Bushra Griffith
Nachos are a popular snack food, but how many calories do they contain? The calorie count of nachos varies depending on the ingredients used and the quantity consumed. A basic nacho snack with corn tortilla chips and cheese can range from 220 to 256 calories per serving. However, when additional toppings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños are added, the calorie count can increase significantly. For example, Wetherspoon Nachos, which include cheese, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and sliced chillies, contain approximately 661 calories. The type of cheese and chip used also make a difference, with fried corn tortilla chips and certain cheeses containing higher amounts of fat and calories. It's important to note that a typical serving of nachos exceeds 10 chips and more than 1 ounce of cheese, resulting in a calorie count ranging from 346 to 554 calories per serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in 10 corn tortilla chips | 146 calories |
| Calories in 1 corn tortilla chip | 15 calories |
| Calories in 18 baked tortilla chips | 110 calories |
| Calories in 1 baked tortilla chip | 6 calories |
| Calories in 1 ounce of Mexican-style cheddar or Monterey jack cheese | 110 calories |
| Calories in nachos with cheese (single serving) | 220-256 calories |
| Calories in nachos with cheese (single serving with more than 10 chips and more than 1 ounce of cheese) | 346-554 calories |
| Calories in 1 whole jalapeño pepper | 4 calories |
| Calories in Wetherspoon Nachos with cheese, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and sliced chillies | 661 calories |
| Calories in 2.33 oz of tortilla chips | 331 calories |
| Calories in 2.67 oz of Velveeta cheese | 214 calories |
| Calories in 1.67 servings of salsa | 17 calories |
| Calories in 1 oz of tortilla chips | 142 calories |
| Calories in 0.25 cup of shredded cheddar cheese | 114 calories |
| Calories in 0.33 cup of salsa | 24 calories |
| Calories in nachos (3 servings) | 900 calories |
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What You'll Learn
Calories in tortilla chips
A single serving of nachos with cheese and salsa can range from 220 to 554 calories. The calorie count depends on the type of cheese and chip used, as well as the number of chips and the amount of cheese.
Corn tortilla chips have approximately 146 calories for 10 chips or about 15 calories per chip. Baked tortilla chips, on the other hand, have around 110 calories for 18 chips or 6 calories per chip. For a serving size of 1 oz (28g) or about 16 chips, some brands offer tortilla chips with 130 calories.
The calorie count for cheese also varies depending on the type. For example, Mexican-style cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese have about 110 calories per ounce, while shredded cheddar cheese has 114 calories per 0.25 cup.
Salsa, a common topping for nachos, contributes fewer calories. A 0.33 cup serving of salsa has approximately 17 to 24 calories.
In summary, the calorie content of tortilla chips in nachos can vary depending on the type of chip, the portion size, and the toppings. Baked tortilla chips with salsa can be a lower-calorie option, while adding extra cheese or choosing fried tortilla chips can increase the calorie count significantly.
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Calories in cheese
The calorie content of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the milk used, how it's processed, and its age. Harder cheeses tend to have a higher calorie count compared to softer cheeses, as they have been aged longer and contain less moisture. For example, a single serving of nachos with cheese can range from 220 to 554 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and the type of chip used.
Cheese is made from milk or yogurt and is mostly composed of fat and protein. The calorie count of cheese made from milk is dependent on the fat content of the milk used. Full-fat dairy is high in calories, which can negatively impact weight loss plans. On the other hand, yogurt tends to be lower in calories, but this can vary depending on added sugars and overall fat content.
When choosing a healthy cheese, it's important to consider the fat content of the product. While cheese can be a tasty addition to dishes or a snack on its own, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes. Even healthy crackers can have 5 to 40 calories each, so pairing cheese with fruit or raw nuts is a better option as these foods have no added sodium or sugars.
Some specific examples of cheese calorie content include Mexican-style cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, which have about 110 calories per ounce. Cheddar cheese has about 114 calories per 0.25 cup (shredded), while Velveeta cheese has 214 calories per 2.67 ounces.
In addition to calories, the amount of cheese added to nachos can impact the overall calcium content of the dish. Depending on the amount of cheese, nachos can provide 20 to 30 percent of the daily recommended calcium intake, which is important for maintaining bone density and ensuring proper muscle and nerve function.
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Calories in salsa
The calorie count for a serving of nachos with cheese and salsa depends on the type and amount of each ingredient used.
A typical serving of corn tortilla chips consists of about 10 chips, which amount to about 146 calories or 15 calories per chip. Baked tortilla chips are a healthier alternative, containing only about 6 calories per chip or 110 calories for 18 chips.
The calorie count for cheese also differs based on its type. For example, Mexican-style cheddar and Monterey jack cheese contain about 110 calories per ounce, while shredded cheddar cheese contains about 114 calories per quarter cup.
Salsa is relatively low in calories compared to the other two ingredients. A serving size of about a third of a cup contains only around 24 calories.
Putting this together, a serving of nachos with cheese and salsa can range anywhere from 220 to 554 calories. The lower end of this range can be achieved by opting for baked tortilla chips and low-fat cheese.
Additionally, adding jalapeño peppers to your nachos is a great way to increase spiciness without adding many calories, as a whole jalapeño pepper contains only about 4 calories.
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Calories in toppings (e.g. guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños)
The calorie count of nachos varies depending on the toppings and ingredients used. A basic plate of nachos consists of tortilla chips, cheese, and salsa, but toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños can add extra calories and nutrients.
Guacamole, for example, is made from avocados, which are known for their healthy fats and nutrients. While avocados are a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids and potassium, they also contribute to the calorie count. A two-ounce serving of guacamole can contain around 100 calories.
Sour cream, another popular nacho topping, is also calorie-dense. A two-ounce serving of sour cream can contain about 100 calories, mostly from fat. While sour cream adds creaminess and flavour to nachos, it can significantly increase the overall calorie count.
Jalapeño peppers, on the other hand, add a spicy kick to nachos without significantly increasing the calorie count. One whole jalapeño pepper contains only about 4 calories and less than 1/10 gram of fat. Jalapeños also provide vitamin C and potassium, adding some nutritional value to the dish.
Other common nacho toppings, such as refried beans, ground beef, or chicken, can also impact the calorie count. It's important to consider the quantity and combination of toppings when estimating the total calories in a plate of nachos.
Additionally, the type of tortilla chips and cheese used can vary the calorie count. Baked tortilla chips, for instance, tend to be lower in calories than fried chips. Similarly, choosing low-fat cheese or using smaller amounts of cheese can reduce the overall calorie content of the dish.
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Lower-calorie alternatives
A single serving of nachos with cheese and salsa typically contains between 220 and 554 calories. However, there are several ways to reduce the calorie count without sacrificing taste and texture.
Chips
A standard serving of tortilla chips contains about 146 calories for 10 chips. Baked, instead of fried chips, contain about 110 calories for 18 chips. For a lower-carb option, you could use low-calorie corn tortillas, which are about 25 calories each, or even go for a veggie base such as Belgian endive leaves, roasted zucchini rounds, sweet potato slices, or cauliflower florets.
Cheese
A typical serving of cheese on nachos is more than 1oz, which contains about 110 calories. Lower-calorie alternatives include using a vegan vegetable-based "cheese" sauce or opting for low-fat cheese, which contains about half the calories and fat of regular cheese.
Salsa
Salsa is a relatively low-calorie topping, with a third of a cup containing about 24 calories. However, if you want to reduce the calorie count further, you could substitute it with diced tomatoes, which have a similar texture and flavour.
Other toppings
Lean proteins, such as ground turkey or chicken, are lower in calories than beef. Beans are also a good, filling option, with about 90-100 calories per half a cup. Avocado is a nutritious choice, providing healthy fats and fibre. Jalapeños are another great, low-calorie option, adding spice and flavour without the calories.
Customisation
The beauty of nachos is that they are highly customisable. You can choose your base, protein, cheese (or skip it), and toppings to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're following a keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diet, there are endless ways to make healthy, lower-calorie nachos.
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Frequently asked questions
The calorie count depends on the type and amount of cheese and chips used. A serving of nachos with cheese and salsa can range from 220 to 554 calories.
The type of cheese and chip used affect the calorie count. For example, corn tortilla chips have about 146 calories for 10 chips, while baked chips contain about 110 calories for 18 chips. Mexican-style cheddar and Monterey jack cheese contain about 110 calories per ounce.
Yes, using baked chips instead of fried chips and choosing low-fat, low-sodium cheese can help reduce the calorie count. Adding jalapeño peppers can also increase spiciness without adding significant calories.
The calorie count of nachos with cheese and salsa can vary depending on the ingredients and serving size. Similar dishes, such as Wetherspoon Nachos with cheese, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, contain around 661 calories.
