Qdoba Keto Options (What to Order on a Low Carb Diet)

As the popularity of the ketogenic diet continues to soar, more and more restaurants are stepping up to offer keto-friendly options for their customers. One such restaurant is Qdoba, known for its mouth-watering Mexican-inspired cuisine. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Qdoba keto options and give you some tips on how to stay on keto.

What is the Keto Diet?

The Keto diet, also known as the Ketogenic diet, is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet. The goal of this diet is to shift the body’s metabolism from burning carbohydrates for energy to burning fat instead. By reducing carbohydrate intake, the body enters a state of ketosis, where it produces ketones from fat breakdown to use as an alternative energy source.

This diet has gained popularity in recent years as a way to promote weight loss, improve blood sugar control, and enhance cognitive function. However, it is important to note that the Keto diet may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions such as liver or pancreatic disease.

The amount of net carbs allowed in the Keto diet can vary depending on individual factors such as age, gender, weight, and physical activity level. However, in general, the Keto diet typically limits net carb intake to 20-50 grams per day.

Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the amount of fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrate content of a food. This is because fiber and sugar alcohols do not have as much of an impact on blood sugar levels as other types of carbohydrates.

Qdoba Keto Options

While the keto diet can be challenging to follow, especially when eating out, there are many keto-friendly options available at Qdoba.

Here is the list of keto options:

Qdoba Keto Smoked Brisket Bowl
Qdoba Keto Chicken Protein Bowl
Tortilla Soup
Mexican Cauliflower Mash
Salad
Beverages

All of these items are low-carb, it may need a few modifications to make them keto. Keep reading to learn more tips on how to order them at Qdoba Mexican.

Create Your Own Bowl

One of the best things about Qdoba is that you can create or customize your own keto bowl. You can choose a bunch of low-carb ingredients to create a filling meal, such as:

Choose 1 from these protein options (3.5 oz):

Grilled Marinated Chicken: 150 calories, 9g fat, 2g carbs, 0g fiber, 1g sugar, 16g protein, and 2g net carbs
Seasoned Ground Beef: 190 calories, 11g fat, 4g carbs, 1g fiber, 1g sugar, 17g protein, and 3g net carbs
Impossible Protein: 180 calories, 10g fat, 9g carbs, 2g fiber, 1g sugar, 13g protein, and 7g net carbs
Pulled Pork: 140 calories, 4g fat, 9g carbs, 0g fiber, 1g sugar, 17 protein, and 9g net carbs
Grilled Marinated Steak: 140 calories, 15g fat, 4g carbs, 0g fiber, 1g sugar, 19g protein, and 4g net carbs
Smoked Brisket: 270 calories, 20g fat, 3g carbs, 0g fiber, 1g sugar, 20g protein, and 3g net carbs

Choose Your Sauce (4 oz):

Queso Diablo: 170 calories, 14g fat, 7g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g sugar, 6g protein, and 6g net carbs
Three Cheese Queso: 190 calories, 15g fat, 6g carbs, 2g fiber, 1g sugar, 6g protein, and 4g net carbs

Choose 3 Salsas (2 oz):

Pico de Gallo: 10 calories, 0g fat, 3g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g sugar, 0g protein, and 2g net carbs
Salsa Verde: 15 calories, 0g fat, 3g carbs, 1g fiber, 1g sugar, 0g protein, and 2g net carbs
Salsa Roja: 20 calories, 0g fat, 4g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g sugar, 1g protein, and 3g net carbs
Fiery Habanero: 20 calories, 0g fat, 3g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g sugar, 1g protein, and 2g net carbs

Additional Toppings (No Limit):

Cheese: 170 calories, 13g fat, 1g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 10g protein, and 1g net carbs
Sour Cream: 50 calories, 5g fat, 2g carbs, 0g fiber, 2g sugar, 3g protein, and 2g net carbs
Guacamole: 130 calories, 10g fat, 7g carbs, 3g fiber, 0g sugar, 1g protein, and 4g net carbs
Fajita Peppers: 35 calories, 2g fat, 4g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g sugar, 1g protein, and 3g net carbs
Lettuce: 0 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0,5g fiber, 0g sugar, 0g protein, and 0g net carbs
Tortilla Strips: 14 calories, 0.9g fat, 1.6g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 0g protein, and 1.6g net carbs
Pickled Jalapenos: 15 calories, 0g fat, 3g carbs, 0g fiber, 2g sugar, 0g protein, and 3g net carbs
Cilantro: 0 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 0g protein, and 0g net carbs
Bacon: 35 calories, 3g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 3g protein, and 0g net carbs

Smoked Brisket Bowl

Nutrition Info: 595 calories, 43g fat, 17g carbs, 5g fiber, 4g sugar, 31 g protein. and 12g net carbs.

The star of this dish is the mouth-watering smoked brisket, which has been cooked slowly until it’s tender and has a delicious smoky flavor that makes you want to eat it. It’s placed on top of fresh and crispy lettuce and paired with the zesty taste of pico de gallo and tangy salsa verde. It also contains shredded cheese and guac, and together, they create a perfect balance of flavors that give you a delightful culinary experience.

Chicken Protein Bowl (No Beans)

Nutrition Info: 340 calories, 21g fat, 19g carbs, 6g fiber, 6g sugar, 18g protein, and 13g net carbs.

The bowl features juicy grilled chicken that’s cooked to perfection, accompanied by a medley of grilled fajita peppers that add a smoky flavor to the dish. The dish is topped with fresh lettuce, zesty pico de gallo, and tangy salsa verde, all of which come together to create a refreshing and satisfying flavor profile. The finishing touch is a dollop of creamy guacamole that enhances the dish’s richness and adds a touch of decadence. With no beans in the mix, this protein-packed bowl is the perfect meal for anyone looking for a delicious and low-carb option.

Tortilla Soup (Side Dish)

Nutrition Info: 100 calories, 5g fat, 11g carbs, 4g fiber, 2g sugar, 3g protein, and 7g net carbs.

This delicious soup can be customized with extra protein options, such as chicken or beef, as well as cheese or sour cream, to make it even more satisfying. With a starting point of just 7 grams net carbs, this dish is perfect for anyone who’s looking for a low-carb option that doesn’t compromise on taste. However, please note that adding additional ingredients may increase the total carb count, so be mindful of your macronutrient intake. Despite this, the Tortilla Soup is an extremely filling and fulfilling meal that’s perfect for anyone who wants a hearty and satisfying soup.

Keto-Friendly Mexican Cauliflower Mash

Nutrition Info: 70 calories, 4.5g fat, 6g total carbs, 0g Fiber, 3g sugar, 2g protein, and 6g net carbs.

Keto-friendly Mexican Cauliflower Mash features oven-roasted cauliflower that’s been expertly blended with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and zesty pico de Gallo. This unique combination of ingredients creates a creamy and delicious texture that’s perfect for anyone who loves cauliflower or is looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

Low Carb Salad

Nutrition Info: 250 calories, 20g fat, 10g carbs, 5g fiber, 4g sugar, 31 g protein, and 5g net carbs.

The salad features a base of fresh lettuce that’s perfect for anyone looking for a light and healthy meal. You can customize your order just like you would with a Qdoba burrito bowl, so you can add your favorite toppings and create your perfect salad.

For dressings, we recommend two options that are both low in carbs and high in flavor. The Mexican Caesar Dressing is a delicious blend of creamy and zesty flavors that adds a perfect kick to your salad. It has only 3g net carbs, making it an ideal option for anyone following a keto diet. Additionally, the seasonal Cilantro Lime Dressing is a light and refreshing dressing that has only 2g net carbs, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants a tangy and flavorful dressing without any guilt.

Please note that the other dressing options are high in carbs, so we recommend choosing from our recommended list to keep your salad keto-friendly.

Low Carb Beverages

Diet Coke: 0 calories, 0g fat, 0.4g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 0g protein, and 0.4g net carbs
Coke Zero: 0 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs | 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 0g protein, and 0g net carbs
Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea: 0 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 0g protein, and 0g net carbs

Qdoba Keto Options FAQs

What are the best keto options at Qdoba?

Some of the best keto options at Qdoba include the Qdoba Keto Smoked Brisket Bowl, the Qdoba Keto Chicken Protein Bowl (No Beans), and the Mexican Cauliflower Mash (Keto-Friendly). These dishes are all low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making them perfect for anyone following the keto diet.

Can I customize my Qdoba order to make it keto-friendly?

Absolutely! Qdoba allows you to customize your order to meet your dietary needs. You can add or remove ingredients as needed to create a meal that’s perfect for your keto diet.

Are there any dressings or toppings that are not keto-friendly?

Yes, some dressings and toppings at Qdoba are high in carbs and should be avoided on the keto diet. Be sure to check the nutrition information for each item before adding it to your order.

Final Thoughts on Qdoba Keto Options

In conclusion, Qdoba offers a wide variety of keto-friendly options that are sure to please anyone following the keto diet. From protein bowls to salads to soups, there’s something for everyone on the menu. By understanding what the ketogenic diet is all about and customizing your order as needed, you can enjoy a delicious meal at Qdoba while staying true to your dietary goals.