. The self-proclaimed world's first Keto Burrito includes chopped chicken, red cabbage, cotija cheese, creamy cilantro dressing, organic spinach, avocado slices, and pico de gallo salsa, all wrapped in a high-fibre, low-carb flour tortilla. With 440 calories, 28g of fat, 31g of total carbs, 21g of fibre, 3g of sugar, 35g of protein, and 10g of net carbs, it is a tasty and filling option for those on a keto diet.
The Keto Burrito costs $6.99 plus tax in the Los Angeles area, which is very reasonable for a low-carb burrito. The ingredients are fresh and flavorful, and the portion is generous. However, some customers have noted that they would prefer sharper cheddar cheese instead of the Cotija cheese, and a kick of spice would enhance the flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, El Pollo Loco's keto tacos are gluten-free. The tortilla used in the keto tacos is high-fiber and low-carb.
The keto taco includes chopped chicken, pico de gallo salsa, avocado, shredded lettuce, creamy cilantro dressing, and jack cheese.
There are 260 calories in the keto taco.
El Pollo Loco offers a variety of gluten-free options, including the original pollo bowls, nachos, salads, and tacos al carbon. They also have a dedicated gluten-free menu available online.
