How Many Calories Are in Chipotle Chips? (And Are They Worth It?)

The Calorie Cost of the Crunch

We've all been there. You've ordered a sensible, healthy bowl at Chipotle. As you reach the register, the towering display of freshly fried, lime-salted tortilla chips catches your eye. "I'll take a side of chips and guac," you say.

While delicious, that split-second decision drastically alters the nutritional profile of your meal.

A standard order of Chipotle Tortilla Chips contains 540 calories, 73g of carbohydrates, 24g of fat, and 7g of protein.

Chips + Dips: The Macro Breakdown

Nobody eats dry chips. You're dipping them in something. Let's look at what happens when you combine the 540-calorie chips with Chipotle's famous sides.

Chips & Guacamole (770 Calories)

Guacamole adds 230 calories and 22g of fat. Combined with the chips, you're looking at 770 calories and 46g of fat just for your side dish! That is more calories than most standard Chipotle bowls.

Chips & Queso Blanco (660 Calories)

Surprisingly, the Queso Blanco (120 calories per serving) is lower in calories than the guac. However, it lacks the fiber and heart-healthy fats of avocados. Chips and Queso total 660 calories.

Chips & Fresh Tomato Salsa (565 Calories)

This is the "diet" chip option. The mild pico de gallo is only 25 calories, bringing your total to a slightly more manageable 565 calories.

Why Are The Chips So High in Calories?

Chipotle's chips aren't baked; they are deep-fried. Every morning, Chipotle employees take raw corn tortillas, drop them into hot sunflower oil, toss them in a generous amount of salt, and squeeze fresh lime juice over them.

The frying process causes the tortillas to absorb a significant amount of oil. Since oil is pure fat (9 calories per gram), the calorie count skyrockets compared to a soft corn tortilla.

Strategies for Chip Lovers

If you refuse to give up your chips (we don't blame you), here is how you can incorporate them without ruining your diet.

1. Share them: A bag of chips is easily enough for two or three people. Split the bag and you cut the calories down to 180-270 per person.
2. The Kids Meal Hack: Order a Kid's Meal (Build Your Own). It comes with a small, child-sized bag of chips that is roughly half the size (and half the calories) of the regular bag.
3. Crumble them: If you just want the crunch, order a single crispy taco shell on the side (65 calories). Crush it up in your hands and sprinkle it over your bowl. You get the salty, fried corn flavor for a fraction of the calories!
4. Track them: Knowledge is power. If you know you're eating 540 calories of chips, adjust your bowl. Skip the cheese and sour cream. Use our Macro Tracker to make sure the math works out for your daily goals.

Ultimately, there are no "bad" foods, only bad portion sizes. Enjoy your chips responsibly!