Chipotle Mexican Grill Barbacoa vs Carnitas
Review this report for an in-depth comparison of the calories, nutritional information, and ingredients in Chipotle’s beef barbacoa vs pork carnitas.
Pork carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish. It’s made with slow-cooked, seasoned pork butt or pork shoulder. It’s a fairly simple and delicious option to cook at home in the slow cooker or crock pot.
Barbacoa is also a slow-cooked meat. Chipotle uses beef, but other recipes may call for pork or lamb. The beef barbacoa at Chipotle Mexican Grill is made with oregano, cloves, bay leaves, and other fresh seasonings.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information in this guide is based on standard product formulations and serving options.
Calories
This first section of the report provides an analysis of total calories and calories by macronutrient (fat, carbs, and protein) in Chipotle Barbacoa and Chipotle Carnitas.
Total Calories
Pork carnitas is higher in total calories.
Calories by Macronutrient
When reviewing fast food menu items, take note of the proportion of calories derived from fat (including saturated fat), carbohydrates, and protein.
Barbacoa
As shown in the chart below, over half of the total calories is derived from protein. Dietary fats make up 38% of calories, and the remaining 6% is from carbohydrates.
Chipotle Barbacoa
% calories from fat, carbs and proteinCarnitas
Whereas protein makes up the highest proportion of calories in barbacoa, over half (55%) of the calories in pork carnitas is from dietary fats.
Review the chart below, which illustrates that protein makes up the remaining 45% of calories.
Chipotle Carnitas
% calories from fat, carbs and proteinCalories by Nutrient by Protein Option
Number of Calories (% of Total)|
Barbacoa |
Carnitas | |
|---|---|---|
|
Calories from Fat |
65 (38%) |
115 (55%) |
|
— including saturated fat |
25 (15%) |
65 (31%) |
|
Calories from Carbs |
10 (6%) |
0 (0%) |
|
Calories from Protein |
95 (56%) |
125 (45%) |
|
Total Calories |
170 |
210 |
The amount of calories by macronutrient is a rounded estimate based on nutrition facts information provided by Chipotle Mexican Grill. Actual calories may vary as a result of how meals are prepared onsite.
Daily Value
Daily value (% DV) illustrates the amount of a specific nutrient in one serving of meat, relative to the recommended limit set by the FDA.
Use daily value (%DV) to compare menu options and choose the best foods for a balanced diet.
Here are a few key tips to consider when reviewing daily values:
%DV of Nutrients in Barbacoa
Review the chart below, which compares the %DV of saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, and sodium in Chipotle carnitas and barbacoa.
Each type of meat contains a high level of sodium and cholesterol. In addition, a serving of pork carnitas is high in saturated fat.
|
Barbacoa |
Carnitas | |
|
Saturated Fat |
13% |
35% |
|
Dietary Cholesterol |
22% |
22% |
|
Sodium |
23% |
20% |
%DV based on 2,000 calories
Carne Asada, another fan favorite, is seasoned and grilled tender steak finished with fresh lime and cilantro. Chipotle recently brought it back for a limited time. There are 250 calories per serving.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts: Beef Barbacoa
Here is a summary of the nutrition facts for a standard serving of Chipotle’s barbacoa.
Amount (%DV) per 4oz Barbacoa
Red indicates a high %DV.
|
Calories |
170 | |
|
%DV | ||
|
Total Fat |
7g |
9% |
|
Saturated Fat |
2.5g |
13% |
|
Trans Fat |
0g | |
|
Cholesterol |
65mg |
22% |
|
Sodium |
530mg |
23% |
|
Carbohydrates |
2g |
1% |
|
Dietary Fiber |
1g |
4% |
|
Total Sugars |
0g | |
|
Protein |
24g |
%DV based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Calorie needs vary and your %DV may be higher or lower. Provided for informational purposes only. Consult with your physician for dietary or healthcare advice.
There are 810 calories in Chipotle’s large bags of chips. Consider ordering with a family meal, then sharing with 4-6 people.
Nutrition Facts: Pork Carnitas
Here is a summary of the nutrition facts for a serving of Chipotle’s carnitas.
Amount (%DV) per 4oz Carnitas
Red indicates a high %DV.
|
Calories |
210 | |
|
%DV | ||
|
Total Fat |
12g |
15% |
|
Saturated Fat |
7g |
35% |
|
Trans Fat |
0g | |
|
Cholesterol |
65mg |
22% |
|
Sodium |
450mg |
20% |
|
Carbohydrates |
0g |
0% |
|
Dietary Fiber |
0g |
0% |
|
Total Sugars |
0g | |
|
Protein |
23g |
%DV based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Calorie needs vary and your %DV may be higher or lower. Provided for informational purposes only. Consult with your physician for dietary or healthcare advice.
Nutrition Reports for Fast Food Mexican Cuisine
Ingredients and Allergens
Ingredients
|
Beef Barbacoa |
|
Beef (spicy chipotle pepper adobo, oregano, cloves, bay leaf), Water, Bay Leaf, Black Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cumin, Garlic, Oregano, Salt, High Oleic Sunflower Oil |
|
Carnitas |
|
Pork (seasoned with spices and aromatics), Bay Leaf, Black Pepper, Juniper Berries, Salt, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Thyme |
Chipotle’s food may be prepared and cooked on shared equipment in a small kitchen area. Moreover, service items are situated in close proximity. Due to the risk of cross-contamination, there is a potential risk for any food item to come into contact with major allergens.
Before placing your order, inform the restaurant manager if you or anyone in your group has a food allergy or sensitivity.
Check the list of ingredients for other Chipotle menu items
Chipotle Menu Nutrition Facts
As a final point of comparison, review the table below, which provides summary nutritional information for Chipotle menu items, including steak, pork, cheese, beans, and other options available for making your next burrito, taco, or salad bowl.
<< Swipe table right to left for more nutrition facts
| Updated Sep 2025 | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flour Tortilla | 320 | 9g | 50g | 8g | 600mg |
| Flour Taco | 80 | 2.5g | 13g | 2g | 160mg |
| Crispy Corn Tortilla | 70 | 3g | 10g | 1g | 0mg |
| Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice | 210 | 6g | 36g | 4g | 190mg |
| Cilantro-Lime White Rice | 210 | 4g | 40g | 4g | 350mg |
| Black Beans | 130 | 1.5g | 22g | 8g | 210mg |
| Pinto Beans | 130 | 1.5g | 21g | 8g | 210mg |
| Fajita Vegetables | 20 | 0g | 5g | 1g | 150mg |
| Barbacoa | 170 | 7g | 2g | 24g | 530mg |
| Chicken | 180 | 7g | 0g | 32g | 310mg |
| Carnitas | 210 | 12g | 0g | 23g | 450mg |
| Steak | 150 | 6g | 1g | 21g | 330mg |
| Sofritas | 150 | 10g | 9g | 8g | 560mg |
| Fresh Tomato Salsa | 25 | 0g | 4g | 0g | 550mg |
| Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa | 80 | 1.5g | 16g | 3g | 330mg |
| Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa | 15 | 0g | 4g | 0g | 260mg |
| Tomatillo-Red Chili Salsa | 30 | 0g | 4g | 0g | 500mg |
| Cheese | 110 | 8g | 1g | 6g | 190mg |
| Sour Cream | 110 | 9g | 2g | 2g | 30mg |
| Guacamole (side/topping) | 230 | 22g | 8g | 2g | 370mg |
| Guacamole (large) | 460 | 44g | 16g | 4g | 740mg |
| Queso Blanco (entrée) | 120 | 9g | 4g | 5g | 250mg |
| Queso Blanco (side) | 240 | 18g | 7g | 10g | 490mg |
| Queso Blanco (large) | 480 | 37g | 14g | 20g | 980mg |
| Supergreens Salad Mix | 15 | 0g | 3g | 1g | 15mg |
| Romaine Lettuce (tacos) | 5 | 0g | 1g | 0g | 0mg |
| Chips (regular) | 540 | 25g | 73g | 7g | 390mg |
| Chips (large) | 810 | 38g | 110g | 11g | 590mg |
| Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette | 220 | 16g | 18g | 1g | 850mg |
Nutrition facts, prices, and ingredients are based on available information as of the date of publication. Restaurants and food manufacturers may change recipes or formulations without notice. Check package labels and ask the product manufacturer or restaurant for the most up-to-date information. Unless otherwise stated, %DV is based on a 2,000 calorie diet. All reports and reviews published on this site are for informational purposes only. NutritionandIngredients.com does not provide healthcare advice or dietary recommendations. Always consult your licensed physician for any healthcare or dietary advice.
Nutrition facts, ingredients, allergens source: Chipotle Mexican Grill. Food images courtesy of Chipotle. Original designs by Nutrition & Ingredients for research and commentary related to fast food nutrition.