Tacos al pastor are a delicious and popular street food, known for their flavorful marinated pork and tangy toppings. But, if you're watching your calorie intake, you might wonder how they fit into your diet. Let's break down the approximate calorie count for 3 tacos al pastor.

Taco Anatomy

To understand the calorie content of tacos al pastor, it's important to consider the individual components:

• Tortillas: Small corn tortillas, the base of the taco, typically contain around 50-60 calories each.
• Pork Al Pastor: This marinated pork is the star of the show, and a 3-ounce serving has approximately 150-200 calories.
• Toppings: Toppings like onions, cilantro, and pineapple add flavor but minimal additional calories.

The Total Count

Based on these estimates, here's the approximate calorie range for 3 tacos al pastor:

• Low End: 3 small corn tortillas (150 calories) + 9 ounces of pork al pastor (450 calories) = Approximately 600 calories.
• High End: 3 small corn tortillas (180 calories) + 9 ounces of pork al pastor (600 calories) = Approximately 780 calories.

Factors Affecting Calorie Count

It's important to note that calorie counts can vary depending on:

• Taco Size: Larger tortillas or restaurant-style tacos will have more calories.
• Filling Amount: The amount of pork per taco will impact the calorie count.
• Additional Toppings: Additions like cheese, sour cream, or guacamole can significantly increase the calories.

References

• USDA Food Database: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
• Restaurant Calorie Counters (Example - MyFitnessPal): https://www.myfitnesspal.com/

Conclusion

Tacos al pastor can be a delicious treat, but be mindful of the overall calorie count. If you're managing calorie intake, consider choosing smaller portions, limiting high-calorie toppings, or making them at home to control the ingredients.