Satisfy Your Cravings: Exploring the Calories in Rubio’s Original Fish Taco

Craving fresh fish tacos but watching your calorie intake? At many fast casual spots, tacos can pack in excess calories and fat But Rubio’s, known for popularizing fish tacos, offers a lighter option with their Original Fish Taco on a corn tortilla. Let’s break down the nutritional facts so you can enjoy these tacos guilt-free.

Founded in 1983 in San Diego, Rubio’s brought Mexican-inspired seafood to the mainland United States. Their Original Fish Taco quickly became a signature menu item. It features beer-battered white fish like Alaskan pollock or cod, layered with cabbage, a creamy white sauce and salsa on a soft corn tortilla. Over the years, Rubio’s has expanded their menu while staying true to coastal flavors.

Part of Rubio’s appeal lies in its lighter fare compared to typical fast food. But in a food landscape where calories are king, what’s the real damage when indulging in one of their famous fish tacos? Let’s find out.

Nutrition Facts: Calories and Macros

Here are the nutritional specs for Rubio’s Original Fish Taco with a corn tortilla:

• Calories: 330
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 370mg
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 9g

With 330 calories, this taco makes for a lighter meal. It packs a solid protein punch with 9g per taco. At only 1g of sugar and 2g of fiber, most calories come from the tortilla and the beer-battered fish rather than sugary add-ons.

Total fat rings in at 20g, which is 31% of the recommended daily value. However, the majority comes from heart-healthy unsaturated fats in the fish and plant-based oils. Saturated fat is low at just 2.5g. There are also no artery-clogging trans fats.

Comparing Calories to Other Fish Tacos

How does Rubio’s 330 calorie Original Fish Taco stack up to competitors?

• Baja Fresh Baja Fish Taco with corn tortilla: 340 calories
• Wahoo’s Fish Taco with corn tortilla: 375 calories
• Long John Silver’s Baja Fish Taco: 470 calories

Rubio’s offers one of the lowest calorie options thanks to its lighter beer batter and lack of heavy crema or cheese. Choosing corn over flour tortillas further reduces the calorie density.

Strategies to Lighten Your Rubio’s Order

While the Original Fish Taco is already fairly slim, a few simple swaps let you trim more calories:

• Opt for grilled instead of fried fish to avoid extra oil – about 80 fewer calories.
• Skip the chips and salsa, saving 150 calories.
• Choose a side salad over fries for far fewer calories and more nutrients.
• Flavor your taco with salsa instead of creamy sauces to limit fat and calories.
• Ask for extra cabbage and tomatoes to fill up on free veggies.
• Enjoy the taco as-is to avoid excess carbs and calories from rice, beans, etc.

One original fish taco makes for a satisfying 390 calorie meal paired with a side salad. This provides protein, antioxidants, and fiber without derailing your health goals.

The Bottom Line

When a fish taco craving strikes, Rubio’s Original can quell it without sabotaging your diet. Choosing corn over flour tortillas and fried over grilled fish prevents excess carbs and fat. At just 330 calories, it’s a lighter option than many competitor’s tacos. Follow a few easy swaps to save even more calories. So next time the Rubio’s craving hits, you can enjoy a classic Original Fish Taco guilt-free and without the calorie overload!