Cookout Walking Taco Calories, Ingredients & Price (2025 Guide)
Cookout is a popular fast food restaurant in the South, known for its filling trays, reasonably priced burgers, and creamy shakes, but there’s one hidden gem that’s getting a lot of attention: the Cookout Taco. This food item is a genius invention: a taco, all served in a chips bag for the ultimate convenience.
The Cookout walking taco is a popular snack among employees, students, and anybody else because of its intense flavor, crispy texture, and entirely customizable toppings. But have you ever wondered what the calorie count is in each bite? And can it be made healthier? In this article I will discuss all of it, from ingredients and calories to healthier alternatives and prices.
What is a Walking Taco?
A walking taco, also known as the taco in a bag, is a genius taco invention served in a chip bag like doritos or fritos. The base of this food item is the crushed crispy chips loaded with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, and seasoned beef. It is not served on a plate; instead, you may eat it straight from the chip bag, a genius idea for a convenient meal anywhere and anytime.
At a cookout you may hear various names of this dish, like “walking taco cookout,” “cookout taco in a bag,” or “cookout walking taco.” This dish is one of the few items on the menu that combines fast food with street food.
Calorie Breakdown
So, how many calories are in a walking taco from Cookout? The portion size of each walking taco might be slightly different in various locations. Following is the estimated breakdown of calorie count for a walking taco:
|
Ingredients |
Serving Size |
Calories |
Protein |
Fat |
Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Doritos (Nacho Cheese) |
1 oz (small bag) |
150-200 |
2 |
9-12 |
15-20 |
|
Ground Beef (80% lean) |
2 oz cooked |
150 |
22 |
10 |
0 |
|
Shredded Cheese |
¼ cup |
110 |
7 |
9 |
1 |
|
Sour Cream |
2 tbsp |
60 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
|
Lettuce |
¼ cup |
5 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Tomatoes |
¼ cup |
5 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Salsa |
2 tbsp |
10 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
Making Healthier Choices
Don’t want to give up on your cookout walking taco but still want to eat healthier? Here are some easy and effective ways in which you can manage your calories without compromising on taste:
Use Leaner Meat
Use 93% lean turkey or 98% lean ground chicken instead of the 80% lean ground beef. This will maintain a high protein content while cutting a good amount of calories and fat.
Go for Low-Fat Dairy
Always choose fat-free sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar. Even switching to a plain greek yogurt will reduce 40 to 50 calories.
Add More Veggies
For a healthier option, load your taco with diced onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and shredded lettuce. This will give you a lot of fiber, and you will feel full faster.
Choose Baked Chips
Cookout Doritos are delicious and crispy but fried. Choosing the baked chips will reduce your calorie intake by up to 40+ while keeping the crispy texture intact.
Control the Portions
Ask for “less cheese” or “Half sour cream.” Controlling your portion like this will lower your calorie intake by up to 100+.
Feeding Teams Well: The New Standard for a Happy Workplace
Cookout walking tacos have become popular for team lunches and business catering. For what reason?
The Secret Behind Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce
Want to add more to your walking taco cookout style? Do try Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce, which is a blend of spices, hot sauce, and mayo. You can make your own at home by using
Easy Green Tea Shot Recipe You Can Make at Home
Personally, I always prefer to pair food items with some light drinks or tea. It is a good option to pair your walking taco with a tea shot. Here is the quick and easy green tea shot recipe:
Cookout Walking Taco Menu and Calories USA | Updated 2025
The average price of a cookout taco in a bag is $3.39 but the price might be slightly different. Here is the quick summary for walking taco options:
|
Menu Item |
Calories |
Price (2025) |
|---|---|---|
|
Classic Walking Taco |
450 cal |
$3.39 |
|
Spicy Taco Variation |
490 cal |
$3.59 |
|
Vegetarian Taco |
410 cal |
$3.29 |
Healthier Walking Taco Recipe (DIY)
Want to make a cookout while walking at home? Here’s the breakdown of ingredients you need for the cookout taco recipe at home, which is inspired by a cookout favorite:
Ingredients
FAQ’s
Conclusion
The Cookout Walking Taco offers the perfect blend of flavor, convenience, and value. Whether you’re enjoying one during your lunch break or making it at home, it’s a versatile snack that can fit a range of dietary goals. By being mindful of ingredients and making a few smart swaps, you can enjoy this fan favorite without going overboard on calories.
So next time you swing by Cookout, don’t overlook the walking taco; it might just become your new favorite grab-and-go meal. With its bold flavors and fully customizable build, it’s both a comfort food and a canvas for healthier eating. Add it to your Cookout tray or enjoy it solo; either way, it’s a win.
