Nutrition comparison · official data
Chipotle vs QDOBA Nutrition
Calories, protein and sodium compared, side by side
Big number: the most protein in one order under 500 calories
Both chains publish nutrition information for their menus. We ran both through the same engine that powers our calculators, so every number here comes from Chipotle's and QDOBA's own figures. Updated Oct 2026.
At a glance
Key Differences
- Most protein under 500 calories72 g45 gBowl: Black Beans, double ChickenSalad: Romaine for Salad, Black Beans, double Pork Carnitas, Shredded Cheese
- Calories in that order490485
- Signature item: calories660955Classic chicken bowlChicken burrito with queso
- Signature item: sodium (daily value 2,300 mg)1,610 mg2,340 mg
- Menu items, sizes and ingredients124149
- Most protein for 500 calories or less: 72 g (490 calories) at Chipotle for a burrito bowl with Black Beans, double Chicken, against 45 g (485 calories) at QDOBA for a salad with Romaine for Salad, Black Beans, double Pork Carnitas, Shredded Cheese.
- Sodium in one signature item each: 1,610 mg (70% of the daily value) at Chipotle for a classic chicken bowl, and 2,340 mg (102%) at QDOBA for a chicken burrito with queso.
- Chipotle lists 124 menu items, sizes and ingredients; QDOBA lists 149.
The details
Head to Head
| Chipotle | QDOBA | |
|---|---|---|
| Most protein under 500 calories | 72 g, 490 calBowl: Black Beans, double Chicken | 45 g, 485 calSalad: Romaine for Salad, Black Beans, double Pork Carnitas, Shredded Cheese |
| Signature item | 660 cal, 50 g proteinClassic chicken bowl | 955 cal, 43 g proteinChicken burrito with queso |
| Sodium in that item | 1,610 mg (70% of daily value) | 2,340 mg (102% of daily value) |
| How you order | Build your own | Build your own |
| Menu items in our calculator | 124 | 149 |
| Nutrients published | calories, protein, carbs, fat, saturated fat, fiber, sugar, sodium | calories, protein, carbs, fat, saturated fat, fiber, sugar, sodium |
| Data checked | Oct 2026 | Oct 2026 |
Each "most protein" order is one main dish, without sides or drinks; see how we picked them.
Side by side
Protein at Chipotle and QDOBA
Chipotle's Protein Options
Per standard portion, most protein first.
| Protein | Cal | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken · 4 oz | 180 | 32 g | 310 mg |
| Barbacoa · 4 oz | 170 | 24 g | 530 mg |
| Carnitas · 4 oz | 210 | 23 g | 450 mg |
| Steak · 4 oz | 150 | 21 g | 330 mg |
| Sofritas · 4 oz | 150 | 8 g | 560 mg |
QDOBA's Protein Options
Per standard portion, most protein first.
| Protein | Cal | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Steak · 3.5 oz | 360 | 20 g | 600 mg |
| Grilled Adobo Chicken · 3.5 oz | 190 | 19 g | 440 mg |
| Spicy Tequila Lime Steak (limited time) · 3.5 oz | 310 | 17 g | 820 mg |
| Ground Beef · 3.5 oz | 180 | 16 g | 610 mg |
| Brisket Birria · 3.5 oz | 140 | 15 g | 450 mg |
| Pork Carnitas · 3.5 oz | 110 | 14 g | 560 mg |
| Plant-Based Impossible™ (select locations) · 3.1 oz | 170 | 13 g | 350 mg |
| Chorizo · 1.5 oz | 130 | 7 g | 410 mg |
Try them
Example Orders
Chipotle
| Order | Cal | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic chicken bowl | 660 | 50 g | 1,610 mg |
| High-protein double chicken bowl | 555 | 73 g | 1,790 mg |
| Steak burrito | 1,055 | 49 g | 2,260 mg |
| Chicken salad with vinaigrette | 645 | 46 g | 1,865 mg |
| Crispy barbacoa tacos | 520 | 33 g | 1,270 mg |
| Sofritas bowl with guac | 765 | 23 g | 2,030 mg |
QDOBA
| Order | Cal | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken burrito with queso | 955 | 43 g | 2,340 mg |
| High-protein double chicken bowl | 575 | 48 g | 1,635 mg |
| Steak bowl with queso and guac | 835 | 35 g | 1,870 mg |
| Brisket birria bowl | 640 | 28 g | 1,715 mg |
| Chicken salad (no shell) | 545 | 31 g | 1,290 mg |
| Loaded chicken nachos | 1,130 | 42 g | 1,830 mg |
Chipotle vs QDOBA FAQ
Is Chipotle or QDOBA healthier?
Neither is healthier across the board; it depends on what you order. By each chain's official numbers, the most protein you can get for 500 calories or less is 72 g at Chipotle and 45 g at QDOBA. Comparing one signature item each: 660 calories and 1,610 mg of sodium at Chipotle for a classic chicken bowl, against 955 calories and 2,340 mg at QDOBA for a chicken burrito with queso. Build your usual order in both calculators to compare exactly.
Which has more protein, Chipotle or QDOBA?
Under 500 calories, Chipotle comes out ahead: 72 g (490 calories) at Chipotle for a burrito bowl with Black Beans, double Chicken, and 45 g (485 calories) at QDOBA for a salad with Romaine for Salad, Black Beans, double Pork Carnitas, Shredded Cheese. Per portion, Chipotle's highest-protein option is Chicken (32 g) and QDOBA's is Grilled Steak (20 g).
Which has less sodium, Chipotle or QDOBA?
It depends on the order. Comparing one signature item each: 1,610 mg at Chipotle for a classic chicken bowl, and 2,340 mg at QDOBA for a chicken burrito with queso. The daily value is 2,300 mg. Both calculators show sodium for every item, so you can pick lower-sodium options as you build.
More Comparisons
About This Data
Figures are from each chain's own published nutrition information, as used in our Chipotle calculator and QDOBA calculator, where you will find the source and date. Portions are made by hand and vary. See how we source and check data.